Invasion of the West Coast

Recently, the innocent and prosperous people of Washington state have experienced a influx of people, noise, and fun to such an extent that many are considering moving to New Jersey to fill the gap that seems to recently have opened. The Carlsons are in WA terrorizing - ahem, I mean, visiting - Mom's extended family as well as Dad's dad! Sixteen cousins can singlehandedly destroy the peace of a typical suburb with their laughter, running, yelling, and other carrying on, but then add fun-loving uncles and aunts, and the suburbs are really in for a trip!

We Carlsons arrived last week on Monday, spent the first week with Mom's youngest sister's family, weathered (and even enjoyed) a rainy day, had one full family renunion, and many other unofficial gatherings. This week, we stuffed the borrowed car with our luggage and then head over to stay at the other sister's family, with whom we toured Seattle, had coffee at the ORIGINAL Starbucks, and then headed to the woods for a hike.

This Wednesday, the Carlson caravan again broke camp and took the long trek up to Anacortes to visit my dad's dad and his wife! We had a lovely time with them, eating at Royal Fork (a family tradition), getting sunburnt on the beach, and climbing all over a dry-docked snagboat, the W.T. Preston.

This weekend, Pastor Daddy will assume his vocational role and speak at a singles' conference at Emmanuel Baptist Church. We still have over a week to continue with our cousins to reak havoc all round the countryside, so Washingtonians, my word of advice would be - Watch out!