Lucas gets a new car seat.

Hi Diane, We are home now and Tyler is over at Kimberly's. We walked along the Cedar River Trail and ended up at the play area across from the library. Mike handed me Lily's leash so he could push Tyler on the swing. I did not see Lily until later I looked over and under the tree watching us was Lily happily on her own!

Afterwards we had lunch at Panera Bread. Tyler had Mac & Cheese, a yogurt stick, and milk.

Last night Lucas and Tyler stayed all night. We had a great time playing with the kids and watching "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" with them before bedtime.

What a wonderful time we all had tonight at the delightful Gazebo Steak Barbecue. Although It was an extremely hot day it was nice and comfortable as we sat on the pillows around the large picnic table in the Carlson's veranda. The meal was perfectly prepared and we all enjoyed the conversation and outside setting. Thanks again Jim and Vickie for the lovely dining pleasure.

This evening Jim joined Mike and me for dinner at the Peyrassol

Cafe down at Coulon Park. Vickie was in Santa Fe on an opera trip and due home tomorrow night

Gail, Jim, and I had a very nice day that started at 11 am when Jimmy and Gail picked me up. We drove out to West Seattle to Endolyne Joe's restaurant and enjoyed a tasty meal. Afterwards we drove a short distance to the Fauntleroy Ferry which took us across the Sound. It was a mild cloudy day but clear enough to see the expanse of land and sea around us. We arrived on Vashon Island and drove through the town populated with quaint shops and beautiful natural settings. On the other side of the island we boarded another ferry which took us to Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. We had a lovely hike along a wooded trail surrounded by old growth trees and breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Narrows Bridge. We all had a great time and vowed return to this beautiful park again soon with others of our family joining us. Best to all, Mary

The Evergreen Hiking Club enjoyed a delightfully vigorous hike today lasting two hours and covering 3 1/2 miles from the Sky Country Trailhead of Cougar Mt. The hardy hikers were Jim, Gail, Mike, Tyler, Lily, and myself. The day was abnormally hot but that did not stop us from energetically trekking around Klondike Marsh via Lost Beagle Trail and Anti Aircraft Ridge Trail. Tyler again led the pack until he became too tired at the end to continuously spurt ahead of everyone. He rode home the last 1/18 mile on Mike's shoulders. Afterwards Mike, Tyler, and I enjoyed a snack at McDonald's.

Today Jim, Vickie, Gail, and I went into Seattle to visit the Chihuly exhibit. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed lunch first and then a leisurely walk around the Seattle Center.

The Evergreen Hiking Club today enjoyed a lovely and invigorating hike to Coal Creek Falls on Cougar Mountain. Hiking members Jim, Gail, Sue, Mike, Mary, Tyler, and our mascot, Lily participated in this pleasurable outing. The few misty drops that fell at the beginning of the trek soon dispersed into refreshing open air. Tyler led the group up and down the hilly path and at times enjoyed the view up on Mike's shoulders. Sandi, we look forward to the day that you can join us as well. Vickie we likewise will be happy when your stubborn knee has recovered. Jeannie and Ruthie, you are always welcome as well. It was a delightful excursion.

This evening we had a dinner here for Matthew and the family. Matthew has been visiting for several days to help out with Diane and Scott's move to Mercer Island and to see Sue and the rest of us. He leaves for school at UCLA tomorrow.

Rainy day dinner at the Lowry's

The Evergreen Hiking Club had to postpone the hike scheduled for today due to rain and thunder and lightening. We moved the planned evening barbecue at Jim and Vickie's to here at the Lowry's. Jim and Vickie provided the main course. We were entertained by Tyler and Lucas who made the evening a very nice event.

Bellevue Arts Museum with Tyler

Today we visited the Bellevue Arts Museum with Tyler. We first watched Tyler at the Kids play area at Bellevue Square, then had lunch at Specialties Cafe and Bakery. Afterwards, Tyler constructed a creative mask in the crafts for kids corner at the Museum. We then stopped at Jamba Juice for a berry drink before heading home. It was a very nice day.

This 4th of July week

This 4th or july week we vacationed at Diane and Scott's beach house in Westport. We left on Sunday with Jim and Vickie joining us Monday and Tuesday followed by the Oakes family arriving on Wednesday. We had beautiful weather and all enjoyed a very nice holiday.

Today Gail, Jeannie, Mike, Jimmy, Tyler, Lily, and I had a delightful hike lead by Tyler Oakes. Tyler took charge early leading us on one of his favorite trails. We started from Redtown Trailhead of Cougar Mt. and headed up Wildside Trail and down Indian Trail to Redtown Trail and back to the car on Bagley Seam Trail. We stopped several times along the way for pictures and snacks. On the way home Tyler revealed that he was starved and suggested we stop at Denney's for lunch which we did. Now back at home we are resting from our 1 hour 45 minute hike which was enjoyed by all.

This weekend Diane flew to Atlanta to interview potential workers. Scott was also away on a business trip. Anne and Ivan came down to alternate nights with us with each boy. First Tyler was with us then Lucas stayed all night and played with us the next morning. Sue dropped over the second night. We all had a wonderful time with both kids.

Tyler's 5th birthday party at the Oakes

We had a great time at the Oakes for Tyler's 5th birthday party. Anne and Ivan, Todd,and Mike and I were there celebrating along with Diane and Scott, Tyler, and Lucas. Tyler was delighted with the ice cream cone decorated cake and the gifts from all of us. Everyone enjoyed the hot dogs and corn on the cob and fruit salad. It was a very enjoyable evening.

Miss Potter party

This afternoon the Erwin girls had a delightful time at the Miss Potter party hosted by Jeannie and Ruthie. Those attending were Ruthie, Jeannie, Gail, Sandi, and myself. It was held at Ruthie's beautiful home filled with framed pictures throughout the house of past Erwin Girls parties. We missed Vickie and Bea. After a scrumptious lunch and happy conversation we headed into the TV room to view the movie Miss Potter. We all had a great time and when the car pulled up with Mike and sleeping Tyler to take me home I reluctantly left this merry group. Thank you Jeannie and Ruthie for hosting this lovely day. Also, thank you Gail for the little treats for Tyler.

Westport trip with the Oakes

We left for Westport in the Oakes' van Saturday morning May 26 and met Scott at the "Beach house". I brought a french toast-apple casserole which we enjoyed along with vegetables and berries for dinner. Sue arrived Sunday to help celebrate my birthday dinner that night consisting of a delicious fresh seafood chowder prepared by Diane and a scrumptious birthday cake and ice cream dessert by Tyler. We had many walks along the beach and watched movies at night. Mike and I stopped for lunch at the Westport Winery http://www.westportwinery.org/menu which we loved on the way home. It was a delightful holiday.

Riding to the boardwalk

Tyler and Scott setting off for the boardwalk at Westport.

Lucas plays while Tyler visits Mercer Island kindergarten

Mother's Day at the Lowry's

Mother's Day dinner provided by Diane and Scott.

Hike on Wildside Trail on Cougar Mt.

Today's beautiful hike was along Wildside Trail on Cougar Mt. The hikers were Tyler, Mike, Jeannie, Gail, Mary, and Lily. It was a great day!

May Day flowers

Tyler gives Kimberly and Lily a bouquet of flowers for May Day 2012.

Jim's birthday April 18, 2012

Lunch for Jim with cousins at Armante's restaurant on April 19 and dinner here for Jim on April 20.