Playing with Fire

We had a beautiful afternoon (while the rest of the country was freezing) and were able to get outside to do some yard work and to play.  Since we never disposed of our Christmas tree after Christmas, I asked Cannon to chop it up so we could burn it.  Those are words of magic to my 13 year old boy - saw and fire!  Needless to say, things got a bit smokey and then I had fun with my camera.

Starting the fire

 We call this one, "Angel Contemplating the Firey Gates".  See his halo?

Cool smoke and flame patterns.

Meanwhile the other two were busying themselves building a nest in the middle of the yard...

These pictures turned out really cool.  Smoke Shadows (Cannon is on the other side of the fire pit.)

"Fanning the Flames"

The finished nest!

Oh, and not to sound like we're bragging, because there will be lots of time that you will have much finer weather than us, but I've got lettuce seeds coming up in a pot on my back deck.  I threw them out there two weeks ago as a fluke and they're growing!

Port Townsend

Since everyone was off for MLK Day, we decided to take a little trip to see something new.  One of the places we've heard about but never been is Port Townsend, Washington.  Port Townsend was a Victorian seaport that was once thought would become the largest harbor on the West Coast.  That obviously didn't happen, but it's a cute little historical town that was good for a day's outing.

Driving there, you go over the Hood Canal Floating Bridge and cross onto the Olympic Peninsula.  This shot is on the Olympic Peninsula after the morning fog was beginning to burn off.

It was so nice to see sunshine and the kids just wanted to play on the small beach.

There were beautiful examples of Victorian architecture.

And the main street was lined with cool stores like this great book store.

Walking out along a pier.

Walking along Main Street.

This will definitely be a place to come back and visit - especially with company!

Cheer and basketball

For the last month, Emmy and London have been going to practices for cheer and basketball.  Neither one has ever tried either sport before, but they appear to be having a great time.  Today was their first game and it was a hoot to watch. 

They both tried really hard and I am happy to report that London made the first basket of the game!  Emmy was not too interested in having her picture taken so I had to be sneaky.  London's team is named the Cavaliers and Emmy cheers for the Pearls squad.

Great shot of London sending up a shot - he made the basket!

Can you read this expression?  "Mom, don't take my picture!"

More beauty

So if you're getting tired of the nature shots, just skip past these posts.  I, for one, will never tire of it.

Going down the hill to get the kids from the bus.

 A sunrise.  The cool thing about this is the purple/blue band on the right.  It's the shadow of Mt. Rainier!

More beauty

Yeah, I know, I'm pretty stuck on nature shots.  But how could you not be when you see things like this?

Totally untouched photo.  Those were the colors my eyes were seeing!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from the Coats Clan!  To celebrate the new year, a new family photo taken on an unsuccessful trip to Snoqualmie to go sledding.  Turns out there wasn't much snow (not even enough to sled on) and since it was raining and icy, we didn't even get much of a walk.

I have no desire AT ALL to participate in a Polar Bear plunge, however, our dog apparently doesn't share that same sentiment.  Here he is at Kopachuck State Park very much enjoying his polar plunge.

Looking a little cold now...