We explored the nearby Soos Creek Trail. The weather was perfect—blue sky and sunny. We saw beautiful wild flowers and young trees growing out of old stumps.
Next, family arrived for the much-anticipated wedding. First to arrive (from Galena, IL) were our son Chris, his girlfriend Sara, his son Sage (age 5), and Sage’s sister Maddy (age 13) and brother Oliver (age 10). We went swimming and canoeing on Lake Wilderness. We explored Seattle sites, including the Pacific Science Center, Space Needle, Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum, Aquarium, Argosy harbor tour, and lunch at the Hard Rock Café. A fun time for all!
Next to arrive were Tom’s brother Larry and his wife Margie (from Eugene, OR), and their son Travis and his wife Amber (from Bozeman, MT). We had a wonderful visit.
Then came last weekend’s wedding festivities in Port Townsend at the Northwest Maritime Center. Four clans gathered for the union of Juliann Kirkpatrick and Lawrence Stewart: the Kirkpatrick’s, Stewart’s, Casseday’s (my side of the family), and Royce’s (Lawrence’ mother’s side of the family). The wedding site was spectacular: perfect sunny skies, on the waterfront, in the middle of a compass circle representing the Celtic symbol of commitment. The ceremony was special: Law’s father, Les (in Stewart kilt) performed the wedding ceremony, I did the charge, and Tom did a Celtic blessing. Juliann and Law then sprang two moving surprises on our gathered family and friends. First, they gave family members roses representing those who had died or unable to attend (my mom and dad). As we threw our roses into the Sound, bagpipes played Amazing Grace. Not a dry eye in the place. Second, the ceremony ended with Juliann having the Stewart tartan draped over her shoulder with a Kirkpatrick clan pin holding the tartan together. It was a wonderful sign of this marriage and the friendship and love between families.
The reception included great food, lots of dancing, and catching up with family and friends. A real joy for me was dancing with all 15 of my grandchildren. Truly a day full of lasting memories!
The next day we visited Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park, and then traveled with Chris’ family to Rhonda and Dan James’ vacation home near Shelton. Juliann and Lawrence Stewart even dropped by to open some wedding gifts. We returned home by ferry and after a visit to the Seattle Zoo. Yesterday we said a tearful goodbye to Chris and his family.
Enjoy the pictures!!!!
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