Further West We Go...2012 Soule Family Vacation

In early August we set out on a Soule-Hill wild west adventure on our way to Soule family vacation in Seattle. We enjoyed our family days on the front and back end of Seattle to do some exploring, just the three of us and Javy.

Desi was a magnificent car rider...all in all he spent over a week in the car as we traversed several thousand miles! Highlights included picnicking in Thermopolis, Wyoming, spending the day in Yellowstone, camping in the Gallatin forest in Montana, our morning brunch in Bozeman, MT, our evening river walk in Missoula, MT, and our afternoon in the city park in Spokane, Washington.

A number of meaningful travels this past year have occasioned the opportunity for us to capture some of Desi's 'firsts'. One seemingly uneventful rest-stop break turned into being the place of Desi's first crawl! And we happened to notice that he took a great liking to eating hummus at the Pita Pit in Spokane. He might be an even bigger hummus head than his mama! Both Nate and I always remark how much we see him change and grow when we happen to be out of town. We are invited to simply notice and admire him a bit more, maybe, as we step back and away from our daily habits.

Our first evening- enjoying the sunset in Thermopolis, Wy

Desi at the alpine lake at the Fishing Bridge, Yellowstone

Desi loved the otters! (stuffed)

On to Montana, Idaho, and finally Washington...Javy was ever-ready to GO!

Desi loved Spokane Washington's city park. It was full of swings, slides, and climbing blocks and made for a great last stop before reaching Seattle.

Once we made it to Seattle we enjoyed our annual Soule family vacation. This was an extra special gathering because we spent our days reunion-ing with my mother-in-law's five siblings and families. Our days were full of lots of sight-seeing and family gatherings. Desi even got to meet his great-grandma. That was a lovely memory indeed. Nate and I particularly enjoyed relaxing toward the end of our trip on Lummi Island, thanks to the hospitality of Nate's Aunt Sherrie.

Space needle, harbor cruise, aquarium, baseball game, science center, zoo, Pike's Peak Marketplace...you name it, it felt like we did it all (thanks to the City-Pass, gifted to us by Nate's brother and sister-in-law).

Desi met lots of extended family...including his 2nd cousin Noelle.

As usual, he hammed it up around the ladies!

I spy- beautiful seafood and veggies at the market (that was my favorite outing!)

Scary!

Desi enjoyed himself so much, he got so tuckered out each day!

On the way home we spent an afternoon in Baker City, Oregon, to stretch our legs. Desi proceeded to dump a liter of nuts on the blanket:)

Last stop before home...lunch in Rawlins, Wy. The picture was probably the best part of the lunch experience (unfortunately!)...nothing like topping off a great trip with yucky road food!

Our road trip-Seattle fun was another great Soule-Hill adventure for the memories...made more special by sharing it with our little Bear. Desi provided ceaseless entertainment and laughter to all, especially to his mama, whose heart remains full of thanksgiving for the love and joy he brings to our lives:)