June 22nd, 2008

A weekend on San Juan Island with Suzy and Hawk is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable weekends possible.

So I was happy to accept their invite to spend my first Father's Day up there, along with Haley, Liam, Charlie, and 3 month-old Mac.

After the usual ferry ride past the smaller islands, and through the cold waters of the Puget Sound, we arrived.

The next couple of days were spent hanging out at Suzy and Hawk's house, which is really more of an "estate" or a "resort" than a house.

They're absolutely amazing hosts, and we ate like kings! Suzy's cooking is...for lack of anything more appropriate to say, professional. It was like having our own private chef.

The kids got to spend a lot of quality time together too, which was good. It really feels good to be a dad when kids are happy and playing together.

We went for a sail on their boat in the afternoon, and saw Kit and Carl on their yacht, Sunshine Patriot. They donated a few beers for our voyage, since we only had two with us.

Liam and I celebrated a little too well on Saturday night, the eve of Father's Day. After a couple of late night glasses of fine single malt whiskey, we dragged ourselves off to bed.

The next morning was hard for both of us, but I was too sick to eat. Only after sleeping a couple extra hours was I able to slowly eat breakfast, with trembling hands. Yeah, hangovers are terrible.

But by afternoon things were sorted out and we went on a hike down the trail near their house. Charlie got to explore the mossy landscape, carefully walking between the ferns that grew as high as her head.

Sadly, the next morning it was time to head home.

We'll be coming back more often I think...

-Rob and Nicole

The guest house, looking west through the trees at Vancouver Island in the distance.

These bearded irises were originally my grandmother's and now Suzy cares for them on the island.

The kids take a break on Liam.

In the morning, Charlie helps Suzy with breakfast.

Charlie briefly channels Marilyn Monroe.

Mac gets dressed.

What is he thinking about?

Someone's ready for a hug...

Carl donates a few beers and some wine to our boat.

Suzy at the tiller.

Nicole surveys the horizon for pirates.

Suzy bought this work of glass sculpture art from a friend, and it fits beautifully out in front of the house.

Deer are frequent guests on the property.

Haley tries to guess Mac's weight... he's growing pretty fast!

From left to right:

"Hey bartender!"

"Get me a Maker's on the rocks, and hurry it up!"

" Hey pretty lady, whatcha doing in a rough place like this?"

"Mom! Throw a strawberry into my mouth!"

Elliot and Suzy play "kissy face" in the afternoon light (which, luckily was perfect for these shots)

He gives up a few smiles for the camera.

Sunshine Patriot, Carl's really, really nice boat. It's designed for cruising up to Alaska and can handle bad weather.

Kit (Rob's aunt) and Carl say "Ahoy" from aboard Sunshine Patriot.

Charlie and Suzy ride together on the boom.

After returning to dry land, Hawk prepares the Barbeque.

Charlie explores the mossy forest wonderland during one of our walks.

Haley, Charlie, Liam, and Maclin walk down the path toward Suzy and Hawk's place.

The whole weekend was just wonderful.

Elliot looks out to sea and reflects on his first year of life. He's 11 months, 2 weeks in the photo.