Tacoma, WA

Besides the playground, the park is gorgeous all together. The playground is actually at the very end of the park, a whole luscious green field separates us from the scanty parking lot and the playground. There’s a large walking path circling the path, perfect for Baby when she starts learning to ride bikes. A small basketball court, picnic areas, trash cans are basics that the park possesses, but no bathrooms. Your best bet for potty emergencies is Dash Point State Park down the street. Thankfully, we’ve never found this park to be overly crowded with kids, but always pockets of cute families to keep my only child company.

We were actually headed to spend the weekend in Discovery Bay with family. But while we were there I couldn’t resist taking Baby to the Olympic Game Farm in Sequim, it was just convenient. But after this remarkable and memorable visit, we will without hesitation make the hour trip out of Tacoma just to visit this sanctuary again. Baby and I love animals, there’s something very tender and heartfelt about animals. Driving through this game farm we were able to get up close and personal with many animals and feed them. Buffalo, zebras, llamas, reindeer, bears, lions, and a rare white rhinoceros just to name a few, lace this drive-thru trek. Feeding these typically wild animals in peace was so endearing; you just feel it’s supposed to be this way and you’ll never want to leave.

When we first moved to Proctor, we felt so privileged to be a part of a district that holds such esteem. But we soon realized that it was more; it was a quaint little community full of charisma and comfort. Proctor isn’t very big, the vicinity I consider the ‘main’ part is just a canvas of 6 blocks. But I can easily squander hours of enjoyment here. Proctor is really one of those districts that aren’t boring. You can walk the streets and be curious enough to walk into over half the stores. Proctor’s got it all: Restaurants, cafes, coffee houses, library, wine tasting, recreation, novelties, clothing boutiques, and more.

After getting a minor sugar high from her soy chocolate milk at Poverty Bay Café, I desperately needed a place where Baby could release some energy. As lazy as it sounds, I needed something she could do that didn’t require me getting up much. The last time I was here, I was making a weak attempt to take Baby on a jogging stroller expedition on the park’s B.P.A. Trail. But realistically, this day I needed a park to take her where I could just sit and watch her. Ta-da! Federal Way’s Celebration Park, 10 minutes away from Tacoma, was just one intersection away.

the Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection in Auburn, Washington with my Aunt and Uncle. My first thought was great I get to go look at tree, not much fun. But once we walked in the whole place was more then I thought it would be, and I instantly fell in love with the place. My youngest son who is only 1 was very excited to see what he calls, “Twees.” I really enjoyed seeing the 2 ton redwood root ring that was not only polished, but sculpted by J.M. Blunk. My husband would say that his favorite part was the 7×35 foot tapestry that was created by Mark Adams, in a mill in Avusson, France. This tapestry was inspired by a close up look at a monarch butterfly.

My daughter LOVES water and it was just a pleasant walk anyway delivering her daddy some coffee. We met and greeted other friendly folks who also had high hopes of catching that ‘big one’. I wanted to joke about everyone just putting up their fishing poles and heading to the Lobster Shop restaurant on-site. But, I figured I didn’t want to be so insensitive. There were other children there too, and Baby joined them at the edge of the rail, looking through at the water. The water is absolutely mesmerizing! My husband had gotten there earlier in the afternoon, and still around 5:30 pm, the atmosphere was fantastic. The plus about this pier and park is that they’ve got bathrooms and good-sized parking lot. There’s even an open cabana if you want to have a barbeque with some friends.

With the weather report prophesying no rain, impulsively I knew I wanted to take advantage of this day with water in any way we could. This last minute plan to spend the afternoon at Flaming Geyser was worth it! It wasn’t super sunny, but boy, was it muggy enough. We didn’t have a raft or any other reliable floating device. But, the previous night’s forecast was enough to make me pack the basics and head out to three miles of freshwater paradise half an hour from Tacoma. Today, I simply just wanted my little water baby to have fun in water! This state park is one everyone should visit, even if you don’t want to raft.

Tucked into an upscale neighborhood just south of Tacoma, Lakewood’s Lakewold Gardens is a 10 acre estate with amazing gardens and an interesting history. If you are looking for a fragrant, visually stunning stroll, these gardens should definitely be your destination.

I haven’t been to very many sporting events in my life, however this summer I discovered what fun going to the local baseball stadium can be.  Last Thursday I went to $3 beer night at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma to see the Tacoma Rainiers play the Sacramento Rivercats. Although it was a little rainy, I still enjoyed the [...]

The Ocean Institute celebrated it’s 24th year hosting the Toshiba Tall Ships Festival, the largest annual gathering of tall ships on the West Coast. The festival featured a spectacular array of family-fun activities including live music, art, craft shows, exciting living-history demonstrations and a variety of tasty food. The chance to enjoy maritime displays and presentations, Polynesian dancers, sea-chantey concerts, an interactive pirate encampment and dramatic sunset cannon battles. Additionally, we explored the historic tall ships and listened to the crew share tales of adventure and life at sea. Last but not least, we got to explore the Ocean Institute and explore our local ocean life, participate in live parrot shows, play pirate games and joined in on special interactive presentations.