Summer bucket list round 3

This is my favorite summer yet! We have been having SO much fun! I don't know if it's Colter's age, but it is such a blast trying new things with him.

Jetty Island. I haven't been here for probably 5 years, and when we went the first time it was cold and super windy. We ended up with a spectacular beach day. I couldn't believe how brave Colter was in the water. There were some small waves that would splash up in his face, and he could have cared less! Perfect sand for digging huge holes, lots of sticks for drumming on logs, and relatively warm water! A bonus is the 5 minute boat ride to the island. We will be back here time and time again!

Surrey ride in West Seattle. We scored a groupon for a rental shop in West Seattle and just happened to decide to go on the day the seafair pirates were landing on Alki. This was such a fun, kid friendly, family activity. Little kids can ride in the front, and a single surrey can fit 3 adults on a bench seat. We had a blast strolling up and down Alki beach.

Tea house with mom & Jess. Another great groupon score. I've been to the Elizabeth & Alexander tea house several times. Their desserts are out of this world- especially the strawberry shortcake. I'm not a huge tea drinker, but with a little sugar and milk, anything tastes better! Such a fun place to do something a little out of the ordinary!

Animal petting park. We tried out a new park in Redmond called   Farrel McWhirter Farm. What a fun find! Totally free and perfect for small kids. There was a farm area with pigs, goats, bunnies, chickens & horses. After checking out the animals, we walked on a wooded trail to a creek where the kids played with rocks & sticks. Then we discovered a huge grassy area with tire swings. I noticed that there are lots of trails around the park to explore. We'll definitely be back. http://www.redmond.gov/ParksRecreation/Farrel-McWhirterFarmPark

Karaoke at Cromwell Park. We weren't sure what to expect when a parks & recreation department puts on a karaoke night at a park. It was awesome. Mostly families in the crowd, with the exception of a trio of guys with long permed hair wearing shades that made it feel like woodstock when they sang. We had a blast. It was so popular, we only had time for one song, but now we know to get there early and get our requests in!

Tugboat story time. I've been wanting to try out this adventure for a while, but wasn't sure if I was brave enough to take both kids on board a tug boat by myself. Luckily Mary & Greg were in town for a couple of days on their way to Idaho, and came with us. Colter listened to about 1/2 of one book before getting up to explore the boat which is what I expected. There was so many fun things to check out- the engine house, the captains quarters, etc. We also went on board another boat that is used as a farmer's market during the summer. After exploring the boats, we had a lunch on the steps of the MOHAI, and explored the beautiful grounds. Lake Union park is fantastic!

Lynnwood pool. Took the little lady & Colter to the pool. Too crazy to take pictures. Little lady wasn't too into the water yet, and Colter was not a fan of getting sprayed in the face by random shooting guns. He did love the hot tub however!

Amtrak up to Bellingham. What an incredible, magical adventure. Brave Nana, armed with 1,000 different snack options, took the three oldest grandkids on a gorgeous Amtrak ride up to Bellingham. We drove up and met them at the station and then ventured to Whatcom Falls State Park for some exploration time. We can't wait to go back to that park again!!! Gorgeous trails, rushing water, endless exploration. We capped off the day with lunch at Boomer's drive in. What an incredible day!