June started (in German time) during our trip to Yakima from Seattle, as far as my camera is concerned. Here's a bridge over the Yakima river we stopped to see.
It's always a treat to see the train running along the canyon.
We made our way to Yakima, where it was very hot but not as hot as it was going to get in June. Mom's garden is always growing.
Spooky the cat has been around for years and is usually friendly.
Some poppies grow naturally here that wouldn't look out of place in certain southeast Asian countries.
Jeffrey spent a lot of time here so he is good about helping the uncles.
We visited a nice little winery and one of the things they grow there is lavender. Apparently it doesn't take all that much water.
Hugo has never been to Yakima and enjoyed being with so many people who were similar to him.
We took the rafts back up the canyon for a float. Had to get around some obstacles but it worked out.
Annika had the chess move of bringing a sun umbrella for rafting the lazy early-summer Yakima. She shared it, graciously.
When the umbrella was passed your way it really did make the whole experience feel a lot more civilized.
It was a particularly hot day so when we got home, Jeffrey decided to see how long it took for ice to melt in the sun.
On the last day we were in Yakima, we had a cookout.
This trip was Hugo's first time meeting Grandpa Jeff. We were supposed to make a similar trip in June 2020.
We headed west towards the coast.
We spent two days at our place south of Grayland.
This place jutting out here has become a bit of a local legend. His property was scheduled to wash away years ago.
The kids can spend a lot of time stick fighting in the woods.
I don't remember what happened here but I think he saw a bug he didn't like the look of.
I let hugo borrow the camera for these next few.
Nothing could possibly go wrong here.
Went for an early morning walk with mom.
Industrial area in Aberdeen.
We have a longstanding deal with some neighbors that may or may not be remembered. Basically there's this rainforest path behind their house and mom made friends with them and they said they could use their yard and driveway as access. As long as nobody is yelling, shooting or calling the cops I guess it's ok.
Important uncle time.
There were a ton of dead crabs washed up. No idea why.
Visited the zoo. They had the animatronic dino exhibit going. This was pretty funny because we had to explain to hugo that Jurassic Park is not real.
We visited Alki Beach to have dinner with my aunt and see a bit of west Seattle.
I bought a jar of unsalted peanuts in order to befriend the local crows.
Flying back to Baltimore.
Over Chelan city.
Over Chicago
Good to be home.
Happy to see they finished construction on some higher-density suburban housing. Looks nice.
Temps were rising so we set up the slip n slide. The kids had only a few injuries.
The stream down the hill from our house is very cold.
We had a few days over 90 so it wasn't intolerable.
The old Mercedes wagon did not come close to passing inspection so it was time to send it off to the recycler. This car would probably have a few years left in the States but they don't mess around with old cars here. I wouldn't be surprised if it somehow got shipped to Africa.
We went to the pool and Hugo went so hard that he couldn't decide if he wanted to sleep or eat his hot dog.
The big kids were told to wash their hair so they decided to do it with style.
Got a new work camera in the mail so of course it should be tested on cats.
Ended the month on a high note.
