We like to take the drive slowly, stopping to see loved ones on the way. Our first stop is always in Rawlins, WY. Not because we love it there, or have anyone we love there, but because it's a nice pit stop for the half-day drive that is necessary when you are driving 22 hours with kids. Adam and I could probably make the drive in two long days, but the boys need a little extra time out of the car than we do, so for everyone's sanity, we stretch it out a bit.
But the next day we rise early-ish (is 8:30 early? No!), and make the long trek to Boise, ID (waving to Utah as we go through it) where we see our old undergrad/MBA friends, Dave and Mo Richardson and family, and my friend Kim, my BFF from high school/sophomore-year college roomie, and her family.
It is always so fantastic to see our old pals and spend some time with their incredible and growing families! Our kids always get along so well, finding their old friendships quickly and playing like they have lived next-door to each other for years. Logan, the Richardson's oldest, and Ben are the same age and were born within weeks of each other. Hallie and Josh are separated by just a few months; the same goes for Kinsley and Luke. Porter and Tommy are a little further apart, but I am sure next time we visit they will be fast friends as well.
Kim and Aaron have one darling little girl, Elsie, who is Luke's age. It seemed that she and the boys weren't sure what to do with one another when we first arrived, but they quickly found common ground, Squinkies, and were having a great time together by the time the backyard pool was filled and the splash-fest began. Besides being fed with fantastic conversation, keeping us up late into the night, our bellies are filled with great food, thus starting off vacation eating with a bang! 
Dave's parents happened to be visiting at the same time us and graciously allowed us to crash their family time for an evening and a morning. And Tommy warmed-up for his own grandparents, waiting to love on him in Washington, with some borrowed-grandparent time with Dave's parents. He is so funny about who he is comfortable with and who he is terrified of, there is no rhyme or reason!
Another great surprise awaited us at Kim and Aaron's. Kim's sister Angie and her adorable daughter Qiana were there for a brief visit on their way home to Utah. I read all about Q's cuteness on Angie's blog, so it was so fun to finally meet her and see her in action! She is every bit as darling in person as in blogland, just like her cousin, Elsie! We all had fun girl time!
The drive was uneventful, the boys did fantastic as they always do, just playing games, listening to books on tape, reading and watching movies. We had some moments of "Mom! _________'s in my space!" but otherwise it was a great drive. With sore, flat butts we arrived safe and sound at the Conlin Cabin in Snohomish in record time. Finally at our happy place, on Lake Roesiger. And we got right into the swing of things...literally!
2 comments:
Squinkies?! They seem to be everywhere. What fun. And good to follow the great visits you had on the way here.
I was so excited to hear that I would be able to see you and meet the boys that I have read all about. Your family is just adorable, and I think you are just the bees knees.
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