Summer adventures part 1

So I just finished the school year with a wonderful visit from my sisters.  They came for the last two days of the year and we explored Yakima, Seattle, and San Juan Island. I really enjoyed getting to see parts of the state with them that I had never seen before.

In Seattle we stayed in South Lake Union, which had an awesome view of the Space Needle.   The first day we explored the city, and went to the Chiluly Garden and Glass.  It was one of the happiest, prettiest museums I have ever visited.  For dinner we had the best sushi I have ever had.  On Sunday we explored Pike Place and went on a distillery tour.  We also found a new favorite restaurant in Seattle and met my friend Kristin from PACE.  Then Willie had to go back home and go to work and the twins and I continued the adventure together.

Here is a picture of us at the Chilhuly Garden in Seattle, right under the Space Needle

From Seattle, Elizabeth, Anne and I head off to Anacortes to catch the ferry to San Juan Island. On the way there, we saw a pod of orcas! They were really far away, but it was super cool to see them in the wild.  On the island, we stayed in Friday harbor and spent a day and a half being tourists, tasting wine, eating ice cream, and seeing the parks and beaches.  Then we had to head to Sea-Tac so Anne and Elizabeth could head home.  It always makes the time fly when I get to spend it with family.

I think this summer will be full of adventures- we are heading the the beach for the 4th of July and then I am going to a teaching conference in Las Vegas. In August we are heading to NJ for my older sister's wedding.  Before I know it, school will be starting again.

To give up, or not give up?

   So Lent is just around the corner, and Willie and I are going through our usual bout of what to give up, or should we even.  I'm not going to lie, in past years the things I have given up have been more for a healthy fresh start rather than spiritual renewal.  Last year I didn't give anything up, and instead tried to do something extra, which was all well and good, except that I obviously set the bar way too low and when Easter came around I don't know that I was honestly any better for my Lenten observance.
     I started thinking about this post by looking at some of the things that I had put on my list back in January, when my friend Andrea suggested a list of things to accomplish in the year, rather than New Year's resolutions.  Unfortunately most of those are personal, not spiritual- things like "run more 5ks" and read at least 10 nonfiction books.  So then I moved on to what have been the most positive growing experiences in my life this year?
    So here is what I am doing for Lent this year: Every day I am going to give something to someone I care about.  These may be little things, like a card, or a piece of candy to a coworker, or bigger things, like a book that made me think of you.  I think that focusing on others rather than myself is exactly what will help me to grow the most this Lent, and also help brighten someone else's day, I hope.

If you are interested in getting a letter in the mail, or a postcard, or a craft or something- please post in the comments below.  Thanks!