I made a decision a few years ago to celebrate my birthday by being somewhere different each year.
This year, my travels take me West bound. Towards the coast and up into Canada.
This trip was going to be jam packed, with multiple destinations, AND multiple
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS.
Trip 1: Bear Lake
Trip 2: Seattle
Trip 3: British Columbia
Trip 4: Oregon
Trip 5: California
We first had reservations to spend a few days with all my brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews at Bear Lake, for one last summer hoo-rah. We rented a place on Ideal Beach - the grounds were awesome and the beach access was impeccable. We rented ski doo's, paddle boards, peddle boats and of course an inflatable water trampoline. We had so much fun on the water, we didn't want to leave. Each of my siblings was in charge of a meal, so we were able to take turns whipping up delicious creations. Although it wasn't quite my birthday, we decided to celebrate anyway!
(A shout out to my club)
(birthday cake - Cheesecake with color-infused graham crust)
Upon checkout from Bear Lake, all four of us (Dad, Mom, Bro and I) headed straight for Seattle.
My mom's cousin in Seattle requested me and my bro come up and visit. Naturally, news spread like wild fire and soon my mom was coming too. After all, they are HER cousins. Well, after the three of us started planning, my dad expressed interest as well. Finally, after months of deliberating, all four of us packed up our car and made the departure.
Yes, it was a long car ride (13 hours), but we had fun telling stories and enjoying the scenery. We were greeted by my dear sweet cousin, Cheryl. She graciously invited us into her home to stay with her. She is seriously one of the MOST CHARITABLE people I have ever met. She made us feel so at home and catered to our every need. She pays it forward daily.
What an example!
We checked out Seattle, Gig Harbor, Alki Beach, Pike Market, Pioneer Square, Snoqualmie Falls, and we even went underground...
It was my actual birthday (birthday celebration #2)
so my cousins that live in Gig Harbor took us on their yacht
where we sailed the ocean blue. Not only had they allowed us a magical experience
on the water, but they continued the charity by taking my family out to eat, to
celebrate my birthday to a seafood place called Anthony's.
It's right on the marina, and it was mighty divine.
Carol and Mick are so gracious and charitable as well.
I could never repay their hospitality! Thanks for making my
birthday such a memorable one!
My mom and her cousin, Carol
We sailed to Blake Island, just west of Seattle.
It's a national Park that is Indian inspired.
Cooking salmon over an open fire
Dinner at Anthony's
(birthday celebration #2)
After a lovely evening by the water, we went back to their house. I was able to see my other cousins, Lisa and Lindsey. They are awesome! It was fun to catch up and talk about memories of their grandma and my grandpa (who were brother and sister).
Thanks for having us, Mick and Carol!
It was a pleasure, and I seriously can't thank you enough.
(The last time we visited was 20 years ago!)
The next morning we went into Seattle with Cheryl. We explored the Seattle Center, which houses the EMP music emporium and the Space Needle. We ventured down to Pike Market, where we indulged in cheese tasting from Beecher Cheese. We saw the famous "fish throw' that the Market is well-known for (it was even highlighted in an episode from The Bachelor - Sean comes to Catherine's home town..blah blah). I guess it's kind of a big deal...ANYWAY, we then went to Pioneer Square where we indulged in an Underground Tour, featuring the city's underground existence numerous decades ago. We passed through China town and then we headed west to Alki Beach! What a blessed place. The sun was setting, making a perfect shimmer on the ocean. We nestled into a parking place and found ourselves beholding the most glorious Fish 'N Chips my stomach has ever beheld. I highly recommend Spud's,
where the Fish 'N Chips are top dollar.
Loooooooove Cheryl's home. So beautiful.
cute porch swing
(photo bomb: Teri the dog)
undeground tour
Alki Beach
The following morning we boarded the Victoria Clipper - a 3 hour ferry ride from Seattle to Victoria, British Columbia. This would be my first time in Canada- as you can imagine I was ecstatic. Victoria is full of history and fascinating culture. My mom is devoted to flowers and everything gardens. It would be her dream to go to Butchart Gardens. Her dream was fulfilled as we gallivanted around the bounteous and lush gardens. The garden features many different cultural areas, highlighting flowers that flourish in each culture. For example, they had a Japanese Garden area where everything Asian could be found. It was adorned with koi fish, green moss, bamboo and Asian architecture. It was one of the most amazing experiences ever, and I am not a huge flower lover. As you know, Canada's flag highlights the Maple Leaf- naturally there were many stores selling maple candy of sorts and I almost bought a large amount, and then I remembered the Friends episode where Ross buys so much Maple Candy when in Vermont... I didn't really want to do a repeat. Victoria was awesome. I highly recommend.
Fisherman's Wharf and Floating Houses
Butchart Gardens
The next morning we went to the 4 Seasons, where we treated ourselves to a deluxe pedicure. After days of walking, our feet needed such a treat. It was absolute HEAVEN... That evening, Cheryl was having a BBQ (the last and final birthday celebration) with all of her kids and the grandchildren too!
I don't know if I mentioned this, but the last time I saw these cousins, I was 9- at that time I was able to celebrate my birthday with them then. Fast forward 20 years ago and we are, yet again, celebrating my birthday again! This is definitely a Matzeltov Moment, for sure!! We all have changed over the years, and all of them are married and have families of their own. SO GREAT.
