We headed out of Helena on Wednesday January 9th. Thank you again Candice and Kourtney for time well spent. We appreciate you guys. We made the 4 1/2 hour drive to Spokane. The one good thing about the 49 hour drive from Florida to Montana is that now 4 1/2 hours in a car seems like nothing! We were a bit concerned about the roads over to Spokane as there had been a lot of storms coming through the northwest, but God was good and the ride was uneventful. Just had a bit of snow, but nothing we couldn't handle. We arrived at Kurt and Carla's safely around 6:00PM. Carla is my (Ashleigh's) second cousin on my dad's side. We usually see each other once every other year and only for a short time. I was so looking forward to spending quality time with my family. Kurt and Carla have a 7 year old daughter, Rachel and a 2 year old son, James. Such a sweet family. James and I really hit it off, by the end of our visit I had tried to fit him in my backpack. As soon as we got to their house, Kurt made us an AMAZING thai pasta dinner. So nice after a long car ride. Then Maryann (Carla's sister) her husband Steve their son Kevin and grandma Nana came over. It was great catching up with them. Nana has the best stories. After dinner and family time, Kurt and Carla took us to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. We went to this great spot right on the water. We walked on the floating docks and looked at all the big boats. Kurt and Carla have been dubbed the night owls. We got home around 1:00AM. Kevin was at the house so the five of us played board games and worked on a puzzle until about 3:30 in the morning. On Thursday we woke up to Kurt....uh I mean Carla:) baking a delicious breakfast pie. We relaxed around the house that morning, then later in the afternoon we drove back into Idaho to go sledding! Thank you granny Annie and Gary for letting us use your hill and hang out in your beautiful home! Our plan was to leave today, but we heard there was going to be a poker tournament at the house. We also heard Nana is a poker shark, so Chris had to stick around to try a beat her. On Friday Chris and I explored town a bit...we saw a movie and did some shopping (because our backpacks aren't full enough). We decided to stay one more night...we heard there was more money on the line..bingo! Carla, Maryann, Nana, Kevin, Brian, Chris and I all headed back into Idaho (I think we spent more time in Idaho then in Washington) and went to the huge Casino. I have never seen anything like this bingo room it was enormous. People REALLY take their bingo seriously in Idaho. After paying and getting all our cards we began our night of Bingo....I had no idea there were so many different ways to win bingo. Chris and I didn't have such a lucky night, but my cousin Brian won $1000!! Nice job! I can honestly say I never pictured Bingo night being part of our world adventure, but man am I so excited that it was!! Check out the pictures of our casino night...sorry Carla we have proof that you took us to play bingo:) We got up early Saturday and planned on heading to Seattle. Kurt and Carla took us to enjoy one last lunch downtown before we left. One thing led to another (I know this was part of Carla's plan) and we ended up getting home a bit later then we planned. Chris and I didnt want to drive in the dark...so why not stay one more night. Our one night turned into four. Kurt and Carla really know how to entertain! We had a wonderfully relaxing evening at home that night. We enjoyed some "grown up" time, Kurt made an authentic Thai dinner. The four of us had a blast playing Catch Phrase...Chris and Kurt got REAL lucky...Carla and I want a rematch! We relaxed some more and watched a movie. Kurt made one last effort to keep us in Spokane forever, he poisoned Chris with some curry and a little to much Jack Daniels:) What a way to go. It is now Sunday afternoon and we are getting ready to head to Seattle. Our time in Spokane was simply wonderful. Family has been such a blessing throughout our adventures. Our time with Kurt, Carla and the entire family has been amazing. We have had so much fun and have met some wonderful people.