# John & Kristie

> Our adventures in the PNW and beyond since 2001


## Posts

- [Disney's California Adventure](https://johnandkristie.com/disneys-california-adventure/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 5 :: ANAHEIM, CA :: The photo above shows us a split-second before falling 13 floors down an elevator shaft in the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror! That was fun, as was the rest of California Adventure. If we could visit only one of Disney’s theme parks in Anaheim, we’d choose California […]
- [Disneyland](https://johnandkristie.com/disneyland/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 4 :: ANAHEIM, CA :: The happiest place on earth? Perhaps, but I wish I had taken photos of all of the crying kids and their stressed out parents (actually, someone already did). Don’t get me wrong, I love Disneyland. Kristie and I had a great time. But in order to do […]
- [Wild Animal Park](https://johnandkristie.com/wild-animal-park/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 3 :: ESCONDIDO, CA :: We had a choice between visiting the San Diego Zoo or the Wild Animal Park, and we were glad we decided on the latter. Most of the animals in the Wild Animal Park are able to roam across acres of land resembling their natural habitat. We started […]
- [Santa Monica / Malibu](https://johnandkristie.com/santa-monica-malibu/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 3 :: SANTA MONICA, CA :: I have many great memories of Santa Monica and Los Angeles. As architecture students many years ago, we spent a lot of time here exploring buildings designed by Frank Gehry, Richard Meier, Charles Eames, Greene & Greene, and Frank Lloyd Wright. And of course, as college […]
- [La Jolla](https://johnandkristie.com/la-jolla/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 2 :: LA JOLLA, CA :: After Sea World, we drove to nearby La Jolla. I wanted to explore the Salk Institute, but the gates were locked. We circled around the complex, looking for a way inside. It would have been easy to hop a fence, but I didn’t want to spend […]
- [Sea World](https://johnandkristie.com/sea-world/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 2 :: SAN DIEGO, CA :: The second day of our vacation started with an early arrival at Sea World for a breakfast buffet with the orcas. The killer whales enjoyed whole fish and ice cubes (a treat for them) while we ate fruit, pastries, eggs, sausage, hash browns, french toast and […]
- [Joshua Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/joshua-tree/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 1 :: JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, CA :: To kick off the summer, Kristie and I ventured south for an eight day vacation in the Southwest. We flew from Seattle to Las Vegas and rented a little convertible, driving nearly 1,000 miles to follow our packed itinerary. It was a great trip! […]
- [Free PSP](https://johnandkristie.com/free-psp/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Hey, guess what appeared on my doorstep today! A free Playstation Portable from Gratis! Well, it wasn’t exactly free. As with my free iPod, I decided to use Google to get my referrals quickly. This time it cost about $60 to get 30 people to sign-up. Of those 30, six eventually […]
- [Rachel Lake](https://johnandkristie.com/rachel-lake/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I joined Jake and Jayson today for a hike up to Rachel Lake. We were expecting cool temperatures and overcast skies, but when we arrived at the trailhead, it was warm and sunny. It had been a while since I last hiked this trail, and I had forgotten how […]
- [The Crystal Method](https://johnandkristie.com/the-crystal-method/): SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I don’t visit the dance clubs too often anymore, but we figure its good to drop into one every once in a while to see if we’re missing out on anything. Tonight, The Crystal Method was playing at Element across from the EMP. It’s a relatively new club that occupies […]
- [Mt. Teneriffe & Mt. Si Loop](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-teneriffe-mt-si-loop/): NORTH BEND, WA :: A few days before Memorial Day weekend, Seattle experienced a record-breaking heat wave with temperatures reaching 90 degrees. My mom called to brag about her new air conditioner and asked what I had done to escape the heat. I told her I hiked 14 miles to traverse the ridge between Mt. […]
- [Umtanum Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/umtanum-canyon/): UMTANUM CREEK RECREATION AREA, YAKIMA, WA :: This weekend I joined Jake, Jayson and Jessica for our first backpacking trip of the year. We hiked deep into Umtanum Canyon, hoping to reach Durr Road. After about two miles, the maintained trail petered out into a faint path that required plenty of bushwhacking and several creek […]
- [U2](https://johnandkristie.com/u2-2/): KEY ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: It was a wonderful night at Key Arena! By far, this was the best U2 concert of the three I’ve seen, and it was the first for Kristie and my sister. The band was enthusiastic and lively, feeding off the incredible energy of the crowd. You could tell the four […]
- [Skagit Valley Tulip Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/skagit-valley-tulip-festival-2/): LA CONNER, WA :: This morning we took a short trip to Skagit Valley to see the tulips. As we wandered from one field of color to the next, the fast moving clouds occasionally allowed the sunshine to break through. Scores of photographers lined the roads with their tripods, waiting patiently for the perfect lighting […]
- [XBOX Mod](https://johnandkristie.com/xbox-mod/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: It’s possible to turn the XBOX into an impressive media center PC with a simple hardware modification to bypass the system’s restrictive BIOS. There are literally hundreds of vendors that sell “mod chips” and dozens of manufacturers that produce them. Deciding on which one to get depends on your XBOX version, […]
- [Granite Mountain](https://johnandkristie.com/granite-mountain/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I hiked up Granite Mountain on Sunday and had an enjoyable time. It’s less than an hour from Seattle and couldn’t be any closer to I-90, making it a popular choice for many other hikers on this sunny and warm weekend. The trail starts at the Pratt Lake trailhead […]
- [Cheer Bear](https://johnandkristie.com/cheer-bear/): SEATTLE, WA :: Today was a happy day for Kristie! She met a real, live Care Bear! She agreed to let me post a picture to the website, but she wanted me to make it clear that it was only by chance we ran into Cheer Bear. We just happened to be at the Northgate […]
- [Cherry Blossoms](https://johnandkristie.com/cherry-blossoms/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Just sharing a few pictures of the cherry tree in our yard, which seems to be blooming early this year. It was 61 degrees and sunny in Seattle today, with a couple more weeks of winter remaining.
