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John
Author

John

We’re John & Kristie. Here we share our adventures in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, along with the places, projects, and experiences we’ve enjoyed together since 2001. Between 2010 and 2026, this website became quiet while we focused on the greatest adventure of all: raising our kids. We never stopped exploring or taking photographs, but during those years we shared most of our stories and everyday moments on social media instead. To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we brought the website back to life. We’re now gathering those missing years in one place, adding the posts and photographs we previously shared elsewhere and rebuilding this site as a lasting record of our family’s adventures. Thanks for visiting and exploring our story with us. We hope you enjoy looking through the photographs and memories – and we’d love to hear from you in the comments.

1272 Articles
A historic stone building overlooking the Douro River and the lush valley.
A historic stone building overlooking the Douro River and the lush valley.

Gdynia Business Week

August 21, 2009
No Comment

EUROPEAN VACATION DAYS 3-9 :: GDYNIA, POLAND :: Kristie says, “After volunteering as a Company Advisor (CA) for Washington Business Week for 8+ years, I was intrigued when I...

EventsTravel
3.7K Views
3 Min Read
A weathered concrete coastal artillery emplacement sits isolated on the sand. The long gun barrel points out toward the ocean horizon.
A weathered concrete coastal artillery emplacement sits isolated on the sand. The long gun barrel points out toward the ocean horizon.

Hel

August 17, 2009
One Comment

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 5 :: HEL, POLAND :: When looking across the sea from the shores of Gdynia, you can just barely spot a strip of land that seems to...

Travel
3.1K Views
4 Min Read
A serene statue surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage with charming old buildings in the background.
A serene statue surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage with charming old buildings in the background.

Toruń

August 16, 2009
No Comment

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 4 :: TORUN, POLAND :: Today, I visited Toruń, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 200 kilometers south of Gdynia. I hired one of the hotel’s taxis...

Travel
2.4K Views
2 Min Read
A pure white daisy with bright yellow center stands out against a stark black background. This image captures the flower's intricate details.
A pure white daisy with bright yellow center stands out against a stark black background. This image captures the flower's intricate details.

Sopot

August 15, 2009
No Comment

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 3 :: SOPOT, POLAND :: Today was my first day on my own as Kristie started her Business Week program. I had planned to check out Sopot,...

Travel
3.7K Views
2 Min Read
View of Lemelson Winery's tower and patio overlooking rolling vineyards during golden hour sunset.
View of Lemelson Winery's tower and patio overlooking rolling vineyards during golden hour sunset.

Malbork Castle

August 14, 2009
2 Comments

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 2 :: MALBORK, POLAND :: On our first full day in Poland, we decided it would be best to hire a private guide to take us on...

Travel
6.2K Views
3 Min Read
A grand building with arched windows, stone carvings, and a central statue atop a fountain. A red and yellow flag waves above against a blue sky.
A grand building with arched windows, stone carvings, and a central statue atop a fountain. A red and yellow flag waves above against a blue sky.

Gdańsk

August 14, 2009
3 Comments

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 2 :: GDANSK, POLAND :: After our tour of Malbork Castle, we were taken to Gdańsk, Poland’s third-largest city with over a thousand years of history....

Travel
9.4K Views
3 Min Read
A woman smiles while jotting notes in a notebook outside, accompanied by her coffee. She sits under a green umbrella on a wooden patio table.
A woman smiles while jotting notes in a notebook outside, accompanied by her coffee. She sits under a green umbrella on a wooden patio table.

Gdynia

August 13, 2009
2 Comments

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 1 :: GDYNIA, POLAND :: Kristie was selected to participate in the first-ever Gdynia Business Week, an intensive and fun business simulation program designed...

Travel
6.2K Views
3 Min Read
A woman writes under a green umbrella at an outdoor cafe. She has a cup of coffee beside her on the wooden table.
A woman writes under a green umbrella at an outdoor cafe. She has a cup of coffee beside her on the wooden table.

Depeche Mode

August 10, 2009
One Comment

KEY ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I continued our tour of popstars from the 80s (U2, The Police, Madonna, Duran Duran) with a Depeche Mode concert at the Key...

Shows
3.1K Views
1 Min Read
A historic stone building with a pointed roof overlooks a valley filled with greenery. People are seen walking on a paved area beside the structure.
A historic stone building with a pointed roof overlooks a valley filled with greenery. People are seen walking on a paved area beside the structure.

