a week in washington state: day 5 & 6

Day 5: San Juan Island!

We saw the Orca! Not just one, but many many of them. They are so amazing.

And we took a little walk in the town ...

and window shopping at some vintage shops ...

the ferry station.

As I was trying to take a snap shot of this cool captain statue, Eli also struck a pose. He is always very competitive. We were, at the moment, waiting for some yummy fish tacos.

Good night, beautiful San Juan Island, someday we will visit you longer when we don't have kids that need to take naps and go to bed early.

Day 6: Pike Place Market

My favorite is scallop. I order it every time we visit Pike Place Market. Eli liked it, too.

Freshly made Pirosky's Russian pastry! We ordered the apple cinnamon roll. Hmm, yummy in my tummy.

Another mouthwatering pastry display from other store. I wish I had a huge stomach that afternoon to consume all that.

Seeing this picture I can almost smell the refreshing scent of all kinds of gorgeous flowers there.

One of the few musicians there. I want to be one of them.

Notice the size of this piano... this guy just roll the piano down the hill and sat there and start playing and singing...

Eli was so interested in everything he saw there, too.

I love farmer's market. I love fresh fruits, fish, bakery, flowers and wonderful talents from some artistic hands, eyes and ears. It fulfills all my senses.

a week in washington state: day 3 & 4

Day 3: Boating at a State Park. It was a beautiful day. We rided on inner tube and also did weight boarding. I am proud to announce that I got on the weight board after my first try. It was a lot of fun with everybody. That day was also a special day. Some very special friends of ours from Houston made a detour to see us while on their way to a wedding and finally met Eli! Thanks, Julie and Roger! We love you!

Day 4: We headed over to Seattle to meet up with one of San's sister Bianca. On our way we stopped at a waterfall. Then we went to Vashon Island and took a nice walk at one of the shores by a lighthouse. It was very relaxing. I wish we live close to the ocean. Eli favorite activity was throwing rocks into the ocean.

A little bit of sightseeing on our way of our long drive to Seattle.

 the waterfall.

At Vanshon Island ...

An outlook at the majestic Mt. Rainier. I only wish I have a better lens to capture it.

lighthouse in the background.

a raft arranged by some woods that were left on the shore.

some unknown sealife I spotted by the shore.

hitting daddy is one of Eli's recent favorite thing to do to daddy.

Eli found a cool stick to hike with.

some shore founds on the island. I am making this into a watercolor painting. I will post it when it's finished.

a peaceful sight of the lighthouse in sunset.

We ended the evening on the Island by treating Grandma with her favorite cuisine: Chinese food.

a week in washington state: day 1 & 2

We went to see Santino's family in August and the weather there was perfect! It was an amazing feeling when I came to the realization that it did not burn my skin when I am in the sun (you will know what I mean if you live in Arizona)! We did many things and went to many places.

Day 1: Great Grandma Alicia in Othello finally met Eli for the first time. Of course she fed us well with her specialty Chicken Mole and many more. We wished we had some pictures of Eli with Great Grandma Alicia.

Day 2: A little gathering for Eli to meet his cousins Nya and Malakai. They have everything that Eli ever wanted.

Eli: Nya, don't be afraid, I got you!

Taking a sip.

Eli: More, more, more water!

Uncle Kevin showing Eli some cool moves.

A sweet moment of Auntie Sasha and Nya on the swing.

Feeling powerful up there...

The intense moment...

Eli: I can do this all day long.

Daddy took Eli for a dirt bike ride.

i have three shadows

If you define SHADOW as something that never leaves your leg, then I have three of them. Let's count them. There is the shadow of mine, and then... there is Eli, and his shadow. We took a walk the other day and I turned around, looking down on the ground, confirmed to me that I had 3 shadows that were stuck with me.

I remember when Eli was still a newborn, people would remind me how I should enjoy being able to hold him all the time, because in a few months everything would change, and I would even be able to catch up with him. 

Well, it has been 18 months. Both of our mothers informed us that was exactly how we were as a baby. He is in a my arm's reach constantly, especially the past few weeks we have been taking him to the nursery at church and after our week long trip to Washington, this situation has gotten even more intense.

In some ways it has it's benefits. Like when I go out to a store, crossing the parking lot or the streets, at a park, I never have to worry to look out for a child who wandered off. I just have to check one of my finger... yep, his little hand is there. I've got nothing to worry about, we are good to go!

Anyhow, seeing how we are with our mothers now, I guess I will take heed of the advice about taking my time to enjoy being able to hold him, but just in a longer run, in a few years maybe. He is my everything now, he is my life!

Picture taken at the shore of Vashon Island in Washington State.

in these rare rainy days

We have been getting some rain and random storms here and there during the past month. It is nice that the weather is keeping us somewhat cooler. Eli is fascinated with the rain, and one evening it started raining right before his bed time, and he ran outside...

then started dancing and waving at the rain.

He wanted to check it out so we geared him up with his rain boots and an oversized umbrella (for him).

Enjoying his little walk.

He kept walking and walking and probably decided to not turn back.

until he slipped.

Finally he remembered that it was really his bed time.

winter in july

or not?

We were so excited to call up friends and relatives to come join us at the Zoo for this "Winter in July" last weekend. I think I was expecting a little bit too much... like they would make man-made snow throughout the park or something like that. But it turned out they were just putting piles of ice into a certain animal areas and one ground area for kids to play with. Oh well. We really enjoyed seeing some good friends though, besides the heat and super sweaty condition... it was all worth it!

(Be prepared to see all the messy hair pictures, I wasn't kidding when I said SWEATY.)

Eli with his cute little friend Brenden sitting bravely in front of a big lizard (statue).

Playing at the ice area with his buddy Mila.

... but he really didn't like the idea of playing with ice in the middle of hot summer.

An "extra large size" turtle coming towards us. We were amazed how slow it could get. We think the shell really slow it down.

And then we ran into a peacock thinking that he was so pretty himself and could get away with doing anything he wanted...

Like, trying to take Eli's snack (and of course Eli was guarding his with his life) but Eli just gave him a dirty look.

 Mila was more generous, she offered her drink instead.

Then we were off to learn how to milk some cow...

Then had more fun petting some goats.

Here's our prize and joy, sitting pretty in a clam shell like a pearl (when he gets his snack you are more likely to do anything with him... him and the peacock are totally the other way around):

Mila and Eli inside of the turtle shell sitting area

(since when he looks so mature?)

Eli and our cousin Brie, whom we got to hang out two weekends in a row. Yah! (Eli was playing shy in this picture.)

This is a rare one (a family picture... with me in it!)

What a "hot" trip!