Saturday, April 5, 2008

Marathon Adventure

Well, we went on a Marathon Adventure for the last half of March (really. We left the 15th and didn't get back until April 1st). It was long, but generally quite fun. It also explains why we haven't called anyone (ie, the smiths had their baby and we haven't called them yet to congratulate them) or played with anyone (yes, Tams fam, that means you!).
Together, we embarked on our journey at the SLC airport. That is such an adventure...especially security with 2 kids, 4 winter coats and pairs of shoes, various electronic equip that must be unloaded, a stroller that has a broken "fold" button, a sickly Sheridan (UTI--ouch!) and a long line of people. 9 grey bins and 20 minutes later, we actually got through the screening. Phew! On to Portland, where my family put up with us for the weekend. It was nice, other than Sheridan being sick.
On to leg #2: Seattle. We drove up Monday morning and spent forever on the road. As one point, it took us one hour to drive 10 miles on I-5. It was a nasty wreck that we think involved a lumber truck. Regardless, Tyler was 1 hour late to his business meeting and we were wasting valuable time that could have been spent with the Quinn, and Ava! Of course, both kids fell asleep 10 minutes from Christina's house...and woke up cranky when we arrived!We had adventures at the Seattle Children's Museum (a must-see if you have kids and are in Seattle--that's what the previous picts are from), shopping, at Ixtapa (Christina's fav Mexican restaurant...for good reason), and in the world of party-prep. Jack fell in love with Ava, generally got along well with Quinn, and eventually got over his fear of "annie doggie". Sheridan got less scared of the dog but was always on guard and got along great with the kids. She fell in love with Aunt Christina.
We also got to see my sister, Amber, over dinner before we left. My kids liked their Aunt Amber, and it was so fun to catch up with her.Friday was leg #3 of the trip: back to Portland. I caught a really HORRIBLE cold from "someone" in Seattle and it turned into bronchitis over the weekend. I slept for 3 days straight (Happy Easter!) until...





Leg #4, the worst leg, the Tyler-had-to-go-back-East-for-Business leg. Ok, i had a ton of fun with my sister and parents and family, but I REALLY missed my husband for a week. However, we managed to get out the day before we left to OMSI (an interactive science museum), and we did meet new little Wesley (and saw Deon and Jason and Wyatt) the day we flew out. Sheridan was IN LOVE with baby Wesley. She wanted to hold him and kept signing "baby" when she wasn't close to him.
Amazingly, flying home with 2 kids was fine. They watched a DVD and security was a snap (no long lines, didn't have to take out the DVD player, coats packed in luggage...Sheridan only ran away twice).
All in all, a wonderful trip (other than the week + of illness). Thanks family and Christina!

8 comments:

Hannah said...

Whoa. We went to the bread store last week. :) Have you been to the Children's Museum in Salt Lake? Expensive, but fun.

Our blog address has changed to http://goodformyheart.blogspot.com/

notgoodformyheart sounded too grumpy. :)

Jenni Elyse said...

I love the pictures. It's so fun to be able to participate in your vacation via the pics. I'm glad you guys had fun. I'm sorry you and Sheridan were sick. I'm also glad to have you back! :D

Dawn. said...

Hey can I add your blog to our blog? http://provokameraths.blogspot.com/

Sounds like a fun trip you had.

The Jeffs Family said...

Wow...you are brave! Sorry to hear about you being sick. Glad to hear you had a good time other than that and got home safely!

Tams Family said...

Sounds like you had an event-filled trip! Glad you all made it back in one piece. And we would love to play some time. Matthew has been anxiously awaiting Jack's return.

Unknown said...

Don't you love needing a vacation after you vacation?

vanessa said...

My favorite is the picture of Sheridan with that little baby. So sweet!

karajason said...

Ali,
Sounds like quite a family adventure! I am in complete sympathy with you about the kids at the airport. It's ridiculous trying to get through security. I didn't know you served a mission in New Zealand! Have a great day!