- [Mt. Baker Cabin](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-baker-cabin/): GLACIER, WA :: Kristie and I spent the weekend with friends in a cabin near Mt. Baker. The original plan included snowshoeing in the mountains, but that required snow – something that we are sorely lacking this winter. Despite the unusually warm weather and rain, we all had a great time just hanging out, playing […]
- [Lime Kiln Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/lime-kiln-trail/): GRANITE FALLS, WA :: The threat of avalanches kept me away from the mountains this weekend. I decided instead to explore the new Lime Kiln Trail in Robe Canyon. Overall, it’s a nice seven-mile walk through the woods along a historic railroad grade that overlooks the Stillaguamish River. Like the nearby Old Robe Trail, it […]
- [Free iPod (and Shirt)](https://johnandkristie.com/free-ipod-and-shirt/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: A shiny, new iPod arrived at our door today. I received it for free from Gratis at www.freeipods.com! If you’re wondering how it works and would like to get your own, read on: Gratis is a lead referral business for companies such as Blockbuster, eBay, The Wall Street Journal, BMG, Video […]
- [Dragonfly Mosaic](https://johnandkristie.com/dragonfly-mosaic/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Over the holiday break, Kristie crafted a glass mosaic, transforming an ordinary clay pot into a sparkling piece of art. This was her first time working with glass tiles and grout, so it took some practice to master the techniques. The first few attempts to cut the tiles with a pair […]
- [The Lion King](https://johnandkristie.com/the-lion-king/): PARAMOUNT THEATER, SEATTLE, WA :: To celebrate the new year, Kristie forced me to dress up. Apart from that hassle, it was a very enjoyable and memorable night. We started with dinner at The Oceanaire, an ultra-fancy seafood restaurant. We didn’t have reservations, but we lucked out by being seated right as we walked in. […]
- [Mt. Si](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-si/): NORTH BEND, WA :: Among the holiday indulgences, the edible and drinkable kind are the most regretable. All of the smoked ham, cheese, wine, chocolates, cookies, nuts and other snacks had taken their toll on my gut. Wallowing in my sofa for 12 hours to the watch the entire “Lord of the Rings” trilogy probably […]
- [Christmas](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-4/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: For a few years, Kristie and I used a dinky Christmas tree that we placed on top of the fireplace mantel. It was barely a foot tall, and the regular-sized ornaments we were collecting could no longer fit on its puny limbs. This year, we splurged and got a pre-lit, 7-foot, […]
- [Whistler](https://johnandkristie.com/whistler/): WHISTLER, B.C.:: Many, many thanks to Howard and Linda for inviting us to stay a few nights in their very nice Whistler condo! We had an awesome weekend! Our first experience of Whistler was both an exciting holiday getaway and a relaxing break from school. The drive to Whistler from Seattle was only five hours, […]
- [Bamboo Fountain](https://johnandkristie.com/bamboo-fountain/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Indoor fountains are certainly popular these days. The sound of falling water trickling over a bed of rocks is very pleasing. Unfortunately, most of the fountains sold in stores are gaudy and/or very expensive. I thought it would be relatively easy and much cheaper to create my own. Essentially, a fountain […]
- [Mt. Pilchuck](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-pilchuck/): MT. PILCHUCK STATE PARK, WA :: Today was my fourth hike to the top of Mt. Pilchuck, and it was the first time the sky was clear enough to enjoy the view. Wow! Fresh snow blanketed the landscape and the cold, dry air offered a great view of the surrounding peaks. Most prominent were Glacier, […]
- [Marin's Holiday Party](https://johnandkristie.com/marins-holiday-party/): SEATTLE, WA :: Marin and her roommates kicked-off the holiday season early with a party in their notorious Greenlake home. Perhaps a little too early, because pumpkins and Halloween decorations were found mingling with the stockings and Santa hats. People were holding cups adorned with ghosts while singing, “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas.” After a […]
- [Museum of Glass](https://johnandkristie.com/museum-of-glass/): TACOMA, WA :: The Museum of Glass is among several recent projects that are revitalizing downtown Tacoma. It is situated across from the new Washington State History Museum and the University of Washington’s branch campus. Tacoma’s other icons, old and new, can be seen from the museum’s surrounding terraces and plazas, including the Tacoma Dome, […]
- [Camp Muir](https://johnandkristie.com/camp-muir/): MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: I got up at 3:30 AM this morning to be in MRNP by 6:00 AM. There were no clouds, no fog, and no wind – ideal conditions for a sunrise photo of Mt. Rainier mirrored in Reflection Lakes. Although getting up that early is never fun, today it was […]
- [Seattle Central Library](https://johnandkristie.com/seattle-central-library/): SEATTLE, WA :: I remember coming across Rem Koolhaas’s modernist projects while I was in architecture school. Honestly, I think I was more impressed by his name than his buildings. Cool House… How could you possibly have a better name as an architect? Modern design has always appealed to me, but I wondered how liveable […]
- [Sahale Glacier](https://johnandkristie.com/sahale-glacier/): NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK, WA :: When I first hiked this trail a couple years ago, a nearby wildfire prevented me from reaching the campsites at the end of the Sahale Arm. The Cascade River Valley and surrounding vistas were obscured by smoke. Despite assurances from the park rangers that I would be safe, my […]
- [Mt. St. Helens](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-st-helens/): MT. ST. HELENS NATIONAL VOLCANIC MONUMENT, WA :: Earlier this year, Jessica secured several permits to climb Mt. St. Helens, allowing Jayson, Jacob, Pat, Cheri and myself to summit the still-active volcano. The peak once reached 9,760 feet, but the eruption in 1980 pulverized the entire north face and blew 1,400 feet off the top, […]
