Erica, Paul & Owen playing Wii

Paul and I just got back from 9 days in the US.  We flew into Seattle and headed North in our rental car to Bellingham, where son Phil and his family live.  We hadn’t seen them since the previous November, when they had all come to México to attend a wedding.  That seems like such a long time, especially since the kids are maturing so fast!

Owen, Paul & Erica playing Wii

Erica is 13 and Owen will be 10 next week.  They are funny, smart, helpful, wonderful kids.  Erica gave us a cello recital.  Owen showed us his baseball awards.  They both demonstrated their dog training skills with the tricks they’ve taught their black labrador puppy, Lexie.

Lexie

We did all kinds of fun stuff.  Walked the dog. Played Xbox and Wii.  Went to the farmer’s market.  Ate some awesome Indian food (at India Flavors.)  We went for a walk at Whatcom Falls while the kids played tennis.  We  were introduced to their RV, an older vehicle purchased from family that they have already broken in camping around the state several times.  (My son can even back their boat into the water using the RV, amazing to me since I am backing-up-impaired.)

 

Chinese Lanterns at the Farmer’s Market (I used to grow these…)

It rained several times and was warm – then chilly – then warm – then rainy – just like it does in the Pacific Northwest.  The leaves were just starting to turn and the bit of crispness to the air at night made sleeping heavenly.  Well, maybe part of the good sleeping is that our old bed now lives in their guest room!

Phil and Lexie at Whatcom Falls Park

Back when my kids were young I always took them out to breakfast on their birthdays and on the first day of school.  Phil has kept up the tradition, so on Tuesday we all headed out to Ihop for breakfast.  More blueberries for me!  It was great to hear all about their first day of school and get some sense of the family routine.

First day of school

The following day Paul and I headed South.   After a stop (and a replacement iPod) at the Apple Store we headed for Tacoma. Dinner that night with my sister and her husband at Indochine had both Paul and me moaning with pleasure.  I had Dancing Buddha, described as “Crispy tofu in caramelized sweet chili and hoisin sauce, further blessed with basil and served over fresh spinach.”  Fantastic.  I’d seen my sister in April when she came to Mazatlán for a visit, so it felt like we could just pick up the conversation where we’d left off.  Her daughters had just gone back to college for their sophomore year a couple of days before.

Then the next day Paul went to a lunch meeting with the people he used to work with (when he worked full time) and works with now (part time from Mazatlán.)  He enjoyed seeing everyone again and catching up a little.    After his meeting my sister, Paul and I drove to Chehalis to visit my aunt and uncle in their new place.  It is sort of assisted living – they have one side of a duplex (I think there are around 20-25 duplexes in all) and all the landscaping, etc. is taken care of.  They can go to meals in the “big house” if they want to (they don’t) and many of their friends live in the same place.  So it is nice for them to have a social life with people they have known a long time, and I know Dick enjoys his weekly golf games.

My Aunt Jean with her paper maché bouquet

 

That night we hung out with my sister and her husband, cooking on the BBQ and eating outside in the warm evening air.

 

My sister and brother in law

I guess you can tell it was just a wonderful trip.  Especially since on our way back we splurged $50 each on an upgrade and flew first class!  I had never had the pleasure before so I am thoroughly spoiled now!

A charming couple

My next post will be our impressions of this and that North of the Border.