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Visitors walk across a wooden bridge toward a traditional Japanese temple complex amidst lush green mountains and trees.
Visitors walk across a wooden bridge toward a traditional Japanese temple complex amidst lush green mountains and trees.

Byodo-In Temple

March 2, 2022
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BYODO-IN TEMPLE, KANEOHE, HI :: We found our zen at the Byodo-in Temple, a recreation of the original in Japan. We rang the three-ton bell to clear our minds, offered our thoughts...

Three visitors enjoy a scenic view of Olowalu Pond in Maui, featuring the distinctive Ko'olau range in the background.
Three visitors enjoy a scenic view of Olowalu Pond in Maui, featuring the distinctive Ko'olau range in the background.

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden

March 1, 2022
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HOOMALUHIA BOTANICAL GARDEN, KANEOHE, HI :: Our last day in Oahu started with a drive and walk through the beautiful HBG, also known as the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden.

A charming two-story house with a green lawn, colorful flowers, and a carport under a cloudy sky.
A charming two-story house with a green lawn, colorful flowers, and a carport under a cloudy sky.

Kailua Vacation Home

March 1, 2022
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KAILUA, HONOLULU COUNTY, HI :: Just sharing a few more photos of our home away from home in Kailua. We loved this vacation rental and the laid back vibe of this beachside town. We...

Hikers ascending grassy cliffs to a coastal viewpoint in Hawaii with turquoise ocean views.
Hikers ascending grassy cliffs to a coastal viewpoint in Hawaii with turquoise ocean views.

Diamond Head

March 1, 2022
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DIAMOND HEAD, HONOLULU, HI :: Diamond Head. It’s there, so it must be climbed. The views at the top aren’t too bad either. Nor is the Island Snow shave ice reward waiting for us...

A line of ATVs drives on a dirt path beside a grassy field with hikers and a long green mountain in the background.
A line of ATVs drives on a dirt path beside a grassy field with hikers and a long green mountain in the background.

Kualoa Ranch

February 28, 2022
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KUALOA RANCH, KANEOHE, HI :: We had fun exploring the Kualoa Ranch (aka Hollywood’s “Hawaii Backlot”) via ATV. Kristie drove while I shot photos of the recognizable scenes, most...

A scenic coastal landscape featuring clear turquoise waters, secluded sandy beaches, and hilly green coastlines under a bright blue sky.
A scenic coastal landscape featuring clear turquoise waters, secluded sandy beaches, and hilly green coastlines under a bright blue sky.

Hanauma Bay

February 25, 2022
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HANAUMA BAY, HONOLULU, HI :: Visited Hanauma Bay to hang out with the fishies. Unfortunately the water is a little cold and cloudy this time of year, so we didn’t spend too much...

View of dramatic rocky sea cliffs along a coastline. People standing near the edge taking photos of the ocean.
View of dramatic rocky sea cliffs along a coastline. People standing near the edge taking photos of the ocean.

Lanai Lookout

February 25, 2022
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LANAI LOOKOUT, HONOLULU, HI :: On our way to Hanauma Bay, we stopped at Lanai Lookout and spotted several humpback whales, including one huge breach and flop. I was only able to...

A bronze surfer statue adorned with a pink floral lei stands against a backdrop of palm trees and a clear blue sky. The image captures iconic Hawaiian coastal scenery.
A bronze surfer statue adorned with a pink floral lei stands against a backdrop of palm trees and a clear blue sky. The image captures iconic Hawaiian coastal scenery.

Waikiki

February 24, 2022
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WAIKIKI, HI :: We’re really enjoying our time in Kailua, but you can’t go to Oahu without spending a little time in Waikiki. Well, actually, maybe you can and should… But the kids...

A white ship-shaped monument displays 'BIKINI' with an American flag flying against a tropical tree-lined shore. Another view shows the Pacific waters in front of the memorial.
A white ship-shaped monument displays 'BIKINI' with an American flag flying against a tropical tree-lined shore. Another view shows the Pacific waters in front of the memorial.

Pearl Harbor

February 24, 2022
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PEARL HARBOR NATIONAL MEMORIAL, HONOLULU, HI :: We visited Pearl Harbor to provide the kids some context for the importance of our military and the heroic sacrifices made to...

A stunning scenic overlook showing lush green cliffs and valleys leading to the ocean in Hawaii. Visitors enjoy the breathtaking coastal view from an elevated hiking path.
A stunning scenic overlook showing lush green cliffs and valleys leading to the ocean in Hawaii. Visitors enjoy the breathtaking coastal view from an elevated hiking path.

Pali Lookout

February 24, 2022
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PALI LOOKOUT, OAHU HI, HONOLULU, HI :: One of the most beautiful highways in the world is the Pali Highway, connecting East and West Oahu. We dropped the top on the Jeep on our...

A group of people wearing floral leis posing outdoors with a mountain and lush greenery in the background.
A group of people wearing floral leis posing outdoors with a mountain and lush greenery in the background.

Ka Moana Luau

February 23, 2022
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KA MOANA LU’AU, HONOLULU, HI :: Ka Moana Luau was the best! A very entertaining, educational, and delicious tour of Polynesian cultures and the spirit of Aloha!