- [Pacific City](https://johnandkristie.com/pacific-city/): PACIFIC CITY, OR :: After our day in Salem, we decided to drive back home along the coast, stopping in Pacific City along the way. This small town skirts a beautiful, sandy beach that is usually filled with surfers and happy sun worshippers. The Pelican Pub overlooks the beach, and it’s the perfect place to […]
- [Silver Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/silver-falls/): SILVER FALLS STATE PARK, OR :: We had originally planned to camp at Mt. Rainier this weekend, but as I checked the weather forecast and web camera every thirty minutes from work on Friday, the chance of actually seeing the mountain and staying dry on Saturday grew slim. Plan B was hastily put together: we […]
- [Three Fingers](https://johnandkristie.com/three-fingers/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Wow! This is the hike to which all others will be compared! The weekend forecast predicted overcast skies and rain, so I decided to take the day off from work to enjoy what might have been one of the last sunny days of summer. Reading through trip reports and […]
- [Lake Lillian & Rampart Ridge](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-lillian-rampart-ridge/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: If you want to get to beautiful Lake Lillian in a hurry, there’s a steep trail accessible from a sharp bend in a forest road along Rocky Run Creek. The trail is less than a mile long and is very, very steep. I won’t reveal exactly how to get […]
- [Green Mountain](https://johnandkristie.com/green-mountain-2/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I joined the McIvors and their energetic Weimaraners for a hike up Green Mountain, one of the most scenic trails along the Mountain Loop highway. We met in Darrington, and were eager to get on the 26 mile gravel road to the trailhead. My shiny new Pathfinder needed to […]
- [Heather & Seth's Wedding](https://johnandkristie.com/heather-seths-wedding/): BELLINGHAM, WA :: Heather and Seth couldn’t have chosen a better day for their wedding reception in beautiful Bellingham. The weather was gorgeous, and the scenery from Marine Park included a spectacular view of Puget Sound and the San Juans. The pretty decorations were hand-crafted by Heather, and the feast for over 100 family and […]
- [The Pathfinder](https://johnandkristie.com/the-pathfinder/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Check out my new ride! I had finally had enough of my old Intrepid. After it died on me again last weekend, I decided I needed to stop dumping money into it and get myself a nicer vehicle. I knew I wanted a mid-size SUV, and my research narrowed down my […]
- [Washington Park Arboretum](https://johnandkristie.com/washington-park-arboretum/): UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGON, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I usually devote our Sundays to relaxation and reading. She’ll work her way through a pile of books as I look through the Sunday paper. Sunday just doesn’t feel right without a few pounds of newsprint, retail advertisements and colorful comics in my lap. Today we decided […]
- [Gothic Basin](https://johnandkristie.com/gothic-basin/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: The trail statistics for Gothic Basin are very deceiving. According to the Forest Service website, the trail climbs 2700′ over the course of 3.3 miles. It doesn’t tell you nearly 2000 of those feet are gained in just one mile. It’s a torturing and seemingly endless stretch of trail […]
- [Mt. Forgotten Meadows](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-forgotten-meadows/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: As I type this entry, I must pause after every sentence to scratch at a mosquito bite. I know I shouldn’t, but I’m bitten all over and itching makes it feel better. As I rake my nails again across my bumpy skin, I wonder: why are mosquito bites so […]
- [Pearrygin Lake](https://johnandkristie.com/pearrygin-lake/): PEARRYGIN LAKE STATE PARK, WA :: This weekend we car-camped at Pearrygin Lake State Park with a large group of friends, including Kristie’s brother and his buddy, Justin. Our gang of 12 adults, 4 dogs and 1 toddler divided ourselves amongst three campsites that were conveniently connected and located in a less-trafficked section of the […]
- [Lake Union Fireworks](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-union-fireworks/): LAKE UNION, SEATTLE, WA :: To celebrate the 4th of July, Kristie and I watched the fireworks show over Lake Union. We grabbed a couple lawn chairs, walked down the hill from our house, and found a spot to sit along the Fremont Cut and under the Aurora Bridge. It was a beautiful night. Families […]
- [Kendall Katwalk](https://johnandkristie.com/kendall-katwalk/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I started this hike from the Snoqualmie Pass trailhead at 7:00 AM. I’ve been trying to hit the trails much earlier this year. For me, there are several benefits: 1. There are no crowds. I don’t have to pass hordes of hikers and can have the destination to myself […]
- [Night of the Bunnies](https://johnandkristie.com/night-of-the-bunnies/): WOODLAND PARK, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I enjoy going on walks together around town. I like to bring my camera along, just in case something strikes me as photoworthy. She’d rather I didn’t, I think, because our walks are too often interrupted by me spending every other minute trying to frame yet another flower […]
- [Sauk River Whitewater](https://johnandkristie.com/sauk-river-whitewater/): SAUK RIVER, DARRINGTON, WA :: Kristie finally succeeded in rounding up a group of eight fearless friends for a day of whitewater rafting in the Cascades. The Sauk River runs beside the small mountain town of Darrington, where we met our outfitter and guides from Orion Expeditions. On a scale from one to six, with […]
