Trippin' in the Northwest

We went to visit my side of the family for almost three weeks this month, and it was a lovely time.

This was the main reason for our visit:

Grandpa is in a care facility because of dementia, and it was special to go and visit him with my Grandma.  Difficult times, sweet times and good memories.  A reminder of caring for our own when they need us, whether they know us or not.  Not that I do that, but watching my Gma and the family who are nearby doing the difficult thing day after day is a poignant example.

The kids and I visited these two sisters and their families(got to see them each twice!):

Cora...

...and Tyler.

And my parents...

and bro...

and baby sis.

And my paternal Grandma:

And this sister's family:

And this sister with her M & M & M family:

Only missing one sweet sister on that trip!  Planning to see her soon, when her second bundle of joy joins the cousins in the late summer.

At the end of the trip, Papa met up with us at Arches Nat'l Park, where we had a super awesome wonderful time doing hikes.  The lovely thing is, you don't have to hike into the heart of wilderness to see amazing things all around.  The unlovely thing is: I'm out of shape for this kind of hiking, so I'd best fix that.  As it is, the kids will soon have to take turns carrying me back on the trail.

Some shots from Arches:

It was a great trip, and we are glad to be home. =)