First Summer Trip Home

It had been 6 years since we were back in the Pacific Northwest for a summer trip. And little baby Colette had never been to the US. What a great time for us to head back, and for Cole to finally meet family and friends. I was fortunate enough to be able to stick around for 7 weeks while Kirk could only get away from work for 3 weeks. Lots to do and so many people to see...so here is how it went! After a long flight with 2 kids we made it safely, and surprisingly with out any major hiccups besides the girls not sleeping much for the long journey. They were all smiles when we arrived to Ryan and Nicole's for a couple nights. The cousins played while we recovered and caught up with family. Then Sharon joined the party a day later.

A couple days later Kirk's whole family got together for their annual trip to Lake Chelan. We stopped at the family farm for the night on the way over. Teia enjoyed picking onions and apricots in the garden and ate freshly picked cucumbers. She also managed to get in a donkey ride thanks to Aunt Jan. Our good friend Dane gave us a tour of his brewery and pub - Iron Horse - my favorite beer was the delicious High Five Hefe!

                                      

                                             

Chelan is a special place for our family. Kirk has been going here his entire life. It's been amazing watching all the cousins grow up and having the week to bond and splash around in the lake. Teia and Colette enjoyed being on the lakeside, swimming, running around the front lawn, watching movies and late bed times.  The weather was perfect - almost too hot at times.

One of the nights during the family dinner we had an early birthday party for Teia - My Little Pony theme, of course. Cupcakes, ice-cream, gifts and family - the perfect combination. Thank you for all the lovely and thoughtful gifts - Teia was one happy 4 year old.  On this special day Colette decided it was time to start crawling - big milestones for both Johnsen girls.

                                                

Unfortunately one night we almost had to evacuate the premises because of a fire. It is pretty common in this area of Washington to have fires because of the dry summer and heat. Luckily the local fire department was able to contain the fire, but you can see in this picture how close it was to the Peterson Resort (where we stay - the dark land is where the fire spread).

Ryan and Nicole are due in December so we threw them a baby sprinkle. Little Harper can't come soon enough - congrats you two! We carried on the rest of the week with lots of swimming, bocci ball, corn hole, golf, massages, SUP boarding, yoga, and my first time wake-surfing. Thanks for treating us for the week Grandpa Paul and also Sharon for helping us out with the girls so we could run around and play too!

                                      

Next stop, Seattle to see friends.  Emily and Kai graciously host us every time we come out to Seattle. It just so happened that Emily was hosting a Delta Gamma bbq so I was able to see a lot of my lovely college friends - a sort of mini reunion. We were also joined by other great friends and little ones. Teia really loved running around with Finley and Jackson! The next day we had a nice visit from Carly and Ryan (meeting their daughter Damon for the first time). Afterwards we spent some time at Greenlake with the Buri's and Noah (and his littles). Thanks for providing all of us with yummy wine and snacks, Noah!

                                      

                                   

                                             

Now off to Treasure Island (Reach Island) to visit my side of the family.  Like I mentioned before we haven't been home in a summer in years so it was really special to get out to my childhood beach house. And not only that, but my parents just added a new garage and apartment. It's beautiful and super cozy.

I always said to friends in Amsterdam if we are ever home in the summer you have to come to Washington and stay at my cabin. We managed to make that happen when Amy+John and Mandy+Matt+Dean flew in from Colorado and Grant+Melissa+Preston drove over from Seattle. It was a dream come true - Amsterdam alumni reunited in one of my favorite places. Our days consisted of playing on the beach, swimming and rowing in the Puget Sound, golfing (at Chambers Bay) and geezer golf, firing up oysters and sockeye salmon, and toasting smores, and ending our evenings with strolls around the island and relaxing on the deck underneath the stars (happened to be a big meteor shower). The last night Johanna+Scott+Finn came out for a couple nights. This was a dream come true for me and I hope to share this experience again with our Amsterdam friends! 

