Aunt, without you there were many occasions I would have missed, things I could not have achieved and I don’t think I would have grown into the person I am without your influence.
Anonymous
The last ten days Cory and I were blessed with a visit from my Aunt Cheryl. I have been anxiously and excitedly anticipating her arrival for months.
My family lived in Chicago for the first 5 years of my life. When we moved we left behind all of our extended family. My Aunt Cheryl made an enormous effort over the years to remain close to us and involved in our lives. We've been back to visit family over the years and every visit with her and my Uncle have become treasured trips. Our most recent visit back to Chicago was just last month.
This visit was even more special due to the fact that she would be staying with us, in our home. We would be showing her our neighborhood, where we are establishing our family. It was a huge deal for me. Over the years I always dreamed of having my family in my own home, and I shared that dream with her. Now that the dream is a reality, it was magical to share it with her.
We started the weekend with some home-cooking, walks around the neighborhood, and exploring some of our favorite city sites. On Sunday went to church together and afterwards took her to a restaurant just fitting for her visit, Cheryl's on 12th. This was our first time at this Cafe and I was pleased. The ambience, staff, and food were all to my liking. We then walked just a block for some Blue Star Donuts.
Later that evening we rested by the fire while Cory did some Home-Brewing.
On Monday we got all packed up and headed to Seattle to visit my sister. This was the first time my Aunt had ever been to Seattle, so some must-do touristy things were in order.
The first evening we chatted it up and then headed out to see the sunset from Kerry Park. Unfortunatley my phone does not take great sunset-time photos, but you can only imagine the views we had. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen.
We ended the night at Purple, trying different wines and some delicious food.
The next day we ventured around the city.
Our first stop was Volunteer Park to walk up the water tower, visit the Conservatory, and marvel at the homes that surrounded this park.
We then headed to Pike's Market. This was absolutely the most memorable visit to this market to date. Because it was January there were no crowds to be found. We saw the fish-guys throw 9 fish! We tasted some smoked salmon, tried about 100 different olive oils, and sampled our way around the whole market.
Before filling our tummies too much we headed to The Pink Door. This is a delicious Italian-American Restaurant that offers a variety of local foods as well as entertainment. Every Monday night they have a live trapeze bar artist, and throughout the week they have musical shows to entertain the diners. We went during lunchtime, a quieter, slower pace of the day and it was divine.
We split the House Antipasto and the Cheese Board Pairings. It was just about food Heaven for me. After eating way too much bread, cheese and salami we headed to Gas Works Park to check out some more views.
Our last day was filled with a little bit of shopping and of course more food. We were planning on going to Umi Sake House for some Sushi, but learned they were opened until 4 (good to know for next time), so we went to my sisters favorite Thai Food Place (which I forgot the name of :( ) but it was great!
It was a great 2 days in Seattle and so much fun sharing in new sights and experiences with my Aunt and sister.
We headed home and laid low the next day. We saved our energy because Thursday night we went Line-Dancing! Cory and I haven't been since we were dating and my Aunt..well she couldn't remember the last time she did either. We went to Bushwhackers for their Thursday night dance lesson. The lessons are free and ladies get in for free, so it was a win-win. We took the hour to learn a dance and then enjoyed the time after making fools of ourselves dancing away. It was so much fun! The thing I like most about this saloon (I guess you can call it that) is that everyone is so friendly. There are people from 21-91 just wanting to have a good 'ole time and spend the evening dancing away.
I caught a little cold the next day, so we spent out last two days together relaxing around the house, visiting with more family, and home cooking.
It was such an amazing trip for my Aunt and even more for me. I am so blessed to have such a close relationship with her. She's an extension of my own mother and has truly become one of the most influential persons in my life.
The time we had I will truly always remember and cherish. Until next time Auntie Cheryl!
xo
leah
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