Trip (Phase One)

We left Seattle on January 1 on a direct flight to Reagan. Mike caught a cat-nap but no one else slept. Ben was delighted to play games and play with the IPOD but Kyri was busy, busy, busy.

We flew in to Reagan just as the sun was starting to set. Ben and I were looking out and I spotted the National Cathedral, Mormon Temple, Pentagon, Capitol, and the topper...Mt. Vernon. It was lovely. Mike said the row in front of me was straining to hear my tour commentary to Ben.

We stopped to see Lauren Mehrens and her parents for dinner and then the drive to W.V. While too brief, our time with good friends was a great way to celebrate the New Year.

Mike's parents are in the final(ish) phase of building a new house behind the one they are living in. Before everyone arrived for Amber and Edgar's wedding reception on the 3rd, they had heat, plumbing and kitchen appliances. We had the attic to ourselves which was nice. The first morning was spent locating a mirror so that those of us staying in the new house could know if we were acceptable or not before heading out into public.

W. Virginia has been somewhat of a culture shock for me. Mike and I wondered on the way home how two kids with moms who both prefer country life could be such city people. We aren't sure if our dads love rurality (is that a word?) as much. (In fact, I had fun imagining what it would be like to take my dad to Mike's parents and watch him deal with the culture shock!) Suffice it to say that if you are headed to Mannington, WV, leave your cell phone, GPS, and good shoes at home. They won't be needed. And when Mike's dad tells you that you will pass a "caution light" keep in mind that it might look like a non-optional light to you, but here in WV, it is just advisory. (smile)

We had a great time seeing (and for Ben, Kyrie & I meeting for the first time many of) Mike's extended family. All five of his aunts made it, two uncles, five cousins and grandma. Cousin Duncan is 9 and cousin Ana is 6, and they graciously provided entertainment for Ben and Kyri. All eight of Mike's siblings were present. We had fun playing games, making fun of W. Virginia, and celebrating Amber and Edgar's nuptials.

By Sunday afternoon, Kyri and Ben were peopled out. Kyri cried the last hour we were there and when we took off in the car, she settled down into a happy quiet.

(to be continued)