Washington & Oregon Days 9 - 12

Since my brother's move to his new home was delayed by escrow, he had a bonus day off to take us around the city again. We visited one of the nation's new public arboretums, where he proudly told me that when they'd had a nominal entry fee of a few dollars, about 12,000 people visited it. But when they made it free, that number increased to 65,000. Sixty five thousand. That's incredibly forward thinking of the city to give up income in pursuit of happier and healthier citizens.

We also hit up the Tacoma Zoo & Aquarium (we also tried to go to the wilderness safari park/tram ride, but it was closed weekdays during the off season). And again, even though he's been to a few large aquariums, Ryan seemed to not have much of a recollection for those past 'unforgettable' experiences, so we were glad we did it. He even got to touch a few sting rays and starfish, and watch a large octopus feeding. You'd think these are all things we can do in Hawaii...but we tend to avoid anything with the word 'ray' in it, as well as most prickly sea creatures. And starfish aren't easily found in shallow waters, so those are mostly out too. Bottom line? Aquariums are fun, even for those who live near, and are surrounded by the sea. :-)

My favorite part of most aquarium exhibits...jellyfish! One day, Palau...I will swim in your jellyfish lake!

The scenic drive from the zoo took us along a gorgeous waterfront drive, which was also raccoon-filled...these little fellas were so friendly (they were begging for food, but we were scared straight by the signs from the day prior of $452 fines for feeding wildlife). Still, I can't recall a time where I've ever seen wild raccoons in such abundance.

One day of our trip was spent doing activities that Ryan enjoys, but can't do on our island. He was OVER THE MOON to return to the electric go-kart race tracks more than any other activity. He's pretty competitive with himself, and definitely improved from his first race to his third, shaving 6-7 seconds off per lap.

Sheesh. Not even a few homeschoolers were at the tracks that school day, so our chronic truant managed  to 'win' each round.

After the race tracks (which were much more challenging than the ones on Oahu as they were smaller with more curves), we headed to the ice rink. Because Rich's ankle was still blue, stiff and puffy from his fall a week prior...I had to take one for the team and lace up. It was my second (and hopefully, my final) time on the ice...the first being in my early 20s in Phoenix (I was quite awful there too). I will say that I was able to get off the wall in time, but that I couldn't have saved a child ten feet away from me if you gave me ten seconds to get to them... :-| Soo..I suck.

He really did fall backwards! Poor kid!)

Mid-pirouette, I promise. We just have a great freeze-framed camera!

Later that night, we hooked up with one my high school besties at a pizzeria/brewery and also got to see someone I haven't seen since high school back in '92!

Three Gen zXers failing at a selfie attempt.

For a few glorious days during the trip, I got to hit up a few more stores. And while doing so, I discovered my new favorite store...Lush. Apparently it's British, but their bold, natural, heavenly-scented bath and beauty products were to...die...for. Ry and I spent nearly 45 minutes in the store getting a detailed tutorial/sample of their products (suckers!), and we splurged on a few small things for ourselves. Here's my loyal compadre helping me pick out our bath bombs (while his father sat outside using free wifi to watch some sports program). His boredom/disinterest worked in our favor, as he wasn't there to protest the amount we spent on bath products. ;-)

Sadly for us, Rich escorted us into Lolli & Pop's, so felt less free to indulge in the usual bag of candy and a few macaroons that we normally would. ;-)

I also spent about 25-minutes testing out the latest Brookstone massage chairs (this one is like a pod that envelops and seems to somehow suspend/elevate your entire body), only to find out that even if I owned my own barge, union dockworkers and millions of dollars (which is about what you need to get a really good massage chair here), they do not ship to Hawaii.

I fell in love with the chair. Rich laughed at how ticklish it was and hopped off after 1-2 minutes. I'm not even sure we should be married anymore.

Our last night in town, Uncle Joey spoiled the normally deprived Ryan by taking him to a 4D movie experience, Gamestop (he got him an overpriced game) and a bookstore (he got him a very overpriced Pokemon journal book). This was all so that I could indulge in a treat I've been yapping about for over ten years...Godiva cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. Many moons ago, on a business trip, my coworker bought me a slice as a treat since I'd stayed back at the hotel (being the usual party animal that I am). I recall moaning with delight and inhaling every last morsel, and have vowed since then to return. It only took me ten years, but I did it! Even though we were both stuffed after dinner, we shared the most amazing dessert on the planet together, and I'm pleased to say they haven't changed a thing. The cheesecake was as good, if not better than ten years ago.

I have a very short list of foods that Rich is required to hand feed me 24/7 if I'm ever physically immobile or terminally ill (he's agreed that at this point, it's okay for me to eat until I pop), and this is definitely being added to the list.

It was definitely a way to go out. I did hint that on our final day in the city we should return for a take out slice, but someone, a real party pooper I shall not name, said it would be 'excessive' and declined to indulge. :-( (I really do question our compatibility sometimes.)

I love you, I love you so much Godiva chocolate cheesecake. I want to marry you.