Day 1

Here's our yearly we're-about-to-pull-out-of-the-garage-and-begin-our-merry-tale shot:


The very first stop we made was not by my choice.


If you don't know how I feel about doughnuts, click HERE.

The kids did not share my hesitation at beginning the day with such confections.


Chunky waistlines and jiggling thighs come in all shapes and sizes:


The first one's free:

Once those empty calories were consumed and on their way to fortify our lipid cells (and yes, I did have several bites), we set out for the long term airport parking.

In the past, this has meant either one of two things to my waiting-to-be-surprised family: A) We're about to get on a plane or B) We're going to park our car, go rent another car to drive somewhere and then fly back home.

This time around the kids had no idea which of the two was the case as they rode on the shuttle to the terminal.


I LOVE these quadruplets. Aren't they handsome?


Air time:



The following shot wasn't actually taken on this trip, but it's just too cool to not include with all of these from-the-air pics. Have you ever seen an aerial of Yosemite?

Well, now you have. That's the backside of El Capitan in the high center and Half-Dome to the left of the center.

Once we landed in WASHINGTON (that was the big reveal in case you didn't catch it) we headed straight for the first of MANY beauty spots.


I know it's hard to believe, but this place is within city limits. Amazing, no?

Suddenly, something began to pull at our stomach-strings, so we heeded the call and went to...

Does that say Man Pies? Why, yes it does.

This, my friends...


...is a Man Pie, a seasoned veggie Man Pie to be precise.

In England, savory pies are a staple food. Some guy wanted to bring the delectable experience to the great northwest so he opened Man Pies, and we are so glad he did. To this date, I've tried the lamb, roast chicken, beef and veggie and they are all excellent, especially the chicken and veggie.


The fillings are delightfully filling and the crust is scrumptious.

It seems that only cute girls work there. After Tobias's first visit, he concurred.

Here's a pretty young woman with a pie:


Here's another one who is actually in the process of making a pie:


She fills pastry with an undeniable eclat that few could muster.

Mm, mm, mm...I heart Man Pies.

That evening saw us visiting with our Washingtonian friends who prefer to remain unnamed.

My kids were invited to join their daughters (henceforth known as: the Elder and the Younger) at a martial arts class that night. Delaney declined, but Tobias donned his most appropriate garments and got ready to sweat.



I know he looks like Harry Potter casting a spell, but it really was a martial arts move.

He also got to step into a harness with the help of the Elder and attempt a back flip:



A full day, no? We slept well which was good because we needed lots of rest for Day 2.