Best Vacation Ever!

 Jared asked me a few months ago if I wanted to join him on his work training to Seattle.  Honestly I was a little hesitant at first.  All kinds of anxiety producing thoughts started to creep into my mind.  Traveling is typically not my thing.  It's not easy to ask someone to watch 6 kids for 4 days. And he had to spend a lot of the day in meetings.  I usually get pre-vacation depression. I'm not brave enough to go out exploring some huge unfamiliar city all on my own and I thought hanging out in a hotel for 3 days could get a little old.  And spending money on a plane ticket was a big leap for me.  Then Jared said, maybe you could do some family history.  That switched off all of my fears and I am so happy I decided to join him.  It was seriously one of the best vacations in my life!  It was so nice to have a complete break from all cooking, laundry and household duties for 4 days straight and of course the best part was just enjoying the companionship, inspiration and uninterrupted conversation with my best friend in this world.

 I'm kind of a peculiar woman.  I really don't like shopping at all.  And the city doesn't carry much appeal for me either.  So despite the recommendations from several friends to visit Pike's Market and some other famous attractions in Seattle, I was completely content to instead enjoy the natural beauty of the beach thanks to Jared's brother Joshua who chauffeured us around to check out some beautiful scenery and enjoy peaceful conversation.

 I also thoroughly enjoyed the plane ride.  I have only been on a few plane trips and the last one was nearly 20 years ago when I returned from my mission.  Looking out the plane window is fascinating for me as I get to marvel at the grandeur of God's marvelous creations from a different vantage point.  I love the checkered farm fields, the mountains jutting up in the sky and hovering over the top of the clouds instead of looking up at them.  I love the feeling of my stomach sinking as the plane lifts off.  It makes me feel like a kid again experiencing an amusement park ride for the first time.

The first day I had plans to do a little family history, read some inspiring books, browse piano blogs and maybe even add to my own personal history, but the family history just sucked me right in and the time flew by as I delved into it almost all day long.  We spent the evening "Riding the Ducks," as we enjoyed a fun, freezing tour of the land and water on an amphibious war vehicle.

 Fortunately Jared's training was in the stake center adjacent to the temple, so I was able to enjoy some peaceful sessions there. 

Jared's mom  spoiled me by not only watching our kids for the entire time while we were gone, but also cleaning out my filthy pantry and organizing some of my cupboards and drawers.  She even planned a super memorable family night for the kids and I felt so grateful that I could trust my kids were in good hands while we were gone.  I'm looking forward to another training next year!