Tuesday 3/26 Kayak Family

Making certain not to miss any river activities, our Minnesotans gear up to stay as dry as possible while kayaking. Smiling in the bright sun is easier than keeping eyes open. The group soon requires all hands for the launch into the frio Frio.

When on the river, family navigates through the rocky rapids and declares the short but successful adventure a victory over cool March weather.

Tuesday 3/26 Horse Stables

Our appointment to ride horses this morning comes with jacket weather and much sun. Unfortunately, Nacho, favorite mount of older granddaughter, is no longer with us; fortunately, Dumplin, favorite of younger, is still available for her to ride once more. Their dad is thrilled not to have Diego (renamed El Diablo). Pawpaw and I stay behind and visit with the owner and her ranch hand.

After riding, girls meet the baby deer and make friends by feeding it. They also scamper up the goat hill and call the nannies and babies to follow them. Definitely having a "Yeehaw!" kind of day!

Monday 3/25

With the weather cold enough for a blazing fire, we manage to stay outdoors until our appetites call us indoors. Daughter creates the most attractive plate with steak salad featuring cubes of roasted butternut squash.

Dessert is a cherry cobbler made earlier by granddaughters from an easy recipe and with a little help from me. Add a scoop of Blue Bell, please.

Thursday 4/11 Travel to WA

Since our flight out of Salt Lake City is delayed more than two hours, we have plenty of time in the airport to enjoy the scenery, drink great coffee, and eat.

Last vehicle on the 10:20 ferry? That's us (we)! So close to the back end that they put blocks under our rear wheels! If the ferry goes any faster I think we might slip into the Puget. As it is, I dig my toenails into my shoes and hang on. 

Our plane is delayed another few minutes and arrives SEA at 8:47. Getting the rental car and using Garmin while driving in the dark is challenging, but at least it isn't raining.  

We meet daughter on Vashon fairly close to our cottage and then follow her. She has picked up the key; turned on heat; stocked fridge with beer, coffee, and salmon spread; and brought apples, bananas, and crackers for snacks/breakfast.  (Makes me think of how older daughter also makes us always feel so welcome!) Ready for sleep in a later time zone, time for good-nights. 

Monday 3/25 Boogie Girls

After a calorie-laden lunch at Mama Chole's in Leakey, granddaughters grab their boogie boards and head for the river. With determination they succeed in shallow rapids. After comparing experiences, they opt for noodles at the swimming hole again.

Lying on the sunny rocks warms and dries them before going up to the house for snacks of banana boats.

Sunday 3/24 Frio Frio

After the pool, down to the river. Risking the cold to have fun with noodles, the girls uphold their reputations as Minnesotans.

At day's end, we settle down with rib-eyes and veggies from the grill, building our strength for the short week.

Sunday 3/24 Swimmers

Two of the cutest ice cubes ever take a swim in the pool while adults stay dry and soak up some welcome sun.

Sunday, March 24, Swingers

Church Sunday morning with choir performance and brunch left plenty of time for outdoor activities. A cold front erased yesterday's high temperature of 90 but left our Minnesotans undaunted.

Girls are never too old for swinging. Hair flies with twisting and twirling.

Saturday, March 23

Waiting for the plane to arrive allows excitement build. Finally the Minnesotans appear on the escalator, younger partially hidden by older granddaughter. This time both girls run into my arms for hugs, having outgrown jumping into my arms. The mom has stayed on the upper level to buy a couple of books.

We gather luggage and phone Pawpaw in the cell phone lot. Soon we head for the hills and look for bluebonnets along the way.

At the river house I put brisket roasted yesterday in the oven to warm while we unload and hurry to the river, catching the last of daylight's heat. Today's temperature reached 90, but the coming days will be much cooler.

After dinner and greatly anticipated Blue Bell, we settle down at both houses and hope for a break in the weather during their visit.