April 1-7 in a flash
The weather up in the Northwest was unusually friendly to us Florida flatlanders as an early Spring showed temperatures up into the high seventies and mostly sunny weather. So this week we have simply enjoyed doing the family things and hanging out together. Eating out some, hugs, kisses and tickles galore, cooking and eating in, playing at the park, cuddling, visiting surrounding areas, helping Jeabet with sewing, some outings, more hugs and more kisses. Never tire of squeezing these sweet little monkeys. Just doing the “nonny” thing is my fave.
Examples of excursions, not any particular order:
My daughter and I went to IKEA in Renton for a day. Parking is ridiculous, people are incredibly rude, Jeabet found some good deals, I purchased them a beautiful large picture for the living room of a canal in Amsterdam, we ate a yummy cheap lunch and then went home to collapse. This particular store in the chain is only one story so it’s a bit easier to transverse and find what you want or need.
On another day Jeabet and I were able to sneak away from husbands and three grand kids for a pedicure which we were both in extreme need of.
Yet another day we visited the village of Poulsbo WA, http://www.cityofpoulsbo.com, and I have to say it is pretty darn adorable. They have earned the nickname, “Little Norway.” It is a perfectly charming hillside dotted village right on the water with a new discovery around every corner. A visit will definitely make you wonder if you’re still in the States.
We ate lunch at Green Light Diner, http://www.greenlightdiner.com, food was good, the acoustics were lacking so it was loud and difficult to hear each other, the service was great and the portions were large.
After lunch we stopped in Sluys’ Bakery, http://sluyspoulsbobakery.com, and all I can say is I dare you to walk in and walk out empty-handed. If you are able to do so, then you must be a hater of sweets because this bakery is a feast to the eyes and tummy.
Take time to check out the Maritime Museum, http://poulsbohistory.com/poulsbo-maritime-museum/, lovely people working there and quite interesting to chat with. The museum is geared towards families with children and they encourage the little ones to explore.
I am pretty sure the Mariner’s Market was Han’s favorite spot to visit, http://www.marinamarket.com, it was full of Scandinavina, real Belgian Chocolate (Cote d’Or), German and Dutch specialty foods and treats. He treated himself to a Matjes Herring feast with Roggebrood and shared his love of Dutch licorice with the grand kids, who surprisingly took an instant liking to it. It is a most unusual, unique store and literally had a little of everything and A LOT of others.
The town has many restaurants, museums, stores and history to see and enjoy.
We had wanted to stay longer but the weather took a turn for the worse and we were not prepared for the instant chill in the air.
Hint: always wear layered clothing and be prepared in Washington State as the weather changes on a dime.
On another sunny day we went to Scenic Beach State Park in Seabeck WA, http://parks.state.wa.us/579/Scenic-Beach, and the kids had fun throwing rocks in the water, having a snack picnic and enjoying the playground in the trees
This beach is strewn with rocks and sharp shells of oysters and clams, so you do not take your shoes off unless you want your feet cut to shreds. It is also quite a long walk down to the beach area and somewhat hazardous if dealing with little ones and a stroller. It is a great place for adult hiking, nature watching and has gorgeous views for pictures, but if going with small children, I would suggest another beach area. I also felt that $10 admittance fee was a bit too much for the amenities offered. Personally I could have done without going and we should have driven a little farther for a better beach environment.
Last but not least: An important car travel note is to have your oil changed every 3000 miles as you would under normal circumstances. When we did, we found out the hard way that your vehicle should also be given a thorough maintenance check before heading out on long trips. We had been driving on two very thread bare tires and they were not even the correct tires(size wise) for the type of vehicle. So what we had planned as a $39 oil change taking one hour, turned into an almost $600 three hour ‘adventure’ 4 tire change at Firestone.
Always expect the unexpected and make the best of it, like I am now more secure to KNOW we are driving in a safer ride.
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