INOKWACA: Pacifically Northwest Adventures

Ahhhh, VACATION!

Bags were packed...

...unpacked, then repacked. Cats!

The lint roller was located and put to use. Jemima was bitterly disappointed to learn that Maine Coons are NOT allowed as carry-on baggage.

Our family vacation to the Pacific NW could possibly be one of the last trips that our entire family takes together. Now that two-thirds of the Smithlings are young adults, it is harder to get everyone's school/work/social schedules to line up. This summer, it worked.

Thanks to our wonderful neighbors, our late night flight to the 'Couv (Vancouver, WA) got started on the right foot, with curbside delivery at DFW. See, we are all smiles.

We had booked a nonstop flight from DFW to PDX, and we had Grandpa along as a traveling companion, so we were in good (No, make that GREAT!) company. What could possibly go wrong?

Somewhere between here and there, something apparently did go wrong. As we were about 45 min. away from our destination, the flight attendants came to the exit rows and told everyone sitting there to wake up and be prepared to help, if needed. One guy in front of me made some snarky retort, and soon learned that these three gals meant business. The flight attendants were ready to reseat the gentleman, when he realized this was not a drill, and that this uniformed trio were not in a mood for fun and games. Mr. Wise Guy swiftly became a team player. One flight attendant started explaining that there was something wrong with the engine on the right side of the plane, so it could potentially be shut down. She added that there would be emergency vehicles at the Portland airport to greet us. She also said that if there was debris blocking the emergency exit doors upon landing, that we were to wait until it was removed before attempting to open the doors.

A woman seated in the row ahead of us, turned and shared that this was her first time flying. She seemed really nervous. She then questioned if this kind of thing was normal. What a maiden voyage this lady had!

I almost expected to look out the window and see a Twilight Zone-esque gremlin waving at me.

There was nothing/no one on the wing. Whew!

Thankfully, the engine continued to operate with its routine hum.

Crisis averted.

I have no idea how many emergency vehicles were on the ground ready to escort our flight in. There were LOTS of flashing lights surrounding/following our plane as we landed.

Clapping broke out the second wheels touched the pavement. We quickly came to a halt, smack dab in the middle of the runway. It became obvious that only the people sitting in or near the exit rows knew what was going on, as these were the only ones celebrating a safe landing -- and the absence of debris.

The captain welcomed our flight to Portland, then explained what had been going on. Now the rest of the passengers understood why there had been clapping. All was well.

This was the view from my window seat. Soon after we touched down, these guys made a visual inspection. Obviously, it was no big deal because #2 firefighter has his arms crossed. I think he might even be smiling for the camera. Firemen #1 and #3 are making adjustments to their helmets, and #4 might actually be doing something work-related, like reporting details to his superior. Or perhaps he is ordering a late night pizza. I'm sure they worked up an appetite after all that excitement.

The wheelchair-pushing attendant, who greeted my dad at the jetway, was pretty excited about the late night goings-on at the Portland 'port.

She exclaimed, "Wow! I'm REALLY glad you are all okay. We were expecting your plane to crash."

What a "warm and fuzzy" greeting.

It was especially nice to wake up in the morning and look out my bedroom window to see this view.

The Evergreen State indeed!

Who needs "a land flowing with milk and honey" when Washington is ripe with gargantuan raspberries and Tillamook products?

Decisions. Decisions.

(No. We did not eat ice cream for breakfast.)

Aside from fresh fruit and yummy ice cream there are many other good things about my first born's home state... like the wonderful weather, the lush countryside, and awesome places to hike.

Happy Hikers!

Visiting AJ's house is always a lot of fun. I really hope that my Smithlings will never be too old to explore the "hidden" storage room. The doorway to this room is concealed behind a large piece of framed artwork. When the kids were much younger, they would play in this room for hours. It was often the best hiding spot in hide-and-go-seek contests with the neighbor kids. There are also some hidden surprises in the hidden room, like these stylish shark slippers. Who knew?

Another great thing about WA state (in the "big" kids' opinions -- Grandpa included) is that just about every kind of firework is legal. The annual shopping trip to the local fireworks stand is fun and expensive. I never go along on this "potentially explosive" excursion. I simply don't want to know how much $$$ my family members really spend. They all assure me that they get lots of BANG for the buck. My only request is that they bring home sparklers.

The scenic mountain views and close proximity of several prominent peaks is another perk of visiting my sister.

One afternoon, we drove up to Timberline Lodge on the southern slope of Mt. Hood.

This door inside the lodge reminded me of something one would see in a Hobbit's house. Tooo cute -- the door AND my daughters!

Pretty smiles; all the way around!

Millie Girl spied this colorful limo cruising down the freeway -- only in Portland.

And this is the part of the journey where the fireworks, flags, and fun come in. Family, friends, and food are thrown in the mix, too! (No, food was not literally thrown. Maybe next year we'll have a food fight?)

The Smithlings simply had to pose with Robby for the traditional "annual group photo" -- same location, same order. Over the years, these four have all gotten a lot taller and a lot more grown up; however, they still allow me to take countless pictures of their smiling faces. I'm glad they tolerate me and my camera!