We have returned from our trip to Washington and Oregon! It was a very successful trip, with many visits to family and friends. Our journey began at 4am as we headed to the Chicago O'Hare Airport with bags and baby seat in hand. The flights were mostly uneventful. Audrey enjoyed the portable DVD player with her favorite shows lined-up and a continual supply of snacks throughout the flight.
The fam at the pig in Pike's Place Market in Seattle!
Audrey chasing and feeding the seagulls in Seattle after we landed.
We arrived in Seattle at roughly 11am and were greeted by my sister, Eden, and mother, Diane. It is always a wonderful feeling to see my family and reconnect. We immediately drove to Pikes Place Market and had lunch, bought some cherries, and watched a few fish fly through the air! Next, we dove to West Seattle to visit my Aunt Sheryl and Uncle Don. We were lucky enough to also catch my cousins, Jeanie and Matt, who happened to be in the neighborhood. The sweetest moment, though, was introducing Audrey to her great grandmother, who recently turned 95. Both Audrey and Nana were a little unsure of each other, but became comfortable enough for a few quick hugs and some laughter.
Daddy, Audrey, Nanna, and Great Nanna
With family bases being touched, we headed out onto the open roads of Interstate 5 to Olympia for the night. There we had a wonderful dinner with my cousin Jonathan and his wife, Pam, and their daughter, Hannah. Audrey was immediately impressed with all of Hannah's talents and outgoing personalty. We savored our evening in Olympia, drinking soda and licking the plate clean after our desert of homemade rhubarb and strawberry cake with whip cream.
Audrey playing with the meditation fountain in Olympia at the Turlove household!
The next morning we drove to Newport. Along the way we stopped at Tillamock, the town famous for its cheese. After that we stopped to see the infamous Haystack Rocks on the coast. We eventually made our way to Newport, where we spent three days with my Uncle Terry and Aunt Amy. We stayed in a friend's house about a block from the ocean.
Abel and Eden (above) and the family at the Newport Aquarium.
It was very relaxing and refreshing just having some time to watch the waves roll in and out. Uncle Terry showed us all around Newport, including the harbor with its sea lions and the local aquarium, which was quite impressive!
Audrey and Daddy at the Haystack Rocks on the Oregon coast.
Entering the a-frame we stayed at in Newport. So cozy!
After our time on the coast, we headed to Portland, where we stayed at a nice hotel in the heart of the city. We had a great time at my friend's wedding, which was quite small in size, but very enjoyable and full of love. We had a chance to meet-up with my Uncle Michael and see some of his amazing solar system projects within the community. It was such a blur, was Portland, that it felt like an eye blink. We enjoyed our time there, but, to me, the coast was the most enjoyable experience of this trip.
Mom and Audrey watching the sea lions in Newport harbor!
Now we have returned, and I have embarked upon another school year. It is always strange beginning a new year, starting new relationships with students and learning how to move around a classroom again. This past week I've been pretty sick, but am recovering. I look forward to new challenges and learning experiences. More updates and pictures as the school year progresses and we transition into fall.
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Audrey playing in the Pacific Ocean for the first time.
