Tacoma in a Weekend

The last weekend in August we loaded up the family for a quick weekend trip to Washington. Well, actually, the kids stopped in Boise and Landon and I went on to Washington with his mom, Diane, and brother Eric. We left for Boise on Thursday night and stayed at my parents house. Then Diane and Eric picked Landon and I up in Boise on Friday and we returned on Sunday. Since it was such a quick trip and such a long drive we decided to leave the kids in Boise with my brother's and parents. Thanks to them for taking care of them while we were gone.

We went to Tacoma for the wedding of Landon's cousin Ryan. The drive was actually fairly enjoyable. Without the kids we watched grown up movies in the car, I worked on posting my grades, and my favorite, I read. I was given the series "The Hunger Games" before we left by some friends, and devoured the first book on this trip. It has been a long time since I have done that and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

We were lucky enough to stay with Landon's Aunt Esther and Uncle Marty. They were gracious hosts and we had a great time. Since Landon and Eric are allergic to cats they had to camp in the neighbors yard, so as not to die from throat closure. The first night there Esther, who is a teacher, and I got to talking about online gadgets and teaching things. We shared some fun things we knew about with each other and discussed secrets of the trade. Landon was bored, but I had a ton of fun discussing professional stuff with someone.

The first day we were there we went down to the pier to a wooden boat show. While there they were having drum boat races. I have watched these on TV but have never seen one in real life. It was really interesting to watch each boat having a drummer pounding out their rhythm. I think it would get confusing and you would really have to train yourself to your own drum. If we lived anywhere where they did these, I think I might want to get involved. It would be really great exercise.


This boat was a two man paddle boat. Four guys took it across the Atlantic Ocean with someone rowing non-stop. Really cool story. This boat is sooo small, I can't imagine living on it for as long as they did.

Landon and I standing in front of one of the boats on the dock.

The people who man the boats were there, all dressed up in their pirate garb, to answer any questions we had about the boats. We learned some really cool new stuff.

Esther and Marty, our gracious hosts.

Esther, Diane, and Marty.

Landon, Katie, Eric and Diane.

Landon and I realized in the middle of this adventure that we were much more relaxed than normally we would be. Then Landon figured out why. We had no kids. Normally when we go to things like this we are chasing kids, yelling at them not to touch things, and trying to catch what we can without loosing a kid over the side. It was really interesting to get to leisurely look at the boats and enjoy our time. (Although the kids would have loved it.)

Landon, Katie, Esther and Marty in front of a car boat.

A closer look. Esther told us a story about seeing one of these in action when she was a lifeguard.

That afternoon we went to a Rose Garden in Tacoma for the wedding of Ryan and Joelle. It was great to get to see the Ladwig family again. We really don't see them very much. The last time was two years ago at Grandpa Ladwig's funeral. It was nice to see them on a happier note.

Landon and Eric talking with his cousins Adam and Misty.

The Happy couple, Ryan and Joelle!

Their wedding was absolutely gorgeous. I think this was one of the best planned, prepared, and just absolutely timeless weddings I have ever been to. From the invitations to the wedding programs to the decorations, everything was perfect. We had only met Joelle one other time when we came up from the funeral, but she and I have kept up with each other a little on facebook. She is one of the friendliest most genuine people I have ever met. From the moment I met her I knew that we could be good friends and I was so happy to be able to go and share in this day with them.

Look how happy they are!

Landon and I after the ceremony. Landon couldn't be out down by Ryan, although it was their day to be in the spotlight.

The reception was in Ryan and Joelle's backyard, which is gorgeous! The have the most fabulous garden and landscaping. They had decorated it with lanterns and pretty table decorations and even a dance floor. The food was good, the entertainment was fabulous including a rendition of the Napoleon Dynamite dance by the bride and her friends, and the dancing, well it rocked! You can tell what a fun group of friends they have because from the moment the music started the dance floor was packed. Joelle has got to be the most hard core jammer I have ever seen. I loved it!!!!

Diane and Eric dancing the night away.

Marty had some pretty serious moves of his own.

We stayed and partied for a long time into the night, but then decided we had better head back to the house to get a good nights sleep so that we could head back to Pocatello the next morning. Once back at the house we all got ready for bed, including Landon and Eric to their tent. On their way out to the tent they passed one of Esther and Marty's neighbors and said hello to him. As they went into the neighbors yard, they could hear this man on the telephone calling the police and telling them that two men in hooded sweatshirts just ducked into the bushes. They went out and tried to talk to him, but all he would do is tell them to "Stay right there!" Eric came in the house and got Marty and Esther to come explain to the neighbor who they were. (In this man's defense, two years previously there had been a murder just down the street.) After Mary and Esther explained he finally believed who they were, but it makes for a fun story to end the trip!