A Happier Visit

After a tough two weeks in Minnesota and arriving back in Friday Harbor late on a Friday evening, the next morning I was back on the ferry to Anacortes--but this time for a happier occurrence.  Daughter Lindsay and her four kids were coming for a visit!

We had offered previously, that if they would just GET here, we would take care of all the further expense of visiting.  And Lindsay finally found a time that would work.  The travel takes nearly all day each way, so at least 3 days were needed to make it worthwhile.  The kids had Veteran's Day off from school.  Unfortunately, that was the only weekend son-in-law Robby had to go elk hunting, so Lindsay packed and wrangled the four kids all by herself.  We appreciate Robby's mom allowing the use of her vehicle, which is more economical and reliable, for the trip!

I think we all had a great time, and the visit went way too fast!

Aboard Yakima, bound for Friday Harbor!

The big boys loved to be on the the front of the boat!  The rest of us?  Not as much.

Emrie LOVED Popeye!  She would hug her in this pose as often as we went by.  We wished the kids could have met the real Popeye face-to-face, but they will have to look for her another time.

On Sunday we rode 'the little ferry' Evergreen State around on her inter-island route, so everyone could see some of our favorite spots in the San Juans.  And Papa came along too!

Approaching the Shaw Island ferry dock.  

Lindsay helping Ranger, age 2, with a puzzle.

Emrie, age 4, took the camera for a few shots -- this is her self-portrait.

Age 9, Troy's pose for his sister.

She captured Grammie and Ranger having a snuggle.

Ryker, age 6, at the Whale Museum, in front of the skeleton of L-112, Sooke.

For just a moment, the kids were sitting still.

The view of the Port of Friday Harbor from a window at the Whale Museum.

The hotel had a swimming pool!

Papa Ron and Grammie Shel have a pool, so the kids have had practice at this.

Ryker, and Troy in the background.  The lighting at the pool was very dim, so it was hard to get a good shot of Troy, who is an independant swimmer and stayed further away from Grammie, who was sticking closer to the littler ones.

A gorgeous sunrise on their last morning.