If only I could have bottled it all up for safe keeping! The vibrant, sweet perfume of pine that permeated every sniff while hiking a foothill. The refreshing scent of saltwater gently breezing in off the Puget Sound. The peaceful stillness along the open, rocky bank of the river. But most especially those playful shouts, deep bellied laughs and naturally surfacing squabbles of our 5 children mingled with 5 of their cousins and the opportunity of mothering right alongside one of my sisters for 12 wonderful days. A time spent living normal life while soaking in some of the wonders that WA has to offer.

While I’m far from a professional tourist, I think I can safely admit that we harnessed a well-rounded experience without extensive effort or travel. My sister and her family dwell in a hardworking farming community with various views of fields and pastures backdropped by breathtaking mounts and foothills. Mt Baker quietly supervises from afar and on an exceptionally clear day Mt Rainier proudly makes a majestic appearance. The expansive beauty of the Puget Sound is a relatively short drive away while a happy river, hugged by white rocked banks skirted with towering trees, flows steadily and serenely along just a few stones’ throw from the backyard.

Many memorable moments were spent merely going about all the daily activities that accompany country living with 10 children under the age of 11 (and everyone did a fantastic job pulling their own weight!). A garden needed tending, laundry and dishes required washing, hungry bellies needed filling. Campfires were built, fish were caught, wood was split, blackberries ripened daily, the tire swing was in constant motion and the treehouse hosted nightly campers. Oh! And fabulous flower crowns for little girls don’t just make themselves! Great tunes, refreshing drinks and a quick game of cards were natural elements of the environment.

It’s no secret that our entire family loves the water! Needless to say, our full day at Puget Sound and our couple river trips were special indeed! It was as if time stood still in our own little spot on the beach and riverbank while the rest of the world whirled on without us, taking all our worries and cares right along with it. The treasures that were found, watching the tide go out and wave back on in and tasting salt on our lips for two full days after swimming in the Sound filled pockets and hearts to overflowing. How great is our Creator!

Now I’d like to informally introduce you to a poetic, older soul we’ll call “Mr. B.” A close friend of my sister’s family, Mr. B is the most down-to-earth man you’ll ever meet. I’m pretty sure he’s experienced in everything, knows all there is to know about planes and being a pilot and is a bit of a Yoda…. doesn’t say much but when he does it’s not in vain and he leaves you feeling like there’s a whole lot more he’s not spilling the beans on. Well, this kind man did a fly-by drop off for us. We eagerly lined up outside, searched the sky and waited until all the cousins confirmed “YEP! IT’S HIS PLANE!” He made the drop and feet couldn’t run fast enough to see the surprise. Snow crab. Who would have guessed? Not me. Anyway, minutes later a pot of well-seasoned water was boiling, in went the crab and then we feasted!

In the vein of flying…. since my brother-in-law is an all-around cool guy, he offered to fly me to Roche Harbor*. My first flight in a puddle jumper? Across the San Juan Islands nonetheless!? Exploring a harbor that bore part of my name? Uhm, let’s just say that it didn’t take much convincing. So, we climbed into a cute Cessna 150 named Blue Thunder and took off. (Thank you, dear sister, for managing the house full of kids!) There’s no picking a favorite part of that experience: flying along with fields and towns below, water on one side and mounts on all the others, soaring over the astounding archipelago emerging out of the Salish Sea, touring the quaintest harbor I’ve ever seen, sipping a cold Scuttlebutt amber ale while soaking in the view and flying home with Mt Baker and Mt Rainier in full site; both basking in the golden glow of the sun setting behind us.

We managed to sandwich a couple other things into our lovely stay. One fine day we all…. and the dog…. hiked a foothill, munching on fresh blackberries and huckleberries the whole way up. Our 5 and I also got our first run in with the massive tiger slugs that are quite at home in that neck of the country. And, of course, we enjoyed a “mom’s night out” complete with sushi and trying out a unique whiskey bar; rich in drinks, art and entertainment.

But, as in all things in life, it had to come to an end. With bags packed and tearful good-byes exchanged we boarded a plane for our flight home. All that remains are the millions of memories, countless pictures and such deep, heartfelt gratitude.

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