Mercer Island...

We love Mercer Island. Its not a place I'd want to live -- too many older, retired people that wouldn't be thrilled with their island being taken over by large(r) families. Also, since its very close to Seattle and on a private island, it would be a poor use of our money to rent/own a home there. But its an awesome place to visit! Its very quaint and modern at the same time. Lots of fun shops, places to eat {um, can we say Noah's Bagels!?!?} and some of the best parks around! My favorite thing about the island is that pretty much wherever you are, you've got an amazing view of Lake Washington. Its breath taking in the stormy or sunny weather.

Yesterday we headed out for bagels and coffee and then went to Luther Burbank Park {on the island} before Jase headed off to work. It was the perfect park weather, not too warm, not too cool and we had a great time exploring some new trails and fun spots we had never been to before.

I know its a lot of pictures and I know some of you could care less about so much detail. But we have family members that hear about these places over the phone and I know they'd greatly appreciate seeing them in pictures :) This first post will be pictures of us on the playground and the next set below this will be of us enjoying the beauty around the lake and the trails.

I love this brick building.

you can go in these tunnels and shoot out the other end and some of them take you up top. Very fun place to play hide-and-go-seek! 

we love the BIG slides

this is a fort you can go into where there's a look out area (again, great spot when you're hiding from someone)

Ethan says these are guns, used to shoot the enemy before he sees you :) 

Rachel, coming up from one of the tunnels ....

the next post has the rest of the pictures!