Stahekin

 The solution to the miserbale season of hell in St George is multiple excuses (weddings) to escape to Washington.  Kaleb and Julynn were our first of the summer.  The day before our trip our rental car cancelled and Cam and Jill generously saved our bacon by not only loaning us their truck, but by giving us a ride from the airport and letting us stay at their new VRBO on the lake.  It was so wonderful to wake up in such a cool, peaceful place that we didn't get going on time and nearly missed our ferry!  The weather could not have been more perfect as we traveled up the fjord-like 50 miles of Lake Chelan.  We arrived hungry and immediately set out to discover "The garden" an organic farm that offered homemade cheeses, drinks and breads.  Best goat cheese and crackers of our lives.  We ended up at the Stahekin Passtry shop for dinner and could barely choose between all the delicious options.  Tony settled on biscuits and gravy, his favorite!  That night was the summer solstice so we had plenty of daylight to explore, but the peaceful setting and being totally unplugged and off grid had us in bed early and sleeping like the dead.  The next morning we rented bikes and rode to Rainbow Falls.  It was especially fun because it was unplanned and unexpected.  We enjoyed breakfast again at the Pastry Restaurant and caught the ferry for another beautiful ride back.  Both Tony and i loved driving through central Washington both for the memories and for the realization that there were still spots left undiscovered like Banks Lake.

As we were headed to the Shills in the Spokane Valley, Tony saw an accident two cars ahead.  With lightning quick reflexes developed from years of Pac-man, he swerved into the other lane narrowly missing a motorcyclist and the other cars and saving our lives.  I burst into tears as the reality of what could have happened hit me and said prayers of gratitude for our protection.  We loved our evening with the Shills.  Their home is full of love and happiness and hope and the joy of 5 kids.  They were especially gracious to spend time with us since they were levaing on a road trip early Friday morning.  Otto and Emily have started Shillmed, a functional health clinic and we were inspired by their courage to do what they love.  They will bless many lives.  Tony managed to squeeze  pickleball with Jason's friends,  so that left him happy for the day.  I had the lovely chance to spend the day with Becky Corrie and Val.  Being with them was like remembering all the good things about St John and it was generous of them to come visit.  I was thankful that I have a friend like Andrea who let me host friends in her home and even raid her fridge to feed them!  

Friday night we had dinner with Cam and Dustin and Kimberly.  Jill and Stacey were out of town with their kids, and Jeff and his kids were sick, but it was nice to be together for delicious sushi.

Saturday was a super relaxing day.  We sat in the sun and enjoyed the beautiful PNW summer.  Andrea had a terrible sinus infection, so she came home from the lake to rest.  That evening was Kaleb's wedding and everything was absolutely beautiful.  Kaleb and Julynn were happy and relaxed.  Audrey was in heaven with all but Michael.  Amy was happy and beautiful. Jake was a little worn out wrangling kids, but was a good sport and of course Ellie Pepper and the boys stole the show with their cuteness.  There was more love and happiness than alcohol.  The Kolbs have been and will be continue to be such a beautiful part of our extended family.  We love them and cherish each one of our relationships with them.  Don and Amy had just returned from an amazing temple trip to Switzerland and they were positively glowing.  

On Sunday we went to church and then spent the morning with Cooper.  We felt like he is not as happy as he would like to be, an impression that was confirmed yesterday when we received a text that he had put in his two weeks notice at work.  He acknowledged that he did not see his future in Pullman and we c=encouraged him not to live below his potential.  We are so proud of Cooper, but know that the reality of life will continue to challenge and push him.  We are very much hoping he could be a little closer to us so we can have more opportunity to show our love and support.  

When we arrived in Las Vegas the temperature was 114 and miserable.  I immediately felt discouraged and depressed.  It is so good for me to experience weather related mood swings to be more empathetic to those who experience the same thing in the rain or snow, but I don't do it happily.  

Thank goodness we have two more trips to look forward to!