For the last few years I have been flying back and forth to Seattle to see mom, my brothers, friends and nephews. I always get so excited to see everyone and also to see Washington state which is an amazing and beautiful state. It has so many mountains, forests, and lakes.
Mom and I had so many great adventures together on these visits. We always loved playing with my nephews, Nathaniel and Zachary. Then we would take long walks around Green Lake. One year, we even collected leaves for my second graders back in Round Rock so that we could melt crayon pieces inside of the wax paper. I just wanted the kids to see how beautiful the leaves looked when they changed colors. My mom took this endeavor very seriously. By the time we got around that lake, we had so many leaves and although she had trouble keeping her balance, she found the best leaves for my kids.
We were so cold by the time we made it around the lake that we stopped at Starbucks for some hot cocoa. Mom was so happy to warm up. We also tried to watch all of the "Girl" movies together. These were the movies that made us cry and we had a lot of favorites. This was really important to me because I live in a house full of boys and all we ever watch at home are action films.
My sister in law, Kristin, not only offered her parent's condo to us numerous times, but was always drawing me maps so I wouldn't get lost driving around Seattle. Plus, she cooked for us and lent me all of her winter coats to keep me warm because I never seem to remember how cold Washington really is until I show up at the airport. Aunt Kris always made mom and I feel so important and loved.
These are memories I will treasure for the rest of my life.