Simpsons in Seattle

PohPoh and GoongGoong came up to visit a few days before the cruise and stayed for a little bit after too. We took advantage of them being here to explore some of our favorite local getaways so we can show them some more about what makes the PNW so great! First up was Leavenworth. Nora and I took them on a quick overnighter to enjoy the fun Bavarian vibes over there. It was different to visit during the summer months. In fact, it was downright hot (over 90 degrees) and the outdoor beer gardens even had little misters going! On the way home, we also stopped in the little town of Roslyn for lunch. Nora with the grandparents Nora caught a funny picture of PohPoh Skipping rocks We caught this pretty sunset on the walk back to our hotel room. Roslyn was an old mining town. I thought these mining cars were interesting. After the cruise, we headed out to Seabrook for the weekend. The last time we went was in 2020 , and Evie can't stop talking about how much fun she had on that trip. Even

Nora is now 9! She technically turned 9 while were on our last day of the cruise, but we celebrated her multiple times. First, we had a small party here at home ahead of the cruise where she got to pick her birthday meal (chicken wings) and cake (ice cream). Then on the cruise, they had a celebration party for everyone who had a birthday that week, and finally on her actual birthday, the waitstaff in the main dining room was kind enough to sing her happy bday.  At 9, Nora still has a sweet tooth, and the cavities to match!. She's also now discovered that she likes sweetened coffee too so that's not the best. She's getting a bit into cooking and likes to help make eggs and bake muffins and has been super helpful around the house making herself (and us!) lunches of mac--cheese or charcuterie plates or other easy meals this summer.  She is still a little firecracker - one minute sunny and all smiles and the next minute angry and upset about something that did not go her way. S

We got back from our week long cruise to Alaska and ready to go again! We all had a great time but really the best part of our trip was all the family time we spent with my parents, Way and her family and Kin and his family. I think the last time we all vacationed together was back in 2015 when we all went to Kauai . It was so long ago that not all the littles had even been born yet! So yes, a big family vacay was long overdue. The kiddos loooooved spending time with their cousins, whether it was playing bingo or ping pong, or biking and hiking or just hanging out at meal time or playing mahjong. It helped that since we were all on vacation mode, we didn't push (too hard) on eating healthy or limiting screentime. It also really helped that the service on the ship was so accommodating to the kids and (pretty good) pizza, ice cream and drinks were available at all hours.  I was happy with the ship we picked too. The Quantum of the Seas is nearly 20 years old (first sailed in 2014) bu