A couple days after trek we packed up and made the 14 hour drive to Washington so we could attend the Mathern Reunion. The kids were excited and with plenty of movies, ipad and books we were ready to go. We left on a Friday and came back the following Wednesday. Here is an overload of pictures.
The kids are mostly buckled in and we are off.
Boy did we ever have some memories from King Oscar's, the hotel we stayed at. At least it had a pool which we took advantage of several times a day.
4 sleeping peas in a pod. Nana and Pappa had an extra bed in their room so the kids took turns sleeping with them.
Cowabunga!
Tractor Racing
On Saturday we all gathered at Aunt Gloria's house to visit and play. I love how it doesn't take long for kids to warm up to each other. They immediately all found a buddy to play with.
Here are most of the great grandkids of Cecilia Mathern.
The Leet Family: Missing Miss Kel-Wel and her boys.
The Salas Family: Missing Steve
The David Mathern Family: Missing Eric
The Ostlund Family
The Fab Five
The Cousins
The Crazy Aunts with their famous pose.
My Aunt Renee met us there (I could have sworn I got a picture with her but can't find it) and her and my dad told us stories about their parents and childhood. I love hearing about my ancestors.
On Monday we headed up to Mount Rainier. We took the Gondola up to the top. A little known fact about myself is that I kind of have a little anxiety about going over long bridges over bodies of water and going up heights in an enclosed vessel. I almost start to hyperventilate so this ride was almost unbearable but we made it to the top.
Such a beautiful mountain and view.
As you can see there was no railing to prevent anyone from falling down the mountain and so it was completely nerve racking to me. I could not relax.
Sienna loves sitting at her daddy's feet. Silly girl.
On our way back from Mt. Rainier we were able to meet up with one of my good friends and college roomates, Jaimee Kesterson and her family who lived near by. They were kind enough to feed us pizza and then took us to this beautiful park on the water. I was so glad the kids got a chance to see a peek of the ocean and play at the beach.
Little boys having too much fun digging and exploring.
It was so fun to see her. It's been several years. It makes me so happy to see my friends so happy.
On Tuesday we went to Pikes Place Market where we ate a ton of yummy food and were able to see quite an interesting array of people. I love seeing all the flowers for sale and can never get over how cheap they are. Why can't there be a place like that in Utah.
Had to stop at Ivars for lunch. The kids loved feeding the bread bowls and crackers to the seagulls. Mikey's finger got bitten but he loved every minute of it.
On our way back from Pike Place Market we stopped at the Bellvue Mall because there was a Lego store. I hate to say this but for the kids this was the high light of their trip. They have never been to a Lego store before (and it wasn't all that) but we gave each kid money and they were able to buy whatever they wanted. It was also a free build day so they each got to build and take home a little shark. They were all in heaven including Neil.
It was such a great vacation. I just love being with my family where I am loved unconditionally. I wish we could get together more often.
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