Whidbey Island, Washington

Emmi invited the kids and I to Whidbey Island where she goes every year with her god daughter the week of the 4th of July. Aunt Nellie came too so we weren't out numbered

Emmi's family friends Janet and James have beautiful property in a quaint cove.

This picture was taken from their deck.

Taija, Emmi and Aidan wade in low tide.

Ethan stayed on the sand and had a lovely time with all the diggers left by local children.

Emmi

AKA Aunt Emmi

or Ethan's god mother

One of the most creative people in my life.

I love her for that!

Aidan and Taija see each other only once every few years.

They were attached at the hip whenever we got together this summer.

So much sea life.

Hermit crab shell, sand dollar and moon snail egg casements.

It was awesome!

The kids built a fort.

Aidan was in awe that Taija could write.

Here she's working on a sign with the fort's name on it.

Go parana

Ethan builds a fire...

...around Aunt Nellie.

Endless fun

Friends for life

Down time

Aidan asked to sit in my lap.

I complain about the heat.

Aunt Nellie says nothing and helps Aidan onto her lap when he aprouched her.

Janet watched the kids so the girls and I could run out for a coffee break.

Janet loves kids.

We like her a lot.

Cute ice cream shops.

Gotta love 'em.

Marc and Anza are another set of Emmi's close family friends. Marc was one of the first employees at Mircosoft and Anza is THE Master Gardener of gardeners. Both retired to be farmers on Whidbey Island. I learned so much on our one hour trip to their farm. While Marc gave me a tour, my mouth was open the whole time in amazement. It was also open because I was busy shoveling all shorts of fresh picked berries in.

Ethan wanted to to rub its belly.

Ethan said "over".

When that did not work,

he took matters into his own hands.

That did not really work either.

Once Ethan spotted this blue tractor, there he played until it was time to leave.

When I am around Emmi, my mind goes on holiday.

She thinks of EVERYTHING.

Emmi is so thoughtful.

She brought sparklers.

Yes she even thought of rolled up dish towels as handles and a pan of water just in case.

Everyone needs an Emmi in their life.

We are lucky to have her.

Emmi and Taija. Thanks Emmi for wonderful summer memories. Next time, remind me to take a picture of you with your both your god children :)