We have been lucky to spend the past 3 weeks visiting our family in friends in various parts of the USA. After Thanksgiving we took the train from Portland, Oregon to Seattle, Washington for a visit with Robert’s Mom, Linda. She was a very gracious hostess and spoiled us during our entire visit. We made homemade chocolate chip
cookies (one of Robert’s favorites) the night we arrived. On Monday we drove up to Ferndale, WA to visit Robert’s sister, Margaret and her husband, Tyler. We played games and enjoyed a fantastic spread of gourmet cheeses. After a nice visit in Ferndale, we went back to Linda’s and celebrated Christmas by helping her decorate her tree. On our last night there, we went to the Bellevue Square Christmas Parade. It was great fun!
Our next stop was a visit to my Dad and Step-Mom’s house in Jacksonville, Illinois. We had a wonderful visit catching up with them as well as celebrating Dad’s Birthday and Chri
stmas with the whole family. It was very nice to see my Aunt Toi and Uncle Bob as well as Grandpa Randall. My brother and sister’s families both came down as well. We had a blast and enjoyed playing games, sharing laughs and eating a huge Christmas feast.
Our beloved dog, Howie, is living with his Grandpa, Geof and Grandma, La Chelle while we travel the world. They are taking wonderful care of him but we were glad to give him as much love as possible during our visit.
Following a great visit to Jacksonville, we met up with my Mom, Susan and drove to Chicago. We spent a few days playing with our niece and nephew and telling stories about what is going in each other’s lives. One of our favorite things to do is bake together. The kids love it and we all enjoy the treats afterward.
Our last stop in the USA was Orlando. We met up with some friends and had an amazing time doing some activities in the place we call home. Ice at the Gaylord Palms was amazing. The event happens every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas at all Gaylord Resorts. They bring in ice carving artists from China that create beautiful art out of clear and colored ice blocks.
After visiting the exhibition we went to the show in the atrium of the Gaylord Palms Hotel. The performers were excellent and we even got to take our picture with them after the show.
The next day we went to both Universal Orlando parks. Even though is was quite cold (a drizzling 55 degrees), we took in the sights, went to the Grinchmas show, rode our favorite rides and caught a glimpse of some characters.
No matter how many times we go to Universal Orlando, it never gets old and we always have a great time.
Now our visit to the USA has come to an end and the Allen World Tour continues. Tomorrow we leave on a flight to Santiago, Chile. There we start our journey to South America, Antarctica and the penguins!