Time with Dad, time with Mom

Daniel was invited to a birthday party recently. It took place at Stone Gardens rock climbing gym in Ballard. Since it was a "big kid only" party, Chris took Daniel there and I took the little brothers on our own adventure nearby.

Daniel really took to the climbing.

 There he goes!

 On the way back down.

 Meanwhile, Matthew, Aaron and I found ourselves at Fred Meyer (thrilling, I know). They always ask to eat there in the upper level area near the deli. We go to Fred Meyer to shop, not to eat, so this was a real special treat for them. They picked out donuts, chocolate milk and applesauce, and we had a great time looking down over the store together.

 There was some goofiness, too.

 After our donuts (and a bathroom break) we drove over to the locks. It's the wrong time of year to see salmon in the fish ladder, but we still had fun exploring.

They love these funny sculptures. 

What a fun time out!

Trip to the Locks

We celebrated Auntie Laura's birthday with a trip to the Ballard Locks. It was pretty cold, but the boys had fun and we were able to see a huge barge and it's tug boat go through. After the locks, we picked up some burgers and took them up to Carkeek Park for a chilly lunch and play time there.

 Sunny--but cold--day at the locks with Auntie Laura and Grandma. (I'm not quite sure what Daniel is so mad about...)

 Aaron had lots of fun climbing on things.

 So did Daniel.

 Looking at the boats.

 A big barge coming through!

Fish ladder. No fish swimming by today, though.

 Cool wave sculptures!

 Auntie Laura with her Seattle nephews.

 "Mom...are we done with the photos yet? I'm hungry!"

Chilly lunch at Carkeek Park. Happy birthday, Auntie Laura! What a fun day!

Boat Day!

On what was sure to be one of the last good days to boat, Papa took the family out for a trip around Lake Washington and through the Ballard Locks.  The boys loved it. 

Matthew staked out a special spot on the boat and wouldn't budge, while Daniel learned to drive all by himself.  And Aaron, well, he got to crawl a little but mostly just wanted to eat all ride long.

The day starts!

Aaron and Papa relax.

Daniel and Matthew's favorite spot at the front of the boat - complete with a bar to hang on (see below).

The new Husky Stadium grand stands begin to rise.  Go Dawgs!

Daniel gets his first driving lesson.

Gas Works Park!

Daniel steers us towards the Ballard Locks.

The boat was a mixed bag for Aaron, but Mommy makes everything better.

Heading to the locks with the Aurora and Freemon bridges behind us.

WHAT?!  Are we in Mississippi?!

Into the Ballard Locks!  Salmon were jumping everywhere!

The doors close and down we go, out to the Ocean.

The Hanzelis at the Locks:)

Aaron was a great deck hand.

Matthew just can't miss that afternoon nap:)

Daniel and Daddy navigate us to our dinner spot.

Fish and Chips at Ivars!

The hungry crew eats.

Before we could launch Daniel and Matthew just had to see the top on the boat.

Diaper change in a boat, check.

This bar was probably Matthew's favorite part.

The sun is setting, time to head home.

Bye bye, Montlake Bridge.

Daniel on watch as we head home.

The sun and Husky Stadium in all their glory.