July 8, 2012
The last week has been a full one.  We had David's brother and family in from Arizona and really got to play tourists.  Seattle Aquarium, Pike's Place Market, Ballard Locks (where we saw Sockeye Salmon jumping up the ladders at the locks!), World Vision headquarter's tour, Snoqualmie Falls, Ollalie State Park, hikes in the woods and awesome food.  With their departure, we relaxed the day of the fourth and got up our energy to head out to Bellevue's huge firework event with live music, vendors etc.  The sun went down around 10pm and the sky lit up to the Youth Orchestra of Bellevue - top notch!  Saturday the pirates landed at Alki Beach!  We were there to watch the annual event as pirates crossed over from Seattle to land on Alki Beach and raid the beach.  Jillian dressed up (along with many other fans) and it was a fun event of music, food and fun.  While there they had Olympic qualifying high vaulters...US team was already picked so we saw some who almost made it however, we did watch some international vaulters who still were trying to qualify. 

 Seattle Aquarium

 Cousins

 Ballard Locks

 World Vision

 Snoqualmie Falls

 Ollalie State Park

 Playground

 Cousins

 Ready for Crab!

 Alki Beach (Seattle in background)

 fun house in Alki Beach

 Alki Beach

Jillian the pirate!

We are starting to meet some families which is making the transition easier now for the kids.  A few camps over the summer for everyone and the basic orthodontic visits, dentist, etc is allowing for the calendar to fill.  With sunny weather now the normal, we are enjoying the outdoors even more.  Wish you were here with us to see the new sights!  You are all welcome to visit!