A Fairhaven Christmas Story

      Last Saturday our family went on over drive and really got into the Christmas spirit.  Nana came to town for the weekend, and she shared in on the festivities.  At least the inside activities, she is from Arizona and all.   Last year found me in Wyoming -surrounded by family, but not with my kids and wife.  There is something extra special about sharing the holidays with kids.  It puts you in the spirit very quickly.   We have been watching Christmas movies on Netflix, but can not find two movies that do it for me *make me far less Scrooge-ish* every year.   Those are --National Lampoon's, Christmas Vacation, and A Christmas Story.  The 2nd plays 24 hours straight on cable TV each year. 

     On this day---and next weekend, Fairhaven was full of activities.   Most at the best price of free!   Also don't forget that the Farmers Market is going until the 22nd -Downtown Bellingham.  An easy way to buy local for the holidays and stay away from all the box retail giants.

The newly lit trees in The Village Green

Horse rides.

Both through Fairhaven and down near the bay from the Bellingham Terminal

Downtown Fairhaven from inside the wagon.

Waiting for the ride to start!

Time to thank the horses.

Of course Santa & his wife were present!

On to explore the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. 

Full of activities!

Including a sail in boat light show.  Something we sadly did not attend.

Events include---more horse rides

A huge gingerbread house display.

A family favorite was the Larbee School house---with two of our kiddos attending the school.

Although the crowds to view --were massive!

                                        Much dancing and music---hot cider and cookies

      

And fire truck rides!     Everything was free!!

The majestic Zodiac is docked here.

Undergoing some massive repairs.

By early afternoon it was time to return home. 

And prepare the house for Nana's visit!

We ventured just up the road to purchase our family's first real Christmas tree. 

A far cry from going out in the cold and snow to cut down a tree---something I have done before.

But this method proved just fine.

Nanny pitches in to help.

Time for a break from all the decorating.

Every year the kiddos get special ornaments and every year together

we buy a dated tree ornament.  

Finding one with the date on it, is much harder than one might think.

This years is a great Dr Sues themed one from Target.

We also always put up the handmade decorations from a Christmas of our past.

We were all living in a motel for the holidays and all of our Christmas stuff was in storage in another part of the state.

We borrowed a fake tree and made all of our own decorations.

Not saying it was a bad Christmas--there is no such thing!

But the decorations are awesome, and they remind us of how far we have come. 

I am sure your family has some great traditions.

To read about some more of ours---please check out some of my posts from last year

at another great sight of mine

www.wyomingjack.blogspot.com

We also hope that you and yours have the most amazing Christmas possible!

Filled with hope, spirit, family, love and the true reason for it all

Christ!

This count down ornament now says eight days left!

Aberdeen Day Two!

     Welcome back!    After the holidaze I have many new ideas and posts coming!   I hope that everyone sticks with me.  And PLEASE share these links, if you enjoy what you see here.  
Our family has been experiencing overly poor service almost every were we shop in the last few months.  I have an entire blog post about the worse offenders in the works.  But to counter the "bad karma" this might bring, I am going to post about a quality business in every new post on this sight.  As long as we actually have an enjoyable shopping, dining, or business experience.  Places that stand out and offer beyond great service, actually going the extra mile to make our day or at least be helpful.   Many have already been noted in these posts.   Our family offers them a huge thank you!   After I have a large handful, of businesses posted, I have a plan to attempt to cross publicize with them.   To freely push customers to there business and to my random web-sights.   Thank you ahead of time, to anyone that goes with this.  


      Today I have two such businesses.   ---  Before our trip out of town, and again this morning--I find myself at Midas to have our car looked at.   They have been overly professional and helpful.  Fixing what we decided was in our budget, and not pressuring us to have more things fixed.  This morning they squeezed our car right in to get looked at.  As I was driving it yesterday afternoon, both wiper blades decided to quit.  They are still stuck in the up position, and you can hear the moter running, but they will not budge.  In Washington, this is a huge problem.  Midas got the car right in to look at, and offered a very reasonable cost estimate.  They know I can not venture to work tonight with no wiper blades, and did not take advantage of the situation by jacking the price way up.   
    While they are looking at our car, it is a quick venture to Barnes & Noble.  With most actual book stores vanishing, it is awesome to have such a large book store in town!  You can roam all of the isles and books, even hide away in a corner and read ---without being annoyed by workers.  The store also has a Starbucks in it, with treats, and coffee of course.  This coffee shop is tied in with the Cheese cake factory ---so treats are expensive, but sooo good!   And offers free wi-fi, which is how I am typing up today's post!   Neither business offers outstanding service, but I have also never had poor service in a Barnes & Noble or a Starbucks.  

     I try to keep this sight as current as possible.  I also attempt to keep all exploring in Bellingham or Whatcom county.   Again today I am going to venture much further down the trail and tell a little more about our recent trip to Grey's Harbor.  For more exploring from way beyond---please check out my other blog sight at      www.wyomingjack.blogspot.com        
For my 2.5 readers in Wyoming, I have many posts about exploring Sheridan, Wyoming.  Just type "Sheridan" into the search section at the top of the blog screen.

