Babywearing on Washington's Coast

First I should mention a memorable stop along the way. Walmart, yes, Walmart, in Aberdeen is right along the Chehalis River. Equipped with a picnic table and a recessed cement sundial feature that amplifies your voice when standing in the center. The kids had fun playing in it while we ate our $2.50 (discounted) pizza while overlooking the river. I must say it's the best view of any Walmart we've been and we've been to many all over the US. 

We ended up staying at the quiet Kenanna RV Park in Grayland, right next to a forest with lots of frogs to catch. A snake even crossed the path in front of Daddy once.

It was a mile walk thru forest, dunes and the snowy plover nesting area to reach the beach.

We found tons of huge dungeness crabs and razor clams on the beach. I really wanted to go clamming with the kids, but they were out of season. From what I read, the coast gets really crazy and packed with people when they are. We later learned that dungeness crabs molt (shed their shells), so most likely what we saw was a mass molting of crabs.  Because they leave their gills, antennae and mouthparts behind, it can be hard to determine if it's a shell or the actual crab remains. We now know to look at the color of the eyes (clear mean it's a shell) and look for the molt line.

The beach was unlike any other we've seen before. It was super flat. There was no drop where 

the water suddenly gets deep. You could walk a hundred feet out and still not get your knees wet. 

We were pretty much completely alone on this huge beach. Occasionally a truck would drive down the beach, 

which is a strange sight and we did see one couple on horseback, but otherwise, not another person in sight. 

Jellyfish were occasionally seen on the beach, so we didn't spend much time in the water. 

We found quite a few skull and bones, pelican bones, and other types of birds and a porcupine, 

which was very interesting to check out. (I'll spare you the photos.)

We found Six-Spotted Tiger Beetles along our hike. One was teal and the other blue. Very pretty. 

One day we went to Westport to do some letterboxing. We enjoyed the 

viewing tower and ended up eating fish and chips at the marina. 

Another day the kids wanted to take their babies to the beach. 

I fashioned a sling which they loved using to wear their babies. 

I'm happy that both of my kids enjoy taking care of their babies and have developed a nurturing, caring quality that they use with each other, all God's creatures and hopefully someday, with their own children.

The Point Defiance Zoo in Washington State

While in Tacoma, we decided to check out the Point Defiance Zoo. We were not disappointed. 

The tigers were so entertaining to watch. One would hide and wait for the other, then jump out and pounce on him. They'd wrestle playfully for awhile and start over.

These cloud leopard cubs are only 4 months old. So cute!

This zoo schedules events throughout the day. We attended the elephant and the red wolf talk. The elephant keeper is holding a mold of an elephant tooth here and explaining how they continually grow new teeth. They move like a conveyor belt from the back to front. As the front one wears down, the new tooth moves in.

In 1980, there were only 14 red wolves left in the world. Some of them were brought to this zoo to keep them safe and allow their numbers to grow. 35 years later, there are now over 250 wolves, about half are now living wild in North Carolina, while the other half remain in the breeding program. Can you spot him walking across the log?

I think if I could be any animal, I might just be a puffin. They live their lives flying, swimming, walking and can climb pretty well. These live on the coast of Oregon and Washington.

This one was very interested in the kids and stayed right beside them. 

The highlight of our day was watching the animal show. It was a skit about "Indiana Bones" and a hunt for a geocache. They cleverly incorporated an impressive number of animals in the show. There was one who didn't want to participate that day, so they skipped his part. I love that they don't force the animals to perform. (They know what's coming, so if they don't walk into their cage to be transported to the show, they leave them there.) The kids wanted to watch this again.

This octopus was very active which was exciting for the kids.

The playground is surrounded by animal exhibits. Giving the parents more to do while the kids play.

Afterwards we had a picnic on the nearby Puget Sound. 

Check out Mt Rainier in the distance!