- [Panda Cake](https://johnandkristie.com/panda-cake/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Wow, lucky me! On this weekend, Kristie once again possessed a powerful urge to exercise her creativity in the form of baked goods. Usually this results in yummy muffins or cupcakes, but today, I was blown away. I’m still not sure what I did to deserve this wonderful panda cake. Whatever […]
- [Point of Arches](https://johnandkristie.com/point-of-arches-3/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Chances are you’ve heard of Shi Shi Beach and Point of Arches. The Travel Channel recently included the two-mile stretch of pristine sand on their list of the country’s ten best beaches. The media attention along with a brand new boardwalk trail instilled a sense of urgency in our backpacking […]
- [Burke-Gilman Beer Mile](https://johnandkristie.com/burke-gilman-beer-mile/): BURKE-GILMAN TRAIL, SEATTLE, WA :: Official Beer Mile Rules: 1. Each competitor drinks four cans of beer and completes four laps (Start – beer/lap, beer/lap, beer/lap, beer/lap – finish). 2. Beer must be consumed before the lap is begun, within the transition area which is the 10 meter zone before the start/finish line on a […]
- [Susan's WSU Graduation](https://johnandkristie.com/susans-wsu-graduation/): WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY, PULLMAN, WA :: Mom, Dad, Kristie and I made the trip across the state to visit WSU and celebrate my sister’s graduation. Five years ago, I had left Pullman and she had just arrived. I’m very proud and happy for her achievement. I know it’s not easy. It was fun to revisit […]
- [Mailbox Peak](https://johnandkristie.com/mailbox-peak/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: The horror stories about Mailbox Peak are true. This is the steepest trail I’ve ever hiked. So steep, that when I tried to summit it last year in the rain, I could not get up the muddy slope. So steep, that there are hand-holds to help pull you up […]
- [Umtanum Ridge](https://johnandkristie.com/umtanum-ridge/): UMTANUM CREEK RECREATION AREA, YAKIMA, WA :: I decided I needed a change of scenery this weekend, so I headed east towards Yakima for a hike up Umtanum Ridge. The reports I read promised a dry landscape of basalt, cactus, wildflowers and no snow. A perfect break from the cold, dark forests and frozen lakes […]
- [Poo Poo Point](https://johnandkristie.com/poo-poo-point/): TIGER MOUNTAIN STATE FOREST, ISSAQUAH, WA :: The trailhead for Poo Poo Point is located behind Issaquah High School’s stadium and is only 30 minutes away from Seattle. The trail offers a quick, 5.5 mile hike (roundtrip) on Tiger Mountain to a bluff overlooking Lake Sammamish. This is apparently a hang glider port, 2000 feet […]
- [Lake 22](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-22/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Kristie’s dad was visiting this weekend, and he wanted to go on a hike. I suggested Lake 22, a fairly easy trail with a variety of scenery, including old-growth trees, waterfalls, and an alpine lake at the base of Mt. Pilchuck. It’s always been a favorite of mine, especially […]
- [White Salmon Ridge](https://johnandkristie.com/white-salmon-ridge/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Pat and Cheri had reserved a spacious cabin near the town of Glacier for a wintery getaway in the mountains. Matt, Becky, Kristie and I joined them for a weekend of fireside chats, video games, cheesy movies and a fun snowshoe adventure atop Mt. Baker. After our first night […]
- [The Centipede](https://johnandkristie.com/the-centipede/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: An arcade machine. Every boy dreams of having one. I guess I never stopped dreaming. I built one! The idea for the project started when I was reminiscing about old video games, like Donkey Kong, Robotron, Joust, Ms. Pac Man and Street Fighter II. I thought it’d be great to play […]
- [San Juan Island](https://johnandkristie.com/san-juan-island/): SAN JUAN ISLAND, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: To celebrate the second anniversary of our merry coupledom, Kristie and I chose to stay the weekend on scenic San Juan Island. Our October getaways in the Northwest are great because of the romantic fall colors and heavily discounted hotel rates. The tourist crowds have mostly thinned out, […]
- [La Push](https://johnandkristie.com/la-push/): QUILEUTE INDIAN RESERVATION, LA PUSH, WA :: We were in La Push this weekend with more than a dozen friends. Marin had reserved three cabins that sat on the edge of the beach. From their decks we could see the ocean and surfers. We hiked the trail to Third Beach and explored the little coves […]
- [Walking the Cats](https://johnandkristie.com/walking-the-cats/): EDMONDS, WA :: We love our cats. Unfortunately, this means they are fated to a life indoors. It’s just too dangerous in our area to let them roam outside. There are coyotes, raccoons, opossums, cars and feral cats to worry about. However, I also don’t think it’s right to deprive the cats of the outdoors. […]
- [ARTOPIA](https://johnandkristie.com/artopia/): GEORGETOWN, SEATTLE, WA :: Today, Kristie and I walked the streets of Georgetown for the very first time. The old industrial neighborhood hosted a festival of art, music, theater and events. We peeked inside a few of the galleries and were as perplexed as we usually are when viewing contemporary art, but we could appreciate […]
- [Fourth of July Creek](https://johnandkristie.com/fourth-of-july-creek/): WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I enjoyed the first full day of summer in the mountains, hiking the Fourth of July Creek trail to Icicle Ridge and the site of an old fire lookout. The lookout is no longer there, and I had to wonder why as I weaved through the skeletal remains of a […]
- [The Police](https://johnandkristie.com/the-police/): KEY ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I initially didn’t have high expectations for The Police concert. We thought it would be a relatively quiet night, with us having a good time singing along to familiar tunes from the early 80s. Our expectations sank lower after Copeland’s well-publicized criticism of the rehearsals in Vancouver… But […]