Tuck & Robin Lakes

July 24, 2009
9 Comments

ALPINE LAKES WILDERNESS, WA :: The guide books recommend three to four days for a hike up to Tuck and Robin Lakes. Roundtrip, the trail is over 16 miles long...

Hikes
28.1K Views
4 Min Read
A picturesque stone château perched on a hillside overlooking a serene river, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
A picturesque stone château perched on a hillside overlooking a serene river, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

Sand Point

July 18, 2009
2 Comments

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: I joined some friends for a weekend of hiking and camping on the Olympic Coast. Our destination was Sand Point via the Ozette Triangle. A...

Hikes
6.2K Views
3 Min Read
A live concert stage performance featuring a band playing guitars and surrounded by an energetic audience recording the show.
A live concert stage performance featuring a band playing guitars and surrounded by an energetic audience recording the show.

Coldplay at The Gorge

July 11, 2009
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THE GORGE AMPHITHEATER, GEORGE, WA :: I love the fact that one of the most spectacular concert venues in the world is right in our backyard, just a few hours...

Shows
1.8K Views
2 Min Read
A performer playing taiko drums on stage, with another drummer in the background. The image highlights the dynamic movement of the drummers and the large taiko drums on stands.
A performer playing taiko drums on stage, with another drummer in the background. The image highlights the dynamic movement of the drummers and the large taiko drums on stands.

Duran Duran

July 5, 2009
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MARYMOOR PARK, REDMOND, WA :: Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head opened for Duran Duran at Marymoor Park this evening. The young Seattle band rocked the crowd with silly and...

Shows
4.3K Views
1 Min Read
Abstract image showcasing golden bokeh lights against a dark background, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.
Abstract image showcasing golden bokeh lights against a dark background, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.

Fourth of July

July 4, 2009
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SOMEWHERE BETWEEN EDMONDS AND MUKILTEO, WA :: Another year, another fun Fourth at the Carlins’ cul-de-sac in unincorporated Snohomish County – a fantastic day of...

Events
4.5K Views
1 Min Read
Stunning view of Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos bathed in golden sunset light. Distant mountains frame this natural wonder in Utah.
Stunning view of Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos bathed in golden sunset light. Distant mountains frame this natural wonder in Utah.

Sauk Whitewater Rafting

June 27, 2009
5 Comments

SAUK RIVER, DARRINGTON, WA :: Kristie rounded up our brave friends for another excellent whitewater rafting trip on the Sauk River. The sun was out and the air was warm,...

Misc
15.6K Views
3 Min Read
Stunning emerald lake nestled among lush pine forests and rugged mountain peaks in the Pacific Northwest.
Stunning emerald lake nestled among lush pine forests and rugged mountain peaks in the Pacific Northwest.

Orca Tour

May 24, 2009
2 Comments

VICTORIA, B.C. :: While in Victoria, Kristie and I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to go on a whale watching tour. The resident orca pods frequent the waterways around...

Travel
6.2K Views
2 Min Read
Colorful buildings line the canal in Nyhavn, Copenhagen. Boats are docked along the waterfront.
Colorful buildings line the canal in Nyhavn, Copenhagen. Boats are docked along the waterfront.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens

May 23, 2009
One Comment

BRENTWOOD BAY, B.C. :: Kristie and I visited Victoria during a sunny Memorial Day weekend. The trip was great, but I wish it was easier to get there. We traveled...

Travel
3.1K Views
2 Min Read
Victoria
Victoria

Victoria

May 23, 2009
No Comment

VICTORIA, B.C. :: Kristie had been to Victoria several times before, a long time ago with her high school drill team, but this was my first visit to the city....

Travel
954 Views
2 Min Read
A close-up of a white daisy with a vibrant yellow center, set against a stark black background.
A close-up of a white daisy with a vibrant yellow center, set against a stark black background.

The Butchart Gardens

May 23, 2009
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BRENTWOOD BAY, B.C. :: The Butchart Gardens are very impressive, but very crowded and pricey too. Tickets for each adult are $26 CAN and kids are $13. The cost shocked...

Travel
1.6K Views
1 Min Read
A rocky hill topped with a lone tree, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, showcasing the vast and serene wilderness.
A rocky hill topped with a lone tree, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, showcasing the vast and serene wilderness.

Swakane Canyon

May 9, 2009
3 Comments

SWAKANE WILDLIFE AREA, WENATCHEE, WA :: Swakane Canyon is just five miles north of Wenatchee. A scenic trail twists up the canyon’s northern slopes via a federal forest...

