Tolomei Tidbits: a weekend away

Last weekend after E's soccer game we took off for Port Angeles, WA to visit some old friends. Actually, we met this couple back when we lived in Albuquerque, and before we had kids, now we both have 3 each. When we moved to Chicago, they visited us a few times, and then right after we moved back to the NW, so did they. Anyway, we hadn't had a chance last year to go and see them since John's schedule was busier, so we thought it would be a good time to do it now. The kids loved taking the ferry over to the peninsula, so that was an experience in itself. They had a blast once we got there playing with their kids out in the big open yard for hours. They caught frogs, grasshoppers, climbed trees, picked blackberries, dug holes, etc, etc. They LOVED IT! We got to head out to the beach that night on the straight of Juan de Fuca and see an amazing view of Victoria across the water. On Sunday we went to church and then headed up the Olympics to Hurricane Ridge and picnicked. We were again amazed by the beautiful views of the San Juan Islands, and much much more. Emilio was totally astonished by the views as well. It was cute to see a five year old appreciate God's creation. We had dinner out with our friends that night, and then took off for home. The Kingston ferry was warning us about a two hour delay, so we drove to Bainbridge Island instead. The kids fell asleep in the car, but thankfully we got to park our car in the front of the ferry, gaining a full view of Seattle all lit up at night as we came into the port. It was very cool! We had such a lovely time catching up with our friends, and the kids got along great and already miss eachother. It was such a nice family weekend get away.