- [Moscow Cats Theater](https://johnandkristie.com/moscow-cats-theater/): SEATTLE REPERTORY THEATRE, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I were looking forward to a show featuring a troupe of specially trained cats. The Moscow Cats Theater website says the following: “35 cats! 1 dog! 5 clowns! Death defying Balancing Acts! Dancing! Acrobatics! The only entertainment of its kind in the World-features non-stop action by a […]
- [San Francisco Chinatown](https://johnandkristie.com/san-francisco-chinatown/): SAN FRANCISCO, CA :: After my hike up Yosemite’s Half Dome, I had an extra day to explore downtown San Francisco. I started with a dim sum lunch at Yank Sing. As I enjoyed a blossom tea, busy servers steered carts past me. I was free to select among the many little plates containing bite-sized […]
- [San Francisco](https://johnandkristie.com/san-francisco/): SAN FRANCISCO, CA :: After wandering around Chinatown, I decided to visit a few other landmarks in San Francisco, including Coit Tower, The Palace of Fine Arts and The Golden Gate Bridge. I think I would have enjoyed spending more time in the city to walk through Fisherman’s Wharf and/or Golden Gate Park, but it […]
- [Half Dome](https://johnandkristie.com/half-dome/): YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA :: I’ve wanted to visit Yosemite for a long time. I finally had an opportunity over Memorial Day weekend when a business trip placed me in the Silicon Valley. Kristie would be busy writing a final paper and the weather was going to be perfect. It seemed like all of the […]
- [Flamingo](https://johnandkristie.com/flamingo/): CHICAGO, IL :: While viewing the beautiful city of Chicago from the Sears Tower Skydeck, I noticed a distinct, red object within a plaza 103 floors below me. I’m a big fan of Alexander Calder’s mobiles and stabiles, and I immediately recognized the form as one of his best works. Back on the ground, I […]
- [Chicago](https://johnandkristie.com/chicago/): CHICAGO, IL :: A recent business trip had me travelling through the Midwestern towns of Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati and Columbus. Of those, I found Louisville to be the nicest, with a suprisingly vibrant nightlife on the neighborhood streets and beautiful scenery all around. I’d like to go back someday. Unfortunately, my return flight from Columbus […]
- [Boulder River](https://johnandkristie.com/boulder-river/): BOULDER RIVER WILDERNESS, WA :: The Boulder River trail is a nearby favorite. As usual, it was wet and muddy, with many blowdowns to weave around, crawl under, or climb over. I was plenty dirty by the time I got back to my car! This trail is definitely more about the journey than the destination, […]
- [Skagit Valley Tulip Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/skagit-valley-tulip-festival/): LA CONNER, WA :: Kristie and I headed North after work on Friday to enjoy a nice walk through fields of blooming tulips on a rare, sunny and warm Spring evening. Actually, little of my time was spent walking… Mostly I was just standing, waiting for the sun to peek through the clouds, or I […]
- [The French Quarter](https://johnandkristie.com/the-french-quarter/): NEW ORLEANS, LA :: A long business trip to New Orleans was both very productive and very fun! When I wasn’t conducting demonstrations, engaged in round tables, or spending facetime with existing clients, I was free to soak up The Big Easy. I arrived on St. Patrick’s Day and Bourbon Street was absolutely cram-packed with […]
- [TAIKOPROJECT](https://johnandkristie.com/taikoproject/): EDMONDS CENTER FOR THE ARTS, EDMONDS, WA :: Kristie is a drum freak. She enjoys listening to all kinds of drums: steel drums, congas, bongos, tom-toms, hi-hats, snares, bass drums, marching band drums, drum machines, and especially taiko drums; the bigger the better. One of the most talented and innovative taiko groups, TAIKOPROJECT, held a […]
- [Commonwealth Basin](https://johnandkristie.com/commonwealth-basin/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: On this first day of 2007, Kristie and I enjoyed a snowshoe hike through Commonwealth Basin near Snoqualmie Pass. We had originally planned to explore Pipe Creek near Blewett Pass, but the roads were getting kind of dicey over the mountains, so we cut our drive time in half […]
- [Christmas](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas/): EDMONDS, WA :: Our first Christmas in our new home with our new kittens was wonderful! The photo above shows Sage stalking Mance from under the tree. We tried our best to keep them away from it, but I imagine even an artificial tree must be irresistible to a pair of indoor cats. They have […]
- [2006 Photo Album](https://johnandkristie.com/2006-photo-album/): EDMONDS, WA :: Just in time for the holidays, I created another photo album to capture and share some of the milestones and events Kristie and I experienced in 2006. Like last year, I used MyPublisher to compose and print the album. The updated software offered several improved layouts, background colors and other new options. […]
- [Mini-Pendant Chandelier](https://johnandkristie.com/mini-pendant-chandelier/): EDMONDS, WA :: With most of the house renovations complete, we finally invited our friends over for a dinner party. We looked forward to using our new table, chairs and place settings, but the dining room still had a very ugly ceiling light which we had not yet replaced. We simply hadn’t found anything that […]
- [Halloween](https://johnandkristie.com/halloween/): EDMONDS, WA :: We decided to have a little fun with the trick-or-treaters this Halloween, our first in our new home. We placed five jack-o-lanterns around our entryway, replaced the outside lights with red bulbs, and placed several black lights around the inside of the door. The black lights kept the hall dark and lit […]
- [Halloween Sugar Cookies](https://johnandkristie.com/halloween-sugar-cookies/): EDMONDS, WA :: This Halloween we made a bunch of cookies in the shape of ghosts, pumpkins, bats and cats. It was fun and the cookies were delicious! Batches went out to family, friends and co-workers. We used the wildly popular Perfect Vegan Sugar Cookies recipe from last year – the most visited page on […]
- [Rockport](https://johnandkristie.com/rockport/): ROCKPORT, MA :: On our last day in New England, Kristie and I headed north from Boston to check out Rockport and Salem. Rockport is a small fishing village and artist community on the coast of Cape Ann. A pedestrian-only zone contains many quaint shops, cafes and galleries. In nearby Gloucester, we stopped at a […]
