Week 70: Valentines in Seattle

Valentine Flowers from Elder Hadlock

 'Twas another LOVEly week. We started off with gray skies and rain, but have enjoyed some unusually warm weather the last few days. In fact, today we are experiencing blue skies and sunshine.

We did get official word from the Arkansas Little Rock Mission that Elder Hadlock, Jr.'s release date is May 19 -- Just six weeks after our release.

Can't believe it's that close. Don't want to think about it. Hopefully, Benjamin isn't thinking much about it either. We hope we can all "finish strong." I think I'll share with him my favorite quote of the week.

"No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up, and never give up!"

The other highlight of the week was a trip to Seattle to spend some time with Aliya, Breanna and their family -- the Davises. They let us know earlier in the week that they were coming for the weekend and invited us to join them.

Van at Pier 57

On Saturday, we went with them to the Seattle Aquarium and then for lunch at the Crab Pot restaurant which is nearby. To be honest, the aquarium isn't anything special. The one in Utah is every bit as good -- or better. Just a heads up to anyone planning a trip to Seattle.

Breanna & Aliya

Lunch at the Crab Pot was fun. Some of us ordered the "Westport Feast" which included a variety of fresh seafood (dungeness crab, snow crab, shrimp, steamed clams, Pacific mussels) plus sausage, corn on the cob and red potatoes steamed with spices. They pour it out on the table on butcher paper, give you a mallet and bib, and let you go at it!

It was tasty and fun! We especially enjoyed visiting with these wonderful folks from back home. We love them and appreciate their including us in their plans.

Mariel, Aliya, Breanna

Well, that's the scoop from Tacoma.

Life is good. God is great. We'll just keep moving forward.