island hopping + other things: small adventures during (the ever past) winter break
It has been nearly three weeks eleven weeks since finals. For the very first time, I am pleased with how I spent this break. It was (quite literally) filled to the brim with activities: Nihad's baby shower, downtown exploring, swimming on Mondays with grandma and the kids, trips to Whidbey Island, Bainbridge Island, Leavenworth.
It was only a few nights ago that I had a sudden thought: we must fill what days we have with the things we enjoy doing (sounds clichè until you wake up at 80 with the very same realization). I prayed in a Japanese guest house today, surrounded by the tranquil backdrop of a forest. And just last week I spent an evening reading in a library with the little ones. Mohammed was engrossed in a Magic Treehouse book and Asiya a Nancy Drew mystery. I taught them both to read and although reading opens worlds with just a page flip, I also want to teach them both to develop a deep appreciation for the wonder that is life; to teach them to seek it in what is near them first; to appreciate the outdoors, the glorious scenery that is found here at home in the Pacific Northwest. This I believe I have *started to* accomplish in the past few weeks. I felt at peace as we stood on a cliff overlooking Deception Pass where man made structures were complimented by the gentle greens of the waters that caressed the rocky cliffs below.
Our adventures started at Occidental Square on Christmas Eve - the streets were empty but nowhere near quiet as the shouts and sudden bellows of homeless people reminded us of the crisis that now grips Seattle.
We planned the trip to Whidbey Island a little before midnight. It went surprisingly smoothly. Learning about the history of the island at the Island County Historical Museum was especially enlightening, and was an essential first stop before we explored more of the island.
This was followed by a picnic at Fort Ebey State Park. I admit that the park appeared far more scenic in the sun-kissed pictures we saw on google, but it retained a certain charm despite the rather gloomy weather that day. It was chilly - I was hardly able to keep a firm grasp on my camera as I snapped shots. The chill was easily forgotten once we were situated in our warm seats and on our way to Deception Pass: the last stop.
I like how each person brings a different perspective to this scene
It was only a few nights ago that I had a sudden thought: we must fill what days we have with the things we enjoy doing (sounds clichè until you wake up at 80 with the very same realization). I prayed in a Japanese guest house today, surrounded by the tranquil backdrop of a forest. And just last week I spent an evening reading in a library with the little ones. Mohammed was engrossed in a Magic Treehouse book and Asiya a Nancy Drew mystery. I taught them both to read and although reading opens worlds with just a page flip, I also want to teach them both to develop a deep appreciation for the wonder that is life; to teach them to seek it in what is near them first; to appreciate the outdoors, the glorious scenery that is found here at home in the Pacific Northwest. This I believe I have *started to* accomplish in the past few weeks. I felt at peace as we stood on a cliff overlooking Deception Pass where man made structures were complimented by the gentle greens of the waters that caressed the rocky cliffs below.
Our adventures started at Occidental Square on Christmas Eve - the streets were empty but nowhere near quiet as the shouts and sudden bellows of homeless people reminded us of the crisis that now grips Seattle.
 |
| Mohammed in a face off |
 |
| featuring someone's bike |
 |
| Fatima on the merry-go-round. This is Fatima's natural habitat. |
We planned the trip to Whidbey Island a little before midnight. It went surprisingly smoothly. Learning about the history of the island at the Island County Historical Museum was especially enlightening, and was an essential first stop before we explored more of the island.
 |
| ICHM |
 |
| ICHM |
 |
| ICHM |
 |
| ICHM |
 |
| ICHM |
This was followed by a picnic at Fort Ebey State Park. I admit that the park appeared far more scenic in the sun-kissed pictures we saw on google, but it retained a certain charm despite the rather gloomy weather that day. It was chilly - I was hardly able to keep a firm grasp on my camera as I snapped shots. The chill was easily forgotten once we were situated in our warm seats and on our way to Deception Pass: the last stop.
 |
| Fort Ebey State Park |
 |
| Fatima & Layla |
 |
| somewhere near ICHM |
 |
| Mohammed, Nihad, Fatima and Abdiqani posing as they balance on a balance beam. |
 |
| somewhere near ICHM |
 |
| somewhere near ICHM |
 |
| Abdiqani |
 |
| Nihad |
 |
| Fatima |
 |
| Leavenworth |
 |
| Leavenworth |
 |
| Leavenworth |
 |
| la familia in Leavenworth |
 |
| Abdiqani in Leavenworth |
 |
| Fatima and the castle-like building. Leavenworth. |
 |
| Nihad in Leavenworth |
 |
| Fatima in Leavenworth |
 |
| Toy store. Leavenworth. |
 |
| One of my favorite shots. Even the dude in the background blends in well with the setting. Leavenworth. |
 |
| Fatima at the nutcracker museum. Leavenworth. |
 |
| Mohamed mimicking the statue. Leavenworth. |
 |
| The typical touristy shot of Leavenworth. |
 |
| Nihad's future car. Leavenworth. |
 |
| Leavenworth at night. |
Comments
Post a Comment