- [Trails Near Boston](https://johnandkristie.com/trails-near-boston/): MILTON AND CONCORD, MA :: Today we drove a short distance away from the city to experience a few of the natural attractions in Massachussetts. The first stop was a four mile loop to the top of Great Blue Hill, the highest point of elevation within ten miles of the entire Atlantic coast. A stone […]
- [Life is Good Pumpkin Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/life-is-good-pumpkin-festival/): BOSTON COMMON, BOSTON, MA :: We were in Boston Common this evening to enjoy the second annual Life is Good Pumpkin Festival. The event is a fundraiser for Camp Sunshine, a program to allow kids with life-threatening illnesses to attend a weeklong camp with their families. In order to bring attention to the event, thousands […]
- [Mount Auburn Cemetery](https://johnandkristie.com/mount-auburn-cemetery/): CAMBRIDGE, MA :: Boston is home to many of America’s “firsts”, including the first college, first post office, first public park, first public school, first public library, first lighthouse, first subway, and first marathon. In nearby Cambridge, I visited the nation’s first garden cemetery, Mount Auburn Cemetery, whose founders’ were the first with the idea […]
- [Harvard Square](https://johnandkristie.com/harvard-square/): CAMBRIDGE, MA :: We crossed the Charles River and walked around Harvard Square and Harvard Yard, which was kind of neat. I think I was most excited to see the offices of Dewey Cheetham & Howe and Kristie was thrilled to find a new book, “Frames of Reference for the Assessment of Learning Disabilities,” at […]
- [Boston](https://johnandkristie.com/boston/): BOSTON, MA :: Kristie needed to be in Boston for an Association of Educational Therapists conference. I tagged along and added a few extra days to our trip to experience New England and celebrate our fifth anniversary (and engagement) together. Neither of us had been to Boston before. We had a great time exploring the […]
- [We're Engaged!](https://johnandkristie.com/were-engaged/): SEATTLE, WA :: It shouldn’t be a surprise to our family and friends, but Kristie and I are now officially betrothed! I surprised her with dinner at Palace Kitchen, where we had our very first date five years ago. After our nice meal, we went to the beach at Golden Gardens, where we were first […]
- [Mance & Sage](https://johnandkristie.com/mance-sage/): EDMONDS, WA :: The kittens are taking over our website! Kristie insisted we post more photos of them in our album, because they’re growing so fast. They’ve nearly doubled in size, but they’re still pretty darn cute. It took us a few days to come up with names. Kristie decided on Sage to match the […]
- [Maple Pass](https://johnandkristie.com/maple-pass/): OKANOGAN NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: This hike was my first experience of the golden larch. The larch is a unique, deciduous conifer. Its needles turn bright yellow every Fall, and the event drives the fine people at NWHikers.net into a frenzy. Every other message seems to be about when and where to find them. Was […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: Delirium](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-delirium/): KEY ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: The Cirque du Soleil was in town again to perform their best songs in a very entertaining and overwhelming multimedia concert. Musicians, singers, dancers, and acrobats enacted a sequence of dream-like stories as large-scale videos were projected on moving screens. The acrobatic performances were amazing, but not as breathtaking as […]
- [Mexico City](https://johnandkristie.com/mexico-city/): MEXICO CITY, MEXICO :: The company sent me and a coworker to Mexico City for a few days. It was a great trip! We successfully deployed a major account, the clients were thrilled, and we were able to explore a tiny part of the world’s second largest city. Thousands of people were protesting the recent […]
- [EIG Website](https://johnandkristie.com/eig-website/): EDMONDS, WA :: Please excuse the shameless self-promotion, but today is a proud day! The website for Kristie’s insurance agency has finally launched, nearly a year after English Insurance Group, LLC opened its doors for business. It has been a challenge finding the time to design, develop and write it, but we’re very happy with […]
- [Kitties](https://johnandkristie.com/kitties/): EDMONDS, WA :: Kristie and I are the proud new parents of two cute kittens! They were adopted from the Everett Animal Shelter. The girl is five weeks old and the boy is five months old. Unfortunately, the two aren’t getting acquainted very well. I think the little girl is intimidated by the bigger boy, […]
- [Morimoto](https://johnandkristie.com/morimoto/): PHILADELPHIA, PA :: I was in Philadelphia this week with a couple coworkers, and I fully intended to subsist on just Philly cheesesteaks in my attempt to find the best one. However, Scott happens to be pretty good at ordering sushi, so we had to find a good sushi restaurant. In San Francisco, he took […]
- [Green Mountain](https://johnandkristie.com/green-mountain/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Each time I’ve hiked Green Mountain, I’ve been impressed by how stunningly green it really is. A nearly overgrown section of the trail cuts through a densely vegetated slope of grasses and shrubs. The perfectly green expanse was dotted with millions of wildflowers in many different colors. Some of […]
- [Anacapa](https://johnandkristie.com/anacapa/): CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK, CA :: Anacapa, the smallest of the Channel Islands, is located fourteen miles from the Californian coast. We boarded a catamaran at Ventura Harbor and enjoyed the hour-long crossing. Our eyes were peeled for blue whales and dolphins as we approached the edge of the Pacific Shelf, where the continent plunges […]
- [San Diego Zoo](https://johnandkristie.com/san-diego-zoo/): SAN DIEGO ZOO, SAN DIEGO, CA :: We missed the off-ramp exit for the San Diego Zoo and drove within a mile and of half of the Mexican border. A quick u-turn put us back on track, although I think I would have enjoyed a little time in Tijuana. The San Diego Zoo is huge! […]
