October held some adventures for our little family. Whilst Brian made his way back to Anchorage, Ak for work the boys and I prepared for a road trip. August, Ocean and I loaded up our little Subaru Forrester and ventured across the mighty state of Washington to a small town in the southeast corner named Clarkston. The region is proud of their association with the Corps of Discovery, obviously you can discern that from the names; Clarkston, Washington and neighboring (twin city) Lewiston, Idaho. The drive itself from Kirkland, WA takes me about 6 hours to complete. This includes two rest/bathroom/eating stops. The mileage is roughly 300 miles. I take the less traveled route I405 South to I90 East, at Vantage 26 East to 21 South, at Kahlotus 260 East then 261 South, after Starbuck and before Dodge onto 12 East straight through to Clarkston.
We made a pit-stop in Pomeroy for a little reunion. I was so ecstatic to see my dearest friend Paige. She and I were best friends in Jr. High and a better part of High School. She has a two year old daughter and we enjoyed catching up and the sort of endless conversations that Mothers can have. I also used to live in Pomeroy and it will always hold some nostalgia for me. Paige, Malisa and I also enjoyed a "play date" at the Kiwanis park along the Snake River.
The purpose of the trip was to see Grandma Connie! This, being my Mother was a two fold mission. She has a small studio apartment and we generously filled it with our laughter and love. We had a great time together and went to an October Fest at the Nez Perce County Fairgrounds. The venue was very small, but entertaining none the less. My face hurt from smiling and laughing so hard at the boys jumping in one of those bounce houses. They were so silly and Ocean was squealing with delight! August and Ocean loved the giant air-filled slide as well. I had the pleasure of going down with Ocean. The climax of the event was August & his friend Cruz launching pumpkins parts across a field using a sling-shot/catapult. Hopefully I will get some pics up soon.
A grand time was had on the Hodson farm. Well, the farm that the Hodson's farmed and are now retiring from. August & Ocean rode around the farm with Gerald on an old tractor and a four wheel atv. Their smiles were priceless! August even had the opportunity to climb up in an International Harvester Combine that was in Gerald's shop. I love being on their farm! Gerald had a plaque on the wall commemorating his conservation efforts as a farmer. The American farms are dwindling away. I am sad they are retiring and selling their farm. However, joyous for their new chapters of life to be written.
The Isley family were generous enough to open their home to us while we were there too. We played there, Ocean napped there, we did some laundry, lunch and great time for Malis and I to catch up and just hang out. They also invited us to their church's Harvest Festival and we had a great time there too. August and Ocean ate hot dogs, cookies, cupcakes with mystery (as in no one really can pronounce any of the ingredients) icing and who knows what else. I try to control all that goes into their mouths (but as with everything else my attempt to control is thwarted).
During this time my Mom had a full plate of working and rehearsals. My Mom is playing a part in a local theater's production of Lend Me a Tenor. She's a crazy old woman in the play who at one point is described in her formal gown as looking like "The Chrysler Building"! I hope I can get back to the Lewis-Clark Valley before Christmas to see her in action on the stage!
August had a few birthday celebrations while we were on "holiday" in Clarkston. We had a swimming party with Malisa, Zane and Teegan Isley at the Clarkston Aquatics Center and we topped it off with lunch at Skippers. Woo Hoo yippee for hush puppies!!! We had a nice dinner birthday party with my Mom and friends Sheri & Cruz.
On return trip home however I missed my turn onto 21 North and ended up in Connell and then scrambling with my map to get back on track. I wasted about 45 minutes and thought all was lost when I saw signs for Moses Lake. I didn't realize we were so close in proximity to Hanford - eeeks. For some reason my trip back is always longer than the trip there. Well, this time it was because I took a "side trip".
The adventure continues at The Garcia residence in Kirkland, WA (The Garcia Grandparents that is). Stay tuned for Alaska adventures!
We made a pit-stop in Pomeroy for a little reunion. I was so ecstatic to see my dearest friend Paige. She and I were best friends in Jr. High and a better part of High School. She has a two year old daughter and we enjoyed catching up and the sort of endless conversations that Mothers can have. I also used to live in Pomeroy and it will always hold some nostalgia for me. Paige, Malisa and I also enjoyed a "play date" at the Kiwanis park along the Snake River.
The purpose of the trip was to see Grandma Connie! This, being my Mother was a two fold mission. She has a small studio apartment and we generously filled it with our laughter and love. We had a great time together and went to an October Fest at the Nez Perce County Fairgrounds. The venue was very small, but entertaining none the less. My face hurt from smiling and laughing so hard at the boys jumping in one of those bounce houses. They were so silly and Ocean was squealing with delight! August and Ocean loved the giant air-filled slide as well. I had the pleasure of going down with Ocean. The climax of the event was August & his friend Cruz launching pumpkins parts across a field using a sling-shot/catapult. Hopefully I will get some pics up soon.
A grand time was had on the Hodson farm. Well, the farm that the Hodson's farmed and are now retiring from. August & Ocean rode around the farm with Gerald on an old tractor and a four wheel atv. Their smiles were priceless! August even had the opportunity to climb up in an International Harvester Combine that was in Gerald's shop. I love being on their farm! Gerald had a plaque on the wall commemorating his conservation efforts as a farmer. The American farms are dwindling away. I am sad they are retiring and selling their farm. However, joyous for their new chapters of life to be written.
The Isley family were generous enough to open their home to us while we were there too. We played there, Ocean napped there, we did some laundry, lunch and great time for Malis and I to catch up and just hang out. They also invited us to their church's Harvest Festival and we had a great time there too. August and Ocean ate hot dogs, cookies, cupcakes with mystery (as in no one really can pronounce any of the ingredients) icing and who knows what else. I try to control all that goes into their mouths (but as with everything else my attempt to control is thwarted).
During this time my Mom had a full plate of working and rehearsals. My Mom is playing a part in a local theater's production of Lend Me a Tenor. She's a crazy old woman in the play who at one point is described in her formal gown as looking like "The Chrysler Building"! I hope I can get back to the Lewis-Clark Valley before Christmas to see her in action on the stage!
August had a few birthday celebrations while we were on "holiday" in Clarkston. We had a swimming party with Malisa, Zane and Teegan Isley at the Clarkston Aquatics Center and we topped it off with lunch at Skippers. Woo Hoo yippee for hush puppies!!! We had a nice dinner birthday party with my Mom and friends Sheri & Cruz.
On return trip home however I missed my turn onto 21 North and ended up in Connell and then scrambling with my map to get back on track. I wasted about 45 minutes and thought all was lost when I saw signs for Moses Lake. I didn't realize we were so close in proximity to Hanford - eeeks. For some reason my trip back is always longer than the trip there. Well, this time it was because I took a "side trip".
The adventure continues at The Garcia residence in Kirkland, WA (The Garcia Grandparents that is). Stay tuned for Alaska adventures!
Comments
Post a Comment
Thank you for sharing...