                                                     

                                             

                                                     

                                                   

          

         

                                         
                                                     

                                         

                                                    

                                         

                                              

                                          

Once everyone left Sharon arrived for one night before jetting back to Bakersfield. It was wonderful getting both sides of the family together which unfortunately is a rare occasion. Tyler and Erin also came out to get in some Niece Time before Erin flew to Japan. Teia also got her Hugo fix - Ty and Erin's Great Dane. Kirk managed to get in a couple more rounds of golf with friends and my dad before flying back to Amsterdam.

Before Kirk left for Amsterdam we went over to the Marina where we wed 11 years ago (August 20th). It's incredible to think about all the things we have done in the last 11 years - from moving to Santa Monica and Amsterdam, to having 2 beautiful daughters, career moves and travel.  Happy Anniversary - it's been an amazing ride full of love, laughter, and endless adventure!

                                      

So many friends and family members to see. The first few days I relaxed at the cabin with the girls and spent some time with my mom and dad. Teia loved watching old cartoons with her Grandpa while my mom and I went on walks. I made it in to Tacoma with Teia to check out the Point Defiance Zoo.  I managed to get in some pampering and stayed in Tacoma with my brother and visited with some old friends and my cousin.  I had a playdate with my friend Vanessa and her littles. And finally went back to the Seattle area and stayed with Melissa and Grant's family before crashing at Mari and Chris's. I absolutely loved getting Teia and the boys together. And it was so great seeing Mari and Kelly and spending time with their kids (some whom I hadn't met). Thanks for giving us a great place to crash for a few days! On my way back to the cabin I got to see Summer and Josh - it's been way too long!

     

                                      

My family hosted a big gathering for my Uncle Daryl.  My mom's cousins flew in from Minnesota for a mini family reunion.  I got to meet Joseph and Maria's son Enzo and catch up with family. It was a really special occasion - perfect weather, delicious dishes, fun times! They actually got Teia another early birthday cake - man she got spoiled! A few days later I took the girls to my Aunt's lakehouse (Mason Lake). It had been years since I have been there - spent many a summer running around their property growing up. And my cousins were able to come out to the cabin for a visit - meeting Teia and Colette for the first time. Our sweet friend Nicole (who lived with us for 3 months in Amsterdam) flew out from California to see the girls and the cabin (something I talked to her about). She captured some beautiful pics of the girls - we miss you Nicole - please come back!

For Teia's official birthday we had a low key day at the cabin with all the family.  She loved opening up a few more gifts and getting yet another birthday cake. A few days later I took Teia to Portland for our first mother-daughter trip and my mom took over Colette duty. First stop was to see Amsterdam alum Jaime and her sweet kiddos!  Thanks for having us over for a great playdate and catch up - we miss you guys!

Afterward I drove to my best friend Lisa's house to meet her new addition, Parker. And Teia and Fischer got in some bonding time. The next day we swung over to Erica's home (another Amsterdam Alum). I really miss this lady - especially visiting her beautiful shop Aloja (where I celebrated my birthday a couple years ago). And now off to Cannon Beach.

        

While Kirk was home he went to London for a meeting then straight to Chile for some more work stuff. While in Chile, he spent a little time cruising around Santiago, but most of the time up in the mountains nearby. He stayed in a Corona-sponsored cabin - and managed to snowboard 2 days and went to a cool party up on the mountain on the Saturday night. Looks amazing!!!

After my short visit to see friends in Portland, Teia and I headed over to Cannon Beach to meet up with Johanna and Finn. Johanna's family cabin is situated just a block off the beach (a short trip down the beach from Haystack Rock). The kiddos loved putting their toes in the white sand and building castles and flying kites, chasing waves and exploring the marine life around Haystack Rock. Both days we drove into town for a stroll through the city center and to buy Salt Water Taffy (my favorite was Cannon Beach Sea Salt). And when the kids were resting we had time to catch up over wine and yummy bites. Thanks for the lovely stay, Johanna - this was my first Mother-Daughter trip so I really appreciate your hospitality! And thanks Mom for watching Colette - babies and sand don't really mix!

