And So It Begins

 

Water Wall at the entrance to the Discovery Center Museum

I woke up at around 5 a.m.-this in itself is award-winning since I've never managed to leave on any trip on time for the last couple of years. I went to wake The Midget-sure she was raring to go...and couldn't get her door open. (Did I mention she's going through an  "I'm sleeping on my floor" stage?).  Seeing my vision of leaving on time dissolving before my very eyes I creatively managed to get her door open and got her up.  

Live raptor at the Discovery Center Museum

Checked my list (ended up forgetting her toothpaste and toothbrush) and we were off.  The rain was so bad that the freeway slowed to about 20 mph for ten minutes or so, then it finally cleared up.  Was a nice and uneventful drive from Spokane to the Tri-Cities.

Saber-tooth Tiger Skeleton

I pulled in to my usual stop in Kennewick to gas up and get a drink. There were two van loads of soldiers in line for the loo and of course The Midget made a beeline right for them.  (this is nothing usual in the scheme of things)  She made her introductions and proceeded to chat away whilst we waited for said loo.  She wanted them to let us follow them to their base so she could see could visit everyone.

Beaver

I was at the register handing over the cash and heard "I'll be just outside the door, mom" and she vanished before I could holler "stop." The cashier gives me the 'pity' look (anyone who has dealt with kids will know what I am talking about) and I head to the door.  I step outside-NO MIDGET.  I called our her name and hear "I'm over here Mom!"

Pioneer Family exhibit-Crossing the Columbia River

Yep, she was with the soldiers.  They offered to keep her-I was tempted.  I let her finish up-she shook one of the gal's hands (I heard Mariah tell her that she was  really pretty in her uniform) and walked on over to me like she hadn't a care in the world. I reminded her of the imminent death that awaited her if she took off like that again. Appropriately chastised, we got in the car and continued our journey.

The Midget learning something cool.

The following conversation took place.

Midget: Mom I really want to go to their base and watch them train."

Me: Honey, you wouldn't have clearance. Not just anyone can go in.

Midget: I bet they would if I asked them very nicely.

Me: Sorry kiddo, I don't think so.

Midget: Well I'm just a kid and I can smile really nice and I'm sure they will let me in.

Me: Sigh...

Midget:  Mom, I know if I can do that really cool hand thing (demonstrates epic salute) they will let me in. Especially if I tell them how proud I am of them.

Me:  You just might get in after all.

After a VERY windy but basically uneventful drive we arrived at our hotel 3 hours ahead of schedule and there was no way to check in early.  Mariah was in rare form.  We get to the desk and before I can even say hi, she asked if the lady is from India.  She answered yes and Mariah let her know how much she loves people from other countries.  The lady was really sweet.  Then Mariah said that she would like to go visit the lady's family in India sometime. *FACEPALM* (omg I am so entertained by this).

 We killed the extra time by visiting the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, where she proceeded to try and talk the attendants into letter her take their pictures.  I had to remind her that she couldn't not take pics of people without their permission. One gal agreed but I interjected 'this one won't go on the blog' and the lady did a double take. I assured her she would remain anonymous. She did get a pic of a small live raptor, and several exhibits, which appear in this post.

We had lunch at our usual place, grabbed a mini blizzard at DQ, hit the store really quick, and we got checked in.  She spent the afternoon swimming and we are now chilling in the room. I think the day is catching up with both of us. I think an early bed time is in order..along with an early wake up-I want to take the scenic route from here to Portland so that I can catch several of the waterfalls on the way. 

Thus ends day one of our adventure...

Have I mentioned just how much I love my life?

Until next time,

Robyn

Yours truly, road weary and ready to chill.