So last week as Doug and I were talking, we were discussing one of our favorite parts about the trip to Texas. While we were down there, we were able to go and explore so many different local treasures. This is such a great way to spend some family time while not spending a lot of money and learning more about the area around you. Well, since we have been back, life has gotten just as busy, if not busier than it was when we left. So, we haven't gotten very much family time, let alone time to explore. Well, this past Saturday we actually had a day off. *GASP* We hardly knew what to do with ourselves! So we decided to find something in Western Washington that was not too expensive yet fun at the same time. Doug found information on the Ballard Locks and fish ladder. So, we called up Aunt Angela, had her meet us in Seattle and we all went to explore this amazing engineering marvel. I don't know if I've seen locks since I was a kid in Germany. Our school would take us on a field trip down the Rhine river and the boat would have to go through locks. It is so interesting how they thought up a way to transfer boats from one body of water into another. The kids really enjoyed seeing the boat "locked" up and then released. The fish ladder was a little disappointing as there were no fish in there, but still interesting for Bethany who is studying the life cycle of Salmon right now in school. After that we headed out for a walk in the botanical gardens and then walked around Pike place market. All in all, it was a great family outing. I can't wait for another day off and another adventure!
