On MLK day we took advantage of the free entrance to state parks and headed to St. Edwards State Park near Kenmore. I was hoping a vigorous hike would jumpstart labor, and we wanted to take advantage of Tom’s day off to enjoy the outdoors.

It’s a gorgeous park that sits on Lake Washington. Despite the weather forecast that it would be cloudy all day we enjoyed a gorgeous crisp but sunny morning.

We sat and enjoyed the lapping waves, soothed as always by their rhythmic cycle.

Ferns growing up the moss covered trees.

Clearly, my intent to jumpstart labor was unsuccessful as I’m still “large and in charge” a week later, but the fresh air certainly brightened my spirits.

At one point during the hike the path was bathed in sunlight. I sighed, threw my hands out in the air and started to spin in a circle saying “Ah! We’ve got to take in this sunshine.” I didn’t think anymore about it. Then two days ago as Scotland and I were walking out of the gym I exclaimed again about the beauty of the sunshine and he said “Get some sunshine, Mom.” I smiled and put my arms out. Then he said, “No, like this” and closing his eyes, his arms wide he started spinning in circles!

After our hike we let Scotland enjoy the HUGE playground. It was a gorgeous morning, and was a good reminder about how refreshing and unifying it is to leave the house and get out in the great outdoors. We’ll certainly be back to Saint Edwards, it was amazingly quiet and peaceful. The trails were difficult enough to get a bit of a workout (at least for this prego.) And best- it’s only 15 minutes from our house. We LOVE living in Seattle!