Some of Our Washington Trip

We went on a 10 day trip to Washington to visit our families earlier this month. We took our video recorder/camera, which we were not familiar with, and therefore did not end up with very many of our own pictures. The pictures we are sharing with you mostly came from others. We are so grateful to those who have shared their pictures with us. If and when we get more from others, we will share them later, too.

We started out around 4 pm Friday afternoon from Idaho Falls with Jared's sister, Michelle and her family in their minivan. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here ya go.

We drove 9 hours to Kennewick, WA, where we stayed with Jared's Mom for about 2 1/2 days. We canned beans, visited with family, and took pictures. We only got one clear photo with our camera and it was of Grandma and Grandpa Kauer with their great-grandchildren Evi, Allie, Shyla, Eddie, Ethan, and the little one inside of Michelle (the ultrasound picture being held by Ethan).

Monday morning, we left for western Washington. After another 4 hours in the car, we met up with Nikki's dad at the LDS temple, where he shot the "arrival photo" of us in the minivan seen above. We then switched cars and headed to Nikki's parents' home. Not long after our arrival, we were able to enjoy the wildlife... One may ask if we're talking about the wildlife as in Allie's cousins, or wildlife of the woods. It was initially the deer seen below, but the Altons' other dears arrived soon after.

Nikki's brother DJ works at the Theo Chocolate factory. He is a roaster, meaning he roasts the beans and tastes the nibs to make sure they are just right. If they roast too long or not long enough, the end chocolate will not taste very yummy. Tuesday morning, we got to tour the factory. In order to witness the majic of chocolate-making, the young and old had to be smurfed (wear blue hairnets). But the reward for doing so was being able to taste lots of yummy chocolate samples.

Close-up of Papa and Baby Smurf

Smurf Family Portrait

Wednesday, we got to walk with the animals, talk with the animals, and see some animals at the Woodland Park Zoo.

Grandma Bobby, Bella, Jared and Allie, Breya, Nikki, Maria, and Nathen at entrance of Zoo. We were able to convince them to let us in but not keep us.

Some of Allie's Cousins - Nathen, Bella, Breya, Caidance and Hailee A Gorilla and Her Baby

A Kangaroo with its AllieWhile at the Zoo Allie's head got a little sunburned, so that night we put some Cold Cream (Thanks Mara) on her head. She actually liked it and smiled the whole time.

After a good nights rest we were on the move again. This time to the Gale family reunion at Birch Bay State Park. Both sets of Jared's Grandparents, sisters, Dad and Stepmom, Carren, and some of her kids and grandkids were there. Again due to our lack of our picture-taking camera we didn't get any pictures of the rocky beach or the kiddos collecting shells. We also missed some cute cousin and grandparent pictures. All in all everyone had a great time, we all were smiling in the sibling picture anyway.

Left to Right: Brad, Michelle, Eddie, Ethan, Evi, Bethany, Shyla, Jeni, Benjamin, Sterling, Wendy, David, Jared, Nikki, and Little Allie.

Saturday night we the fearless three travelers were joined by Jeni and Shyla for a quick scamper to the Altons for family pictures (This being the only time everyone could get together).

Ma, Pa and the grandkids.

Caidance, Dennis, Allie, Bella, Hailee, Barbara, Breya, Nathen, and, Cole.

The weary three. (Aren't they cute?)

The Whole Alton (un smurfed) Gang

Back Row: DJ, Monte, Breya, Mara, Nathan, Nikki (with Allie), Jared, Maria, Jason

Front Row: Yvonne, Caidance, Grandpa, Bella, Hailee, Grandma Bobby, Cole, Nathen

Candid shot of Mama and Baby, (oh so cute)

Sunday morning was Allie's baby blessing at Nikki's Brother Nathan's house. NOTE: Space was very limited, and our families alone filled every nook and cranny; Please be understanding. We are so very grateful for all your love, and esspecially for Nathan and Mara letting us barge in and use their home.

Us with Allie in her blessing dress.

Grandpa Larry Gale, Carren, and Allie
Grandma and Grandpa Alton, Cole, and Allie

Grandma Carpenter, Allie, and Luke (the Cat)

Great Grandpa Gale and Allie

Great Grandma Gale and Allie

After our grand tour of Northwestern United States we decided that we had better go home to Idaho. Here is a picture of Allie showing how we all felt once we got home.

A note to our dear friends in Washington: As you can see our trip was very full, sorry we couldn't visit everyone. We look forward to seeing ya'll as soon as we can.