Why no blogging?

Although I'm pretty sure all of the chezlong readers know what is going on, I thought I'd let you know officially. My dad had a heart attack (or something like it) two weeks ago today. He has been in ICU every since first in a coma and then slowly getting better (moving toes, nodding head, talking, moving hands, etc).  He'll be moved out to a regular hospital room soon, but it will be a long recovery.  This happened the day we returned from Lassen which is why there have been almost no updates in a while. I'm heading back home in a couple days and will try to post the rest of the lassen trip as well as some stuff from LA.

The trees of Mt. Lassen as seen from a speeding car

Kids love planes

No Internet at lassen.

Sorry for the lack of updates but no wifi or service at lassen volcanic park. Michael and I survived and will post days 8-11 soon.   Until then some sneak peeks...

Long family road trip 2013: Day 7

Today was a day of driving. We got going around 8:30 after hugs all around for Kathleen.  We were going to stop in eugene but after a couple hours of driving, changed plans and decided to push through until Medford. We stopped for lunch, bathroom breaks and ice cream and got into Medford around 6.  

I got these headbands at the Edmonds farmers market before we left.

After a swim in hotel pool, we went to dinner where Michael said he had the best unagi ever.

The kids were all exhausted and fell asleep in minutes back at hotel.

Michael then sat down to make a shopping list for the next and final leg of the trip: camping at mt lassen.

Long family road trip 2013: Day 6

Michael woke up early to go back to Kathleen's to get my pills and some clothing.  Luckily the kids slept in a bit.  Then we said goodbyes to the Lee's and took off to the space needle. We got fantastic parking and were at the top in 7 minutes. 

After a few more pics at the bottom we left for the ferry.

We were going to Bainbridge to catch up with an old friend from high school. Suzanne, her husband/pilot Pat, and to kids pj and Charlotte live on the island.  The ferry was fun. We explored the decks, had a snack and 30 minutes later, drove off. Coincidently we ran into a friend from college on the island and arranged to meet up with him later.

Suzanne had quite a home with tons of land. Everything was so green.

Then we went into town for lunch. The kids played on these mice statues.

After lunch, lots of talking about the good old days, we went down to the beach for a bit before saying our goodbyes and went back to the ferry.  The scenery on the way back was gorgeous. Did i mention everything was so green!

We were in the first spot on the ferry back to Edmonds. It was a little freaky.

Back at Kathleen's, we watched survivor, the kids went to bed and Michael and I went out to get some dinner. (The kids had ice cream.) 

It was a really good day.

Long family road trip 2013: Day 5

We left Kathleen's house in the morning and after a quick stop at the grocery store for fruit, headed to Young's house. We were a little early so walked to the park with the kids where they climbed trees.

 When we returned we left for a boat ride on Lake Union.  We waited with a bunch of other people waiting for their boats.

But once we got on, the kids a blast. We ate Bon-mi sandwiches and spring rolls for lunch and took a nice tour of the lake. The kids took turns sitting on the front of the boat.

Parker even got a chance to steer.

Then the kids all jumped into the lake where apparently it was freezing. Parker, Ella and Miles loved it but Elizabeth and Miranda were not fans.

They were very cold.

They played on this waiting for others to use the bathroom when we were done.

By the time we were back at their house, miles and Parker were the best of friends and watched some clone wars DVD together under the covers.

After a while we went back to the park. The kids had a hanging contest, climbed trees again and Parker learned how to play tennis.

The kids loved the Lee's house because it had a zip line in the back yard and all this in the play room.

The kids were all having so much fun together, at some point we decided to just stay over. Young cooked a big brisket, the adults drank a bunchbof wine and Ella painted the girls' nails whike parker and miles played wii.  Around 10, we walked over to a neighbors house where the kids got to do sparklers and pop its for the first time.  They also set off tons of small fire works that thrilled the kids. It was the first time they stayed awake long enough to participate in any Fourth of July activities and they loved it.

The kids were asleep minutes after getting in bed and I was happy to be on a real bed after a night on the air mattress.  It was a very good day.