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

Life Wright Now | February & March 2025

The last few months have been lovely! While February was a little humdrum, March picked up with social events and plans. I coordinated and hosted our block's progressive dinner party, my parents visited us, and I flew to Houston for a girls' trip. Our everyday has been filled with board games, puzzles, and Pokémon! The children have an enthusiastic fervor for the TV series and started transforming their stuffed animals into made-up pokemon creatures. It's creative and cost-effective in the best way :) 

Other highlights include:
- Cousin David's visit!
- CCW's knack for the game Mastermind
- Spontaneously saying "yes" to a friend's free Hamilton ticket
- The joy of Valentine's Day with kids <3
- Playing Scrabble with my dad and the kids!
- Completing my first embroidery project
- Attending my friend's second annual Art Gallery house party
- Spontaneous yard-play with neighbor kids
- Driving around my hometown and visiting friends
- Gold star in kids' haircuts...I can complete all three in under an hour thanks to three episodes of Thomas the Train!
- New Friday routine with CCW's speech appointments
- Reclaiming the Zoomazium -- the twins love going just the two of them on Fridays
- How the twins make their beds
- First blooms of spring
- School projects with Mrs. Sarah 
- Introducing the kids to "the cookie" from Met Market
- Baby Shower celebration for college roommate KEL
- Neighbor cat Luna breaking into our house nonstop for three days straight, giving NLW the giggles
- Surprise gifts from my boss (coat rack + fancy candles)

-SJW