Rainforest

 We made a last minute attempt to visit Mt. Rainier, but each path we took ended in a closed road.  The car ride was redeemed by the amazing treck we took at yet another dead end at the base of the mountain. 

 Washington's forests are classified as rainforests thanks to the massive amounts of rainfall they receive.  Because the climate is colder than say the Amazon, a better label would be temperate rainforest.

The result is a moss covered world so very different from the forest walks we take in Maryland.

Visit to Bainbridge Island

We couldn't leave Washington state without a visit to my Aunt Michelle (Rose's Dad's Sister) who lives out on Bainbridge Island!    Despite the fact that it was moving weekend for her, she happily agreed to meet up with us at a cute little pizza shop named the Treehouse Cafe.  Of course, nothing goes better with artisan pizza than a pint of local brew.  I was quite taken with Mac and Jacks African Amber!

Michelle's friend knitted this beautiful blanket just for London!  She appears to be quite smitten with it! 

A visit to Bainbridge Island means that London also experienced her first ferry ride.  I think those wide eyes are asking Mom why she is so near the railing just to get some ocean in a photo that didn't turn out.

We had amazing views of Mt rainier and Seattle from the boat thanks to another sunny day!

Snoqualmie Falls

Devon & KK joined us to see this magnificent 268 ft waterfall only 30 min away from where were stayed in Washington.  The drive there alone was worth the trip.  We had beautiful views of the mountains framed by blue skies- a rarity in this part of the country.

 Yes, this post was supposed to be about the falls, but the trip was made so much better when we found the Attic at Salish lodge.  Their amazing food and local beer was served overlooking the rushing waters below.  We were very impressed with Manny's Pale Ale from Georgetown brewing company, a Seattle microbrewery.  (If you go, order the fries-So Yum!)  

The Simpsons Descend on Pike's Market

A must visit on every Seattle travel site is a stop at Pike's Market, so we made sure to make time for it!  I checked out the comments on this blog to see what should not be missed and planned our walk though from there.  The World's Greatest Mac & Cheese from Beechers did not fail to impress and the cinnamon doughnuts from the doughnut cart were incredible!  Once the first bag was gone, Jesse and I both agreed that we should have bought another dozen to consume immediately!

We loved the beer at the Pike Brewing Company.  Jesse preferred the Pike Tandem Double Ale, while my favorite was the Pike Dry Wit.  Once again, London is sampling the brews with us!

                                                                                                                                      Photo courtesy of Kristine Kauflin

The Simpsons clogged up the side walk for a while with their impromptu tourist party as we munched on our lunch from Beechers and tried to get pictures though the throngs of people attempting to pass by.  

Travelling to Washington

Chuck and Arlene Simpson, Jesse's Grandparents, had reached 60 years of marriage!  Such a momentous occasion had to be celebrated. So most of the Maryland Simpson family prepared to travel across the country to join relatives in Washington.
Jesse and I were nervous about travelling with an infant.  We had down tricks like packing a pair of socks in your carry on so that our sandal clad feet could avoid contact with nasty airport floors during security screens, but we had no clue about where to check in strollers or how to get baby through security.

There was no need for all the worry!  In fact, we decided that the airport was much better travelled though with a stroller to hang all our baggage on.  London did great flying and even had a seat to herself for one leg of our journey.
We had veteran parent travellers Devon and KK to tip us off on how to check the stroller and make it through a flight even with toddlers....Benadryl!
Ok, not really, but this picture really makes us laugh (and cry) as we look forward to that extent of exhaustion while travelling.

Here is the whole group who came to celebrate

Jeff and Robin, Jesse's Aunt and Uncle, were incredible!  They welcomed us into their home and took care of all the preparations for the weekend.  Even though the main event was Saturday, there were parties every day.  

                                                                                      Photo courtesy of Kristine Kauflin 

Magicians entertained, Jeff broke out some favorites from his wine cellar for a blind tasting, tours of downtown Seattle were organized, and there was lots and lots of good food!

The sun shone for the anniversary event.  All were blessed hearing about the marriage of two faithful people through so many years.