A wide-angle shot of a person on a paddleboard in clear turquoise water under a blue sky, with a second person paddling nearby.
A wide-angle shot of a person on a paddleboard in clear turquoise water under a blue sky, with a second person paddling nearby.

Kailua Paddleboarding

February 23, 2022
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KAILUA BEACH ADVENTURES, KAILUA, HI :: Today we tried paddle boarding Kailua Beach to Lanikai Beach and the Mokes, a couple of islands visible about a 90 minute paddle away....

Several colorful, hand-painted cloths are being displayed on a lawn in front of a two-story house with a lush garden under a bright blue sky.
Several colorful, hand-painted cloths are being displayed on a lawn in front of a two-story house with a lush garden under a bright blue sky.

Kailua Boogie Boarding

February 21, 2022
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KAILUA, HONOLULU COUNTY, HI :: Our first of seven days in Oahu! Today we boogie boarded at Kailua Beach, just a few blocks from our vacation rental.

A steaming basket of tian bao alongside soup dumplings in red broth, typical of an authentic Chinese dim sum meal.
A steaming basket of tian bao alongside soup dumplings in red broth, typical of an authentic Chinese dim sum meal.

Valentine’s Date Night

February 12, 2022
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CLUB COMEDY SEATTLE, SEATTLE, WA :: The twins are at their cousin’s for the weekend, so it’s an early Valentine’s date night for the grownups! Risqué dumplings and comedy in the...

Circus performers executing aerial stunts with colorful lighting and an audience watching from below.
Circus performers executing aerial stunts with colorful lighting and an audience watching from below.

Cirque du Soleil: Alegria

January 23, 2022
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MARYMOOR PARK, WA :: We celebrated John’s birthday with the return of Alegria under the big top at Marymoor Park. Our first Cirque du Soleil show was Alegria in 2003. Almost two...

Two children wearing face masks stand in front of a large fire at night.
Two children wearing face masks stand in front of a large fire at night.

Chelan Winterfest

January 17, 2022
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CHELAN, WA :: A weekend in Chelan to visit a few sites and experience Winterfest!

A close-up of a white door featuring the name Miranda in cursive script and a silver dragon-head door knocker. The decorative elements add a whimsical touch to the exterior.
A close-up of a white door featuring the name Miranda in cursive script and a silver dragon-head door knocker. The decorative elements add a whimsical touch to the exterior.

3D Printed Door Knocker

January 2, 2022
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NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Having fun printing a dragon door knocker with the Anycubic Vyper FDM printer!

Three individuals pose with green sleds on a snow-covered hill under a bright sun. Tall evergreen trees line the background on a crisp winter day.
Three individuals pose with green sleds on a snow-covered hill under a bright sun. Tall evergreen trees line the background on a crisp winter day.

Sledding out of 2021

December 31, 2021
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MALTBY, WA :: Sledding out of 2021! Have a happy and healthy New Year!

A person sledding down a snowy hill with others standing nearby in colorful winter clothing.
A person sledding down a snowy hill with others standing nearby in colorful winter clothing.

Let It Snow

December 26, 2021
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NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Nice to have a little snow to extend the holiday feels!

A joyful moment with a child in festive pajamas holding a matching plush bear at home.
A joyful moment with a child in festive pajamas holding a matching plush bear at home.

Christmas 2021

December 25, 2021
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NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Merry Christmas!

A group photo in matching red and white striped pajamas. A smaller portrait shows smiling faces.
A group photo in matching red and white striped pajamas. A smaller portrait shows smiling faces.

Suncadia Christmas 2021

December 23, 2021
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SUNCADIA, CLE ELUM, WA :: Another fun gathering of the Brown clan at Suncadia to enjoy four fun days in a winter wonderland! There was much food, drink, games, laughter, and...

A group poses in a tunnel of red lights under the colorful illuminated sign at Evergreen Lights. Green tree lights frame the festive holiday scene at night.
A group poses in a tunnel of red lights under the colorful illuminated sign at Evergreen Lights. Green tree lights frame the festive holiday scene at night.

Evergreen Lights

December 19, 2021
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EVERGREEN CHURCH, BOTHELL, WA :: Enjoying the impressive light display at Evergreen Church!

A mud-covered Land Rover Defender parked in a driveway. The vehicle shows signs of recent off-road adventure in the Pacific Northwest.
A mud-covered Land Rover Defender parked in a driveway. The vehicle shows signs of recent off-road adventure in the Pacific Northwest.

DirtFish

November 20, 2021
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DIRTFISH, SNOQUALMIE, WA :: We celebrated Mando’s first birthday today by taking him out in the mud at the AVANTS off-road event at DirtFish! My little red-headed buddy joined me...

A girl in a living room smiles while holding a large robotic dragon drone with vibrant orange wings.
A girl in a living room smiles while holding a large robotic dragon drone with vibrant orange wings.

Drogon

November 19, 2021
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NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: It only took a couple years and a tiny bit of help, but she finally finished building her dragon. It’s a pretty impressive model of Drogon from Game of...

A person in a dynamic bowling stance at a crowded bowling alley with a red ball in hand.
A person in a dynamic bowling stance at a crowded bowling alley with a red ball in hand.

Kenmore Lanes

November 17, 2021
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KENMORE LANES, KENMORE, WA :: Family bowling night!

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