Winter Getaway to Lake Chelan

Chet and I were so lucky to get away together last week... just to spend time together, relax and do something a little different. So we headed up to the north side of Lake Chelan to Wapato Point in Manson (and used a timeshare bonus week). It worked out great! And while it was raining on the west side of the state, we had some lovely dry, cold sunny days to enjoy.

Our little condo/apartment had a beautiful view of the lake... and all the firewood we could use! We had lots of fires in the fireplace... thank goodness Chet is great at stoking the fire!

View out the window

One afternoon we headed up to Winthrop for dinner. Chet had never seen the lovely western town of Winthrop so I thought it would be a good day trip. It is such a lovely drive through the Methow Valley... we found ourselves dreaming of a cabin up there. After walking around town, we ate dinner at the Old Schoolhouse Brew Pub... tasty food and a fun atmosphere. It was a lovely day together.

Winthrop

The river running through town

Us, enjoying a walk around town

Old Schoolhouse Brew Pub

Another great restaurant we ate at was Blueberry Hills in Manson. It wasn't too far from where we stayed... but up on a hill with beautiful views of the nearby farms, snowy mountains and vineyards. A kind of eclectic, farm oriented atmosphere with very yummy breakfast. Definitely deserves a visit if we are ever in the area again.

Our table at Blueberry Hills... there were marbles, coins, keys, lights and other random things! I loved how they were organized by color. It kept us entertained while waiting for our food.

The outside of the restaurant

View of the restaurant out toward lake

Pretty mountains! And sunshine!

The last afternoon we were there, it was sunny and pretty warm. So we went for a long walk and played putt-putt golf down by the beach at Wapato Point.

Our condo was the one on the lower left...what a great location!

Chet... um... losing to me a mini golf. :)

Sunny putt-putt golf... :)

Earlier in the week, we went home from our week away... so that I could interview for a PNP position at Skagit Pediatrics and go lead our marriage life group. On Thursday, I received a phone call from Skagit Peds offering me a job... and I accepted! On to a new job adventure which I'll start April 4th. Chet took a couple pictures of me (very seriously, I might add... I did smile too, I swear!). Yay!

Chet and I enjoying a fire in our condo! So relaxing and cozy.

This may have to become a tradition in the future... I kind of like the winter getaway idea! Lots of quite, less fellow vacationers!

Jakin smashing sand!

This is a video from the night we were playing at the beach with Jakin. He was so adorable cracking up as he was smashing the sand! It is hard not to smile and laugh with him while watching it! Love this little boy!

California

Last week I got to go enjoy some sunshine and visit a dear friend! Debbie (and family) moved down to Santa Monica last fall and I was eager to go see what their life is like in California! Also, what is better than leaving the rainy Northwest for a little warmth and some beach time.

Since Jakin is only 15 months, our week consisted of lots of play time, nap time (even for me!) and walks. It was wonderful to catch up with Debbie and to relax for a few days.

Playground at Venice Beach

More playtime at a local park

We spent one morning at a farmer's market and wandering down to the Santa Monica Pier. I LOVE farmer's market and there was nothing better than wandering around one overflowing with delicious fresh fruits and veggies in the beginning of February! Not something we usually get to do up in Seattle. My exciting purchases were dates to take home for Chet and some tasty blood oranges.

Then down to the Santa Monica Pier we went. It was fun to see the ferris wheel, shops and restaurants down there. Also, the beach is beautiful and sandy. We had excellent timing too as, when we walked out on the pier, we saw dolphins swimming on either side! It took a bit to capture them actually out of the water but I finally got a decent picture.

That evening, we got a tour of Steve's work and graduate school at Rand. It is interesting to just learn a little about what he learns/does. Then we took a walk down to beach to watch the sunset and let Jakin play in the sand. I swear that Jakin has no fear of the water though... he kept trying to run into the waves without any hesitation!

Jakin loved smashing the sand! He was giggling like crazy.

The cute Isley family!

The next day, Debbie and I took Jakin to the Getty... a beautiful museum up on the hill above LA. We didn't make it into many exhibits due to a busy 15 month old but we did enjoy the gardens and the view.

My last morning there, I really wanted to see a beach with surfers. For some reason, I am fascinated by surfing... maybe it reminds me of snowboarding and I am intrigued by the strength and athleticism behind it. Jakin and I played in the waves as I watched... and got a bit wet and sandy. A lovely morning all around!

So glad for some time away to see a dear friend (and a good distraction from not getting another job). I didn't get a tan, but I came back relaxed and happy from enjoying days of time outside as well as great conversation. Thanks to Debbie for such a great time!