For our last weekend in Seattle - Kirk flew back to "pick up" the family.  We wanted to take advantage of having family to help us out and get away for a couple nights without kids (for the first time in 4 years)! So for the weekend we played tourists in the city we called home for a long time by heading downtown to Pike Place Market. First time ever going on the ferris wheel along the waterfront - what a breathtaking view. And then hitting up our favorite spot for some steamed humbow before meeting up with Danny and Mary-Grace for some lunch. It's been years since we have seen this awesome couple so we were so pleased to finally see them and meet Gray. Emily and Kai hosted us once again for the weekend - we got a whole group together for dinner that evening. We really appreciate all our friends who always welcome us back - we are so blessed. The next day we went to the UW football game with Ryan and Jake (my first game at the new stadium). And that evening we settled in with a few friends and awesome Mexican (got to get it in while we can). It was the perfect weekend!

                                       

                                      

                                     

Before heading back out to the cabin we went to visit my Uncle Daryl.  I just adore this man.  He is kind, all smiles, just has the biggest heart and though he going through a difficult time he still manages to have a good attitude and just loves BIG.  Love you Uncle Daryl - your strength is unlike anything I have ever seen.

This trip was awesome......we love our family......we love our friends......we LOVE Washington. Thank you to everyone who provided us with a place to stay.  Thank you Grandpa for the wheels for the majority of the trip. And thank you everyone for always making Washington our forever home.

Summer Fun in the City

For my first trip with out the kiddos and Kirk I jetted of to Malta for an amazing weekend with some girlfriends. This crew of girls flew from the States and Amsterdam. My girlfriend Melanie is moving back to Maryland so we knew we had to get in one last trip to send her off properly! Malta is a southern European island near Italy and Tunisia. It is noted as one of the smallest and most densely populated countries. The capitol is Valletta and they have two official languages (Maltese and English). The island consists of a number of walled cities, forts, and citadels. Many movies/shows were shot here because of the landscape and structure like Game of Thrones and Troy. And oddly enough one of their biggest exports are potatoes to the Netherlands - how funny!

While there we stayed at the Radisson Blu in the St. Julien's area. Our first outing - wine tasting at Meridiana Wine Estate.  The tasting was perfection and we all left with a few bottles.

We stopped for lunch in Mdina at de Mondion restaurant. Afterward we walked around Mdina, purchased little souvenirs, and had some yummy gelato. That evening we ate at the hotel restaurant and then popped out for drinks and dancing in the St. Julien's bar scene.

                                                     

Saturday we chartered a boat to take us to some hidden beaches: Comini Island (named after cumin) the blue grotto, and a little tasty spot for some beers and fish and chips. The water was incredible - crystal clear blue and crisp - I could swim in it for hours. Any opportunity to dip in the Mediterranean I am all about! That evening we ate at The Medina Restaurant for some delicious local eats (rabbit, lamb-shanks and gnocchi).

                                                            

                                       

 

On Sunday we went to the local Fish Market for some strolling, shopping and lunch. Afterward we chartered a bus for a tour of the Megalithic Temple Complex (Hagar Qim). These are among the most ancient religious sites on Earth.  Our driver took us to a few cliffside spots for a better view of the sea and the Three Cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. It was a beautiful day exploring. For our final dinner we went to The Villa and sat outside on the terrace. We were joined by other expats from Sweden (part of the American Womens Club). The night was filled with many drinks, savory dishes, and stories galore. This trip not only was the best break from the daily grind of motherhood it was an amazing way to meet some fascinating women and spend some quality time with my dear friend Melanie. The last hoorah and a good one at that - I wish I could of relive every single moment because I honestly can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. It was simply the best!

