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John
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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
Hikers walk a trail near a stone marker on a sunny day.
Hikers walk a trail near a stone marker on a sunny day.

Horse Lake Trail

April 23, 2024
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HORSE LAKE TRAILHEAD, WENATCHEE, WA :: On our way back from Chelan we stopped in Wenatchee to hike Sage Hills. We did a few miles from the Horse Lake TH...

Hikes
439 Views
1 Min Read
A vintage red truck loaded with logs in a pine forest. Tall trees and rustic decor create a nostalgic atmosphere.
A vintage red truck loaded with logs in a pine forest. Tall trees and rustic decor create a nostalgic atmosphere.

2024 Solar Eclipse

April 8, 2024
One Comment

DAS PEACH HAUS- FISCHER & WIESER, FREDERICKSBURG, TX :: Against all odds we experienced the 2024 eclipse! The clouds held out just long enough to witness the totality! Had a...

EventsTravel
588 Views
1 Min Read
A person visits the Expo 2023 venue, shown alongside a close-up of a Depeche Mode 2023 World Tour poster.
A person visits the Expo 2023 venue, shown alongside a close-up of a Depeche Mode 2023 World Tour poster.

Depeche Mode: Memento Mori

November 27, 2023
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CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: Some highlights from another fun and amazing Depeche Mode concert! This was our third time seeing them in Seattle. Despite the passing of...

Shows
396 Views
1 Min Read
Exterior view of a modern home with covered porches, gravel landscaping, and sidewalk. A person in red holding a child stands on the porch next to picnic tables.
Exterior view of a modern home with covered porches, gravel landscaping, and sidewalk. A person in red holding a child stands on the porch next to picnic tables.

Snake Charmer

July 28, 2023
One Comment

CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: The snake excitement continued later in the day as we got ready for some rounds of ping pong. This time it was a gopher snake,...

Travel
711 Views
1 Min Read
Panoramic view of Snoqualmie Falls and the surrounding rock gorge with a viewing platform.
Panoramic view of Snoqualmie Falls and the surrounding rock gorge with a viewing platform.

Trümmelbachfälle

July 15, 2022
2 Comments

TRÜMMELBACHFÄLLE, LAUTERBRUNNEN, SWITZERLAND :: Trummelbach is the largest subterranean waterfall in Europe, fed by the snows of the mighty Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. We...

HikesTravel
1.1K Views
1 Min Read
A collection of golden-tinted 4D ultrasound images showing a baby's face and profile. These pictures capture intimate moments of our growing family.
A collection of golden-tinted 4D ultrasound images showing a baby's face and profile. These pictures capture intimate moments of our growing family.

Twins!

March 22, 2010
3 Comments

EASTSIDE MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE :: BELLEVUE, WA :: The ultrasound images are from Kristie’s tummy, approximately two months into her pregnancy! These fuzzy little blobs...

Events
9.4K Views
2 Min Read
A serene hilly terrain with a lone figure atop, set against a backdrop of majestic mountains.
A serene hilly terrain with a lone figure atop, set against a backdrop of majestic mountains.

Cirque du Soleil: O

November 29, 2009
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SOUTHWEST FAMILY VACATION DAY 5 :: LAS VEGAS, NV :: Add a giant swimming pool to Cirque du Soleil and you have O. A lot of people seem to really...

ShowsTravel
4.7K Views
1 Min Read
The iconic Bellagio hotel with the Eiffel Tower replica, surrounded by the famous dancing fountains creating a rainbow.
The iconic Bellagio hotel with the Eiffel Tower replica, surrounded by the famous dancing fountains creating a rainbow.

Vegas

November 28, 2009
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SOUTHWEST FAMILY VACATION DAYS 3 – 6 :: LAS VEGAS, NV :: We continued our family vacation with a few nights at the Bellagio in rooms overlooking the beautiful fountain...

Travel
1.5K Views
1 Min Read
A woman in traditional Japanese attire energetically strikes a large taiko drum with a mallet during a live performance.
A woman in traditional Japanese attire energetically strikes a large taiko drum with a mallet during a live performance.

Cirque du Soleil: KA

November 28, 2009
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SOUTHWEST FAMILY VACATION DAY 4 :: LAS VEGAS, NV :: Tonight we took my parents to see Cirque du Soleil’s KA playing at the MGM Grand. Unlike most Cirque shows,...

