Visit to Point Robinson Lighthouse

Last Thursday Mom and I had a great visit to Vashon and Maury islands. They're actually connected by a land bridge that we drove over, but on the map they're two separate islands (go figure!). We only had to take one ferry from the mainland.

One of the reasons for our visit was that my Papaw and Grannie were vacationing with friends in the lighthouse keeper's house at Point Robinson on Maury Island. I used to think I'd like to be a lighthouse keeper when I grew up, but I found out the Coast Guard has automated all the lights! So there goes one romantic career out of the running.
Here's me and Mom posing in front of Point Robinson Light. After that, I tried my first mouthful of sand. Mmmm, not bad but a little crunchy. I blew lots of spit bubbles for a while after that experience.
Papaw tried to amuse me by flying a kite on the beach, but there really wasn't enough wind. Looks like a fun activity for future, though.
Best of all was the chewable driftwood, which I discovered has a slightly salty taste. Yum!
The other part of our Vashon day was visiting relatives. First, my Great-Grandpa Gerry and my Great-Omi Karin (who is turning 91 in about a week -- wow!).

And then I was introduced to my Great-Grand Uncle & Aunt (?) Ken and Phyllis. Just a moment before the camera clicked, I wasn't crying, really. Speaking of kites, Ken is an architect and has built box kites as a hobby. He told us the story of how he tried to impress Phyllis when they first met by building a box kite in her basement, and when it was finished, he discovered he'd built it too big to get it out the door! Great first impression. Well, it all worked out in the end anyway.
Lastly, we visited with my "cousins" who were vacationing on Vashon: Elijah and Ezra from Portland, Ore., and Jilian (the blondie, like me) from Vancouver, B.C.
Best of all was the pet cockatiel that Elijah had brought with him. Jilian's mom Daniella is holding me here, as I stare entranced at this funny little feathered guy. I'd never seen a bird this close up before. Hmm, if Mom and Dad won't let me have a dog, maybe they'll consider a bird...