Heidi and her kids Ava, Ella, Jett and Kaiya
(BBQ birthday celebration #3)
Cheryl with her grandkids
Jackson, Jillian, Gracie
Me, Ashlee and Steph
Gracie and Levi
Matt and Carla's family
This is where it gets sad. Our time had run out. The next morning, we headed down to Oregon. I didn't want to leave. I was having such a great time getting reacquainted with my cousins, and they treated us like royalty. We are truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful family. I thank my mom, since we are related to them from her side of the fam.
We breezed through Oregon, highlighting sites like Multnomah Falls and Portland. We then made a surprise visit to one of my mom's Facebook friends. They have been friends for about 5 years, and they have never met!! She is cute lady, about 87 years old, who loves flowers. That is how their friendship started - over flowers and gardening. I loved seeing how excited she was to see my mom - she considers my mom to be one of her best friends. She is so active and full of life! I couldn't believe her energy. I want to be in the same short of shape when I am her age. It can't get any better than that.
We headed south on the 101, passing by Cannon Beach and Seaside (both of which were amazing!)
We saw numerous lighthouses and of course we were all mesmerized by the the indescribable coastal views. It made driving somewhat difficult, we just wanted to stare at the ocean! My favorite lighthouse was the Heceta Head Lighthouse. LOVED it.
The coast is full of some of the most breath taking sites ever to behold. I consider myself lucky to partake in such beauty. We live in such a beautiful world, full of God's creations. Our last destination was to the Redwoods in California. I have been here before, but I was little. To see them now, I have no words. These sequoias are ridiculous! I mean, they are ginormous! In short, they are beautiful, unique and magnificent. To see them is one thing, but to actually touch them and walk around them is an entirely different experience. I may sound weird, but it was peaceful and inspiring. It was almost a spiritual experience, being surrounded by giant protectors (sequoias) coupled with the silence of the air.
WOW.
I know I have said it before, but this trip was truly one for the books. My family was treated so well
I don't know if any other trip can compare. I appreciate the hospitality of my cousins. They are truly the epitome of charity, love and kindness. THANK YOU for making our stay, and my birthday so memorable!!
Next birthday trip status: in the process of planning, as we speak.
Thanks for having us, Mick and Carol!
It was a pleasure, and I seriously can't thank you enough.
The next morning we went into Seattle with Cheryl. We explored the Seattle Center, which houses the EMP music emporium and the Space Needle. We ventured down to Pike Market, where we indulged in cheese tasting from Beecher Cheese. We saw the famous "fish throw' that the Market is well-known for (it was even highlighted in an episode from The Bachelor - Sean comes to Catherine's home town..blah blah). I guess it's kind of a big deal...ANYWAY, we then went to Pioneer Square where we indulged in an Underground Tour, featuring the city's underground existence numerous decades ago. We passed through China town and then we headed west to Alki Beach! What a blessed place. The sun was setting, making a perfect shimmer on the ocean. We nestled into a parking place and found ourselves beholding the most glorious Fish 'N Chips my stomach has ever beheld. I highly recommend Spud's,
where the Fish 'N Chips are top dollar.
Loooooooove Cheryl's home. So beautiful.
(photo bomb: Teri the dog)
EMP - music emporium
undeground tour
(Cheryl and I)
Fisherman's Wharf and Floating Houses
Italian Gardens
I don't know if I mentioned this, but the last time I saw these cousins, I was 9- at that time I was able to celebrate my birthday with them then. Fast forward 20 years ago and we are, yet again, celebrating my birthday again! This is definitely a Matzeltov Moment, for sure!! We all have changed over the years, and all of them are married and have families of their own. SO GREAT.
(me, mama and Cheryl)
Cousin Time!!!
Jackson, Jillian, Gracie
Me, Stephanie and Heidi
Jillian and I
they had fun braiding my hair and making silly faces
Jillian decided to take multiple selfies on my phone
This is where it gets sad. Our time had run out. The next morning, we headed down to Oregon. I didn't want to leave. I was having such a great time getting reacquainted with my cousins, and they treated us like royalty. We are truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful family. I thank my mom, since we are related to them from her side of the fam.
We breezed through Oregon, highlighting sites like Multnomah Falls and Portland. We then made a surprise visit to one of my mom's Facebook friends. They have been friends for about 5 years, and they have never met!! She is cute lady, about 87 years old, who loves flowers. That is how their friendship started - over flowers and gardening. I loved seeing how excited she was to see my mom - she considers my mom to be one of her best friends. She is so active and full of life! I couldn't believe her energy. I want to be in the same short of shape when I am her age. It can't get any better than that.
We saw numerous lighthouses and of course we were all mesmerized by the the indescribable coastal views. It made driving somewhat difficult, we just wanted to stare at the ocean! My favorite lighthouse was the Heceta Head Lighthouse. LOVED it.
The coast is full of some of the most breath taking sites ever to behold. I consider myself lucky to partake in such beauty. We live in such a beautiful world, full of God's creations. Our last destination was to the Redwoods in California. I have been here before, but I was little. To see them now, I have no words. These sequoias are ridiculous! I mean, they are ginormous! In short, they are beautiful, unique and magnificent. To see them is one thing, but to actually touch them and walk around them is an entirely different experience. I may sound weird, but it was peaceful and inspiring. It was almost a spiritual experience, being surrounded by giant protectors (sequoias) coupled with the silence of the air.
WOW.
I know I have said it before, but this trip was truly one for the books. My family was treated so well
I don't know if any other trip can compare. I appreciate the hospitality of my cousins. They are truly the epitome of charity, love and kindness. THANK YOU for making our stay, and my birthday so memorable!!
Next birthday trip status: in the process of planning, as we speak.