Big cool off in the Northwest

Brent, Jessica, Daisy, and Clara are taking a much needed "escape the heat" late summer vacation to Wenatchee, Washington. Wenatchee is just over the Cascade Mountains from Seattle. We spent a week catching up with family and relaxing.

Daisy and Clara are excited in the shuttle to the airport. Brent looks exhausted, he must have spent all morning packing. There will be plenty of time for relaxation when we arrive.



Brent's sister, Lana and her husband Kevin. We always enjoy hanging out with them.



Jessica posing with Brent's mom and sister, Charlotte and Lana. The women feel right at home in the kitchen. Just kidding.



I sure am hungry for some ice cream(vegan). The door appears to be locked. Is anyone in there? Not really, it is just a painted wall on the side of one of the buildings downtown.




How about we head up to Leavenworth to eat. Brent's cousin, Tom was in the area from Seattle mountain climbing and met up for dinner at a brew pub. It's always good to see him.

The kids are getting ready for a big campout in the backyard, complete with smores and everything.

You know what I said about wanting to camp out all night in the backyard? Well I kinda changed my mind. Let's go back inside and play Rock Band instead.

Man, I love Weezer

We spent an afternoon at Lincoln Park on the south end of town. This mega playscape is old school and is made entirely of wood. How cool!

Clara gives her cousin Austin a big hug.

Daisy and Kai swinging as high as they can go.

The Sjolseth's and Bromiley's have planned a hike up Saddlerock which overlooks the Wenatchee Valley. The kids are pumped up to go.

And so begins the long journey to the top of the world

Hurry up everbody. Let's get moving

Hey! Wait for me guys

Uncle Brent to the rescue

Now that's my idea of hiking. Thanks Uncle Brent.

Almost there!

Whew, we made it!

Brent is taking in the view while snacking on an apple.

The cousins are posing for a picture

Here is the view to the north......

......and the view to the east

Video of our conquering Saddlerock

Yeah, we're done! Time to head back down the mountain to the car. Wow, going down is a whole lot easier than going up.

Oh wait! Flowers! Maybe I'll stop and touch them. After all, I am just a kid.

Clara is aquainting herself with her cousin Kai.

It's harvest time up here in apple country, let's go to the Cider Mill in Cashmere to sample some ciders and see how it is made.

Tiny Bubbles.......okay, maybe the bubbles aren't so tiny. The process of making cider was cool and all, but these bubbles are much more fun.

Is Kai's head stuck in a bubble?

Daisy, Clara, and Austin are having a blast at one of Wenatchee's parks.

The grown ups managed to lose the kids for a couple hours (thanks Grandma Charlotte) and went for a bike ride around the 11 mile Apple Capital Loop Trail along the Columbia River. What a great leisurely ride with some spectacular scenery.

Lana and Jessica are enjoying themselves as they finish the ride.

.......and now Kevin and Brent are rolling in.

What a great trip. We hope to be back soon.