Easily the koolest statue in Sheridan

   On to the picture filled exploring!

So on day two of our mini trip---   the rain disappeared long enough for some trail exploring.  The boys and I ventured past the house we were staying at, past the local middle school.  Through many trees and past many ponds.

I love how it is so wet that everything in Washington is green.

Even the trees are green all over.

Reflecting bridge toke us into Cosmopolis.

I apologize if I spelled the town wrong. 

                               Short section of track remaining down by the water. 
   Our youngest found the Frisbee --pictured above.   One of us seems to find at least one treasure every time we venture out.  

A few rare glimpses of the sun follow.

My readers in other states, probably do not realize how little we see of the sun in the winter time.

This is why I bring it up so much, and have so many random pictures of the sun.  

It is nice to recall what it actually looks like, and think of it's warmth!

On days that the sun does make an appearance, all residents are squinting, trying to recall what that bright light in the sky is.  And trying not to run into things while walking.

The great Northwest usually has amazing, sun filled summers, but the winter is full 

of grey and rain.

Back were we stayed, there are many cats.

Every time we ate or sat at the table- there were many glowing eyes watching us. 

My wife took this picture on the way to Aberdeen.

Considering we were on I-5 and moving, it is a very neat picture.

The Space Needle top was recently painted gold for it's 50th anniversary.

Right now it is getting a new paint job.  A tree landscape around the top. 

Voted on by residents of this state. 

We also had time to visit relatives.   

We had started to think that my wife was adopted at an early age--for many reasons.

Or maybe it was just hopeful wishing on her part.  But she looks just like this recently found sibling.

The kiddos got to see relatives too, and have an all out brawl!

Notice the fine made sock "boxing gloves!"

Than we explored many of the homes my wife lived in.

Or at least drove past them.

My wife is the only person I know, that has moved more than me.

Thank you for reading and sharing this post!

Next I return to the wonderful Bellingham area.

Last Saturday we explored Fairhaven and enjoyed all of there Christmas activities!

Exploring Aberdeen/Greys Harbor II

     This page is all about Bellingham and Whatcom county.  What to do see and be here.  And I have many ideas for this page.  I really do, I just been busy with a little day called Christmas and all. ;)  This page is also all about exploring.   And the trail took us out of Bellingham --across the state actually to Aberdeen.   This trip gained us a new travel trailer, that is in our family's yard for storage, but will save us a lot in motel rooms this summer.  Of course all of our roaming this summer will make it in picture filled blogs.  As long as my work gives me time off.  So today I wish to share a few pictures and thoughts.  

      I usually warn people to make a U-Turn when they see the above sign.  But we do have some great friends and or family members that always make the trip worth while.  All of the water and such make for some great picture opportunities.   Since my wife grew up in this area, I will refrain from bad mouthing the area --for now.  The town does have one of the best motto's around though. 

  I can though bad mouth this motel!  In our travels we have stayed in some very bad places.  This is possibly the worse place we have ever stayed.  Nothing worked right, but we still payed full rent.  Including the bath tub that took six hours to drain.  They were closed down for awhile, to meet safety standards, and you can see some improvements going on now. 

     Just after the "welcome" sign, you pass this rock wall of sorts.   I have been exploring at the top, and can say it is worth the difficulty to climb.  You are greeted by water views just across the road.

   Just into town, take some time to explore this great park.  The bridge in the background is a draw bridge, the entire area has such bridges.  So don't be surprised if you have to wait for awhile.  

    

                                          Some fall color still hanging on for dear life.

Right past the park is a Starbucks.  

I took time to write one of my posts for my other blog at this coffee shop. 

If you call the random rambling writing.  

Let me know what you think--  www.wyomingjack.blogspot.com

The above sign is not over the Starbucks, and is actually a false sign.  

The shop is now closed.  

                               Behind the Wal Mart store is another good area to explore.  

                                              Abandoned pumpkin I found along the way. 

                                                                          O shaped trees.
   

Just before the sun came out for a little bit. 

They do not call it Grays Harbor for nothing. 

                                       Across some more bridges to Hoquium.   

   Both towns obviously benefit from the water.  But they also take logging seriously too.  A huge loggers rodeo greets visitors each year.  We have been to the parade and rodeo I am happy to report. 

                                                  Same blue boat, different types of draw bridges.  

   Behind the industrial area is a look out you can climb up and stare at the water.  

   Beyond is Ocean Shores and plenty of other great port towns.  I do not really like Ocean Shores.    It is one of those towns that could be a great tourist trap, but is far from being one yet.   You can also easily jump onto highway 101 from this area.  

  Lots of updates and new features in the works.   My next post will be all about weekend Christmas activities in wonderful Fairhaven.