Ski Report | 2026

We did it! We got three children on skis for the first time this winter. With historically low snow and only one mountain open, we made a good showing. Similar to swimming, our kids approached the activity at their own pace in their own way. Hot chocolate, jellybeans, and McDonald's on the way home were all helpful tools :) 

I'm proud of my instructional skills and patience with the twins -- "put the cookie in the oven and stomp that bug" -- and really impressed by how quickly NLW picked it up. He was doing rounds up and down the magic carpet independently while we tackled our "lessons" with the twins. In total, we went to Snoqualmie five times, wrapping up our season on Easter Sunday! It was great to end with some wins...amazing parking spot, no lines, extra candy, and most notable, NLW's first time on a ski lift! 

Love these little snow bunnies,

-SJW

Ordinary Joys | Fields & Forests

During our family spring break trip, we ventured north of Camano Island to visit the one-of-a-kind tulip fields in Mt. Vernon. No matter how many times I visit, the stunning scenery blows me away—I just love the natural beauty and pops of color, especially against the mountain backdrop. Our blue-sky day made for some picture-perfect photos. You'd never guess we were among crowds of tourists, haha! It certainly felt like we took a mini trip to the Netherlands :) 

Drive east instead of north, and you'll wind up in an old-growth forest! We kicked off our first hike of the season at Oxbow Loop Trail, chosen for its proximity to Seattle, 1.8-mile loop, and lack of elevation gain. We wanted an easy win for our crew, and this fit the bill! The kids blazed the trail, which makes me hopeful we can build up to more challenging hikes. I'd love to try Garfield Ledges and Twin Falls this year. For now, I'm feeling grateful we were able to explore, take in the mossy tree trunks, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and animals along the way!

The greatest outdoors, 

- SJW

Camano Island | April 2025

We went to Camano Island with family for Spring Break, and it was a winner of a vacation —sunny skies, an incredible beach house, and games and fun galore! We spent the week in this airbnb that was perfect for groups as each family had a separate wing of the house and every room featured a water view. Our trip included a great mix of downtime, lounging, beach play, and excursions off the island. It felt so good to recharge and explore with cousins and grandparents—definitely a PNW vacation to remember!

Highlights:
- Beachcombing and kayaking
- Day trip to the Tulip fields in Mount Vernon
- Bowman Bay in Deception Pass State Park
- Freedom Park playground on Camano
- Dinner at Tapped Camano
- Watching the cousins play Duck Duck Goose
- Multiple games of Uno and Sorry!
- S'mores
- Biking along Port Susan Bay
- Wildlife sightings: porpoises, one whale fin, seals, river otters
- Jetty Landing Playground in Everett

Crazy for Camano, 

-SJW

Bikes, Beach, and Bye-Bye Summer

We had an epic summer with big trips, wading pool fun, popsicles, and plenty of parks and play. Tonight we observed the changing of the seasons with a celebratory trip to Alki, complete with some summer staples: balance bikes, beach toys, and mint Oreos :) Tomorrow we'll welcome fall with soup, chili, and friends. There's something about having children that makes these distinct passages of time more momentous, sentimental, and fun -- I love celebrating with them!

Some of my favorite Beach pics from the summer:

Some of my favorite Biking pics from the summer:

What a place to grow up!

Buzz the beach,
- SJW