Our Seattle Trip - Posting #1

We (Dave, Stefanie, Danny, Ethan, Emily, and I) left from Valdosta on Thursday, February 12th. We all were a little worried about the two legs (one 1 hour, the second was almost 5 hrs) with Ethan and Emily. But, our worries were fruitless--both kids did great both going to Seattle and coming home! Even our cockeyed seat assignments (we each were assigned a middle seat--including Ethan---all over the plane) were able to be adjusted. Bottom line: It all worked out! Whew!! Here are some pictures of that adventure (beware! this will be a long post!)

Ethan and Danny getting ready to leave Atlanta

Emily snuggled up in her snuggli with her mom - she slept most of the time on both trips!

We arrived in Washington to find cooler temps, but thankfully, no rain. We headed to Red Robin to eat and found snow---this was Ethan's first exposure to snow!
Stef was quick to show him about making snowballs

Brrrr!
Danny and Emily in Red Robin

After we ate at Red Robin, we made the two hour journey to Hoquiam. After checking into the hotel and having a short catnap (we were all pooped, especially the kids), we met family at the Golden Dragon restaurant for dinner. I was too tired to take any pictures...

The Next Morning: The Olympic Inn in Aberdeen, Washington

Some of us lodged at this inn--the rooms were very large and comfortable, and they offered a continental breakfast (including waffles) every morning. We were pretty sure they were ready for us to leave since we gathered in the lobby for breakfast and hung out for quite a time each morning!

Jill's first snuggle with Emily! I absolutely love this picture!

Grandpa Dave and Caitlin not wasting any time working on her puzzle that we brought her from our Walt Disney World trip--it is of the Pirates of the Caribbean (with all the Disney characters)

Meanwhile Jill and Danny were sizing up Caleb and Ethan. Caleb is about a half inch taller than Ethan--and he's two years older!

Caleb and Ethan getting to know one another. They were both initially a little shy, but that lasted only for a few seconds. They became fast friends and were from this point on virtually inseparable. They got along great! It was fun seeing these cousins get along so well!

Sister-in-law Lorriann (married to Dave's brother Will) getting to know Emily--another picture I love!

Hanging out in the lobby--Danny, Ryan, Lorriann, Will and the two cousins--Ethan and Caleb

Our sons: Danny (yeah, Danny you're stuck with us!) and Ryan

Meanwhile, Caitlin and Grandpa finished the puzzle! Hooray! Caitlin recapping the placement of the last puzzle piece! I was the rotten egg since she placed the last piece of the puzzle

Later that morning~

Meeting at Dave's folks' home in Hoquiam:

Stefanie, her cousin Judd (Roy's son), and her Uncle Mike (Dave's youngest brother) all visited

Debbie (married to Dave's brother J) visiting with Caleb and Ethan

The view from Mom & Dad Browne's deck. It overlooks Hoquiam and Westport, WA and is quite beautiful...

Playing and Visiting: Ryan, Caitlin, and Christine

Grandma/Mom and Dave's brother Roy helping Dave with the final touches of his eulogy.

Christine (married to Roy) joining in on the fun

Saturday, February 14th was the funeral in Aberdeen, Washington. The service was very nice. J offered the family prayer, Dave delivered the eulogy, Roy spoke on the Plan of Salvation, Mike conducted the music, Lorriann and Christine each sang a solo, and Will offered the benediction.

All of the sons and grandsons were the pallbearers. Since the casket was being shipped to Ohio for burial, the procession was from the church to the hearse. Unfortunately, the video I thought I had gotten, didn't turn out. Christine did get more pictures...

On the left side (front to back): Dave, J, Danny, Judd

End: Roy

Right side (front to back): Mike, Will, Ryan, and Joseph

Dave and his two sons. Like our daughters, we're kind of fond of these two guys.Following the funeral, there was a lovely potluck dinner provided for all who attended. During the meal, there was an open mic to talk about memories (or whatever) about Dad/Grandpa. We all laughed and cried. We will all sure miss Grandpa/Dad.

Jill, Will, Dave, Stefanie(with Emily) and Lorriann

Roy, Grandma/Mom, Mike (at least part of him), Dave

Dave and Stefanie

Joann and Paul Macon: Good friends and neighbors of Grandma/Mom who have been an incredible help to the parents

Ryan, Jill, Caleb, and Caitlin Mike, Grandma/Mom, Roy enjoying their meal

Will, Debbie, and J

Family: Dave's aunt Joan and cousins, Ted and Nanci with their families:

(left to right): Shelley (Ted's wife), Ted, Joan, Nanci, Krista (daughter of Nanci), and Palmer, age 4 (Krista's son--he and Caleb share the same birthday and are a year apart)

Nanci, Krista, and Palmer

The memorial table --it was filled with pictures and momentos

Dave, Emily, and Roy

Roy and Grandma/Mom

I had put down my camera at one point and shortly thereafter my cute little grand-daughter Caitlin decided to snatch it and add pictures to my collection. Here are a few pictures from Caitlin:
Danny and bunny Emily

Stefanie - what a fright! (I actually love this picture)

Not a bad shot--actually, Caitlin is quite good as a photographer

A mean look from dad--Ryan doing what Ryan does best! :-)

Later back at the house:

Lorriann showing Will the "board of education" that was once the disciplinary tool of his and his brothers' childhood

Our beautiful daughters on the deck at sunset. Aren't they cute? We ADORE these girls (young women). What's especially wonderful is the special bond these two have---sure wish they lived closer together. I think they'd be as attached as their two sons.

The two boys: Caleb and Ethan had a wonderful time together.

Later back at the hotel: a game of Killer Bunnies (sounds awful, but is actually quite fun once you figure it out). Caitlin won.

And, these were the first of our activities...more to come.