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A silver Jeep Wrangler is tilted forward on a dirt hilltop with a man and two people walking beside it in a sunny outdoor setting. The image features multiple angles of the vehicle and the people.
A silver Jeep Wrangler is tilted forward on a dirt hilltop with a man and two people walking beside it in a sunny outdoor setting. The image features multiple angles of the vehicle and the people.

Land Rover Experience

June 25, 2021
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QUAIL LODGE AND GOLF CLUB, CA :: All Defender owners receive a complimentary off-road driving course at one of the Land Rover Experience centers around the globe. Today we learned...

A family wearing masks on a ferry with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. A scenic view of the iconic suspension bridge in San Francisco.
A family wearing masks on a ferry with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. A scenic view of the iconic suspension bridge in San Francisco.

California Road Trip

June 24, 2021
One Comment

SAN FRANCISCO, CA :: Our summer vacation road trip kicks off in San Francisco, Monterey, and Big Sur! I drove down from Bothell in about 12 hours, and the rest of my family flew...

A family of three taking a selfie at a restaurant. The image shows a montage of views in a modern eatery.
A family of three taking a selfie at a restaurant. The image shows a montage of views in a modern eatery.

Happy Dad’s Day

June 20, 2021
3 Comments

BEARDSLEE PUBLIC HOUSE, BOTHELL, WA :: Hoping all the dads had a great day! I was treated to cards, gifts, and a yummy dinner, along with help detailing the Defender. I love my...

A person dressed as Captain America rides a custom tricycle with two passengers near a waterfront pier. A large Ferris wheel stands in the background under an overcast sky.
A person dressed as Captain America rides a custom tricycle with two passengers near a waterfront pier. A large Ferris wheel stands in the background under an overcast sky.

Theatresports / Great Wolf Lodge Weekend

June 13, 2021
3 Comments

SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I visited Seattle this weekend while the twins were at Great Wolf Lodge with their cousin. The “funny” thing is, the last time we were in Seattle was...

A sign for the Lynndale Professional Center at 19935 76th Avenue West is displayed on a wooden crate.
A sign for the Lynndale Professional Center at 19935 76th Avenue West is displayed on a wooden crate.

New Signs Project

June 6, 2021
2 Comments

LYNNWOOD, WA :: Earlier this year, we welcomed a new tenant to our building in Lynnwood. This provided an opportunity to make several improvements, including a new name for the...

A family of three smiles on a black leather couch, each holding a stuffed tiger toy.
A family of three smiles on a black leather couch, each holding a stuffed tiger toy.

Happy Mom’s Day

May 9, 2021
One Comment

NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: We celebrated Mother’s Day with some of Kristie’s favorite things: cards with long written notes, card games featuring deduction and deceit, a walk...

An orange wheelbarrow-style yard waste wagon with a shredder attachment sits in front of a large pile of fresh green branches.
An orange wheelbarrow-style yard waste wagon with a shredder attachment sits in front of a large pile of fresh green branches.

Spring Pruning Pile

April 25, 2021
5 Comments

NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: With a little help, the enormous pruning pile is gone. But it was quickly replaced by another! Oh well – at least the weather was nice. The pile...

A metal spiral sculpture on a forest floor with a child standing nearby on a sunny day.
A metal spiral sculpture on a forest floor with a child standing nearby on a sunny day.

San Juan Sculpture Garden

April 22, 2021
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SAN JUAN ISLANDS SCULPTURE PARK, ROCHE HARBOR, WA :: The San Juan Islands Sculpture Garden has significantly expanded its collection since Kristie and I last visited over ten...

A scenic view featuring a historic coastal lighthouse framed by a redwood branch. The clear blue water and rugged shoreline create a serene atmosphere.
A scenic view featuring a historic coastal lighthouse framed by a redwood branch. The clear blue water and rugged shoreline create a serene atmosphere.

Lime Kiln Lighthouse

April 20, 2021
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LIME KILN POINT STATE PARK, SAN JUAN ISLAND, WA :: We hiked around the lighthouse and explored its namesake lime kiln. We enjoyed the nice weather and ocean views, and the kids...

A wide boardwalk bridge with black railings crosses a small body of water surrounded by tall trees. A cyclist in an orange shirt is captured from behind crossing the wooden arch.
A wide boardwalk bridge with black railings crosses a small body of water surrounded by tall trees. A cyclist in an orange shirt is captured from behind crossing the wooden arch.

Sammamish River Trail

April 18, 2021
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SAMMAMISH RIVER TRAIL, BOTHELL, WA :: A beautiful evening for a 10 mile bike ride from the new bridge in Bothell Landing to the former Redhook in Woodinville.

Eagle Cove Vacation Home

April 18, 2021
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SAN JUAN ISLAND, WA :: Our cozy vacation rental on San Juan Island didn't have a pool this time, but it did feature a semi-private beach we could walk to, along with a fun...

A dirt path winds along a coastal ridge with a view across the deep blue ocean to distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
A dirt path winds along a coastal ridge with a view across the deep blue ocean to distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

American Camp & South Beach

April 18, 2021
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AMERICAN CAMP, SAN JUAN ISLAND, WA :: Wide-open prairie, weathered shoreline, and long views across the water made the trails around American Camp feel wonderfully remote.

