July 6, 2009

We got up early and braved the cooler weather and occasional rain to visit Saltar's Point Beach in Steilacoom. We arrived at low tide and our reward was a lot of sea life. We saw at least 20 Sea Stars: both in and out of the water, baby crabs, lots of birds, and numerous critters inhabiting some pretty awesome shells. My favorite was the orange Sea Star and Cheyanne's favorite was seeing so many different shapes and colors of Sea Stars. We were very fortunate to have the whole beach to ourselves. What an experience!

Owen Beach

July 3, 2009

Dona had a setback this week when she found out on Tuesday that she had a blood clot in her right leg. All of her PT appointments had to be cancelled for the week and she was told to stay active but not over do it (Keep your fingers crossed that the clot is reducing in size. She has a recheck next Tuesday). On Friday we left Dona home to rest and Cheyanne and I headed to Point Defiance Park. We ate ice cream at the Marina while watching people fishing off the piers and then headed down to Owen beach. Cheyanne wasn't able to build any sandcastles because the beach was too rocky so we just enjoyed the sunshine and water.

July 1, 2009

Sunnyside Beach

Today was really fun. I got to build my first sandcastle and play on the beach. I saw a lot of really cool rocks in the water. Can't wait to go back. - Chey

Waiting to board the plane for Washington.

Cheyanne and I headed out on June 28th to help Dona out after double knee replacement surgery.













We had clear skies until right before landing. The view of Mt. Rainer was fantastic. I was so excited that I forgot to take pictures until we headed into the clouds.

AHOY MATEYS

Taylor and Cheyanne decided they wanted to be pirates this year. I was able to find matching shirts and pajama bottoms at Target and we bought some material for the headbands and sashes at Walmart. The girls cut out their own headbands and sashes and then strung beads to wear in their hair and on the headbands. Cheyanne even made a headband and beads for Monkey. Halloween morning Taylor was up at 4:30 and Cheyanne was up at 5:30 so they could do their hair and makeup before school. As always Darin had the most fun trick or treating. He loves to have any chance to socialize with the neighbors and meet new people. I don't know what Darin will do when the girls don't want to go with him anymore. I think that the girls costumes this year turned out the best yet and the best part is they can also wear them as jammies. Dang, they are cute.

Utah Museum of Natural History

Utah Museum of Natural History

We had the chance to go to the Museum of Natural History at the the University of Utah last month. Once a year they open up the basement so you can see everything that is either to delicate to put on display or they just don't have the room to display it. The moccasin in the picture is over a thousand years old. It was found in a cave by the Great Salt Lake. The girls also had the chance to find out what was in Owl pellets. Taylor found a rat skeleton, skull and all. Cheyanne found a vole or mouse skeleton also with a skull. It was an incredible experience. We were able to ask lot's of questions and take our time looking at everything. Cheyanne was in heaven between all the rocks and fossils. It was one family field trip we will be talking about for years to come.