Train Ride!

I took Alistair to get his ragamuffin hair cut yesterday. We went to a place in Country Village and with every haircut you get a ticket for a free train ride. We decided we should wait for Daddy to ride the train and said we would come back this morning (Saturday). So all afternoon and evening yesterday and this morning we heard quite a bit about riding the train with Daddy. So after breakfast we got dressed and headed to Country Village. We were the only riders, so we had the train ride to ourselves. The last time we rode the train, it took Alistair 2 minutes to calm down, he wanted off immediately. I got him distracted by looking for bunnies. And of course when it was over he didn't want to get off. Well this time he got on no problem and got off when we were done no problem.

Afterward we walked over to the Kettle Korn stand. We walked past the stand yesterday and she gave us the equivalent of a small bag of popcorn in free samples [it pays to have a cute kid with you sometimes! ;)]. I didn't have any cash on me and said we would come back today to actually buy some. We got a medium sized bag and she asked if we wanted it left open so we could snack. It was fresh out of the kettle and we said sure. Well she filled the bag to the brim so there was no way of closing it until we ate quite a bit out! We were letting Alistair take handfuls out of the bag to eat and she asked if he wanted his own bag to hold. She pulled out a little paper sack and folded down the sides. I figured we would pour some of our corn into his bag. But instead she proceeded to give him MORE from the kettle. So if you love Kettle Korn and are up in the area on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, travel over to Country Village and get some - it is really, really good!

Another fast month and so much to report

Where did September go? It seems like only yesterday we were unpacking from Labor Day weekend and now it is the 27th! Since my last post we have been up to quite a bit! The weekend after Labor Day, we did yard work until our fingers fell off and then had Ramah, a good friend who also happened to be one of Alistair's nurses at Children's, over for dinner. We don't see her often, but it is great to catch up when we do! On Sunday we took lunch over to Ethan and Jen's and spent time with them and held Katelin - she is getting SO big!

Here are the guys hanging out with Katelin on the couch.

The following weekend we took-off for our annual trek to Orcas Island. We usually do that trip over Labor Day weekend, but because of schedules it worked better this weekend. Plus the weather was gorgeous the whole time, unlike Labor Day weekend! We were joined by Carolyn and Njord and a great time was had by all. Alistair got to sleep on his own air bed this trip. We think he is outgrowing the pack and play lengthwise, so we thought he would be more comfortable. The first night was a complete disaster. We were up for an hour or two because he didn't want to go back to sleep and since he wasn't enclosed in something, he had full run of the tent. The one shining star of that night was that Alistair learned a new animal sound - owls. We laid and listened to them and now he knows how they sound and that they sleep during the day. The next 2 nights were better, thankfully. Grete came out for breakfast the first morning. It was nice to see her and hangout for a bit. Carolyn and Njord came out that morning as well. Once they got there and set-up, we headed out for a hike around Cascade Lake.

Alistair on his new airbed - seems to be up to snuff!

Alistair is testing Njord and Carolyn's bed for them to make sure it is comfy - it passed!

On our hike around the lake - stopping to admire the view and have some water.

Getting a shoulder ride from Njord. We were trying to get dinner ready (tacos) and Alistair kept helping himself to the toppings, climbing up on the bench and diving in with his grubby hands. So Njord volunteered to take Alistair on a ride on his firetruck. They were gone for quite a while - they rode for a bit and then went to throw rocks into the lake. Njord ended up giving Alistair a ride back!Atop Mt. Constitution on the clearest day I have ever experienced in the 6 years we have been doing this trip. It was amazing, you could see forever!

Alistair also took a few photos - either of our feet or looking up. He got a couple of good ones! (:

Our last night and our self-portrait group photos - normal and goofy, except Alistair! (:

2 days after Orcas, Seth and I left for Scottsdale for 3 nights. He had a conference to attend and I went for a little R&R. It was wonderful and I would love to return to AZ for some additional exploration. I spent a majority of my time sitting by the pool and reading. It was very nice. Judy came up and stayed with Alistair and they had quite a bit of fun. She took him to the fair and the Woodland Park Zoo. We got home Saturday and then poor Seth had to turn around and fly to Dallas first thing Monday morning. He got home late Wednesday night and now we are home for a while. And that is the end of our September - time flies when you are having fun!!

New Hennessey Addition!!

On Monday September 1st, Katelin Niamh Hennessey was born to Ethan and Jen. Congrats to you both and welcome to our niece!! (:

Camping at Dosewallips State Park

Over Labor Day weekend we camped out on Hood Canal at Dosewallips State Park with a huge crowd of people. It was us, my parents, Seth's parents, Ann & Bob, Jeff, Michelle & Natalie and Graham, Dana, Carrie & Luke. We had so much fun! We have 4 spots that bordered a big field of grass that was bordered on the other side by vegetation. So we had the field to ourselves for various sporting events by the tots and adults, playing bocce and pushing the kids around on their various forms of transportation. We had wonderful food, as usual and great conversation. Dan and Donna came out for the day on Saturday and Sarah and Nick came out for the day on Sunday. The weather could have been warmer, but it wasn't awful. It rained off and on throughout the weekend, but the rain was short and the times in between were long. Alistair had a blast as usual, he definitely has a penchant for spending time outdoors! In addition to all the other fun we had, Miss Natalie learned to ride her bike without training wheels. Jeff took her out on the grass and within 45 minutes she was riding on the pavement like an old pro! She is a natural...she didn't even have a crash!

Alistair really likes his helmet. He will continue to wear it long after he is done riding his trike. There are many shots of him over the weekend doing stuff with his helmet on. I just wanted to make it clear that we don't require it! (:

Alistair picking blackberries behind the tent. Gotta wear the helmet, it's dangerous! Alistair is ready to get out of the tent - he has his collar, leash and harness on. He did this every morning! (:Baby Luke's first camping trip. He was a trooper! Miss Carrie's first camping trip too. She stayed an extra day with Grandpa Bob and Grandma Ann after her parents went home. She had a grand time and she and Alistair played and played and played.

Jeff and Luke. You don't meet many guys that actively seek to hold a baby! He is a natural!

Pizza night! We did pizza on the grills and it was AWESOME!!!We had enough to go around and then some! Yum!