"Home Sweet Home is never truer, than after a trip. No matter how long or how short. No matter how good and memorable. There is nothing happier than walking through the rooms in your home, letting all the familiar things greet you. The home watched the chaos of packing and preparing for your adventure and it is there to greet the tired and exhausted you, when you come home. It watches as you unpack your bags and sink into your favorite chair and smile at the pictures. It sings you to sleep as you drift off with the happy memories of your trip."
King Henry telling Uncle Jason all of his problems
All the girl cousins reading and goofing off together
I really love highway photography
Sunset on the way home
~ Erika Laulainen
Our family just returned from a marvelous trip to my great grandparents tree farm. We went to spend some time with my Great-Grandmother and Grandparents. We left Friday after the morning craziness of work, some school, packing, cleaning the house, and any other little chores that needed to be finished. Loading all the suitcases, bags, and other various paraphernalia into our car, we then did a last check for water bottles before loading the four of us and our dog.
We stopped in Spokane for some lunch at Subway. The start of the trip with the jokes, the anticipation of what was ahead, and the gorgeous spring weather had us all in good spirits. After eating, we filled up the car and we were off. I was excited to drive the first half of the trip. Learning how to drive on road trips has been an exciting part of my driving lessons.
Driving Selfie (no worries we are parked!)
Tunes drifting through the car as we continue across the State. We make it to Ellensburg, where while I am trying to navigate the road with Dad directing me. My clever mother notices a sign for 50 cent ice cream cones. "We have to go get those!" she says and though I am rattled by having to change courses in an unfamiliar town with Dad's expert navigating we got turned around and went back to this touristy shop where Dad and James went to get our cones. Which despite my negative attitude and expecting vanilla ice cream cones. I was needless to say not in a "adventurous" mood. However, I am glad we did stop because the cones were fabulous. I got Espresso Explosion, James got Black Licorices and Mom and Dad got Strawberry Cheesecake. It really was the perfect treat on a hot spring day.
My 50 cent ice cream. YUM!
It was a little hot out!
We continued on until just before White Pass where there was a switching of seats, new music, and then we drove on. I love our family's excited and fun-loving attitude when we do things together. White Pass was astounding with the views. It was absolutely stunning. We were able to stop at Mount Rainier view point and check out the sites. Not only was the view fantastic, but it was a nice point to get out and stretch the legs!
One of the many views we got to see on our drive over White Pass
I loved White Pass the views were spectacular and this viewpoint was an especially fun stop
Can't remember who snagged this shot, but I love it!
Driving with a dog can be an adventure as we found out. The poor girl does not understand red lights or turn signals. So she spent a lot of the time sliding off the back seat. When she was not sliding she was trying to make room to lay down to sleep. Lady behaved remarkably well and was proud of her. She hasn't had a lot of road trips other than camping so she did a great job.
Who doesn't need a Dog and girl road trip selfie?
After we had a late dinner at a quaint diner. We made the last, little leg to the farm. Had I not been so tired I might remember more of this. I know I was asleep at the restaurant because I remember the foggy brain feeling. Then it wasn't long after we arrived I went to bed.
The next morning I got up and took the dog outside. However, I neglected to remember where I was so running out through the wet grass, barefoot, in your slightly too big jammies, well... you get wet. Oh well, it was a beautiful morning and it always smells so fresh and woodsy at the farm. Lady enjoyed all the new smells to explore as well.
Papa Elmer made a yummy breakfast of waffles and then I went to start some homework. (I know but I needed too) and Mom and James went for a really nice hike. Here is a great picture they snagged from the top. Here is Huff n Puff, Boy Blunder, and Wondermutt on their outing.
Wondermutt enjoying some off leash time
Huff n Puff and Boy Blunder. How amazing are these two? So proud of both of them
By afternoon the rest of the crew showed up. My Aunt and Uncle came with the cousins and we had a great time playing and catching up. Not long after they arrived my other Aunt and Uncle arrived and before you knew it. There was laughter, little kid voices, a million conversations, and absolute chaos. You know all the good things that come with the big family gatherings. The guys went out back and James got some shooting time with the men, which he loved. I didn't get any pictures of this sadly. But I think there is enough pictures in this post anyway :)
I so enjoyed goofing off with my cousins. It is such a joy to get to know a little part of each one of them. Supergirl is so full of adventure and spirit. She is so creative and I love all of her great ideas. It is fun to watch her fully embrace the older sister role, which she does amazing. Princess Sofia is as a sweet as can be. Her cuddles, giggles, and pretending are imaginative, special, and fun. She too, has embraced the older sister role and kept an eye on her little brother, even while playing with me. Each of these girls have such a sweet, kind. good heart. King Henry has gotten so big from the last time I say him. His smile is adorable and I can't wait to continue to watch him grow. These kids are going to great things in this world and I am excited to watch them do it.
Princess Sofia was reading to me it was adorable. I have the cutest cousins ever!
After the cousins left, Auntie Al, Mom, and I took Lady for a walk. It was a pleasant spring evening and I regretted not bringing the nice camera with us. I would have loved to grab some astounding shots. Here are a few I was able to snag with my phone camera.
Why not stand in the middle of the road and get your picture taken?
It was a good visit to see family. Relax from the craziness of life. and just get to spend time with people I love. Our trip back was equally pleasant with perfect views all the way home. I love the goofiness road trips and adventures bring out in families. Everyone lets their guard down for a moment of time and you see the fun. adventure seeking side.
Road trip selfies
I have no caption for this
I don't remember where this was, but I love this one of James so I slipped it in
The last pic of James was at the Mt. Rainier overlook as well. Love your opening part (in italics). It is almost a poem! Glad you enjoy our goofiness, since there is no sign of us changing any time soon. :-) $0.50 cones are AMAZING!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It really is nothing like a poem at all. But I liked it and I felt it needed to be separate from the rest.
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