Simpsons in Seattle

It's been pretty stormy this past week so I'm really glad that a few weeks back we took advantage of the good weather and did a day trip to Mt Rainier for our annual summer hike! We tried a new-to-us hike that circled Naches Peak, with a side trip to Dewey Lake. In all, it was only about ~6 miles r/t but had 1300 elevation game and with numerous stops for pictures, snacks and lunch, it was an all day affair.  All smiles at the beginning of the day, with great views of Rainier in the background. Rainier looks so close and so far at the same time. I wonder how much longer the kids will tolerate us taking so many photos? Or be willing to be in selfies with me? Family photo That's Dewey Lake down there. We hiked down to the lake, which was about 1.5 miles and 1200ft. It was "fun" coming back up. Another view of Dewey Lake, on the way back up. Fall colors were starting! This is called no-name lake. The trail connected with PCT for a bit!   

A friend of mine I haven't seen in a while texted to say that she had reservations for Canlis, her husband couldn't make it, she had a gift card to use up and did I want to be her last minute date? HECK YEAH! Canlis is one of the most iconic restaurants in Seattle and often cited as one of the best restaurants in the city. The restaurant is situated on a little perch right next to the Aurora Bridge, overlooking Lake Union and has lovely views. And, while they've been in business for 50 years, their new chef just got named one of Food & Wine's best new chef's of the year. Scott and I only went once a long time ago (before kids) and I haven't had a good excuse to go back so I was surprised and super stoked when she reached out. Anyway, I put on a nice dress and my "date" picked me up and off we went. We had a 7 course meal (you choose 3, the chef brings out an additional 4) plus some drinks and all-in-all had a really lovely time. My fav was our star

It's starting to cool down here and we've already have several rainy days, so we were VERY excited that the skies cleared up in time for our camping weekend in Deception Pass! The last time we were here in 2021  was a little bit earlier in the season so we're very glad that it worked out. As per usual, the weekend was filled with a lot of hiking and beach time. This time, we (or rather, Scott) did lots of fishing too! We were sad he only caught one little trout guy but I don't think it bothered him - he enjoys the activity even if he doesn't catch anything. Until next time, Deception Pass! Happy time! I've been on a roll with getting through my book list this summer. woohoo! Edmund fishing with the bridge in the background. Many trails to explore. Enoying the sunset from the beach Sunset is the best time to catch fish! I love that the campground is shaded and has so many trees, but it can also make it chilly. Snoozers. More beach time. Dead octopus at the tide p

Last weekend we went out for an end-of summer bike ride, starting in Carnation and biking 11.5 miles to Duvall. It was a really pretty ride on a multi-use trail and meanders through farm files and over a few rivers. We stopped for some ice cream in Duvall where I tried licorice ice cream for the first time!  We did not time our outing right though because we got caught in a downpour and had to cycle the whole 11.5 miles back to the car in the rain. The girls were super troopers though and there was not much complaining at all. I was really impressed especially with Nora because we were cycling fairly quickly to try to get out of the rain and the way back was slightly uphill the entire way. She had to pump those little legs quite a bit. She did great, but she work up that night crying because she said her body hurt so much, poor thing! It was quite an adventure that we'll remember for years to come!  Ice cream stop in Duvall All smiles at the end of the ride