Gateway to the San Juans

Last year in May we made a weekend trip to visit our friends Janie & Chris in Anacortes, WA. We had a wonderful time. So of course we decided to make it a yearly event. This year was every bit as great. Maybe the weather wasn't quite as fantastic (it was ridiculously gorgeous last year). But the company was wonderful. And the house Janie & Chris have literally built from the ground up in one year was amazing! Even though it was a quick weekend getaway, it was definitely worth the trek across the state.

Since we can't break Hook tradition and take the same route twice, we drove Highway 2 through Leavenworth on the way there. Even though it added an hour or two, the drive was beautiful. And the stop for dinner brats was every bit as lovely.

We couldn't help taking yet another picture in the same spot. Don't worry. We won't do it when she's ten.

On Saturday we all participated in a Young Life bike race. Jono and Chris rode the 25 mile race (plus a few random miles, stopping at some small town pub for a mid-ride brew). Janie and her mom rode 15 miles. Clara and I participated in the 5 mile "family ride" in our stroller, stopping along the route for games and prizes. Despite the freezing drizzle at the start of the race, the weather warmed up slightly and made the race actually pleasant at the end ;).

Somehow I forgot to capture any pictures of the Crane's new house. Instead, I got a few at their neighborhood park. If only we had these fantastic swings near us. They're rad.

We only wish we could've come back via Highway 20 like last year. Sadly the pass wasn't open. So we took the I90 route, stopping for some Trader Joes on the way home. And now we will be eating gorgonzola crackers, white bean hummus, and dark chocolate almonds for the next few days (+ a couple dozen other tasty treats). Yum.