My Trip to Spokane

My trip to Spokane, Washington started off soooo very early.  I didn't get to bed until after 1:00 am because me sister called (missing her train), and then I woke up at 4:19 because my sister called (trying to find her hotel).  I was getting up at 4:30 am anyway to get ready for my flight that left Louisville at 6:30 am.

I had a long day - 3 hours sleep and traveling to 3 different airports.  UGH!!!  I flew from Louisville to Dallas, Dallas to Phoenix and Phoenix to Spokane!

If that were the worst of it - I'd be happy!

Upon arriving at the airport I realized I needed to upgrade my rental vehicle to a bigger car so that I could fit everyone and their luggage in because my dad had already let me know that he wanted me to give him a ride to the train station Saturday night.  Luckily they were able to make the change.  Directions were easy!

The only problem was - if you can believe this - my dad (who) my dad changed my hotel reservation from the Davenport Grand to the Davenport Tower.  I never gave anyone permission for my dad to change my reservation.  He moved me several blocks away!!!!  At least now I am in the same hotel as Sandy and Hunter and Dad and Alison, but in all honesty I was looking forward to having space and some freedom.  Later on I learned why it was so important to him to move me - he only had the hotel for one night - so he wanted to move into my room for the entire day Saturday (store his luggage is how he put it - but I'm getting ahead of myself.)

Friday, Jessica and Tate came into Spokane and came to the hotel.  Sandy, Hunter and I walked down to the mall and then to the River front park with them for a fun time, only to find out that most of Tate's family was already there and we wouldn't be able to have "alone" time.  We had a wonderful time together, but Jessica was off with Tate and his family.  She loves his nieces and nephews and plays with them often.  They took me to the carousel and the trash eating goat, and then over the the giant Ryder wagon.  It was a beautiful day, and it gave me a chance to catch up with Sandy and Hunter.  Sandy and Hunter left to go back to the hotel to get ready.  She, Hunter and I are taking Dad and Alison out to dinner for Alison's birthday.  We wanted to have Tate and Jessica join us, but they didn't tell us they were with all of his family so that didn't work out.  BUMMER!   I stayed a little while longer so I could have time with Jessica and Tate, but they were preoccupied with his family so I left.

It was disappointing not to have time with Jessica and Tate, but there would always be tomorrow (or so I thought).

We all dressed up fancy and took Alison to a very nice steak restaurant for her birthday dinner.  We had a wonderful time.  It was a four course meal.  We started with bread and appetizers.  Sandy, Hunter and I enjoyed a variety of bruschetta while Dad and Alison enjoyed escargot.  Dad and Alison split a steak and enjoyed their spirits, while Sandy, Hunter and I enjoyed our dinner.  I had a delicious but very filling filet minion.

Saturday morning I went for a jog.  The weather was cloudy with sprinkles, but it was more appealing to me than running on a treadmill.  I actually really enjoyed my run.  I ran to the River front park where there are paved trails.  I ran along the falls and saw some amazing natural sights.  It was very enjoyable to have some time to myself.

I was very disappointed the rest of the day (I'm sorry to say).  Dad and Alison decided they were checking themselves and Sandy and Hunter out of their rooms and moved all of their stuff into my room by 12:00 pm.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!  If it were only their stuff, I wouldn't have minded however, it was all four of them - moved into my room - ugh!!!  Dad decided he was going to take a NAP!  (are you serious)  So essentially I'm kicked out of my own room that I'm paying $199 a day/night for.  Oh well - make the best of it.

I needed to take Hunter to purchase some dress pant since he didn't bring any and we will be attending a wedding reception that night ... so I wanted to treat him to a nice pair of pants and a shirt to go with it, since he also didn't bring a nice shirt...

Well, it was a very upscale mall so the only stores were Macy's and Nordstroms.  Alison didn't want to walk out in the rain to Macy's so we ended up at Nordstroms (the most expensive store in town).  We found some pants in his size, hand them altered, found a shirt, belt, socks, and shoes.  $398 dollars damage but he looks amazing!  What's crazy is that I would never spend that much on Mark, me or any of my boys ... but it was more about the experience.  Hunter really looked great and I hope he liked what I got him.

Jessica and Tate were busy decorating for the reception all day so we didn't get any time with them.  I'm so sad!  I've flown all this way and I haven't seen them but for one hour.  After shopping, I meet up with Dad and Alison in the lobby while Sandy and Hunter go to work out in the facility at the hotel.  Dad and Alison enjoy too much alcohol and become "under the influence."  YIKES!!!

While enjoying time with them, Dad tells me "you were so aggressive."  What did he mean?  I have no idea ... so I probe the issue ... "What do you mean?"  Then he proceeded to tell me he thought I wanted him to love me like I was JUDY!  OH MY GOSH!!!  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!  I immediately had to put a stop to any and all thinking along those lines.  I clearly let him and Alison know that that was preposterous.  The problem with my childhood is that I was unloved ... so it created two emotions towards my dad - 1) I hate you - stay away from me, and 2) why don't you love me?  My actions regarding #1 were that I came home, prepared dinner and then immediately went to my room - I avoided contact with my dad at all costs.  The actions regarding #2 were that given the opportunity to be with my dad, I just wanted him to show an ounce of love for me.  He misunderstood my "Reaching out to be loved as a daughter" as romantic love!  That's absurd.  My day has gone from bad to worse...

Then, we enjoy appetizers for dinner and dad suggests I pick up the bill.  SURE!!!  They ordered shrimp cocktail for everyone and Sandy had Thai chicken.  Worse - Dad and Alison are still drinking.  I excuse myself to get ready for the reception.  Everyone follows in 10 minutes or so.  Alison is crying because Dad is being mean.  Dad is yelling because Alison can't find things.  Oh - my - gosh - what a nightmare.  Sandy gets Hunter ready as fast as possible and they leave!  Now, it's me, Dad and Alison.  Time is ticking by and we should be leaving for the reception, but Dad and Alison aren't ready yet!!!  They are killing me.  I can't take it.

In the hotel with Sandy and Hunter

Sandy and Hunter at the temple

Sisters love is forever

Betsy and Hunter

At the reception with Jessica and Tate

Love this special girl!!!

Betsy, Jessica, Tate and Sandy at the reception

We finally made it to the reception.  We parked right next to the Spokane temple - it's just like Louisville ... a temple next to the chapel they attend.  On the other side of the temple is a "Temple Pavilion"  this is where the reception was held - in the outdoor pavilion (covered).  They had decorated it to the hilt - out did themselves!  Jessica had a candy bar, milk bar, donut bar, etc.  It was all desserts.  The cake was in the middle.  Jessica and Tate greeted people but the night was very informal.

After the reception we went back to the hotel.  Their train isn't due out until 3:00 am.  I went back to bed and took them to the station at 2:30 a.m.  Then I went back to bed.