Seattle 2009

• Alarm 4:45 am
• Pack van
• Wake kids
• Unplug everything
• Make sure we have directions....

and our version of Lampoon's Vacation begins.

David is a planner, I'm not so much. So when our buddy passes fell through and the flights were completely booked and no possible hope of get a set let alone 4 was shot to heck....10:30 pm rolled around and we decided that we would drive to Washington. Our very 1st. family roadtrip in 14 years of marriage. David just laughed, because I am always complaining that we never do anything spontaneous and that I need some more adventure. Well this was the answer to my prayers.

Well we had not gotten out of Salt Lake County before we had our first incident. Alex puked all over everything. The only thing I could say was, at least he had not eaten breakfast yet. David again laughed shaking his head...then it started to rain.

About 3:30 in the afternoon we stop off for gas to fill up. The machine is asking a $$$$ amount. David wanted to just fill up. A guy comes around the corner dressed in the colors of the station, red and yellow. Here's David's blog account:

...At first I thought he was trying to help me pump gas. He said, "It is state law that YOU can't pump my own gas." Before he told me that I was looking for the full service sign. (the last time I remember someone pumping our gas was in the early 80's) I thought I had pulled up to the wrong pump. I almost felt like I need to tip him. This guy was running to each pump filling up people's gas, CRAZY!!!! We drove away and I looked across the street at a Chevron station and I didn't see anyone running around there pumping people's gas. How crazy is that. you can't pump your own gas the Oregon and I learned from the attendant it's the same in New Jersey!! Who's the crazy yahoo making these laws!?!?

We finally made it to Seattle at 8:30 pm!!! 14 some hours straight through

NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Once we got there was spent Sunday with my old roomie Kim and her family. It was fun to reminisce with them. But just when we were getting ready to head to David's auntie's farm Aiden came in from playing and had two little welts on his cheek, that quickly spread to his entire face and neck. He had an allergic reaction to something that nearly sent us to the hospital. Luckily David's aunt is a nurse practitioner and we gave him some benedryl and with the help of Kim's husband, David and Brett gave Aiden a blessing. I am so thankful for the power of priesthood.

Once we got to Nancy & Zita's Aiden was out and we just visited for a bit and when to bed. The next few days we had the great chance of see the farm, visiting Nancy's clinic, seeing Tumwater, helping a little with the chores with the animals, and remembering through pictures and stories. This was the whole reason for the trip and I am glad we went.

Aiden had a hard time breathing at Nancy's but we got it under control by Wednesday.

Wednesday we drove out to Gig Harbor to see Robert Miller and his family. Of all our visits I think that was the most fun. WHY? Well, David brought to my attention that Robert and I interacted like brother and sister and that he had stories of our childhood that I had not mentioned and it was fun to see us react together to all of the stupid juvenile stuff we did.

I look back now and I feel the same way. Being with Robert and Robin and their boys was like being with my brother and sister-in-law. We love them so much and we are planning to get together again.

Lots of laughs and smiles. The rest of the time was just bummed about Seattle and it was great. I notice that Seattle is a very "artsy" place. I loved it. I really like it a lot. Don't think I could live there, but visit YES!!!

This blog could be very long, so if you want to know more, just ask and I'll answer. But for now enjoy the slideshow above.