- [The Getty Center](https://johnandkristie.com/the-getty-center/): LOS ANGELES, CA :: Today we enjoyed an exploration of The Getty Center, a billion dollar museum designed by Richard Meier. The white monuments are a modernist version of the ancient acropolis, perched upon a high hill overlooking Los Angeles. As we walked through the galleries and outdoor spaces, we could certainly appreciate the spirit […]
- [Third Street Promenade](https://johnandkristie.com/third-street-promenade/): SANTA MONICA, CA :: Kristie and I strolled through Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade a couple times during our week in California. It’s a pedestrian-only avenue spanning several blocks, filled with tourists and buskers. A variety of shops and restaurants line the streets, including Kidrobot and Barney’s Beanery. Kidrobot is an adult toy store, but […]
- [Mt. Baldy](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-baldy/): ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST, CA :: There are two ways to reach the 10,064′ summit of Mt. Baldy. You can suffer over a long 13.6 mile loop that climbs 3500′ in elevation, or you can take a ski lift up to the restaurant at Baldy Notch and hike a 6.4 mile loop that climbs a much […]
- [Devil's Chair](https://johnandkristie.com/devils-chair/): DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL NATURE CENTER, CA :: The Devil’s Punchbowl is a curious area of geology, consisting of large slabs of rock that seemed to have toppled over each other like dominoes which were then swirled around and fractured by the shifting tectonic plates of the Punchbowl fault. The long trail to Devil’s Chair leads to […]
- [Ladder Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/ladder-canyon/): MECCA HILLS WILDERNESS, MECCA, CA :: As Kristie attended a conference for education consultants at Claremont McKenna College, I was enjoying several hikes in the Southern Californian wilderness. The first trail on my list was a four mile loop through Ladder and Painted Canyons, situated along the San Andreas Fault between Joshua Tree National Park […]
- [Ryan Mountain](https://johnandkristie.com/ryan-mountain/): JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, CA :: After my hike in Ladder Canyon, I drove through the south entrance of nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Honestly, there’s not much to see in the southern half of the park. There’s the cholla cactus garden, where I walked the interpretive trail (when photographing cacti with a wide angle […]
- [Mt. Dickerman](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-dickerman/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I kicked off the summer by renewing my Golden Eagle pass and bagging my third summit of Mt. Dickerman. I hadn’t been on a hike in four months and I wasn’t sure how well my legs would carry me up 3900′ and over 8.6 miles. Fortunately, the ascent is […]
- [Sips at Solstice](https://johnandkristie.com/sips-at-solstice/): ISSAQUAH, WA :: Education Access Network hosted a wine-tasting event this evening to raise funds and increase awareness for the non-profit organization. EAN provides low-cost, high quality courses to prepare students for success in higher education. Since being founded nearly five years ago, Education Access Network has improved academic opportunities for hundreds of low-income students […]
- [Kristie English, M.Ed.](https://johnandkristie.com/kristie-english-m-ed/): UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, SEATTLE, WA :: About four years ago, Kristie decided her initial career choice in human resources and corporate training wasn’t making her happy. She discovered her real passion was in education and cognitive development. Her shelves began to fill rapidly with books on brain research, and she volunteered much of her time […]
- [Washington, D.C.](https://johnandkristie.com/washington-d-c/): WASHINGTON, D.C. :: From New York City, it’s a four hour drive and nearly $20 in toll fees to Washington, D.C. A co-worker and I were visiting the headquarters of a very well known relief organization, just a couple blocks from the White House. After the first day of our presentations, we enjoyed some drinks, […]
- [Central Park](https://johnandkristie.com/central-park/): CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK CITY, NY :: I really enjoyed my walks through Central Park, even though it rained the entire time and I didn’t have any idea where I was going. More than once, I tried crossing the park, and each time I ended up back where I began. I had no problem finding […]
- [Museum of Natural History](https://johnandkristie.com/museum-of-natural-history/): NEW YORK CITY, NY :: What a fascinating place! The American Museum of Natural History displays some of the most breathtaking wonders of our world, including a full scale model of a blue whale, impressive reconstructions of dinosaur fossils, interactive presentations of our planet’s dynamic geology, and the largest meteorite ever discovered. I could have […]
- [New York, New York](https://johnandkristie.com/new-york-new-york/): NEW YORK CITY, NY :: Lucky me, I was able to extend a business trip to visit The Big Apple for the very first time! I only had a couple days, so I studied my travel guides during my flight and carefully selected what I would be able to see and do. From JFK airport […]
- [The TSX](https://johnandkristie.com/the-tsx/): EDMONDS, WA :: Check out Kristie’s new ride! Kristie replaced her Acura Integra with a sporty, new Acura TSX. It looks and drives great! The TSX has several features that will make Kristie’s life much easier. She has nearly no navigational ability, so the large-screen GPS system is a huge benefit. The car also has […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: Varekai](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-varekai/): MARYMOOR PARK, REDMOND, WA :: Kristie and I invited my parents to see Varekai, another amazing Cirque du Soleil show touring the world and making a stop at Redmond’s Marymoor Park. The performances were breathtaking, the music was enchanting, and the clowns were hilarious! It was great to see Mom and Dad wide-eyed and grinning […]
