Olympic Peninsula Getaway

Fabio had the idea to visit the Olympic Peninsula before the summer was over.  I have to admit, I was reluctant.  Traveling with Matteo is no picnic.  Those of you who have toddlers know what I mean.  Sleeping in a hotel room with a toddler who goes to bed at 7pm takes away all the fun of staying in a hotel.  Figuring out what to eat because you don't trust your two-year-old in a restaurant also proves challenging and takes the fun out of traveling.  Trying to figure out how he'll take naps if we're going to be out away from the hotel all day is like an abstract jigsaw puzzle.  Making sure you take enough food/liquids/diapers/wipes/extra change of clothes/etc tests your preparation skills.  Giving up some of what YOU want to do because a 2 year old just can't handle it (i.e. five mile round-trip hike to beautiful Shi Shi Beach) can be heartbreaking.

I know I sound like a Negative Nelly.  I'm just being realistic.  You have to change your mindset when you travel with little ones.  That's OK.  We actually had a really good time.  After seeing our pictures, you'll understand, it would be hard not to have a good time when you're surrounded by so much beauty.


Hurricane Ridge was reminiscent of Switzerland because you felt like you were on top of the world.  Matteo especially loved the deer. He saw a picture of a deer in the visitor's center and would say, "Eh-dis!"  (Translation: "Oh!  This!")  Then he would run outside where he could see where the deer was grazing, point to it and babble something about how there is the real deer, then run back inside and proceed to do this little routine for about 10 minutes.  It was pretty cute, and a relief, considering the melt-down he had just had on the trail.

The one mile round trip hike to Sul Doc Falls was fairly easy and very serene.  It was safe for Matteo to bounce around on the trail and he had a great time pointing out trees and creeks.

 The Falls were stunning, and a little scary with Matteo bouncing all over the bridge and surrounding area.  Of course, gravitated to some nearby stairs and spent most of the time there.  When will the obsession with stairs end!?

We took an impromptu side trip to Makah Bay.  After some figuring out how to get a recreation pass so we didn't get fined for being on the beach in an Indian Reservation (Makah Tribe), we enjoyed some down time on the beach.  It was so gorgeous and we were the only ones around.  Just down the coast was Shi Shi Beach.  Fabio and I have always wanted to go there, but it was only accessible by a hike, and there was really no way (this late in the day, especially) to take Matteo.

We stopped on Lake Crescent for a break from the car.  I posed for a reading picture for our school librarian.  I only WISH I could have actually spent some time here reading.  Sigh.

 Growing up in Washington, I can't believe it's taken me 34 years to visit this amazing heaven on earth!  So glad we finally went and can't wait to go again.

Nana's House

Matteo had a blast at "Nana's House."  Forget about Grandpa.  Since "Grandpa" is too hard to say, Matteo vacillates between "Weh," "Dis" and "Dat" as his cop-out.  His favorite activity was watching the garage go up and down, which we did about 20 times a day.  He watched in amazement every time.  It was pretty cute.

***As you can see, Aunt Abbie did a quick photo shoot and we got some great shots.  Thanks, Ab!!!

 Matteo is becoming so expressive.  He acts surprised, with his facial expressions and his speaking/babbling.  When he sees or hears something he wants or likes, his face lights up and he says, "Ohhhh!  Dis it!"  Melts my heart every time.

Let's just say, Cousin Ella wasn't thrilled about this photo shoot, until...

 ...Aunty Em started playing peek-a-boo.  Sheesh.  What a Miss Priss.  (Love her!)

Another favorite spot is the back porch.  Many hours were spent exploring and opening and closing the door.

A few hot nights were spent playing in the sprinkler and wading pool.

Story time ritual with Grandpa...Matteo lasted about 20 seconds until he started wiggling like a little worm.

Matteo loves his Nana.  We went to the Farmer's Market, and then she went home early.  Matteo lost all interest in anything after that.  He just walked around acting lost, saying, "Naaaannnnnaaaa!"

Abbie and I did a wine tasting.  It was my first, and I'm still not a wine fan, but it was a really fun experience.  I'm starting to see the difference between wines, and it's actually interesting!

Matteo was still limping when we were there.  Abbie took on the role of physical therapist and Matteo actually liked it!

Two words.  Peach. Pie.  (O.K...one more:  YUMMMMMMMMMM!)

Matteo liked to follow Ella around the house, saying her name.  When he would say the double "l" he would stick his tongue out.  So he would run around with his tongue hanging out.  We decided that it was cute.

Watching Aunt Abbie play the piano was also something he could several times a day.

As usual, the visit was too short and it was hard to say goodbye.

Papa's Birthday!

Papa' turned 32!  We had yummy Nutella cupcakes, opened gifts and a fun visit with friends.