Sneakin' to Seattle

Last week I was able to take a trip to Seattle to visit friends. Yes, I said "I". All by my lonesome. I can't even remember the last time I travelled alone. I felt naked walking through the airport without a kid on each arm, pushing strollers, lugging car seats and several bags bursting at the seams, all while sweating like a pig rushing to make it through security and to the gate. After checking my bags I had only one backpack to look after. It really did feel like I was forgetting something. I do not do well with plane rides so I was dreading the 4+ hour trip there. My anxiety level was slowly rising leading up to the flight and by the time we boarded it was at an all time high. That coupled with "mommy guilt" (because I was leaving my husband and kids at home) made for a really, really horrible start to my trip. I had a panic attack when we took off and spent the first hour crying (and looking like an idiot). I was finally able to relax and got lost in my rag mags until we landed. I spent day one with my dear friend Shannon. After a fantastic lunch followed by a leisurely afternoon I headed over to see my sister from another mister, Meilina. Her apartment overlooks the city and when it's not cloudy (approximately 15 days a year) there is a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier.

We woke up the next morning and saw her daughter, Emma, off to school and then met another friend for lunch. After lunch we both started feeling a little off. Seriously? There was no time for being sick. That night we had planned to meet up with some of my Seattle friends for dinner. It was so nice seeing everyone. By the time we got home that night I was feeling terrible. I was up all night with terrible stomach pains so the next day we pretty much laid around all day long. It wasn't fun to be sick but at least I could just lay there without any other responsibilities. By the next morning we were both feeling much better so it was off to see Emma play in a soccer game. She was precious out there! When her game ended we headed into the city for lunch. It was a picture perfect day and we were able to find a spot with outdoor seating so that we could enjoy it. Afterwards we meet up with more friends and then went back to Meilina's house fairly early because my flight out was at 6am the following morning. It was so nice to have a little break but I really missed Kevin and the kids. While I was gone Kevin's parents came into town to pick up my slack. They were a huge help. Unfortunately, both Reese and Kevin's dad came down with a flu bug so it wasn't a happy shiny four days. They did manage to have some fun and celebrated Granddad's birthday on Friday (Papa's birthday was on Sunday...so Happy Birthday to both!). I'm so grateful to have been able to take the trip. It could be another 10 years before I get the opportunity again.