The 2nd Annual Gig Harbor Island Extravaganza!

My father has a friend that he's known since his was a kid.  Frank and his family live out on a beautiful piece of property in Gig Harbor.  Last year, they invited our group out for a day of play in the forest, on the beach and in the boat.  We had such a great time that we kind of invited ourselves back again this year....and it didn't disappoint.  The 2nd Annual Island getaway was just a phenomenal as we all remembered!  Thanks Frank, Diane, Scott and Alice for another great afternoon on the water (and in the trees, and in the garden, and in the boat, and on the island, and...and...and...)!

 

 

Frank owns Raft Island Roses.  Touring the gardens at his house is always a feast for the eyes.

After hanging out at the house for a bit, we ventured down to explore the beach.  They were having a very low tide, so we were able to walk quite a ways out in the harbor.  The kids had a great time collecting sand dollars and finding crabs.

I took this picture of my brother and his wife last year.  Same tree, same pose.  It became one of favorite images from the whole year.  This year, he took one of us....

Then it was back to the house for dinner and S'mores.  

(There was a boat ride and an island adventure in between, but after losing my lens in the lake last year, I decided to participate camera [and worry] free.)