A serene beach scene in the Pacific Northwest at sunset, with waves rolling onto the shore. The sky is filled with pink and orange clouds.
A serene beach scene in the Pacific Northwest at sunset, with waves rolling onto the shore. The sky is filled with pink and orange clouds.

San Juan Sunsets & S’mores

April 15, 2021
2 Comments

SAN JUAN ISLAND, WA :: A San Juan sunset, a driftwood fire, and s’mores on the beach made an excellent way to let the day linger a little longer.

A silver SUV parked on a grassy roadside near a wooden fence with passengers looking out at the scenic landscape under a partly cloudy sky. The open terrain and vast skies highlight the beauty of rural travel.
A silver SUV parked on a grassy roadside near a wooden fence with passengers looking out at the scenic landscape under a partly cloudy sky. The open terrain and vast skies highlight the beauty of rural travel.

San Juan Safari

April 14, 2021
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SAN JUAN ISLAND, WA :: Lauren's favorite animal is the fox, and we recently heard there is a population of them on San Juan Island. So off we went! Sure enough, we saw red...

Children and an adult collecting dyed Easter eggs in a cozy living room with a purple basket and colorful eggs on the floor.
Children and an adult collecting dyed Easter eggs in a cozy living room with a purple basket and colorful eggs on the floor.

Happy Easter

April 4, 2021
2 Comments

NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Easter baskets appeared at the front door, followed by colorful treats and a relaxed celebration at home.

Two children bake cookies in a home kitchen with wooden cabin.
Two children bake cookies in a home kitchen with wooden cabin.

Twin Chefs

March 6, 2021
3 Comments

NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The twins made dinner tonight! Three Cheese Ravioli with Confetti Corn Muffins.

Two children giving a thumbs up while watching a science fiction movie with a desert planet.
Two children giving a thumbs up while watching a science fiction movie with a desert planet.

Perseverance

February 18, 2021
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NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: We watched NASA’s livestream as the Perseverance rover landed on Mars on 18 February 2021. Following the updates from mission control made for a tense...

Three individuals enjoying snow tubing in a snowy backyard. Colorful tubes add vibrancy to the winter landscape.
Three individuals enjoying snow tubing in a snowy backyard. Colorful tubes add vibrancy to the winter landscape.

Snowy Valentine’s

February 14, 2021
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NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: It was great to see many of the neighborhood kids and families enjoying the foot of snow we received over the weekend! Wearing a mask even seemed like...

Three cross-country skiers wearing winter hats stand beside a snow-covered road next to a U-turn warning sign in a snowy forested area.
Three cross-country skiers wearing winter hats stand beside a snow-covered road next to a U-turn warning sign in a snowy forested area.

Hurricane Ridge Snowshoe

January 31, 2021
2 Comments

HURRICANE RIDGE, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Winter fun on Hurricane Ridge, where the snow is plenty, but the people are limited to just 150 cars – perfect for enjoying...

Three people smiling with a small cake on a wooden table in front of framed photos.
Three people smiling with a small cake on a wooden table in front of framed photos.

Another Birthday

January 24, 2021
17 Comments

NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Celebrated another trip around the sun with my wonderful family! Kristie and the kids got me a few goodies, including a tin of cheddar worth its weight...

Two individuals standing near a striking dragon arch sculpture in a desert setting under a bright blue sky.
Two individuals standing near a striking dragon arch sculpture in a desert setting under a bright blue sky.

Anza-Borrego Sculptures

January 18, 2021
2 Comments

BORREGO SPRINGS, CA :: If you ever happen to be in Borrego Springs, chances are you'll encounter one or more of the 130+ metal sculptures placed within the town and...

Four hikers explore a narrow slot canyon with towering sandstone walls.
Four hikers explore a narrow slot canyon with towering sandstone walls.

Ladder Canyon & Painted Canyon

January 17, 2021
One Comment

PALM DESERT, CA :: Today we explored the appropriately named Ladder Canyon Trail, where we encountered several thoughtfully placed ladders to help us navigate the challenging...

A happy family poses for a selfie at a scenic canyon overlook. The backdrop features a vast desert landscape under a cloudy sky.
A happy family poses for a selfie at a scenic canyon overlook. The backdrop features a vast desert landscape under a cloudy sky.

The Grand Canyon – Ooh Aah Point

January 16, 2021
2 Comments

OOH AAH POINT, GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, AZ :: The twins were excited to check off their ninth National Park experience with The Grand Canyon. And it wouldn't be sufficient...

A breathtaking view of the Grand Canyon at sunset with towering rock formations.
A breathtaking view of the Grand Canyon at sunset with towering rock formations.

Cathedral Rock

January 16, 2021
4 Comments

CATHEDRAL ROCK, SEDONA, AZ :: Finally found time to process the photos from our winter vacation! The day after Christmas, we flew into Phoenix, drove up to Sedona, and enjoyed an...

People enjoying a sunny day at an outdoor plaza with palm trees and modern architecture.
People enjoying a sunny day at an outdoor plaza with palm trees and modern architecture.

Palm Springs Airport

January 1, 2021
2 Comments

PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, PALM SPRINGS, CA :: Heading back home via our new favorite airport!

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