I spent the night at my sister’s place, after a fun dinner out with she and her boyfriend, and then we woke up at 4am to catch our flight out of Santa Barbara. Somehow I forgot my DSLR. I am so. sorry. But on with it.

We ended up in Seattle at around 10am and after picking up our rental car, headed to Pike Place and stumbled upon a pub called Kells. LOVE. Their sandwiches were awesome. 

After a great lunch and some time driving around, we headed across the state via the Cascades. Wowza. We are used to tree lined horizons, but those snowy peaks were monstrous, and every beautiful thing went on for days. And the SMELL. That dry, hot, pine tree air, I felt like I was having a drink with every lungful. Yay nature. 

Thanks to our aunt and uncle, we stopped at Cascadian Organic Farm for ice cream. It reminded me a bit of Avila Barn. This cute girl at the register had an engagement ring and when I complimented it she blushed. Steph asked how long she’d had it and she said two months. We teased her about being able to watch the road while she drove with that rock on the steering wheel, it was all lots of fun. We were giddy and excited to be out roaming around a new place, making friends.   All throughout the mountain pass, we kept the windows rolled down and drove slowly through the warm air. Almost every hundred yards there was a waterfall or wet rocks or a trickle of water dripping down to the river. That beautiful sound, with the warm tree breeze, followed us along our peaceful drive for what seemed like an eternity.

We stopped at lookouts and vistas whenever we could. I kept deleting photos to take more. 

We have been wanting to visit our aunt and uncle for a long time. They have lived in the Methow Valley for thirty years, but we have gone from being babies (or not born) to broke college kids, to young broke professionals, to spending money on weddings to being pregnant and breastfeeding small babies. FINALLY there was a chance and we jumped on it. Steph is still broke but she was offered financial assistance.

This trip was five days including travel, just Steph and I. No kids, no boys, just quality family time. It was the most relaxing, wonderful vacation I could have asked for. Similar to my honeymoon it was a lot of relaxing in a beautiful place with delicious food. My idea of a good time. Every morning my aunt made me a white mocha. Heaven. They also had this bird feeder that was literally swarming with hummingbirds. I have never seen so many hummingbirds in my life, ever. It was such entertainment.

We dug out these old medicine bottles that my uncle got from someone in town. I had to take a photo because I love the labels. That one on the right is my favorite.

They have a wonderful Westie named Ric. He is adorable and trotted along on adventures. I wanted to remember these comfy chairs facing out to the beautiful view. Such a cozy home, treasures galore, and I took a nap every day. Luxurious. This is their beautiful little western town, Winthrop. The food was amazing, the clothing boutique had armfuls of beautiful things, and the signage was all pure artwork. They even had a parade! We drank lots of wine celebrating my aunt and uncle’s anniversary, with beautiful views every night.

Steph rode around on my uncle’s motorcycle and declared herself obsessed.  

We ate next to the rushing river, quiet beauty all around. 

Then, one very early morning, it was back to reality. We drove back through the beautiful views, at sunrise rather than sunset this time, marveling at the golden glow of the rocks in the morning light. When we reached Seattle it started to rain, and Steph was instantly depressed. But we found ourselves at Serious Pie thanks to a recommendation and it delivered.   Pesto and mozzarella and bacon. A dream on a crust light as a cloud. On our flight back there were lots of moms with their babies. One had kids similar ages to mine and I had eyes like saucers watching her handle a squirming baby with calm grace while answering all the questions from her adorable toddler about where we were, how the plane was constructed, everything. When she squealed with glee at take off, I laughed right along with her. I tried to give her encouraging looks and told the kids they were perfect passengers. We moms need a pat on the shoulder from our community when we have to take on missions like this one. I have so far avoided it but that can’t be forever. I hope I get sympathetic looks and an offer from help when my number is up. 

So that was our wonderful trip. My inlaws stayed with Scott for the long weekend and helped with the kids. He was able to golf and take a nap and do the things he usually does. We had our superior sitter come on Monday after they left while I was in the air coming home. So we are both rested and I even had a short week! I highly recommend that break to anyone who can find the way. My kids were so excited about Grandma and Grandpa they hardly noticed I was gone. I did talk to them on the phone and got lots of hugs when I returned but they seemed totally unphased. I love you, Washington! Can’t wait to come back!