making more memories

In the midst of summer craziness, we planned ahead and declared that yesterday would be a “family day”, with the intent of sharing memories and building new ones. Our day started early and was jam-packed with much-anticipated and much-needed family time. We’ve been telling Liam for weeks that we would be taking him to a ‘big surprise” that day. He tried his best at twenty-questions to guess what we were doing and the closest he got was find out that it was “something with wheels.” 

Our first stop was Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in Issaquah for “breakfast” (if you can call it that). Awful parenting, I know. But again, the day’s theme was sharing family history with our kids. So, we told the story of how shortly after Phil and I first met in college, one of the first things we did together was camp out with a group of our friends overnight for the grand opening of the first Krispy Kreme in Washington. What can I say, we were in college and it was something to do. We pointed out the spot in the parking lot where we had pitched tents and told of the news crews who interview us.

Next it was on to the “big surprise”. Liam is obsessed with trains (and planes, and motorcycles and boats…) so he was thrilled when we pulled up to the Snoqualmie Train Depot and saw not only a train, but Thomas The Tank Engine! It was the annual “Day out with Thomas” event where the railway museum puts on a festival and kids can ride a life-sized Thomas train and enjoy several train-related activities. We had wanted to take him for a while but were debating whether to spend the money. I’m glad we did. He was so happy and thrilled to examine the antique engines, drive modal trains, listen to train music, and of course, the ride. Vivian even enjoyed it more than I thought she would.

Next we visited the Snoqualmie Falls, since it was just down the road. We walked around and appreciated the cool spray from the water in the already hot morning sun. Liam was intrigued with the hydro turbine displays and wanted to know all about them. Vivian just liked being outside.

Another reason that yesterday was a good time to share family memories was that it would have been Phil’s Grandpa Paul’s 93^rd birthday. He passed away six years ago, before he had the chance to meet any of his great-grandchildren. Liam’s middle name is Paul, so we tell stories about him a lot. He loved to eat at the Issaquah XXX Burger Restaurant so much that they still have his pictures on the wall, right by the door. So, we had lunch there and smiled remembering him and what an amazing legacy of family and faith that he left us.

even the kids' plain milk came with sprinkles on top 

Liam Paul next to the photos of Grandpa Paul
(photos of him in giant sunglasses celebrating his birthday there;
and the program from his memorial service)

Next we headed south to Yelm for our first time attending the annual BBQ with the extended-extended Blomberg family (Phil’s dad’s cousins and families). We don’t really know most of them but they invite us every year so it was nice to be able to attend this time and get to know them better.

It was a long day and we were all exhausted by the time we returned home. I am continually humbled and amazed at how blessed we are to have such a wonderful family and rich history to share.