Seattle/Vancouver, Canada with our favorite daughter

Travis and I decided a while back that once our kids were around 13, they could pick a trip to go on with just their mom and dad. Kedzie is the first one of course and she wanted to go see whales in Canada so we headed to Seattle and Vancouver, Canada for about five days. Time that I will always treasure with our little girl who is growing and maturing on a daily basis. We had a great time. 

We headed to Seattle and drove south and then north through Olympic National Forest. It was a beautfiul and fun drive for three of us. Kedzie learned that she does in fact enjoy hiking! We found some beautiful beaches to explore and finally boarded a ship across the water to Vancouver where we spent the next few days. 

We stayed at a quaint British type hotel that was in the center of the city and enjoyed exploring all our surroundings. Of course, we found a McDonald's. 

A highlight of the trip was our whale watching adventure. It was so special. To see orca and grey whales in the wild. We had two orca pods checking us out and we caught the grey whales napping. It was a special adventure. 

Another highlight was the beautiful Butchart Gardens. We had a lot of fun there and wish all the flowers were ours! Kedzie was so much fun to be with. I'm grateful for her sweet personality and curiosity and imagination. She is the best. 

Of course, we had to take a horse carriage ride around the city. I think this was Kedzie's favorite part! 

Once back in Seattle, we raced to the Temple where Kedzie did some family file names for a sister in our ward. Ironically, two names had been done previously, but she got one done for sure. It was awesome to be there with her. We love the Temple. 

Our day in Seattle was filled with the Space Needle, the gum wall and stores at the Market, a great museum and the chuhully blown glass exhibit. Then, we headed home tired and ready to drive to Utah to the next day! 

Grateful to Tara and Zac for watching our boys and for the glorious opportunity it was to have some special one on one time with Kedzie, as we explored a new part of the world with her. We are truly blessed to have her as our oldest and our only daughter.  She is the best. We love you Kedzie.