On the Road to Washington

There's always too much to do during the holiday season, and this holiday seems particularly busy. (Putting a home under contract over Thanksgiving will do that to you.) While catching up on the blog might seem pretty low on the priority list, I know that a year from now I will value these pictures more than the cleaning and decorating.

Let's escape responsibility with a virtual roadtrip--all the way to Seattle!  Over our fall break, we loaded into our minivan and took Omy for her inaugural cross-country voyage.  After decades of living on the I-80 corridor, we enjoyed heading a different direction as we took off to the northwest.

On the way, we stopped in Rupert to see Grandma and Grandpa Hansen.  We took Grandma to breakfast at Denny's where we all enjoyed pancakes aplenty.


As a special treat, Grandma surprised the kids with the most adorable Rudolf drinks.  Thank you!

I think I've found my secret identity.

When we got to the nursing home, Grandpa was resting.

He definitely perked up at getting to spend some time with his grandson Jason and the great-grandchildren.

All in all, we were so glad to visit and look forward to visiting Grandma and Grandpa Hansen more often now that we live closer.

It was quite late by the time we got to Puyallup so we headed straight to our Marriott hotel, courtesy of Uncle Lance's awesome family discount.  In the morning, we were refreshed and ready to tackle a day of hiking in the Washington rain forest. 

Utah may have mountains as well, but nary a moss-covered tree.  So beautiful!

The kids were positively enthralled.


They were likewise amazed by the ferns and gigantic autumn leaves.

So stunning!

Of course, the most exciting sight of all was cousin Eila, looking all grown up at 23 months.

Stylin' in her hat.


Callie had grown a bit since we last saw her as well.  ;)  Baby Wilhoit 2.0 is scheduled to arrive in February.  Here we are at the top of Little Si, where Eila was thrilled to find a puddle for splashing.


Brooklyn looks grateful to have reached the top.

Mommy Kara is loving the ergo that Eila let Annika borrow.

And a Wheeler family photo.

Before heading back, we swung by Snoqualmie Falls for a gander.

Impressive!  At 268 feet, Snoqualmie Falls is taller than Niagara.

Eila says it's time to head home for some R&R.

Jason sure enjoyed some time snuggling his favorite little ones, both human and furry.

Meanwhile, the big girls conned us into an intense game of Pandemic.  To all who hoped we might save the world, our apologies.  We lost.

On Saturday we ventured into downtown Seattle.  Despite all they say about Washington's clouds and rain, the weather was sunny and gorgeous.  Adam and Eila led the way to adventure.

Fun indeed!  The International Fountain was simply delightful.  We could have played there all day.

As far as I can recall, this was my first time standing beneath the Space Needle.

The trees nearby were going bananas.

Talia helped hold Eila...

...while Eli toted Annie.

And wowzers!  Talk about the park of all parks.

The perfect place to play (and perhaps break your neck.)

Frank Gehry's Experience Music Museum makes for a pretty memorable backdrop.

With tickles from Daddy Adam, Eila seems to be having a great time.

Here's Daddy Jason giving Annika a lift to the top.

She insisted on doing everything just like the big kids.

Careful!  It's a long way down.

With so much fun to be had at the Seattle Center, it seemed a pity to leave, but Eli was desperate to ride the monorail.

Can you tell he's excited?

Eila seems curious to know what's going on too.

Next stop, Pike's Place.

Posing with the pig.

Better watch out, this monkfish wriggles!

Seeing as to how the Great Salt Lake is the our only access to salt water, we were all excited to see the ocean (or at least Puget Sound.)

Seattle certainly is amazing--worth every minute of the long drive.

Our final day in Washington was spent exploring Point Ruston.  Eli sure seems happy to have a chance to snuggle Aunt Callie (and Bump as well.)

Sandiest spot on the beach.

I think part of the reason I love to travel is because I get to fall in love with so many corners of the world.

The cutest little west coast gal.  And so smart, too!

Next stop, this great park.

Talia demonstrated her gymnastics prowess doing mill circles.

Whee!  (You should have seen Jason trying the same...)

Zoe accompanied us on our adventure.  Glad that someone used the stroller since both Annika and Eila preferred to be carried.

Without a doubt, Zoe was the star of the park.

Two of a kind, Talia and Zoe have shared a special bond since they were both itty bittty.

Kind of love my own itty bitty, even if she is getting big.

I also love getting to spend time with my sister. 

We may get into more sticky situations when we hang out, but boy do we enjoy the laughs.

Callie, Adam, and Eila--thank you so much for making us feel so welcome!  We had an incredible few days together, and can't wait to hang out again soon.