Three Hour Tour

We took a 3 hour kayak tour today in Roche Harbor where we saw and learned about a number of sea creatures that call the Pacific Ocean home. This star fish was the coolest. We found crab, otters and a bunch different types of sea weed type stuff. Nicole was brave enough to eat some of it. That pretty much wore us out except for Linda and Nicole's trip to see the El Pacas.

Out and About

Blowin in the Wind

We took two nice hikes and had lunch at Roche Harbor today. We were all pretty tired this morning and slept in a bit but got out to the British Camp by 10:30 where we learned about how the Pig War was pretty mild (no one died in combat but the pig) and that the English camp was much better than the American camp. We had lunch at a nice resort at the top of the island and then visited the American camp that was originally set up by George Pickett of the "Pickett's charge" fame. We are back at the Lake Margo house now and resting our tired legs.

Slowing Down

Life moves slower on this island. Had a nice dinner in Friday Harbor and are back at our house on lovely lake Margo. It's a small island but their is lots to do. Nicole and Linda are planning out tomorrow as we speak.

Point Kiln Lighthouse

We set up to climb the rocks of San Juan Island before we could get into our house. It's a nice place with big windows and lots of trees. Lots of exploring to do over the next few days.

Arrival in Friday Harbor

A nice three hour and a half hour ride from Seattle and we are on San Juan island.

Public Market

Twins Game

The Twins lost but we had a great suite thanks to Elizabeth. I love watching games in suites with inside and outside seating, three tv's and plenty of elbow room. Makes it like watching in your living room with the game in your backyard. Off to dinner in a bit the a 7:45 ferry up to Friday Harbor.

Greeting from Seattle

The digital version of the space needle picture was free an It turned out alright. Off to the museum of flight then to a twins, mariners game. Lots of stuff to do.

Seattle Wheel

Woodland Park Zoo

We had an awesome time at the zoo with a great behind the scenes tours of the Lemur area and the penguin habitat. We basically got to walk around both areas where the animals were on display and feed and pet the little buggers. Sam liked it a lot while Dylan was a little skittish. Linda,Gil and Nicole's friend Elizabeth hooked us up with early admission to the zoo and the backstage tours. She works there. Good times.

MVP

Sam and Dylan's team win the camp championship and Sam brought home the MVP award. I think they both learned a lot and had a ton of fun. We got to Seattle on time and had dinner with the grandparents and boys. I need sleep now.

Getting Low

Dylan seems to be getting into a striking position here at the top of the key.  It looks like a good place to be with the ability to go either direction or pass it off.  The kid guarding him looks a little flat footed.  Hopefully, he faked left and went right for an easy layup.

Touring

The boys took in some museums in San Francisco today. They seem to be having a good time without us.

Up Up and Away

We dropped the boys and grandpa of at Dulles with sandwiches, candy and iPads. That should keep them busy for 6 hours. It's always hard to see them go but I'm sure they will have a ton of fun at Warriors basketball camp and hangin with Linda, Gil and Leo. I miss them already.

Soccer Friends

It was a good and hot week of soccer camp and now it's time for a week of indoor basketball camp. Sam is the size of the coach but I guess the coach is on the smaller side for adults. Gonna miss these little guys the next few days.

White House

Nicole had a pretty good seat for the Presidents health care reform press conference today. This would have been a hot press conference in the rose garden. The boys continue to melt at soccer camp. Heat index at 108. The cool hills of Berkeley will be a nice change for them next week.

Soccer Camp

Per usual, it's a 100 degrees and the boys are in soccer camp. This has been a pretty mild summer until now and it never seems to fail that when soccer camp rolls around, the temp goes up. They split the kids up into groups with country names. Nicole hooked the boys up with home made jerseys for their respective teams. I'm sure they were the talk of the pitch today.

Augsburg Graduation

Carolyn found this picture in a box of stuff from Aunt Mary. It appears to be me and Rachel at my college graduation. That was 26 years and many miles ago.

Coming Home

It looks like the boys had a great time this week in Minnesota but they are heading home tonight and I will be happy to see them. They will be off again in a week but I'm looking forward to hanging around with them this weekend and hearing all about their new golf skills.

Go Bears

This is a close up of some wall paper at the Pearl Diver Bar on 14th. Their are bears everywhere.

Grandpa Shirt

Sam and Dylan are playing a real 9 hole course in their last day of golf camp today and Sam needed to look spiffy so he borrowed the shirt we bought Grandpa for his birthday last week.  Funny how it pretty much fits little Sammy.  Maybe Grandpa is shrinking..

Golf Camp

The boys said they had a good first day of golf camp. We chatted on the phone for a little while and they said they were put in the #1 group with Finn and Kerin. Who knows, they may come back to Virginia as golfers.

Thanks Mom and Dad

We had another very nice summer visit to Minnesota with a 6th year heading north to lake country on Mom and Dad.  It's a great opportunity to spend some time together as a family and enjoy all the northern Minnesota offers.  Marshall was the head baiter for the fishing expeditions and also took most of the fish off the hook with the help of Nicole and Karen.  We left the boys there to attend golf camp with Finn and came back to Virginia yesterday.  It's weird having the house so quiet and the trip to the pool today wasn't as fun because I didn't have anyone to play with.  I'm sure they are having a grand time with the grandparents and cousins but it will be nice to see them again later this week.  \

I posted a bunch of the pictures on flickr for your enjoyment.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157634520790336/

Happy 4th of July

Got back from the north country this afternoon after a few rounds at Billy Bones Raceway go kart track. We had dinner in then went down to Wayzata for some frozen yogurt. I don't think we are going to see fireworks tonight. Sammy has some sort or rash going on.

The Whole Crew

Minus me. Nice dinner at the Sherwood Forest. Last night up at lake topped off with a swim, wine and fudge. We had four perfect days up here with sun and temps in the low 80's. couldn't ask for better.

The Ladies

The woman of the lake lounging on the pontoon as everyone else fishes. Everyone but me of course.

Water World

We went for a quick bike ride this morning, then hit the driving range for an hour. Lunch by the pool and then off to the beach. Lots of water time on our last day up north.

Jeff and Karen

Karen can catch and clean fish with the best of them. Jeff is more like me, doesn't want those slimy creatures anywhere near me.

More Fishing

A much better day to murder a bunch of fish.

Loons

A little Loon family out for a stroll on Sylvan. Good day of fishing with all the kids getting a bunch of sunnies and bass. Karen cleaned all the ones we kept and will turn into a snack at some point in the next couple days.

Rock On

Dinner at Iven's on the Bay then dessert and a swim at the pool. A great day up north with perfect weather. The kids have been pretty well behaved as well.

Sylvan

We caught a few fish and jumped in the lake many times.