technical difficulties

These pictures are supposed to go with the heading below. We all know I have computer issues!

A trip to Washington

I love my husband! Growing up in the military you normally use summer vacations to move or to visit your family. I know I've been to Italy and the Netherlands on vacation as a kid. But for the most part if we had free time we'd end up spending summers in Jackson with my mom's family. I know rough life right? I was fortunate enough to see most of Western Europe as a gymnast traveling for competitons. That said, Cecil loves to go on vacation. He came home a few weeks ago and said pick a place that we can drive to and it can't be California. Lydia is under the assumption that the only place to vacation is San Diego, or Logan. (Logan because my cousin and aunt have watched the kids a few times and we make it into a "vacation" for them so they don't think they're missing out while we are off having fun.) So, thanks to google, Washington was the top 4 "Family friendly vacation spots) So, Washington we went. Everyone thought we were crazy to drive it in one day, but it was fine. As usual David had a few meltdowns but that happens at home every day too. One of Cecil's Pharmacy Tech's told him to get special toys to pull from the secret bag when the ride got a little long and that was great advice, we still have a few things that we never got around to using. We were also able to meet up with one of my best friends from high school Alycia and her husband David. We spent a couple hours at the Red Robin and I learned a lot about eating Raw, I'm considering replacing one meal a day with Raw. So the next couple of posts are the different outings we did with the kids and I can't wait to go back to Washington when the kids are a little older. These are some highlights with my friends, our trip to Bainbridge Island, Dining, and the beach, and a beautiful 1957 wooden boat. If you choose this as a vacation I suggest the Quality Inn at Federal Way, it was located centrally to everywhere we went and was a great 2 room suite with kitchen for only $84.00 a night and breakfast was included.

Wild Waves & Enchanted Village Federal Way, WA

Holy cow for all the Utah Folks this is Lagoon and Raging Waters in one place! Formerly a Six Flags, this park is now privately owned. It was so much fun. There is something for everyone here and we had a great time. The Splash Area for smaller kids was fantastic. But our kids loved the wave pool, I think the gradual slope made them feel comfortable. Our kids are use to a lake so it was fun to have them in pools for once.

Pacific Science Center in Seattle

We have to go back to Washington when the kids are a little older to really appreciate this wonderful facility! For anybody that wants an educational, scientific venue to take your children, this is the place. Wow, there were 2 Imax theatres, 3 buildings, so many things. Everything here is 100% Science Based. The fact that both Lydia and David were able to comprehend some of the basic things was great. However this is also the place David had numerous meltdowns, but aside from that, loved it! Lydia's favorite was the shadow wall, she'd pose and a flash would go off and then show her pattern on the wall. I believe that was photosynthesis, I'm no scientist though and can't remember. David loved being in the butterfly zone. And to cater to the little visitors was the kid zone. I definately want to repeat this vacation in 5 years!

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Another great outing in Tacoma this time. This Zoo puts Utah's Hogle Zoo to shame. I've never been a big fan of our local zoo. It consistantly ranks in PETA's top 10 worst zoo's in North America. (Not that I'm a big PETA fan, however the conditions at the zoo are questionable) This zoo and aquarium was great. There was the unlimited Merry-Go-Round, Camel rides for the kids, and opportunity to feed birds, hands on aqaurium time. Loved it! They also had the Kid Zone where the little people can play on all sorts of fun things.

Flight Museum Seattle WA

I really need to figure out my camcorder so I can post things from it on this blog. Another day though. The Flight Museum was aweseome! Not pictured is a retired Air Force One from the Eisenhower-Carter years. It was so cool to walk on that plane. We also were able to go on the now grounded Concorde (sp?). After having made several flights over the Atlantic to Europe I can only imagine how great it would be to get there from N.Y. to Paris in 2 1/2 hours. This was full of historic planes, near the Boeing Field. At one point Michael Joseph and I were standing next to a WWII Vet who was with his family explaining where he was in the Pacific during the war and it made me very teary eyed as it made me think of my Great Uncle David who most likely served with him in that same area. This is a must if you visit WA! Again I hope to post pics from the camcorder because Cecil went to town with that camera, I was caught up in everything and didn't really take that many pics with mine. oops

Lucky 33

Another birthday come and gone! I don't get what the big deal is about getting older, it excites me to think of kids raised and retirement!! So, my girlfriends and I went to the India House. Not pictured the lovely Kelsie aka Photographer. Then I flew down to Vegas and met up with Cecil for a Pharmacy Conference. My brother and his wife Pia and little Alison came and stayed at our house and took care of the little people. The pool at Caesar's Palace was bliss!