ShowsTravel
3.8K Views
2 Min Read
Tourists walking along a sandy trail to Mesa Arch in the Utah desert.
Tourists walking along a sandy trail to Mesa Arch in the Utah desert.

Zion National Park

November 27, 2009
One Comment

SOUTHWEST FAMILY VACATION DAYS 2 & 3 :: ZION NATIONAL PARK, UT :: After our early-morning hike through Bryce Canyon and a great Thanksgiving lunch at Ruby’s Inn, we...

HikesTravel
3.1K Views
2 Min Read
Stunning view of Bryce Canyon's unique rock formations under a clear sky.
Stunning view of Bryce Canyon's unique rock formations under a clear sky.

Bryce Canyon

November 26, 2009
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SOUTHWEST FAMILY VACATION DAYS 1 & 2 :: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, UT :: This Thanksgiving we spent some time with my parents, but not just for a large meal...

HikesTravel
4.9K Views
3 Min Read
A dancer performs a graceful sword routine on stage wearing traditional white attire.
A dancer performs a graceful sword routine on stage wearing traditional white attire.

Narae 2009 Korean Festival

November 7, 2009
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EDMONDS CENTER FOR THE ARTS, EDMONDS, WA :: Hye Ran and Rob invited us to another performance of “Narae” by the Morning Star Korean Cultural Center. The name of the...

Shows
1.1K Views
1 Min Read
A dynamic concert at night with a massive stage illuminated by vivid blue and yellow lights, captivating a large crowd.
A dynamic concert at night with a massive stage illuminated by vivid blue and yellow lights, captivating a large crowd.

U2 at The Rose Bowl

October 25, 2009
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THE ROSE BOWL, PASADENA, CA :: Just the facts on U2’s awesome Rose Bowl concert: Our hotel: Marriott Courtyard in Old Town Pasadena (an easy 15 minute walk to the...

ShowsTravel
2.1K Views
2 Min Read
A woman stands smiling in front of a vibrant KooZA Rawhauh by Cirque du Soleil sign.
A woman stands smiling in front of a vibrant KooZA Rawhauh by Cirque du Soleil sign.

Cirque du Soleil: Kooza

October 24, 2009
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SANTA MONICA PIER, SANTA MONICA, CA :: We met with Kristie’s Dad and Carol at the Santa Monica Pier and treated them to their first Cirque du Soleil show: Kooza....

ShowsTravel
4.4K Views
1 Min Read
Grassy hills under a dramatic sky with a single tree on top.
Grassy hills under a dramatic sky with a single tree on top.

Eureka Dunes

October 23, 2009
One Comment

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CA :: After exploring the Racetrack, I drove in pitch darkness to Eureka Dunes and camped there overnight. I was a little spooked out by being...

HikesTravel
3.1K Views
2 Min Read
A lone sailing stone rests on the cracked mudflats of Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park. Photo by johnandkristie.com
A lone sailing stone rests on the cracked mudflats of Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park. Photo by johnandkristie.com

The Racetrack

October 22, 2009
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DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CA :: Kristie attended another education conference in Los Angeles, which we somehow magically coordinated with U2’s concert at the Rose Bowl...

HikesTravel
5K Views
3 Min Read
A stunning view of a turquoise mountain lake surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks.
A stunning view of a turquoise mountain lake surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks.

Larch Lake

September 26, 2009
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WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I was eager to return to the mountains and wanted to spend a night outdoors, but I didn’t want to camp in the freezing cold....

Hikes
2.7K Views
2 Min Read
Old-fashioned bicycle leaning against a textured yellow wall with green windows and red shutters.
Old-fashioned bicycle leaning against a textured yellow wall with green windows and red shutters.

Our Niece, Shielle

September 11, 2009
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VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER :: RENTON, WA :: On September 11th, 2009, our beautiful baby niece, Shielle Shivner, was born. As a stern, older brother, I rarely praise the actions of...

Events
1.4K Views
1 Min Read
A woman standing in front of a vibrant mural for the Cirque Du Soleil show Koozà, smiling warmly. The artwork features bold colors and patterns, creating an energetic backdrop.
A woman standing in front of a vibrant mural for the Cirque Du Soleil show Koozà, smiling warmly. The artwork features bold colors and patterns, creating an energetic backdrop.

