After Grandma's (Marjorie's Mom) visit, Christina flew back with her to Georgia and spent some time with her cousins and all the family down there. After a couple of weeks (during which Marjorie and I were going through "kid withdrawal") Granny (Buck's Mom) drove up to Jacksonville, sat out the tropical storm, and flew back with Christina to visit for a couple of weeks. So now we have the house full again!

Of course, the first stop was Seattle, with the required cup of strong coffee at Seattle Coffeeworks. It was an absolutely beautiful day.

We decided that my mother should have a little taste of "real" mountain climbing. So we fixed up a picnic lunch, and hiked all the way up "little" Mount Si. Mom was a real trooper. Even though we hiked 5 miles up 1500 feet, on hands and knees in some places, she stuck it out all the way to the top.

We traveled back to Seattle to pick up the ferry to Bremerton. Washington state has the biggest ferry system in the US, and we make good use of them. It was another beautiful day.

Bremerton is a Navy town, more specifically a Navy ship-building and repair town. While we were there, we were able to tour the USS Turner Joy, and I have to say that after seeing what the Navy troops had to go through on those ships, and reading the accounts of the men and women that gave their lives. it certainly made me even more proud of this country. Having served in the air Force myself, I understand a little of their service.

And then we topped it off with a trip to Leavenworth, Washington. I've blogged about this place before - it's a Bavarian-style town with lots to see and do.

And this week it's back to school for Christina, and Mom flies out Tuesday. Just in time for the next hurricane!

Marjorie's mom has been in town for the last two weeks, so as usual we've tried to wear her out before we send her home. She's always wanted to ride on my motorcycle, so this was the trip we did it. She did pretty well, and I was impressed with her courage, until she got off of the bike and kissed the ground. I'm not sure that was really necessary!

Then we took her on trips to Seattle, and trips to the zoo...

We took her on trips to the Bellevue Arts Festival....

And trips to NorthWest Trek with Christina and one of her friends...

and we just got back from driving her all the way to Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada...

Now all she has to do is get home so she can get away from us and rest!