Labor Day weekend

We had an epic Labor Day end-of-summer weekend when our pals Becca, Patrick and their daughter Ellie came for a visit. Ellie just turned 4 a few weeks ago so is about a year younger than Evie, but the two get along great! This was the second year in a row that Ellie came to visit and the girls wasted no time in getting reacquainted.

Special performance by Ellie and Evie!

Evie was so excited to share a bed with Ellie. Alas, it didn't work out.
Ellie ended up sleeping with her parents because she was scared.

On Friday, we jammed 3 car seats into one car and all the girls drove together to catch the Orcas ferry. The girls mostly did fine in the car and the ferry ride over. It helped that we had lots of snacks (including a stop for doughnuts and a stop for fries).

Munchkins in the back.

"reading" on the ferry.

So many opportunities for scenic pictures!

Homework already?! nah, just scribbling.

Since we really only had one and a half days with the McDonald's, we had an action-packed weekend! First, we got some grub in our tummy as soon as we arrived. The Daddies made a spectacular meal of grilled salmon, brussel sprouts and squash. The kids fought over who would sit next to who.

Dinner time!

The older girls go to sit next to each other.

The next morning, we walked the Farmer's Market to introduce Patrick and Becca to our favorite fried oyster stand. We also tried some Salvadorean pupusas that Patrick gave the thumbs up to. After lunch, we walked down to the little beach and let the kids play with the rocks and sticks.

Funny looking deer!

Such a cute little button nose!

Trying to catch the few sprinkles that were falling!

During low tide, you can walk to the island in the middle!

Next, we did a little hike and the requisite scenic stop at the top of Mount Constitution:

We found Cavern Falls and Hidden Falls during our hike.

Sweetness overload!!!

Hey Dad, you got a monkey on your back!

Afterwards, we went back home to enjoy the firepit and the sunset. We let the girls have a movie night while us grown ups got time to sit and chat and catch up. It was so wonderful to hang out with Becca and Patrick and just talk about nothing and everything! When Evie gets sad about some of her old friends not being at Newport Children's School, I give Becca as an example of keeping in touch with old school buddies and still being friends to the end!

Starting off the evening with some wine and some fire.

Sun is just starting to set!

It's getting darker, and smiles getting bigger!

Pretty sunset views!

The McDonalds had to leave early the next morning to catch their flight home, but we stayed a few hours extra and took a little walk around the neighborhood. It was a beautiful day, and a perfect way to end summer!