VanSickle Family: December Vacation

This year we were able to go to both Seattle and Oregon for Christmas vacation. The three of us loaded up with our two dogs and set off for Seattle after work on Friday. We made it all the way to the highway before we had to turn around and come back for the first forgotten item- a camera. Take Two- This time we made it to Spokane about 11 that night. We got up bright and early around 10 to leave for Seattle and made it there about 3 on Saturday.

Seattle was so much fun. We always enjoy spending time with Giana and Tom and were even more blessed to be able to dance, jump, read books, fix hair, and go shopping with their two additions—16-month old Adalee and 9-month old Desmond. What amazing little people. And, I was so proud of Kami. Naturally she was scared to death of the Davidson’s two dogs, but she was so good around the babies…well, there may have been a few pass-by chin-to-forehead licks, but that was just because they were the perfect height.

While in Seattle, Stan, Taylee, and I spent the day at the zoo. The animals were pretty active. Many were “unwrapping” Christmas presents. The meerkats got boxes of insects and peanut butter smears. Yum. The elephants got large decorative, paper-mache balls filled with popcorn that they quickly demolished along with a large ice sculpture made from some fruit juices that also quickly got smashed. The lion was roaring. The tigers were pacing and roaring. It was a wonderful trip.

We left Seattle and drove south to Oregon on Tuesday. We got to visit with Aunt Marlene, cousin Sarah, and cousin Jason and his new wife and 14-month old daughter Makiah. On one of the days we drove to Lincoln City. The weather was beautiful and we played on the beach for about an hour before heading farther north to Tillamook (Taylee’s FAVORITE cheese). Taylee’s comment as she was shutting her door, “Don’t go back in the car! Something really stinks….wait a minute…” Now realizing the smell was from the large number of dairy cows OUTSIDE of the car. The factory was pretty interesting, even though one of the machines was broken. Best of all- samples of cheese and an ice cream parlor.

Santa comes early on the coast so on Christmas Eve night, the eight of us all piled into large vehicle and drove around to look at lights. When we got back, Santa had brought Stan and I just what we wanted…new towels. Oh, and Taylee got an American Girl Doll as requested. She named her Kelli but told us that was a temporary name. Christmas day was spent making Chinese food and then enjoying the food as well as playing card games.

Monday we drove up to the Portland Zoo for zoo lights…a very cool experience. We rode the train around the zoo and admired the incredible display of lights. After one last dinner with Sarah and Marlene, we packed up to head back home the next morning.

It was an amazing trip, but I am so glad to be home.

Seattle Zoo

Reading with Adi and Des

The Beach

Run into the waves

Run away from the waves

Run into the waves

Uh oh, Taylee

Uh oh me. (This is from farther away because Stan ran away from the wave to get this picture. Yep it went up my back and Kami is swimming, but Taylee and Bella are safe!