The trip to Seattle and Natalie's Wedding
On the 3rd July this year I set off on a trip to Seattle on my own, This was a really big deal for me as it was the first time I was ever to leave my children overnight. The days before the trip had been a nightmare, I put off getting organised until the very last minute, and had been made more and more nervous by a call off my parents who had already made the trip out there. I was making the trip to attend my sister Natalie's wedding. Natalie had moved out to Seattle after her long term internet relationship to marry her boyfriend Clayton. I hadn't planned on going to begin with but eventually my mother talked me around and the arrangements were made. Gary took the week off work. I would fly on Saturday July 3rd into Newark and then onto Seattle, returning the morning after the wedding on the 7th July. Leaving the children was hard, We took them back to the car after checking in and I said goodbye there as we thought this would be easier. Many kisses and hugs later I walked away with tears in my eyes - It was only five days away but at the moment it felt like a lifetime. The trip wasnt nearly as bad as I thought, On the first flight I had the three seats in my row to myself and I was able to get some sleep. It took me a while to adjust to being on my own. I enjoyed the flights, Newark was no where near as bad as I imagined and I found my way around easily, I saw the statue of Liberty and the Empire state building as we flew in and as everyone must, considered the missing twin towers. Then I boarded the next six hour flight to Seattle tacoma airport. The minute I saw my three sisters and my brother-in-laws faces waiting for me in arrivals I felt more at ease, Natalie took charge and got my case for which I was grateful. Then came the 2 hour drive to my hotel, I was so tired that I could hardly speak, After a brief chat with my parents when I finally got to the hotel, I went straight to sleep. The next day was loads of fun - We shopped for most of the day and I got some great bargains. There were some great sales on as it was the 4th July. That evening we headed out for a reception dinner with Claytons family, we had a lovely evening and the fireworks that evening were the most spectacular I have ever seen. The atmosphere was fanastic and it was a perfect evening. We watched the sunset over the marina (picture above) before heading home. 5th July, the day before the wedding and we headed up to the chapel where Natalie was to be wed, We decorated it and and had a girly day (no men allowed on this trip lol they all headed up to Mount Baker) We then went for a meal in a British shop in the nearby town - I was gutted - Half way across the world to eat British food, I had wanted to try new things. We stopped at Natalie's home on the way back for me to see where she lived, It was beautiful, a little wooden cottage set in a glade of trees. And after getting back and doing some more shopping we headed back to my hotel for some pizza, so drinks and the hen night. (I will leave that story there lol You dont want to know the mischief we caused)
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The Wedding day It was soon 3 o clock and time for the wedding, such a beautiful ceremony, In keeping with both American and Welsh/British traditions. They had written their own vows and it was so beautiful it brought a tear to my eye. After lots of photos we had the reception - far more casual than we have in the UK - no emphasis on speeches. It was very relaxed and the time flew by. Before we knew it, it was time to leave. We chatted and laughed in the way back in the limo. When it came to dropping off time at the hotel, I knew I had to make it quick. This was the last time I would see Natalie in a few years, I gave her a hug told her to have a good time on her wedding night and left. I was upset but didn't let it show - It would have spoilt the day. The next morning I left early, Claytons Uncle took me back to the airport with my Mum and Dad for company. The last three days had gone so quickly and I was now facing the 24 hour jouney home. I had a terrible cold and slept most of the way home. We arrived an hour late into Birmingham and my luggage seemed to take forever to come out. Finally walking out of arrivals there were my children and husband and I realised how much I had missed them. What was the first thing they said to me "where are my presents?" - I knew things would soon be back to normal.
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