In August we took a family trip to Seattle and had such a fabulous time.  This trip was a big deal for many reasons…it was James and Anna’s first time on an airplane…it was my first time flying in over four years (I grounded myself after having so many problems with motion sickness on past flights)…we got to stay with Michael, Kenny’s brother, and spend some quality time with him…Ken, Kenny’s Dad flew out from Pennsylvania to join in on the fun…and my Aunt Connie turned 70 this year so we had a big surprise birthday celebration for her.  Whew!  So many reasons to visit Seattle, and so many memories we made!

Visiting the Seattle waters and the gum wall…

Pike Place Market and delicious fish and chips for lunch…

Visiting McChord Air Force Base and Michael’s very cool C-17…

Pool time at Uncle Ken’s house…

Breakfast out and picking blackberries…

One of Aunt Connie’s surprises…

Visiting the Space Needle and playground…

The Duck Tour and Locks…

Aunt Connie’s kids, Jason and Val, planned this entire surprise for their mama and it was wonderful.  Part of what made the surprise so special, is that all of Aunt Connie’s siblings flew in, in addition to other nieces and nephews.  My Uncle Ken hosted us numerous days in a row for meals and many hours of poolside chatting and catching up.  We had a really great time being with one another.