Erica, Paul & Owen playing Wii
Paul and I just got back from 9 days in the US. We flew into Seattle and headed North in our rental car to Bellingham, where son Phil and his family live. We hadn’t seen them since the previous November, when they had all come to México to attend a wedding. That seems like such a long time, especially since the kids are maturing so fast!
Owen, Paul & Erica playing Wii
Erica is 13 and Owen will be 10 next week. They are funny, smart, helpful, wonderful kids. Erica gave us a cello recital. Owen showed us his baseball awards. They both demonstrated their dog training skills with the tricks they’ve taught their black labrador puppy, Lexie.
Lexie
We did all kinds of fun stuff. Walked the dog. Played Xbox and Wii. Went to the farmer’s market. Ate some awesome Indian food (at India Flavors.) We went for a walk at Whatcom Falls while the kids played tennis. We were introduced to their RV, an older vehicle purchased from family that they have already broken in camping around the state several times. (My son can even back their boat into the water using the RV, amazing to me since I am backing-up-impaired.)
Chinese Lanterns at the Farmer’s Market (I used to grow these…)
It rained several times and was warm – then chilly – then warm – then rainy – just like it does in the Pacific Northwest. The leaves were just starting to turn and the bit of crispness to the air at night made sleeping heavenly. Well, maybe part of the good sleeping is that our old bed now lives in their guest room!
Phil and Lexie at Whatcom Falls Park
Back when my kids were young I always took them out to breakfast on their birthdays and on the first day of school. Phil has kept up the tradition, so on Tuesday we all headed out to Ihop for breakfast. More blueberries for me! It was great to hear all about their first day of school and get some sense of the family routine.
First day of school
The following day Paul and I headed South. After a stop (and a replacement iPod) at the Apple Store we headed for Tacoma. Dinner that night with my sister and her husband at Indochine had both Paul and me moaning with pleasure. I had Dancing Buddha, described as “Crispy tofu in caramelized sweet chili and hoisin sauce, further blessed with basil and served over fresh spinach.” Fantastic. I’d seen my sister in April when she came to Mazatlán for a visit, so it felt like we could just pick up the conversation where we’d left off. Her daughters had just gone back to college for their sophomore year a couple of days before.
Then the next day Paul went to a lunch meeting with the people he used to work with (when he worked full time) and works with now (part time from Mazatlán.) He enjoyed seeing everyone again and catching up a little. After his meeting my sister, Paul and I drove to Chehalis to visit my aunt and uncle in their new place. It is sort of assisted living – they have one side of a duplex (I think there are around 20-25 duplexes in all) and all the landscaping, etc. is taken care of. They can go to meals in the “big house” if they want to (they don’t) and many of their friends live in the same place. So it is nice for them to have a social life with people they have known a long time, and I know Dick enjoys his weekly golf games.
My Aunt Jean with her paper maché bouquet
That night we hung out with my sister and her husband, cooking on the BBQ and eating outside in the warm evening air.
My sister and brother in law
I guess you can tell it was just a wonderful trip. Especially since on our way back we splurged $50 each on an upgrade and flew first class! I had never had the pleasure before so I am thoroughly spoiled now!
My next post will be our impressions of this and that North of the Border.
Steve Cotton
September 12, 2009You are really making me look foward to my trip to Salem. But, also, returning to Mexico.
Nancy
September 13, 2009Steve, You’ll have a great trip, I’m sure. When do you go?
Cynthia
September 12, 2009Hi Nancy and Paul – Ya gotta love the Great Northwest – no matter where you live now. We’re glad you had a good trip and nice visit with family.
Nancy
September 13, 2009Cynthia, It was a lovely trip and it was nice to visit everyone and feel the cool. But it is best to be home!
Jackie
September 13, 2009Sounds like a good visit was had by all. I love the Chinese Lanterns. I don’t think that I have seen those around here before.
Oh first class certainly is a nice way to fly. I have done it many times on Alaska Airlines or when I book on American or Continental using miles to fly to Cancun or Florida. I think the very best ever first class flight I had was on Hawaiian. That was a long flight to enjoy all of the special treats.
Nancy
September 13, 2009Jackie, the chinese lanterns are a perennial, I loved having them in my garden. And oh, yeah, I loved first class!
Jan Ambrose
September 13, 2009Nancy, it all sounds wonderful. I think your granddaughter looks a lot like you. I still love the northwest so much. Bellingham is a favorite. Renting up there in the summer might be a great idea! Glad you’re back!
Constantino
September 13, 2009You say “People have SO MUCH! ” but think about how they do that? Big difference is that little plastic card, which has gone unrestrained for a long time, down here you pay for it, or you don’t get it. Simpler, less stressful!, I think. But that’s me…
Have fun, just remember you don’t need all that stuff. Just more stuff to break. Don’t forget to bring back some local yeast…
Nancy
September 13, 2009Constantino, You’re right, credit is part of it. But I walked by house after house with their garages stuffed to the gills and I just had to wonder if it was all used and what it all cost.
Jan, Paul and I are such homebodies I don’t know if we could actually go somewhere for a couple of months. But there are times I think about it, especially when it is boiling hot here!
Jan Ambrose
September 13, 2009We’ve dont that a few times during hot weather…went up to Galiano Island one summer with Teddy and settled in a little house there for a month. We’re homebodies too for the most part. After we build the house we’ll likely never leave.