Pacific Northwest

Everyone has been asking where we are, so here it is! We landed in Seattle and spent this week hanging around the PNW. The lush temperate rainforest is magical, and in summer it has to be one of the best places on earth! (It definitely helps the transition to arrive in a place like this!)

As soon as we had wheels we headed to see friends. The first stop was a family we knew in San Diego who recently bought a house (basically a farm) out by the Hood Canal. It was so great spending time with friends and we gladly earned our keep by doing chores!

First stop on the road trip: friends and animals!

We made a quick stop on Bainbridge, longtime home of my aunt Carrie. Honestly, the whole environ of the Pacific Northwest —the tall dark fir trees, the raincoat wearing outdoorswomen, and the majestic snow-capped mountains — reminds me so much of my aunt, and it's weird and sad to be here without seeing her.

Fortunately we met up with one of her good friends (who also has lived in Japan!) It was great to visit and share stories over coffee.

Classic Bainbridge

Later in the week we headed out to the Cascade Mountains. The weather was beautiful and the days are long, so we enjoyed lots of outdoor activities!

Summer in the mountains 🙌

Even Wile E got to join in the fun 🐶

We had more friends join us for brunch + a trip to the Farmers Market on Saturday, which was great [but I forgot to take a photo 🤦‍♀️]

We didn't spend much time in the city — it's kind of a hassle with the dog, plus there are World Cup games in town this week! — but we did make a trip to Uwajimaya, a massive Japanese market/food hall. The kids were excited to see some familiar things, but also not impressed by the food 😅

Not the same...

Finally, E arrived (of course his flight went off without a hitch!), but we didn't give him much time to acclimate before we hopped in the car for our next destination.

➡️ 2996 miles to DC ➡️

ALL of the mountains were out! 🤩