Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Patrick

Family reunion and birthday weekend for Cookie Meyers, center, featured 45 family and close friends for meals and music, and 20-plus popping in and out to share the celebration. Here, the clan gathers from seven states and beyond. The oldest member of the family-friend clan was 92 and the youngest four, for a span of 88 years -- like the piano's keys! Cookie surrenders to the "getting ready" crew as nieces Amarylla and Kira, right, fuss with make-up and a new hair do. Gifts

Cruising Lake Union and Lake Washington, and Sailing the Puget Sound are the most unique things to do in Seattle. After 10 years, our reputation speaks for itself. Join us for Seattle's best boat tours and create memories to last a lifetime. Our intimate experiences include private Seattle Sailing charters on the Puget Sound, Sightseeing and Floating home boat tours on Lake Union, and adventures to Blake Island for day hikes and overnight camping!

Clifton's in Los Angeles "It's unlike anything you might imagine," said our friend Sue, a native Angelina. She grew up as a Clifton's patron, coming to the cafeteria with her family and still enjoying the occasional Clifton's foray today. She was right. Nothing like it.

Horton Grand Theatre is a perfect venue for the delightfully rendered radio play version of "Miracle on 34th Street." Jennifer Grimm,...

WE WERE delighted to discover that remains of the prehistoric culture can still be found, with artifacts and fossils in the ranch house named after those lovely "little cliffs" on the hills. A plaque denotes Rancho Santa Maria de los Penasquitos, with parts of the original walls. The ruins of stalwart structures of adobe are fascinating, and the splendid canyon and walking trails wind through 4,000 acres of the Penasquitos and Lopez canyons. It's one of the largest urban

Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, Hearst Castle is a dazzling blend of opulence, history, and coastal beauty. From its grand rooms filled with European art to sweeping ocean views along the rugged California coastline, this iconic estate offers a glimpse into a world of luxury unlike any other.

SOMETIMES we're tested in ways we don't understand. Our family has met many challenges. We rise to the occasion, doing the best we can. So it is with the Cosgriffes as we deal with a first: raising a handicapped child. Christena Lynn Cosgriffe was born June 30, 2010, with Down Syndrome