Best Week Ever!

October 30th-November 9th, 2008

My vacation away from home this year started in Tacoma, WA, where I had an evening with David Sedaris. I was treated by my friends Sara, Terrie and Matthew. Listening to David speak was the highlight of 2008. Thanks TM for introducing me to his work so many years ago. Brilliant!

I then flew to Indianapolis where I was greeted by my sister Kelli. Here she is with Casey in costume. She is Princess Leia. He is Anakin. Wasn't Anakin Leia's father? Kinda creepy. It was Halloween so it was a festive evening at the Lynch's. This photo was actually taken the next night at their costume party. Oh, ya. Casey built his costume from scratch. . .



On Monday my mom and I drove to Santa Claus, IN, where on Tuesday we elected a new president. It's a new day!! The most exciting part of the election was that I was visiting a swing state that went blue. I felt like the good luck charm. I am so proud as everyone in my family in Indy voted for Obama. Brilliant! I got most of my rest at mom's. I thank her so much for creating such a relaxing atmosphere. However, I took a small bike ride around Christmas Lake, which almost killed me. Oh my, I need to get into shape. She, like normal, bought all the food in which I snacked on for two days, of course. I'm huge.

From there I went to my dad's. He lives in Jasper. He took me fishing and camping. Check out this fire. . . which burned on for about 5 hours. . .



Doesn't the next picture look like it should be published in one of those fishing magazines? My dad rents a spot at a beautiful camp all year long and takes his boat up there to fish for bass. Here's dad on his boat. . .



I forget how much I like to camp. Me and my dad used to hunt and fish all the time. Yes it's true. I so cherish those moments, more now that I am older. Don't you wish you could go back in time and relive those wonderful family memories? Dad expressed that he wished there were more camping trips when Kelli and I were kids, I agree. Here's me and dad. . . Thanks Dad!



I then returned to Indianapolis to spend the day and night with Kelli and Family. We took the boys to a Fun Center. Here are Layke, Layne and Brody all having a good time. The only disappointing part of the evening is I never won a stuffed animal in a Claw Machine. What a bummer.

This is Layke. He's strapped onto a "safe" trampoline. This is him strapped into the harness, which was attached to three "safety" cords, one that broke with him in mid air. What an amazing candid shot. He is shocked, as was I. Thank god for the 2 other "safety" straps. I felt like I should have had a safety conversation with the staff (this is something we do now at work: safety conversations.) These boys are so athletic. . .



Here's Layne climbing the cliffs, he was so good. . .



Last but definitely not least is Brody. . .



What a lovely week. I got lots of rest, didn't worry about work, appreciated my family more than ever and we elected Obama. It's a new day!! My family and I have grown so much and evolved into wonderful, productive humans. I felt so much love, which will help me get through the next year. Family: Come to Oregon!!!

Here's me and Kelli. . .