It's Been a While

I recently came back from my ten day visit to America. I covered quite a lot of ground while I was there. My travels included a flight from Grand Cayman to Phoenix (stop over in Charlotte, North Carolina), one day in Phoenix, a flight to Seattle, three days in Seattle, a flight to Salt Lake, five days in Salt Lake, a drive to Phoenix, one day in Phoenix, and a flight back to Grand Cayman (with a layover in Charlotte again). This post will be part one of my trip: Seattle, Washington.

I can see David and I living somewhere like Washington or Oregon in the future. I am so fond of that part of the country. Maybe it's because of my childhood memories, but whatever the case I never get sick of visiting.

This was the seventh year of the tradition of Simon, my dad, and I all meeting in Seattle for the annual auction. My mom and Em came along this year too, which was nice because we were able to spend even more time together as a family (except we missed Asialene, of course).

Every year we start off the trip by eating at Ivars on the pier. There is no better clam chowder on this planet and no better people to eat it with than my family. Here is the annual Ivars picture, only this time my dad doesn't have his cup held out in front of him, but he is giving the same exact face as usual. His "photo face" (a.k.a. no teeth showing, open mouthed smile) that we all know and love.

My mom was having the time of her life feeding the Seagulls. To quote her, "The money for the plane tickets was worth it just for that." Em was loving her clam chowder and was especially happy to be in Seattle as my parents kept it a surprise from her until we went to the airport. She thought she and my mom were flying to Utah while my dad and I flew to Seattle and was tickled to hear that they were accompanying us too.

My dad was really nervous about the auction this year. With the economy the way it is he knew that we wouldn't be able to raise as much money as previous years. Even though we didn't bring in as high of numbers, it was still a wonderful night. Seeing my dad auction and having the time of his life is worth every moment of traveling or every penny spent.

He's just so cute when he is up there in the spotlight. He asks for moments of silence for members of the auction committee who have passed away, says the same, "Your dog and my dog had pups so we're first cousins" joke, and never fails to give appreciation to those who put in so much time and effort to plan the evening. One of my favorite parts about this particular year was when my dad presented Mr. Bill Wooding (big spender... has the same bidding number and seat each year... and adores my dad) with a flag. A few years ago Mr. Wooding was the highest bidder for a flag pole. My dad promised him he would give him a flag that flew over the capital and this night he did. I just thought it was cute that my dad remembered his promise and tried to make a little ceremony out of the whole ordeal. I did not think it was very cute that he made me present the flag to Mr. Wooding since I had no idea how to hand it to him or if I was supposed to open it up to show everyone or what!

The auction is held in Anacortes on a gorgeous island- a couple hours away from Seattle. On our way back to Bothell (the town I grew up in) we drove by Deception Pass and took some pictures. Simon is fascinated by bridges and anything to do with that kind of structure. He is a structural engineer, so of course that kind of stuff would amaze him. I was a little afraid of the heights and was suffering from the frigid weather (I'm not used to it!) but I sure loved the scenery.

We saw a bald eagle and that was really cool. My dad startled us when he started shouting, "Hey! Hey!" and explained he was trying to get the eagle to fly. There were people around, so we hushed him before he embarrassed all of us and then all of a sudden he started yelling, "Pow! Pow!" I had no idea why he was yelling that until he told me he was trying to sound like a gun. Oh yes, Daddy, a gun sound would surely make the eagle fly away. Good thinking. :)

I'm talking a lot about my dad today. I've been thinking about him a lot lately. If I may, I'd like to ask for everyone's prayers on his behalf. He is having open heart surgery on April 14th. I know he is worried and scared and so am I. I've felt comfort and peace ever since we found out about the surgery, but I know that the more prayers that are said the more he will be strengthened and uplifted. So, thanks in advance.

The water was like glass. You wouldn't believe, but in the seven years that we have come to Washington for the auction, it has rained maybe twice and not for very long.

We went to church at the old Bothell building. The first things that come to mind when I think of that building are 1) jolly ranchers from Bishop Nelson, 2) the ice cold Washington water in the drinking fountain, 3) being baptized there (and probably blessed as a baby too come to think of it), 4) wedding receptions and birthday parties in the cultural hall, and 5) developing my testimony of the church as a child.

One of the highlights each year is seeing Auntie Mye and Uncle Eddie. If you want to meet the most generous, loving, and humble people then come with me next year. Auntie Mye never fails to take me shopping, and always gives Simon new clothing for his entire family. To top it all off she then sends us home with all sorts of treats (my personal favorite were the dried mangoes). Playing Rock Band with my cousin Marc was a lot of fun too. I kind of pretend I'm on American Idol when I am the singer and then when I play the drums I kind of pretend I'm Shalyce.

Speaking of American Idol... I love it. But, am really sad that my favorite contestant, Megan, was voted off. What makes me even more sad is how she was acting on Wednesday's elimination episode. She could have been a bit more graceful for her last appearance. I was embarrassed for her. Why was she acting like such a weirdo?

We slept at their place in Bothell and left for the airport the next morning, had one last bite to eat at the airport Ivars, and were on our way to Utah (and Simon to Pennyslvania).

So, all in all it was a wonderful trip. Maybe I'll watch Sleepless in Seattle while David's at the priesthood session tonight in memory of my awesome vacation. Anyone care to join me?

By the way, I can't get enough of conference. It's perfect and I am so thankful to be able to hear the words of our prophet and dear leaders. I hope everyone else is enjoying it as much as I am.