We drove to Seattle and saw the kids. We ate lunch together. It takes a bit of extra time to get to the ocean but it's worth it.
I listened as they talked about their lives, and we talked about the holidays, normal family thins. KT talked some marriage talk a bit, and she's having normal ups/downs as they adjust. I didn't freak out and feel grateful my brain isn't as traumatized as it used to be.
We drove south and Jay had the idea to stop in Willapa Bay and get some oysters. There's a small pop up restaurant that sells mostly oysters and seafood. We had a half dozen oysters, and it was a blast. We stopped at a place further down the road that's a huge local provider of oysters. Then we hit Astoria and our fav brewery, Fort George. It's been a blast to discover these places over the last three years especially as we started coming here on our own.
We finally got to the place out in Seaside and had a fun, relaxing evening in the house we rent. The little market across the way sells wine and we got a bottle to have a bit. We were pretty relaxed and put music on, listened to crickets through the windows, and unwound from the drive.
I can't believe how amazing it is to be gone from the city and back at the ocean.
I'm slowly relaxing more and not as uptight as I used to be. That showed today.
I'm also realizing I need to be less critical of Jay. I am probably ready to make amends and start being more open to back/forth conversation.
The benefits of growth are coming back to me.