Final Days in the States
We entered the hallway to Norway, as we departed from Bozeman. Joyous ‘see-you-laters’ are definitely harder than relief-filled departures. We are so blessed to have so many people and places to be grateful for…
We left Bozeman on June 14th and made our way to the playground of joy at Silverwood Theme Park in Northern Idaho. This is our second year going to the park as a family and truly, everyone should go there; its a delight! Roller coasters, water roller coasters, wave pools, caramel apples, steam train, plenty of shade small crowds on Sundays. Our day in the park landed on Father’s Day and the day before Clayton’s Birthday, so we made it into a fun celebration. We have stayed in Sandpoint, Idaho the last two years, about a half-hour away from the park, and love the atmosphere of this small town. Evans Brothers Coffee is a particularly nice find and highly recommended. After a day in the park, we hit the road for the PNW.
What a joy it was to hand deliver hugs and ‘see-ya-laters to many friends and family in Washington State. We also, enjoyed some treasured memory-making. Watching my brother get married and also going to the Point Defiance Zoo with his family. Swimming in the Puget Sound, long talks around lunch tables and on the beach at Cattle Point. Catching newts, walking to Hicks Lake, tide pool exploring, and eating lots of seafood and Trader Joe’s treats. Meeting Mac (finally!), watching our nephew play baseball, gazing at massive trees and admiring the mild-weather gardens and abundance of produce that Washington affords. Deep heart stories and new “Baralee and Malister” chapters, Stacking wood and picking raspberries with grandparents. Flying with Uncle Tom and meeting a new kitten. All of it was special.
It seems strange to be leaving the States for this wild adventure, but it also feels right. We know Norway is where God has lead us and the encouragement of all of you has kept us bold and resilient, when we feel crazy or tired. So see-ya later Montana, Idaho and Washington. We look forward reuniting again soon. xx