After Malta the Stuek's joined us for a quick visit in Amsterdam. It was great to pop out for a lunch and drinks and meeting their new addition! And another blast from the past - Grant stopped by for some dinner while he was in town for work. Always happy to see our old neighbor and friend back in this neck of the woods. Meanwhile little Colette is getting bigger by the second. She's eager to crawl and absolutely adores Teia - she can't keep her eyes off of her.  And Teia is the best big sis - she loves feeding, giving hugs and kisses, and playing with Coco.

                                                

        

                                      

Our dear friend David hopped over from London for a quick one night's stay. Amsterdam alumni, Leslie and Nate, were also in town with their precious daughter, Noa (it was our first time meeting her). We went to De Reiger for dinner and walked around a bit. It was so great spending time with David (Teia was in heaven) and it was equally wonderful to see Nate, Leslie and Noa! We miss you guys!

Finally, the day we all have been waiting for - Teia's ballet performance.  It was absolutely darling.  Teia and her friend London had a blast twirling around the stage.

It's been a busy month with guests arriving - Savinay being our next. Kirk was able to catch him for a night before heading off to New York for work. During the week Sav worked from our place, helped me out with the littles so I could run errands and we met up with Katie and Ryan for Afghani food (my first time and not my last) and we also attended Melanie and Eric's going away party. Thanks for keeping me company for the week Sav - hope you had a nice time and come back soon.

As I mentioned before my friend Melanie is moving to Baltimore and it just so happens that London, her daughter, is Teia's special and dearest friend. This is a tough one because these little ladies had an amazing bond. I can't count the number of times Teia talks about London: wants to go to her house, can't wait to see her at school, and looks forward to swim and dance with her. We are so going to miss this little cutie. And I am going to miss her mom and dad too (Melanie and Eric). Like our kiddos we shared a really special friendship with lots of laughs and glasses of prosecco - playdates were the best I have to say! Best of luck to the Gillman Family - you are truly one of a kind and will be missed! To send off the family properly I put together a little video of our girls!

                                                      

   

While in New York, Kirk mostly worked but he managed to catch up with Jesse Licht to watch some football (soccer) and play good ol' American-styled beer pong ahead of the 4th of July weekend.

About 5 years ago a friend of mine introduced me to Tara - a California girl traveling to Amsterdam by herself. Well a few email exchanges and an invitation to stay with me for the weekend ended up with some pretty amazing memories and keeping in touch. Tara came back out for a quick visit with her boyfriend before heading off to Barcelona. We took a trip down memory lane - renting Paap's boat with a few other friends. It was a beautiful day and the perfect way to reconnect. Glad you came back out and happy that you are doing well, Tara!

Eric's parents, Sharon and Byron, were in town for a few weeks so we had them over for brunch with another visitor, Dane. Dane and his girlfriend Katy were in the town for the week (part of their European trip). After brunch we got out on the canals for a lovely day trip (with the kiddos). That evening we went to De Klepel and had some beers across the street before calling it a night. So glad we got to show you our city, Dane and Katy, and looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks!

When Dane & Katy left, Kirk also left again for New York for the week. As usual, he spent most of his waking hours working, but all-in-all it was a successful trip and he got to enjoy some great food and hospitality.

This week Teia had her final class at her Dutch school Mona Liesje.  I will really miss our 5 minute walk to school, sitting together to do puzzles and read, watching her play with her Dutch friends, and most of all her lovely teachers. We had a really wonderful experience at this school!

And another milestone for Teia - her final days at Bizzi Lizzi's Pre-School. Teia absolutely loves this school. The special bond and experiences created for these children really is remarkable. And not only that - the bond between the moms was always incredible - we had many a fun night wining and dining. I hope we continue to meet up. We will sorely miss Teia's little friends, Lizzi, and Nicole.

Now we're off to our summer vacation - can't wait to see family, friends and the good old Pacific Northwest! This is my first summer home in 7 years - can you believe it?!!!  Honestly with all our travels, nothing beats the beauty of Washington State!