Burg Eltz

August 25, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 13 :: MOSELKERN, GERMANY :: The last stop on our European vacation was Burg Eltz, perhaps Germany’s most famous and best preserved medieval castle...

Travel
1.2K Views
2 Min Read
Historic half-timbered houses lined up along a riverfront with twin spires towering behind under a clear blue sky.
Historic half-timbered houses lined up along a riverfront with twin spires towering behind under a clear blue sky.

Gelnhausen

August 24, 2009
5 Comments

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 12 :: GELNHAUSEN, GERMANY :: From Kraków, we boarded an early morning flight to Frankfurt. After picking up our car from the airport, we experienced...

Travel
15.6K Views
2 Min Read
A beautiful sunset view from the terrace of Castello di Amorosa, surrounded by lush greenery.
A beautiful sunset view from the terrace of Castello di Amorosa, surrounded by lush greenery.

Castle Hotel Auf Schoenburg

August 24, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 12 :: OBERWESEL, GERMANY :: While vacationing on the enchanting Rhine River, we decided it was well worth the splurge to stay in a real-life castle! The...

Travel
1.1K Views
2 Min Read
A group of hikers walks along a sandy path under a large rock overhang.
A group of hikers walks along a sandy path under a large rock overhang.

St. Goar & Bacharach

August 24, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 12 :: ST. GOAR & BACHARACH, GERMANY :: The last two days of our European vacation were spent on the most scenic stretch of the Rhine River,...

Travel
2.8K Views
1 Min Read
A rock band performs on stage during a live concert while the audience records and enjoys the show.
A rock band performs on stage during a live concert while the audience records and enjoys the show.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

August 23, 2009
One Comment

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 11 :: WIELICZKA, POLAND :: On our way back to Kraków, we stopped to tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Normally, we wouldn’t be too excited to...

Travel
3.1K Views
2 Min Read
A black and white photograph of the infamous 'Arbeit Macht Frei' sign at the entrance of Auschwitz concentration camp.
A black and white photograph of the infamous 'Arbeit Macht Frei' sign at the entrance of Auschwitz concentration camp.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

August 23, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 11 :: OŚWIĘCIM, POLAND :: Among the symbols of the holocaust, the sign above the gate to Auschwitz concentration camp perhaps best encapsulates the evil and...

Travel
22 Views
2 Min Read
A hiker walks along a narrow dirt path beneath a large, sandy-colored rock overhang.
A hiker walks along a narrow dirt path beneath a large, sandy-colored rock overhang.

Kraków

August 22, 2009
4 Comments

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 10 :: KRAKOW, POLAND :: After Kristie completed her Business Week program in Gdynia, we flew south to Kraków where we enjoyed two days of fantastic...

Travel
12.5K Views
3 Min Read
A group of three people poses with a snowman prop on a sandy beach near a resort with palm trees.
Three individuals pictured seated outdoors in a rural landscape, wearing protective face masks. The backdrop features green fields and a farm environment with wooden fencing.
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Elderly man dressed as Santa Claus sits with two young girls holding stuffed animals on a green couch with a holiday wreath in the background.
Two toddlers in matching purple hats and pink snowsuits stand in the snow next to a green table.
The famous Bellagio fountains dancing in front of the illuminated hotel at night.
A stunning two-story beachfront villa surrounded by lush palm trees and greenery, featuring vibrant red and green accents on its wooden exterior.
A panoramic view of a circular stone gazebo with fluted columns nestled in a forest. The structure features arched openings and steps leading up to a central platform.
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Silhouette of Haystack Rock at sunrise with smooth wet sand
A couple smiling at the beach with Haystack Rock in the background.
Children playing indoor basketball on a school gym floor with colorful uniforms.
A picturesque stone château perched on a hillside overlooking a serene river, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
A happy family enjoys a train ride together, seated comfortably in the passenger car, looking forward to their next adventure.
Two people enjoy a snowy day with a snowman and a sled.
A group of colorful koi fish swim gracefully in a clear pond, surrounded by submerged rocks and leaves.
A close-up of a vividly red bird perched on a leafy branch, surrounded by lush green foliage.
Two babies in pastel rompers sitting on a family sofa, each holding a white stuffed bunny. Smiling babies make for a heartwarming photo moment.
A view of a well-maintained house with a curved asphalt driveway under a clear blue sky.
A view from a wooden deck overlooking a white sand beach with palm trees and turquoise water. A person rests on the railing near potted plants.
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