Our Trip to Washington

For almost ten days at the beginning of August, we traveled to Seattle, Washington to celebrate two very special occasions. 

The first was my mother’s 60^th birthday (for those of you reading that are her friends, no worries, the big day isn’t until September 24th). She said awhile ago that in place of us planning a big party for her, she wanted to go on a family vacation --- but like, a REAL family vacation with ALL of the family.  Strange concept, I know….but these days our family includes: Mom, Dad, Tim (in Los Angeles), his wife Lilly (who came in from Maine because she was there for the summer for an art institute), Jeff (New York City), his girlfriend Laura (New York City), me, Zach, baby Sam (all in ND), and Alan (and his ex-girlfriend Michaela joined us a lot because they both live in Seattle and we all adore her).  So imagine getting all of those people in one place for any amount of time.  J   But miracles apparently do happen.  

Dinner at Kingfish Cafe

The group, minus Dad, the photographer

This was the first time that Sam would meet Uncle Tim, Aunt Lilly, Uncle Alan, and Miss Laura.  He was pretty spectacular the entire vacation, which made me so happy.  He usually is such a pleasant kiddo, so I am glad they got to see that.

Morning story time with Uncle Tim

A bottle from Miss Laura

Sam in the "kids" picture

My mom had found a house to rent in Greenlake, and it was amazing!  So fun to have plenty of space, a porch, living room, and a kitchen (and amazing to have a dishwasher for bottles…..).  It was just the right size for our group and really a place we could lounge around in.  The first night we all got there we were tired, so we just ordered in pizza and enjoyed each other. Over the next couple of days we packed in some great stuff like: the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery tour, the Ballard Farmer's Market, an Argosy Seattle Harbor cruise, Pikes Place Market, a hike to Twin Falls, a visit to a few local spots that Alan enjoys, and the ‘kid’ gift to our mom --- a family photo shoot.  We have no proofs yet, but if I’m allowed to share them when they are ready, I will.  That was what we did the last night, which was a nice wrap up --- but we were so bummed to have everyone part ways the next day.  Here are a few more pictures!

Going to the Ballard Farmer's Market

The second occasion that took us to the beautiful northwest was the wedding of my best friend, Jess, to her best friend, Dan.  J    They live in Seattle, but their wedding festivities took place in the San Juan Islands, which is even more northwest of the city.  We took a ferry to Friday Harbor and then drove up to the resort, Roche Harbor.  It was such a gorgeous place to get married.  We had a great time.  There was a bridal shower that my mom and I gave, a BBQ to welcome all of the guests (in place of a rehearsal dinner), the wedding on Friday night, and a brunch on Saturday.  We were very busy, but it was so lovely for that busy-ness to be with good friends.

None of them had met Sam, and they did SO well with him!  It is a strange feeling when we venture to something like this where we are with “old” friends.  Most of them are people I met in college, and none of them have kids.  We were the only ones --- a very opposite situation from here in ND where EVERYONE has at least one kid.  We were odd guys out --- but each of the girls were so sweet with Sam and loved on him like they had known him forever and they were taking him in as their own for now.   And it was fantastic to have my parents there with us because they were so willing to help (and they did a lot!).

Six month Sam is close on the horizon…..