Get Away Trip To Birch Bay, WA

      Getting out of town the week following the Trek was wonderful!  No email, No phone calls, No more trek stuff, No worries!  Just pure relaxation.  My get-a-way trip was to Birch Bay, WA right next to the Washington/Canadian border.  It was an opportunity to spend the whole week with my parents from Utah and my brother from New York.  My oldest brother and his family from Seattle were able to spend a couple of days with us as well.  Sadly, I honestly can't remember the last time my 2 brothers and I, along with our Dad, were together.  But the great quality about siblings is the fact that you can always pick right back up where you last left off.  The bummer part was leaving Spencer back home so he could work!  I appreciated his kindness in letting us go without him, and him not giving me a hard time that we played while he worked.

      We made two trips across the border during the week.  Our first trip was on Tuesday to White Rock.  We mostly just walked along the boardwalk.  We also had lunch, did some shopping and Uncle Cory bought the boys ice cream cones.  He knows how to win them over!

      Our other trip to Canada was on Friday to Vancouver. The Vancouver Aquarium was really cool. It's kind of like Sea World, but not quite as extravagant. Instead of a Killer Whale show they offered a Beluga Whale one. I felt it was worth the money and I know the kids thoroughly enjoyed it.

         On Thursday we parked my car and walked on to a WA State ferry that took us through the San Juan Islands.  The weather was fantastic and the islands are beautiful!  I have a strong determination to camp next summer on Lopez Island and bike around the islands.  In the picture below you can see quite a bit of Mt. Baker.  

      The rest of the trip was pretty low key.  We swam in the swimming pool everyday.  We played on the beach a couple of times.  We went to the ice cream shop down the street, and we watched the opening ceremony of the Olympics together.  It was so great getting time to spend with my family!  I have been fortunate enough to have spent time with all of my siblings and parents this summer, with the exception of my sister Brittany.  I love my family dearly!  They bring a lot of joy to my life.  I love creating new memories with them and I love it when my own children get to see me interact with my siblings.