I figured it was high time that I wrote about our road trip to Seattle. Last Wednesday we headed out on the road with my in laws to visit where my husband served his two year mission. While traveling with a child is a lot more fun, it is also a lot more work, but she was a good sport as we took her on several outings through out the trip. She is such a sweet tempered, fun loving girl and we love it. Both places were beautiful and I loved getting see this part of Lester's life before me. We have been together for so long I sometimes forget there were times we weren't together. I liked both places immensely, and would love to someday return.

We took a lot of fun pictures, so I suppose I will just narrate some of them instead of spending a long time writing about it all.










We were able to do several other things not pictured here while we were in town, like visiting my cousin and her family while in WA, and visit many of the beautiful parts of WA where Lester served. But rest assured, it was over all a good experience and I am glad we had it. Now, we are home for a week then off again to visit family in Utah and attend my cousin's wedding. Life is just go-go-go right now, but after this month things should slow down a bit. But hey-I'd rather have it full of wonderful, fun things then lame, sad ones. So we will take it!

This weekend has been a series of nonstop activity. All of it has been fun-but still, with no breaks in between, it makes for one tired family over here!

On Friday morning, the three of us headed over to the Marin area to camp on Mt. Tamalpais. After setting up our site, we decided to check out our surroundings. We grabbed a quick lunch, then hit up Stintson beach which was a little bit down the road. We enjoyed playing in the super hot sand and ridiculously cold water. Afterwards, we decided to check out some of the rumored views and found a small trail that led to the top of the mountain. They were right! The view did not disappoint to say the least. By the time we got back to camp, Lester's family had arrived and we enjoyed a campfire meal and hanging out with them for the night. As usual, Addy was quite the trooper and didn't complain once. We love this girl!















The next morning after a quick breakfast, the three of us packed it up and headed over to Napa for the baptism of our sweet friend Maddy. We have been friends w their family for years, and it was so fun for us to be able to see them all and celebrate her wonderful choice.

From here, we went to a going away party for my friend Lisa who I have known since elementary school. It was a lot of fun to be able to see so many people from high school and before, and we know that she is headed for great things in Seattle! We love and will miss her.

By the time we got home, we were all exhausted. We have a few days to recuperate and then we are headed on a road trip to visit OR and WA, and then in the month we are off to UT for my cousin's wedding. After spending so much time apart while in OK, we are loving all this time we are able to spend as a family, and are truly counting our blessings.

A few days ago, my sister Hillary and her family headed back to school and such in Utah. It was bittersweet to say the least. It got me thinking about sisters, and the journey it has been thus far for us. Through all the years, we have had our ups and downs, and like most sisters, had moments of not liking each other, along with those of never wanting to leave. I think growing up and moving away leads you to appreciate things like this so much more. The same silly things make us laugh hysterically, the same things bother us and no one else, we have the same facial expressions or ridiculous sayings. I guess thats what happens when you share a room for as many years as we did.

I think about how it was to become a Mother-the things that led up to it, the feelings that followed etc. and how she skyped w me for hours some days just so I wouldn't feel alone. Sure, most of the time we'd talk. cry or laugh, but sometimes it was even to just watch Ellen or eat our cereal or together. That is a sister-there for you when you don't want them in high school or whatever, and there for you when you need someone who understands you unlike most others. All bc they were there and they've seen you at your worst and best.

I think when she left this time, she was feeling much of the same apprehension I did upon realizing the endless hours motherhood entailed, especially when the hubby is gone for school or work. It can be daunting, and I think she was nervous about being alone a lot. Its a little surreal to see her and think that I was in her shoes not to long ago-like looking in a backwards mirror-but even though it was hard, it was wonderful and she was such a help to me.

So I am SO excited to be able to be on the other side of the screen this time-the one to says the reassuring things, to help buoy her as she starts this journey. I can already see what a great mother she is, and I am excited to remind her of that when she forgets. I think she and I are both so blessed to have such present, supportive and capable spouses and daughters, and such dedicated parents-and of course-to have each other for sisters.