4 adults, 2 kids, a van & a wedding in Emerald City!

Since planning this trip we have been on pins & needles to get going. It had all the promise of a fantastic trip. Great friends, family, site seeing, great big gorgeous city, road trip in a minivan and of course the wedding. We had no idea that it would exceed our expectations. If there was a challenge to decide who had the best friends EVER...we would totally win, hands down.

We flew into Spokane and picked up our sweet Ride at the airport. She was a white minivan with just over 300 miles on it, a shame we never got around to naming her. Anyway, our first stop was lunch at the Elk with the Benvidez and Dentler families. Yummy corn pasta and good company, nice way to start our adventure, wish we could have spent more time with the Benz. Rowe is looking handsome, he and Pres were having so much fun. We hugged, kissed and said our first goodbye, grabbed the Dentler gear and hit the road!
Liz had lined up Owen and Pres with Buzz & Woody t-shirts, they were too cute and it was pretty funny that they started answering to nicknames. "Buzz & Woody get in the van..come on Buzz stop running in circles, good job Woody!" The drive went well and we made great time. Figured that we would make loads of potty stops with Pres in underpants but I was the weak link in the bladder category. The van was full of aroma: beef jerky, sour patch kids, coffee, strawberry licorice and alleged stinky feet. After a small hitch trying to figure out where to park downtown, the cool fresh air of Seattle was welcomed.

The hotel location was perfect! Liz had put together an itinerary for all our meals and site seeing. We were able to walk or take the monorail to everything! The boys loved the aquarium, Space Needle, Children's Museum and train ride. We got to enjoy seafood, walking Pike Street Market and loads of shopping. The weather was great for us, nice sunny days! During nap time Liz and I took advantage of the lounge while the man folk took in some football. Worked out well that the boys were on the same schedule.

Brett and Liz had us all over for a BBQ at their gorgeous home. Situated on a beautiful piece of land that is surrounded by lush evergreens and an amazing view. So glad they shared with us. Also still can't get over how clean and organized their house is. They win the prize for spotless home. Zero clutter! They have 2 dogs and a cat, you would have no idea until they all came to give you some love. The boys thought it was great to run and play. Brett and Liz don't have any kids yet but seemed completely at ease while O & Pres instigated a circus in their living room. Calm, clean folks...we are gonna keep em.
The wedding...awww...the wedding. Oriana looked stunning, she picked out the perfect dress. Preston thought she looked like a princess. Her brother presided over the ceremony, he was ordained for them. Their vows were quite moving and our whole table was weepy. We were all so excited for Adam, couldn't have picked a better match, excellent cause for celebration. A little weepy just thinking of it. Impressive to have over a hundred folks there and still have it feel like an intimate gathering. Could be because most of our oldest and closest friends were all in the same room; Brown, Matt, Brett & Liz, Kevin, Liz & Owen, Nikki, Mandy & Cammie and their families, Jessica, Lindsey, McKenzie, Yvonne, Bella & Azaria, McVay Family...just a great time with great people. Thanks Adam & Oriana!! Special thanks for whoever is responsible for placing my baby pic in the album, glad it is no longer on the McVay mantle ;-)

Our trip back to Spokane included a stop along the Columbia River to hike up to the Wild Horses. We were afforded nice views thanks to the spectacular weather. Hard to believe it was pouring on us earlier in the day. Dropping off the Dentlers was tough, didn't want to have to say goodbye again. Pres talks about Owen daily, a sure indicator of a great time. We scooted off to the Village to spend an evening (also far too short) with the Halsteds and the SSs. Sean was flying out at 0'dark thirty so that visit was quite limited. Hilarious to see all the monkeys play together. Keelie is walking now! Ethan and grandpa tried to teach Pres a little cribbage. Riles is as pretty and smart as ever. Really missing everyone, nice reminder of all we have to be thankful for.
Back in SoDak we got word that the med board made a decision on Regan's career. They have recommended that he be temporarily retired, for up to five years, until he is fit for duty. Based on the limited information provided to the board Reg has elected to appeal the decision. This process should be finalized within 30 days, will provide updates as I get them. Cross your fingers, the hope is that he can be returned to duty immediately. On the treatment front, Reg started Radiation on Tuesday. He is doing great with it and has a couple small tattoos to show for it. The radiation blast only takes about 10 minutes that he does at the end of his work day. He will do this 5 days a week for 5 weeks and then all done. No glowing yet but we have high hopes! He will still be under surveillance but to a lesser degree. Visits every 4-6 months until we hit the 5 year mark and then annually. The scans taken this week show that he is still all clear! Also he is back to doing push ups so he has healed nicely. Yahoo!

Pres is doing spectacular. He is tackling potty training and making it very easy for us. He handled all the traveling with only one accident. Truthfully that was the parents fault for taking the only restroom in the hotel room without asking the little man if he needed it. We did have a near accident on the plane ride home that had Reg sprinting to the restroom with Pres the second the seatbelt light turned off. Just before they got to the bathroom one of the flight attendants jumped in the bathroom. The other flight attendant saw Reg coming and lured the other out just in the nick of time. All went well and thanks to Pres announcing to the whole plane he "went potty" he was awarded with applause. Too funny. He moves up to the preschool room next week...such a big boy. I need things to slow down!

Preston's 3rd birthday party is next weekend and should be a great time. All the grandparents will be in town, as well as Sean, Sarah and the kiddos. We are so excited! Dual bounce houses...come on you know you want to come!