Winter in Seattle

Well it is winter time in Seattle and that generally means even more rain than usual (normally it is drizzle in the area, but in the winter it is actual rain). Typically, November is the wettest month for western Washington, but for some reason, it seems to have been more January and February this season. We are experiencing another La Nina weather pattern, so we are sure that has something to do with it, but who knows what normal is anyway?!

This year, in addition to being rainier than normal, it also seems that the snow does not want to give up either. Luckily the snow has been here and gone on the same day (a good thing for hilly Woodinville), but it is still enough to make things messy.

Here's a picture of our soggy backyard -- note the running "stream" in the yard.

Here's almost the exact same shot of the backyard, but less than an hour later.

It sure is pretty as long as you can stay nicely tucked away in your house.  :)

A Sunny Seattle Day -- in February?

Well, no one was more surprised than we were when the weather forecast for this weekend was sunny, dry, and 50-60 degrees.  Considering that it was Jared's birthday weekend, it was up to him as to what we were going to do to take advantage of this glorious weather.  He decided that if the weather did indeed match the weather forecast, he wanted to head back to Whidbey Island to soak up a little sun, ocean waves, and overall good weather.

We woke up on Saturday morning, had breakfast burritos at home, loaded up the truck and Indy, and we headed out.  The ferry at Mulkiteo wasn't too busy -- we had just missed the ferry, so we had to wait for the next one and we just made it onto that one.  Not too bad, and a bit lucky for us --- and we are never lucky.  Anyway, once we landed on the island, we immediately drove to our favorite beaches.

A Sunny Day on Whidbey Island

A Family Portrait

(of course, Indy is looking everywhere but at the camera)

Kristina and Indy heading down the beach

A View from the beach

Clear Ocean Water

Kristina and Indy hanging out on the beach and enjoying the sun

The Bluffs on the Beach

Indy the Poser

Mt. Baker -- the snowiest place on earth

Of course, in addition to all of the wonderful sightseeing, no visit to Whidbey Island would be complete without stopping at the Knead and Feed Restaurant in Coupeville for lunch!  What a great day!  Happy Birthday Weekend Jared!