Jul & Gem off to Seattle

While Jim was in Bangkok, Gemma and I took a much-needed vacation out to Seattle to be with the Port Orchard Hawkins (Matt, Hannah and boys) and the Kirkland Giesers (Steve, Tiffany and girls). What a joy to have family living in this beautiful part of the country! At the first part of the trip we went to Kirkland, on Lake Washington. Gemma, Avery and Bella took to each other right away (the twins kept saying "baby?" and pointing at her, and they were particularly fascinated when Gemma was eating in her booster seat. "What, another face at the table?"

The cousins had lots of good, hard playtime together - which was impossible to capture on photo because they all are so active! I like Bella's crazy hair in this photo, with Gemma and Avery in the background both pulling on something - a baby doll, or fighting over who could push Bella in the stroller?

Bathtime! "Avery, stop pouring water on Gemma's head." Oh well, she took it in stride. And a kiss from Bella helps, too.


Uncle Steve taught Gemma some new acrobatics.

On Saturday we put all three girls in the middle row of the car and braved the traffic & crowds and drove downtown to Pike Place Market. Tiffany even chose a fresh salmon to cook up for dinner that night (very, very tasty).


Gemma tastes a bit of smoked salmon...hmm...

And on Sunday we joined in for a church picnic at a small lake nearby, as Tiffany's younger brother was baptised. The twins poked their toes into the lake, and Gemma said "I think I wouldn't mind a swim." This photo may prove indicative of her adventurous attitude.