Welcome Back to Birch Bay

The last leg of our trip took us up to the Northwest of the Northwest. Tucked into a small cove is a land that houses "the commune". Katies family live within throwing distance of each other and it is a wonderful time everytime we visit. There is so much to do and even if you do nothing it is still a great time. Here is a little (with more photos than I've ever posted before) of what we've done to this point.

Give a man a BB gun and hope for small low flying birds. These men asked to not have their faces in the picture for obvious reasons. Thanks to Tim, Katie's brother, we were able to hit a five gallon bucket of golf balls into the water. The tide will go out a ways and the kids walking the beach will get to collect all of Jays shots cause he can't hit the ball far. Haha.

Notice in the bottom right corner of the photo. Katie's cousins, Peter, Matt and Isaac created a grenade launcher thingy for our fireworks on the 4th.

Friday night we enjoyed fresh fish tacos with all the fixins'

And it wouldn't be forth of July weekend without the homemade icecream.

More driving range practice. This time down by the water.

We went for a walk during low tide and made it out to the point.

This picture doesn't show it well but the barnacles gripping to the rock bring character to the bay.

Almost to the point.

Aunt Theresa and Katie soaking up some sun and rest and probably talking about their hot husbands.

Driftwood.

Dinner at Leonard and Kathy's. The Unruh's know how to put a meal together.

No dinner is complete without Vivian's buns. I titled this photo: Viv's Buns.

BBQ ribs, homemade green beens, salad= yummy.

Thought of you mom. Frozen Yogurt cream pie.

Grandpa and grandson.

I stepped away to snap some shots after dinner. I saw this flag, snapped some shots and then the wind blew and I realized there was another flag behind. I was reminded of my brother. Everytime I see a flag I am reminded of him and pray for him.

Grandma's Hydrandeas

If this statue were real he would be wise. To sit all day and stare out into the ocean everyday one could learn a lot. I sat and stared at him and became jealous. I know, I know, ridiculous.

The San Juan Islands from the family beach. One day I am going to kayak there and camp.

She is already beautiful but put her by the ocean and man-o-man!

Birch Bay is safe with this guy. Isaac is always on the lookout for ninjas, pirates, and canadians.

I've never been known for my verticle.

The fireworks came out a day early.

I managed to set my camera up right to capture Matthew and Jay's rock skipping abilities.

It wasn't a weinie roast but we did manage to have a fire and enjoy to sunset.

Tonight is our last night on the Bay. It has been a good time for us as we discuss our future and plans for where we want to settle down, have babies, and build community. In all the thinking and talking i'm reminded of a Proverb from the Bible:

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

Well, I hear fireworks before dark. That means the boys are getting restless. And the thought of more summer food is making my stomach rumble. Ahh, an enjoyable evening it will be.