Seattle Days 26 - 33

Day 26 - Sunday July 18th - This was our last Sunday in Bothell and it was funny because I think even the ward members were ready for us to go home, several people commented I had been there a long time and asked when I was leaving! They were all really nice though and asked if we like it enough to come back, I said yes because you can't beat not having 115 degree weather!

Day 27 - Monday July 19th - This morning we were going to go to the Space Needle but on our drive into town in true Seattle fashion it was overcast and foggy, you couldn't even see the Space Needle because it was hidden in the clouds. So we opted to go to Pikes Place Market instead.

It is a big street market with all kinds of vendors and shops and is the most famous for this one booth that sells seafood but the are the one that throw the fish back and forth to each other, we tried to get a picture of that but the crowd was too big and we couldn't get a clear shot. It was a fun place to walk around and we even found the Aurora Ave sign again so we got a picture this time.

 

We went back home for lunch and then later that night we went back to the Space Needle because the sky had clear by then.

  

It was pretty cool and the kids liked playing with all the touch screens that told you things about what you were seeing. You probably know it was built for the Worlds Fair but I learned that it was originally designed as a residence they architect thought that is what everyones houses would be like in the future!

There is a really funky building next door that is a music and sci-fi museum, we took some pictures there as well on our way out.

 

Day 28 - Tuesday July 20th - Today Caleb is 9 months old and to celebrate we went on another hike to a place called Franklin Falls. Again it was only about a mile each way through the trees next to a river, I love this place!

 

On our way to the trail head though we missed the turn off and as we went farther up the road we got stopped because they were filming a commercial for the new 2011 Honda's so that was kind of cool to see that happen so if you see an new Honda commercial where they cars are driving down a windy road weaving in and out of the tree line we were right there watching it! Anyway we turned around and found the trail and hike to the falls it was beautiful. The kids played in the water a little bit but then on the hike back we found another spot to play and eat lunch as well.

Day 29 - Wednesday July 21st -    We spent the day cleaning, doing laundry and packing because we are planning on leaving at 6am tomorrow morning to start our drive to the Ranch and then home! I went with Shelley to something her ward does called "My Sister's Kitchen" it is once a month and there is a food theme and then they all make something that goes with that theme and bring it to share, then they vote on whose dish they like the best and give it the tasters choice award. This month is was summer fair so Shelley made an Asian Chicken Salad that was super good in fact it was so good she won the award!

Day 30 - Thursday July 22nd - Bright and early Shelley and I loaded up the 8 kids and headed out. This leg of the trip took us through part of Oregon and then we ended up in Boise, ID. It was an 8 hour drive and the kids did pretty well. We had to stop every few hours so I could feed Caleb anyway so everyone was able to get out and go the bathroom, have a snack and stretch their legs. Once we got in to town we found the Boise Temple and got out there to walk around and take some pictures. Then headed over to chuck-o-rama for dinner everyone was way excited about that but sadly the boys let the fun get a little out of control and started shooting spit wads at each other, not a wise choice. Then we headed to one of Shelley's friends house in Nampa where we spent the night.

Day 31 - Friday July 23rd - Even though this leg of th rip was only 5 hours it was the roughest. Today we drove to Centerville, UT to stay with our Aunt Diane but I think because we had been driving all day yesterday and still had to drive another 5 hours tomorrow everyone's nerves were a little raw! We were going to drive into SLC and walk around Temple Square but once we got to Aunt Diane's everyone was so done being in the car we decided to not to. So the kids stayed and played baseball outside in the field while Shelley and I went to the distribution center and a Shade Clothing store in Centerville and then went to get some pizza's for dinner.

Day 32 - Saturday July 24th - Happy Pioneer Day...even though we didn't go to the parade or anything! We got all packed up again and head the next 5 hours to the Ranch! We did stop at Cove Fort and took in some Pioneer Heritage there. This was the first time I've stopped there and it was really nice, everything has been restored there really well the kids had a great time. If you are every driving by you should stop in for while! We finally made it to the Ranch and everyone was happy to see Grandma and Grandpa Turley again! It had been a month for my kids but 9 months for Shelley and her family.

Day 33 - Sunday July 25th - Today is the day we get to see MIKE AGAIN!!! Nathan flew down to AZ on Friday after work to spend some time with his mom and then he and Mike were going to drive up together on Sunday. We didn't know what time they were going to leave so we waited anxiously for what seemed like forever for them to drive in! They finally did at about 3pm and boy was I happy to see him! They girls were super excited too. Caleb was having a hard time with pretty much anyone but me holding him once we got to the Ranch so I was worried he wouldn't remember Mike but thankfully that was not the case he went right to him and was probably just as happy to see his Daddy again as the rest of us. As much as I love the Ranch and seeing my cousins I was tempted to ask Mike if he was ready to just turn around and go home. So the moral of the story is don't be apart from your family for 33 days...it's just too long!