The Adventures of Jadon and Kalina: Grandma Sladek's Visit

Grandma Sladek came to visit us in February for mid-winter break. The weather was not that spectacular (it could have been a lot worse) but we still managed to have lots of fun!

Grandma arrived on Tuesday, February 18. We met her at the airport and went to a late lunch at Uncle Peteza’s, one of our favorite places. We spent the rest of the day at home.

On Wednesday we went on an adventure to Bellingham. Bellingham is about one and a half hours north of us. We stopped at Hobby Lobby so Grandma could get supplies for her next knitting project. We took the scenic route, part of the way, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery as we drove on Chuckanut Drive along the Washington coast. We spent some time visiting Village Books. We always enjoy book stores. After that we were hungry for lunch. We went to La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza and had a delicious meal. Everyone loved what they had. We stopped at a yarn store after lunch and then headed south. We stopped at an outlet mall on our way home and managed to find a few good things.

On Thursday we went to Rainier Glass Studio and did some glass blowing. Uncle Frank had given Jadon, Kalina and I gift certificates for Christmas. We had watched some of our visitors help blow glass, but we had never done it. Kalina decided she would made an ornament. Jadon wanted to make an egg. I made a bowl. Grandma made an icicle ornament. Jadon and Kalina were able to help the glass maker blow their pieces into shape. Grandma and I were able to help a little more, like turning the glass in the fire. Jadon and Kalina enjoyed it but got really hot. The ovens are 2300 degrees and you get pretty close! We had a nice lunch at Pyramid Brewery before heading home for play time.

Friday morning we went to the aquarium. We always enjoy going to see and learn about the animals. Kalina touched some sea stars. Jadon was not so interested. Jadon and Kalina still love to see the octopuses. The otters are another favorite and they really were putting on a show during feeding time. We had lunch and then came home to make a birthday cake.

My birthday was Saturday. Before Grandma came, she asked what kind of cake I’d like. I asked her to make me a Dressel’s cake. When I was young, we would get this kind of cake for any birthday or celebration. They are no longer made but she found a recipe for it. The cake turned out great and tasted just like I remember. We all went to dinner at Salty’s on Alki. It is one of our favorite places to go with Jadon and Kalina when we want to go somewhere special. The food is fabulous and they have meals Jadon and Kalina like, too. We had a spectacular view of downtown Seattle. After a filling dinner, we came home to my delicious cake. What a special way to celebrate the day!

We spent Sunday at home playing and enjoying each other’s company before Grandma went home on Monday. We are glad Grandma came to visit us. We always love seeing her and spending time with her.