Hikes
9.4K Views
2 Min Read

Laundry Room Makeover

May 3, 2009
4 Comments

EDMONDS, WA :: Kristie and I finally updated our laundry room over the weekend. It was a relatively simple renovation project to improve the appearance and efficiency of the...

Projects
12.5K Views
1 Min Read
A detailed photograph showcasing the intricate structure of a dandelion seed head. The image highlights the fine, delicate strands and seeds against a soft green background.
A detailed photograph showcasing the intricate structure of a dandelion seed head. The image highlights the fine, delicate strands and seeds against a soft green background.

Spring in Macro

April 26, 2009
One Comment

EDMONDS, WA :: Here are a few snapshots from our backyard over the weekend. The sun was out and I was busy with yard work. As I was plucking the...

Misc
3.1K Views
1 Min Read
A breathtaking view of rugged coastal islands surrounded by vast blue waters, with lush green forests below under a partly cloudy sky.
A breathtaking view of rugged coastal islands surrounded by vast blue waters, with lush green forests below under a partly cloudy sky.

Mt. Constitution

April 11, 2009
One Comment

MORAN STATE PARK, ORCAS ISLAND, WA :: Kristie and I joined our friends for a weekend of camping and hiking on Orcas Island. We pitched our tents on a small...

Hikes
3.1K Views
2 Min Read
A classic bicycle leans against a vibrant orange building, adding timeless charm. Green shutters frame the windows.
A classic bicycle leans against a vibrant orange building, adding timeless charm. Green shutters frame the windows.

Copenhagen

March 18, 2009
4 Comments

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK :: In sunny Copenhagen, I walked amongst rows of cheerfully colored homes and alongside a forest of masts bobbing about the canals. A graceful white swan...

Travel
12.5K Views
1 Min Read
A hummingbird perched on a vibrant red flower, delicately sipping nectar. The backdrop is a lush green blur, highlighting the bird's intricate details.
A hummingbird perched on a vibrant red flower, delicately sipping nectar. The backdrop is a lush green blur, highlighting the bird's intricate details.

Rosenborg Castle

March 18, 2009
One Comment

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK :: When my dad was stationed in Germany, I loved visiting castles. I was only four or five at the time, but I vividly remember the fairytale scenes...

Travel
3.1K Views
2 Min Read
A serene interior hallway with arched doorways and soft sunlight streaming through the windows, illuminating the textured floor.
A serene interior hallway with arched doorways and soft sunlight streaming through the windows, illuminating the textured floor.

Kastellet

March 18, 2009
3 Comments

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK :: When viewing a satellite image of Copenhagen, it’s easy to spot the star-shaped fortress, Kastellet. Since its construction in the early 1600s, the...

Travel
9.4K Views
1 Min Read
Children holding plush toys at a carnival ride, with carousel lights in the background.
A wooden ladder leads into a narrow cave opening carved into reddish-brown rock walls.
Three people sitting on a park bench enjoying soft-serve ice cream on a sunny day.
A seagull perched on a branch with the sun behind it.
Family enjoying a tropical pool with palm trees and a clear blue sky background.
Two blue German directional signs in front of Neuschwanstein Castle on a sunny day.
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A smiling student wearing a teal hooded raincoat in front of an outdoor event field with a forest backdrop.
Travelers board a white and green ferry against a backdrop of coastal hills and California skies.
A group of three people wearing masks sits in a hospital waiting area. Nearby, others wait in a busy corridor.
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A person reaches up to pick green plums from a tree in a sunlit orchard.
A band performs live on stage with vibrant lighting effects.
A delighted group shares a treat at a restaurant, laughing over a dessert bowl at a red table.
A family walks a cobblestone lane surrounded by charming half-timbered houses with hanging flowers. They stand near a decorative sign for a sausage shop.
A vintage red truck loaded with logs in a pine forest. Tall trees and rustic decor create a nostalgic atmosphere.
Community Workshop with Blue Gloves
A hotel building features a vibrant beach mural and wooden balconies overflowing with greenery. Pink bougainvillea blooms in the foreground against a blue sky.
A family waves from a customized gray SUV at a garage. The Pacific Northwest is visible in the lush background.
A smiling family posing with small bikes on a sunny street, with a crowd of people in the background enjoying a lively outdoor event.
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