Getting to Lopez Island requires driving north of Seattle to Anacortes and then taking a ferry.  The kids thought the car ride was long, but they were champs.  They LOVED the ferry ride.  A Boat!  A Boat that’s big enough for our Car!  A Boat that’s big enough for our Car and we saw a Seal!  Oh joy of joys!  This is the best trip ever Mom!

By the time we finally got off the ferry and drove across the island, we were done with the car.  Done.  We were greeted by this beautiful view off the south end of the Island, right across the Straight of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Mountains.  We were also greeted by the lovely hostess Michelle, who met me with a warm smile and said “there’s a bottle of white wine in the fridge for you.”  There was a bouquet of fresh picked flowers by the garden, a welcome message in Scrabble letters and the inescapable feeling of peace and relaxation that just washed over J and I.  This is the best trip ever… sigh…

Lopez Island is nicknamed “Slow-pez” because, well, nothing much happens there.  The island is about 12 miles long and probably has more cows than year-round residents.  Everyone knows everyone and you wave at cars when you pass them.  You don’t drive much faster than 30 miles per hour and there are about as many bikes on the roads as cars.  The beaches are peaceful and more or less deserted, the little town has three really good restaurants and two groceries.  It was a lovely little step back into Mayberry with a sea view.  Our pulses slowed down, our patience stretched out, our shoulders unclenched and our smiles widened. 

So what did we do?  Hiked at toddler pace.  Climbed on rocks.  Threw countless rocks into the ocean.  Waved sticks.  Hunted for crabs and fish.  Dragged sea weed up and down the beach.  Dug holes in the sand.  Watched river otters swim in the ocean, seals rest on the rocks and birds catch fish.  Collected shells. 

 

We settled in, slowed down and noticed details that we normally miss in the hustle and bustle of our normal life.  We all struggled to put into words exactly what the island breezes did to us, how exactly they relaxed us from the inside out, but we all felt it.  We all left a little begrudgingly, wanting to somehow stay in both this beautiful island and also in the beautiful state of mind it put us in.  Clare waved to the island as we left “Good-bye Lopez Island!  We will come back to you!”

Coincidentally, I ordered a play structure for the kids to be delivered and installed on June 28.  So it was a big day in our back yard, where by the end of the day there was a large deck (over double the size of the previous one!) and a new play structure.  I managed to keep the play structure a surprise from the kids (it helped that they were used to men working with wood in the back yard) so at about 4:00 I took them out.  Clare’s face made it all worth it – “Mom and Dad!  There’s a park in our backyard!” 

We haven’t had a lot of time to enjoy the back yard, but we are taking every moment we can out there.  We’re planning parties and BBQs and have hosted a few dinners but mostly we’ve been doing this – adults relaxing and children playing.   Ahhhhh, summer!

Big, huge, tremendous thanks to J and my Dad for their work on this massive undertaking.  J is, understandably, quite proud of his handiwork!

Dear Clare,

Happy Birthday to the newly minted five year old!  As usual, you embraced this birthday with enthusiasm and gusto.  You kept looking at us through the day saying “I’m five now!”  You may be the happiest five year old ever to be – it’s as if you’ve been waiting you entire life to be five. 

We were on the last day of a vacation on your birthday, so you were pretty happy and relaxed.  We drove home and had a small party with Debbie, JP, Maddy and Frederic at your favorite sushi restaurant and then home for cake, ice cream and presents.  When Grandma asked you “Clare, you want raw fish for your birthday?!” you replied “no, I just want sushi!”  You were most excited about your chocolate cake with pink icing and your presents.  There will be a big party this weekend with all of your best buddies at an indoor trampoline park, but for now a simple family celebration welcomed you into your fives. 

You are a delightful newly minted five-year-old.  You are sunshine itself – bright, bold, shining and dancing.  You prance on your toes, wave your arms with fingers outstretched and sing all day long.  When I talk to your teachers or the parents of your friends at school they all talk about “sweet Clare” who greets them at the classroom door with a big smile.  I love to drop you off at school and watch you become wrapped in the arms of a buddy and immediately start giggling.

You’re still our big helper and you take looking after your brother very seriously.  Sometimes I worry that we give you to much responsibility for him and then other times I have to remind you to take less responsibility for him and let me be the Mama.  You’ve told me that you can’t wait until you can be a grown-up and be a mama too.  I try to tell you that there is plenty of time for that and to enjoy being a little girl.

This year you have discovered musicals, specifically Frozen and Mary Poppins.  You’re enamored with all things pretty – specifically dresses, ruffles, sparkles and princesses.  You prefer to wear skirts and dresses every day, though you’re quick to climb a tree, dig in the sand box, pick up a worm or wrestle so I talk you into wearing leggings or shorts under your frilly clothes.  Your favorite colors are purple and pink, but you also tell me that your favorite color is “rainbow.” 

You are the light in our house even on a cloudy day and we bask in your glow. 

Happy Birthday to our beautiful, kind and sweet Clare-Bear.

Love,
Your Mama