We decided to be brave/stupid and drive straight from Orem to Bellingham with a newborn, toddler, and a Miles.  There was lots of throw up and stops, but much less whining then anticipated.  It took us just less than 17 hours.  Paul and I pretty much felt like we’d just been through a hard fought battle when we arrived.  

The main reason for the trip was a Reid Family Reunion.  It was busy, crazy, and fun.  There were a few moments where I didn’t know if my anti social hormonal postpartum self was going to survive but, thanks to Paul’s help and lots of cousins to entertain, I made it through.

On the 4th we just hung around in my parents backyard playing games and catching up.


The water balloon launcher always provides plenty of entertainment.  Even GiGi had to get in on the action.

Ruby loved being the only baby around and soaked up all the attention.  


The next evening we got together to play games.  This proved to be extremely entertaining. 

I loved watching the four toddlers run around together.  


We also had time to visit a few of Bellingham’s amazing parks.   
The density of the trees always catches me off guard.  Macey had her tree obsession year when she was about 3.  That was this visit for Miles.  He finally noticed the difference between Utah trees and Bellingham trees.  He kept referring to the trees as a jungle.  Many times we had to explain that this was what a real forest looked like.  

Miles’ was thrilled his favorite destination, The Touch Tank, was on the agenda. He made best friends with the worker, Katie, and followed her around asking question after question.  She was extremely patient and answered them all.  He even had to run back in and give her a hug when we left.  

To ease the pain of skipping Pearrygin we got to spend an afternoon on Lake Whatcom.  I wish we would spent all day there.  My kids are always best entertained and well behaved when a beach and water sports are involved.  

We of course had to do a family GTX ride, minus Ruby.

GiGi got all the great grandkids these adorable towels and I am pretty sure there was always at least one kid wearing one at all times.


My favorite part of the day was when Miles “fell” (jumped) in.

When the boat drove by him he yelled up to us with the biggest grin on his face, “That my first time falling in! Me love it! Me want to do it again!”.  When we tried to just make him swim to shore, he yelled, “No! You have to rescue me!”   Love this kid. And so we spent the next 10 min. watching Christopher try to get all 3 kids onto the GTX, only to have them jump off again.  

There was of course lots of time spent just hanging out.

Macey was thrilled to be reunited with Rio and is certain she is his favorite of the grandkids. 



I never have enough time to do and see everything and everyone I would like when I visit.  So, I guess that means I’ll just have to visit again soon.