So I’ve been stuck in my house since March 18th, as have many of us. Things have somewhat opened back up and people are exploring or getting back to work, but I’ve been very modest and nervous about getting back out into the world. Being on an immune-suppressant medication for Crohn’s disease, along with pregnancy – I am on the side of better to be safe than sorry.
As I’ve mentioned before: I have days where sadness will completely take over, and I just can’t get out of a ‘mood.’ This doesn’t happen often, but I think Mike finally wanted me to get out of the house for a change of scenery at the very least.
My parents live up in the Seattle area in a small town and I hadn’t seen them since November. Flying was completely out of the question to get there, so we arranged to make the drive. 18 hours. 😳 Mike drove me to Twin Falls, Idaho (the halfway point), where we met up with my parents, stayed the night in a hotel, and then parted ways the next day – my parents and I continuing up to Washington, and Mike heading back to Colorado. About two hours into the drive I questioned the idea of sitting on the car for SO long. And the thought of doing it again in two weeks even more pregnant? But I figured it would be worth it. (And it was).
Disclaimer: I had basically been quarantining in my house for months, and the same for my parents, so we felt this was a safe plan.
We didn’t have many plans for the visit. Just like at home, I figured I could relax and enjoy the outdoors, see some family, and eat. 😂 And that is just what I did.
We did get to visit with my brother, sister-in-law, and their kiddos – shout out to them for loading me up on baby gear that they no longer need!!
I also got to see my grandma, aunt and uncle, and another aunt. All usually being outdoors and distanced.
The weather was also cooler in Seattle, so it was a nice break from the recent Colorado heat!
We picked an abundance of raspberries and blueberries, and my love of fresh fruit stayed fulfilled. I also got to enjoy home cooked meals by my mom, which are always the best. Nothing tastes quite the same when I make it. 😂 We also had the best fresh corn on the cob!
My mom and I also made a couple of masks! We do not have a sewing machine, so we had to hand sew; not an easy task for us. We also go at a snail’s pace, so it takes a while to finish one, but it was a cool accomplishment!
The excitement of the trip was one day, the local Sheriff’s office was practicing search and rescue at the lake, so we got to watch the helicopter circle around, with divers jumping out, and then practicing pulling people back up. It was really cool!
I tried to stay off my phone as much as possible, and just unplug, hence the lack of photos, but it was such a great time! The car ride was not so fun, but overall worth it and so great to see my parents. It’s nice to be back home – I sure did miss the doggies. 😊 And I guess Mike too. 😜
I hope everyone is staying safe, healthy, and sane during this wild time.
Laugh Often – Rachel
Simply Stoops 