Forks

As I mentioned earlier, we took a short trip over Memorial Day to spread my grandmother's ashes. We went to a place that was near and dear to her (and thousands of Twi-hards), Forks, Washington. Vinny and I flew into Seattle and my dad picked us up for the three hour drive.

Thirteen of us stayed in a rental home that I highly recommend, Cozy River House. It is situated a short drive from La Push right on the Sol Duc River. The house is enormous, yet cozy. The backyard/patio was my favorite, a HUGE covered deck overlooked the river. There is nothing more peaceful than the sound of water.



We spent most of our time on the patio, at the fire!
My aunt brought this painting of my grandmother which we placed on the mantel for the weekend. Wasn't she beautiful? First we headed to Ruby Beach -- the weather was extremely cooperative for us all weekend, no rain at all! Edward would've even been sparkling a few times if ya know what I mean! :) My dad headed straight for the water! Brrrrr! Me and my (only) aunt! We went at low-tide so the marine life was amazing! Giant, chubby starfish. My (2nd) cousin, McKenzie had a fun time torturing the sea urchins! They curl up when you poke them! We also enjoyed torturing her dad without his knowledge...gigglesnort Group shot! The second day my Uncle and his wife arrived, we headed back to Ruby Beach to spread my grandmother's ashes. It was a bittersweet ceremony. After 27 years, her dying desire was finally met. Again, mother nature blessed us and kept the rain away. (count all the starfish!) Truly the whole family now! Imagine how much we have all changed since my grandmother passed, some were not even alive! Slug on the trail.. We each picked a rock from the beach to paint! My grandmother was an artist and this was a great way to honor her and bring the family together with an activity. A handful of the completed rocks! Some were in direct honor of my Granny Maggie -- her favorite flowers, lilac and forget-me-nots. Others were just the artist within making art like she would have! Later in the evening we took a trip to La Push (aka, werewolf territory). The beach in La Push was equally amazing as Ruby Beach. Covered with drift wood and enormous rocks. Me and my dad! And finally....the part of the trip where I turned into a squealing schoolgirl -- I tried so hard to play it cool. I failed. The entire town is twilight-ified. Every restaurant has a 'Bella Burger" -- "Jacob's Java" and a display of Twilight paraphernalia. Bella's Truck from the movie, with the dent when Edward saved her (swoon). I'm so embarassed. Jacob's house