McLaughlin Clan: Spontaneity all the way to Seattle

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Spontaneity all the way to Seattle

Unemployment does have some benefits. Curt and I have been trying to figure out a way to run away to Seattle to visit our Pacific NorthWest Menzies for a few days before Curt's classes started up again. We couldn't secure a nanny because the only capable one we could trust wasn't available. We didn't feel like we could farm the kids out because it's summer-- and everyone is busy and in and out of town trying to have a vacay of their own-- who really wants more kids while they're tearing their hair out with the ones they have already? And ours aren't the calm and quiet variety, so we didn't want to burden anyone. We couldn't ask my mom because she's got enough on her plate and doesn't live close anyway.

So one day I just decided to look into flights... and a few hours later Monson (the lucky one) and I were headed to Santa Ana to jump on a flight to Seattle using Mark's flight benefits! We figured the next best thing was for at least one of us to get away.... and Curt has an upcoming trip to Florida for his Masters' Colloquium. So, Curt made the ultimate sacrifice (and believe me, leaving five kids with him was a sacrifice for him... AND the cheapest & best 'nanny' choice anyway). And Monson & I escaped for a few days to visit with my brother and his fam. We figured this could be an extension of Monson's birthday and since he didn't get to go to Seattle on the RV trip, this was his chance. Luke & Hank were thrilled to have Monson there. I knew before I went that Tallie would be leaving for a girls' weekend, so most of our time was spent with Mark and his cutie patooties, Luke & Hank. It's fun to see Mark as a cute dad of two darling rowdy-rooter boys just like him!

We spent most of our time at Tallie's brother's wife's mother's home on Lake Washington. We happened to be there on the two HOTTEST days of the year... so the lake was the only place to be. The boys tubed, I tried to wake board, which was a first for me... got up once for like 2.0 seconds and then wiped out and could never even make it out of the water again. I pretty much sucked. But it was fun trying! I pretty much came away thinking our family could really love having a boat of our own.... someday.

Tallie's family came to the lake to hang out one eve and we had a fabulous BBQ and just enjoyed relaxing. It's always such a joy to see her Mom & siblings because they all treat us like their own... When Terra (Tallie's sis) left for their girls trip, Monson even embraced her and he said, "I love you!" Instantly melted her heart. We always know the warm welcome we'll receive when we visit Seattle.

We took the boys to see Despicable Me (a must see in 3D), played lots, took the boys to swim lessons, and played some more. I loved seeing the finished product of their labor of love 1940's bungalow. They just remodeled the upstairs into a masters suite and it couldn't be more perfect... wish I took pics. They've turned that little red home on the corner into an absolute masterpiece all on their own!

We wore the boys out everyday