Redmond, Part III

On Monday, we went out to Poulsbo to see Alison, Tyler and Lupin. 

We met them at their new house, where they moved in a few months ago, with views of a lake and room for their growing family.

We then went into town and had lunch all together at a fish place. Will and Miles met us too, as he was off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Alison and Tyler have cats, a dog and these axolotls, an interesting sea creature I'd never heard of. 

We went back to Alison and Tyler's place and walked to the lake, where Violet got to try fishing.

They weren't biting, but she had fun casting.

The group - minus Lupin, who wasn't feeling it. I'm so pleased for Tyler and Alison - they've worked very hard and have an amazing place to live!

Their new house has several outbuildings, and this one functions as a music studio (among other things) for Tyler. 

He loved showing us around, and made a new track with Stace and Violet. And, after hearing about our recent mandolin situation, he gave Violet one of his! He had two, and generously decided that since he can only play one at a time, he was happy to give it to her. Only condition - she has to play it!

We took the ferry home - always a blast (and a blast of very cold wind, in the winter!).

What a great trip! 

Starting with an airport Costa drink, our travels home went smoothly, thankfully. We were grateful to not relive any of the horrors of our trip home exactly one year ago, when frightening winds diverted our landing to LAX (and propelled devastating wildfires).

Redmond, Part II

 On our first full day, Stace and Uncle Bill went to the Boeing Museum of Flight, something Stace has always wanted to do when we visit. He enjoyed it very much - lots of historic and modern planes.

Meanwhile, Aunt Patty, Violet and I went to a neighboring town to get Violet art supplies at Hobby Lobby. She's been creating print stamps out of linoleum.

We went to a cool coffee shop and did some shopping at a neat area with eclectic, independent shops.

On Saturday, we met up with Will, Anna and Miles at a natural area for a walk. We got there first, had a little walk around and got a photo.

Later, we went to Cottage Lake, where we went kayaking in 2020. Violet was hoping to fish, but signs reported that the lake was closed for fishing for the season.

Stace helped Uncle Bill sand part of his Pontiac.

Trip to Redmond!

We had a wonderful trip to see Uncle Bill and Aunt Patty! Stace took a few days off, and Violet worked very hard on her online classes beforehand, so she could relax while we were away.

Winston and Evie wanted to come along! (He's inside the bag in the picture on the left.)

 This was a first - Cora took us to the airport! Because it was Burbank airport, it was a short and easy drive, and great freeway experience for her. (She's had lots of experience already, but the more the better.)

Cora has theatre class and work at the high school, so she couldn't come with us.

Violet took the lovely photo above as we were landing at Sea-Tac airport. 

And here's her finished stained glass piece - Uncle Bill and Aunt Patty loved it. It goes so well in their home, also. Violet is pretty amazing.

She got to spend some good times with the cousins - like little Sophia here, who's now 1 1/2.

We took lots of walks, and on one of them, saw these deer. There was one more on the other side of the foliage.

We ended up at the lovely park near their home, which features a barn and animals that Aunt Patty now volunteers at. 

These roosters were gorgeous!

Aunt Patty was telling us everyone's name.

These next horses are at a different place close to their home, at an equine rescue. Violet is really interested in horses at the moment, and loved walking down to say hello.

Another view of the rescue. We were spoiled with amazing weather! It's been raining there consistently, but when we arrived, the sun shone brightly.

Violet put this cactus puzzle together nearly on her own.

And after being out in the cold at night, not much better than homemade hot chocolate and popcorn! We enjoyed this treat while watching the new version of All Creatures Great and Small. Uncle Bill and Aunt Patty love it, and knew that we would, too. We ended up watching all of Season 1 while with them!