Boating in Seattle

A few weeks after my sister's wedding (see previous post), we celebrated with our Seattle relatives who couldn't make it to the wedding. Our cousin Paul invited the entire Gardner family out for a "second wedding reception" - an afternoon of boating from Lake Washington over to Lake Union with a stop for dinner at Ivar's Salmon House. After a rainy/cloudy week, we were blessed with a perfectly pleasant sunny day. In fact, the whole outing was perfect and was more fun than I've had in ages! It is truly a special memory for all of us, not just my sister Rebecca and her new husband Mike. Most of you have probably seen all the pictures I posted on Facebook from this outing, so I'll limited it to my top favorite pictures here....which will be hard because there were so many good ones - not that I'm bragging about my photography abilities, after all how can a picture not turn out lovely when taken on a boat in the sunshine in Seattle with such happy people? :)

Abby is at home on a boat like her Daddy - no fear walking up to the bow and first to volunteer for rides in the skiff! 

Cousin Paul letting my niece Hannah have a turn to drive.

Even I got a turn! :)

This one just calls to me and makes me want to be back on the boat relaxing in the sunshine and enjoying the gorgeous views!

My niece Hannah enjoying the view from the bow as we drive through the channel between the lakes.

Aunt Doris (my dad's sister) playing with Jake in the cabin.

Pulling up to Ivar's! What a way to arrive at a restaurant - so special and fun! :)

The newlyweds!

Cousin Ted on the bow as we head in to Lake Union.

This little cutie was so hard to keep off the ladder!

My brother Dave and his son Solomon enjoying the view - there was lots of "view enjoying" going on by everyone! :)

We drifted for awhile, so the big kids (my nephew Ted and niece Hannah) sat on the back of the boat dangling their feet in the water.

Love this candid pic of my dad. :)

Ben snuggling with Grandma on the way back.

What an amazing day it was! Thanks, Paul and Doris, for the special time!