Summer Trip #2-- Home Sweet Home

Way back in July, I was able to go home to Washington state. It was a fun and very packed trip. Each day consisted of several activities and plenty of time with family. Sean stayed back in Pittsburgh to take finals (boo) and was missed. I don't think I can ever spend ten days away from him again.

Sean and I decided that this would be a good time to announce to our families that we were expecting. We sent poems in the mail to family that wouldn't be able to receive a hand-delivered one. The poems read:

A baby goat is called a kid.
A baby deer is called a fawn.
A baby whale is called a calf.
A baby goose is called a gosling.
A baby bear is called a cub.
A baby kangaroo is called a joey.
A baby cat is called a kitten.
A baby dog is called a pup.
A baby pig is called a piglet.
On March 1st Sean and Rachel will
tell you what their Quiglet is called.

It was fun to finally let our secret out. I had been avoiding calling any family members or friends, cause I was worried I would have everything come rushing out of my mouth.

Throughout the trip I was nauseous and terrified that my body would miscarry. Each day was full of fun, but despite the fun, I was an emotional wreck. I am looking forward to another trip, in the future, where I will be normal. A big thank you to family who'll put up with you despite the emotional circumstances.

Here is what we did.

My grandparents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Each of their seven children were able to make it for the occasion, and even put the whole thing together. Every time I would tell my clients, in Pittsburgh, that I was going to my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary they were shocked that they were still married.Way to beat the odds grandma and grandpa!

Along with their seven children, came the grandchildren... 27 of the 28 are here in the picture (even though two were on missions, their life size cardboard bodies made it in the picture).

                                              My sisters and me 

James, Megan, Koby, Ethan, Micah and Eve (brother-in-law, sister, nephew, nephew, brother, and sister-in-law)

The next day you could find the whole gang donned in the same burgundy family shirt at the church property. We spent our Saturday eating great food, playing lots of games, and hanging out down at the river. My dad orchestrated this event, and did a wonderful job. We ate leftovers for a week (combine that with nauseous feelings and I didn't want to even look at the food).

 

Emily disappeared

A large herd of burgundy gathered around the little herd of burgundy and watched as they dug in the hay for treasures

The next day we went camping on the Washington coast-- without our burgundy shirts.

 I enjoyed complaining about how cold I was while everyone else enjoyed skim boarding, surfing, boogy-boarding, and playing in the water.

When the sun came out, we were in heaven!

Megan kept Ethan, Koby, and Ryder entertained while Shannon chased Eli

Emily kept me entertained

There is one rule you must follow when surfing in Washington-- Wear wet suits. Brrr!

 

After returning from camping, the next day we went crabbing. The water was so calm off of Camano. As we waited for crab to wander into our pots, we fished.

Grandpa and Ryder

And the crab came! We met our limit after three hours and headed home to have a seafood feast.

Going home never gets old!

These are the precautions you have to take if you want a successful garden back home.

These four legged friends will come snack whenever they want, so if you want growth-- build a fence.

 Overall, the trip was wonderful! The last couple of days were spent at my cousin's wedding and a local fair-- the nephews loved the animals and tractors. I loved the ice cream-- no surprise there. I can't wait to go home again!