Leavenworth WA (about 2 months late!)

It was the first weekend in April - and we drove into snow! This is about as far East that Jude has been since living in Florida. It's fun to get away for the weekend, and through one Mountain pass is an exciting start! (the drive is beautiful!)

Jude: Sleeping and driving, or wearing tough face?

The drive up (and especially getting closer to Leavenworth) we see tons of wineries and a few breweries. Under different circumstances, we will have to hit those up!

Morning after we arrive, we get more snow. My brothers so kindly started the day throwing snowballs at my dad. I told my kids that, "That's not nice." Hoping that I won't get one in the kisser someday... Sheesh!

Poor dad. (these are kinda dark. I did not edit any of them.)

We weren't really expecting snow...so we made due with what we had. Grey has socks on her hands. But, we always put socks on her hands. Not only are they a great fit, but you can get super fuzzy cozy socks to make it even better! (and just change them as needed. Depending on how much snow she wants to play with/eat.) 

The weekend we happened to be here the "Pear Festival" was going on.  We roamed the streets which are basically filled with shopping, wine and beer tasting, and food. Mostly German fare. It's the Leavenworth theme. When we came up to the main tent with all the samples and whatever, Grey was given a little pink Umbrella. (I thought that was really sweet!) And got to meet "Pear Bear." Although, she wasn't too sure of him...I scooped her up and reassured her, he is a friend.  Much better.

There we sampled tons of food. All free. Pear beers, ciders, pear gelado, salsas, meats, cheeses, chocolate...so much. fresh baked pretzels and the mushroom brie was my favorite. I could just eat that for at least a week and be in heaven. Everyone was dressed up in traditional German clothes, feeling festive and just jolly as can be. (Hmmm...the booze?!) Just kidding.

I liked all that, but just hanging in the cabin was nice. It held 4+ couples and the hot tub was all I wanted!! Yes, hot tub, outside in the snow.

We ate a lot of junk food. I tried to keep our little family clear of it, but I am still learning to let go a little. Grey is eating...ughhhh...chocolate!! (She calls it "Choc-o") She knows how to say chocolate. TV has tainted her (it's these music videos that she likes...Choc-o-lot in my pock-o-lot...)

Silas was in the johnny jump-up for a hot minute, so I thought I'd bring it. He just ended up dangling from the beams. He liked it though, so we went with it. I promise we aren't cruel!! 

Also, to go with our junk food weekend habits, we sat around a lot and played cards. I never won.

And with all the distraction, Grey still got glued to the telly. Sigh.

Although she (shockingly!) did look at me for a quick smile. And she never does that, the girl is not a fan of the camera.

 

Luckily, Aunt Kirstie made a little fun out of telly time and made a fort around it. Much better!

Meanwhile, more cards going on. Either Jude or Matt is about to win here...

 And a little camera fun with Uncle Mark.

The weekend goes by so fast. That was all I got from the Leavenworth trip. We'd love to go again...who's with us? We need at least 3 other couples to fill the cabin. So. Let us know.  ;)

Drive back home was even better. We went through the Steven's Pass and it was more scenic. No problems going through any of them (Phew!) Which is great because we did not have chains for the tires.

Down hill. Well, then uphill. But then down hill again. So that's pretty good. Little one's tuckered out and slept most the way home! Leavenworth get-away was to celebrate my dad's 60th Birthday. Happy Birthday Pops! We had a blast.