- [Home](https://johnandkristie.com/home/): EDMONDS, WA :: Will the renovating ever end? Probably not, but after nearly five weeks of working on the house, we think we deserve a small break. It has been a week since we moved in, and the new house is finally starting to feel like home. There are still floors to finish, walls to […]
- [Our First House](https://johnandkristie.com/our-first-house/): EDMONDS, WA :: I apologize for the lack of posts lately, but I have a good excuse: Kristie and I have been very busy searching for our first house! After about 20 viewings, we finally chose a nice rambler in Edmonds built in 1979 with 3 bedrooms, 1.75 bathrooms, and a 2 car garage. The […]
- [Drops](https://johnandkristie.com/drops/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie has been encouraging me to shoot more still life and abstract photography. As with the Smoke Tendrils, this is a very simple subject that the camera tranforms into a surprisingly interesting series. The images are composed of water drops on a mirror reflecting colored posterboard. The secret is to treat […]
- [Cannon Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/cannon-beach/): CANNON BEACH, OR :: Kristie and I spent a wonderful weekend at Cannon Beach. We stayed at the Hallmark Resort in a cozy, firelit room with a private deck overlooking the beach and haystack. It was perfect for a relaxing and romantic getaway. The weather was gorgeous on Saturday and Sunday, although a bit chilly. […]
- [Valentine's Day](https://johnandkristie.com/valentines-day/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I celebrated our 5th Valentine’s Day with a date at the Laugh Lovers Ball: “An Evening of Sophisticated Silliness” in the Paramount Theater. Four standup comics and three sketch comedy groups had us laughing throughout the night. Our favorite local comedian, David Crowe, organizes the event every year. It […]
- [Lower Gray Wolf River](https://johnandkristie.com/lower-gray-wolf-river/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: My first overnight backpacking trip was seven years ago on the Gray Wolf River. Until today, I had never been back. It’s too bad it has taken me so long to return, because it’s a great trail. The river is beautiful and a thick carpet of moss covers everything. Slides […]
- [Smoke Tendrils](https://johnandkristie.com/smoke-tendrils/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: It’s amazing what you can do with a couple sticks of incense and a few lights! You’re looking at photos of smoke tendrils, colored with a blueish bulb and two bright spotlights. This was a fun project, inspired by photos on c h r o m a s i a and Sensitive Light. It took a while to get […]
- [Spicy Vegan Chili](https://johnandkristie.com/spicy-vegan-chili/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: I make this chili for Kristie about once a month. It’s her absolute favorite recipe. Despite being vegan, the chili is thick, hearty, spicy and very delicious. It’s very easy to make and doesn’t need to be stewed for hours like a conventional chili. The peppers and corn remain sweet and […]
- [Rialto Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/rialto-beach/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: I used some vacation time to enjoy my last two days as a twenty-something. The weather forecast predicted a strong possibility of sunshine, so I hoped for the best and headed towards the Olympic Coast. Unfortunately, the weatherman lied and my entire beach hike was socked in by fog and […]
- [100th Post](https://johnandkristie.com/100th-post/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: To mark the 100th entry on johnandkristie.com, I thought I’d share a few statistics. Since June 2004, over 1100 photos have been posted and more than 26,000 words have been written to chronicle the wonderful life Kristie and I enjoy together. We love being able to look through the website and […]
- [John's 30th Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/johns-30th-birthday/): FREMONT CLASSIC PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA, SEATTLE, WA :: Today I celebrated my 30th birthday with friends, most of whom I have known since middle school. They were kind enough to sacrifice their Saturday evening to join Kristie and I for a nice dinner. Thank you for your presence (and presents!). I had a great time […]
- [Hurricane Hill](https://johnandkristie.com/hurricane-hill/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: After 27 straight days of rain in Seattle, the sun finally broke through the clouds on Sunday. I seized the opportunity to enjoy a day outdoors, returning to the Olympic Peninsula again to snowshoe Hurricane Hill. Unfortunately, I arrived at the Heart of the Hills gate a little too early. […]
- [Marymere Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/marymere-falls/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: After my snowshoe trip atop Hurricane Hill, I drove west to nearby Lake Crescent to check out Marymere Falls. The trail starts at the Storm King ranger station, wandering less than two miles roundtrip through a mossy, old-growth forest. If you’re in the area, it is definitely worth the short […]
- [Dungeness Spit](https://johnandkristie.com/dungeness-spit/): DUNGENESS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, SEQUIM, WA :: Kristie and I had an amazing day hiking Dungeness Spit, reputedly the world’s longest at five miles. It is located near Sequim, the state’s driest spot. We could actually see the Olympic rain shadow stretch behind the mountains: a pocket of clear sky surrounded by less inviting weather. […]
- [Oyster Dome](https://johnandkristie.com/oyster-dome/): BLANCHARD MOUNTAIN, WA :: The first half of this trail was quite nice. It was dry and climbed gradually through a brilliant, green forest offering occasional views of the San Juan Islands. The second half, however, wasn’t so nice. The trail became steep and muddy. I missed a turn and wandered into the “bat caves,” […]
- [Skagit River Eagles](https://johnandkristie.com/skagit-river-eagles/): ROCKPORT, WA :: I was on my way up North to find the Oyster Dome trail, but decided to drive east on SR-20 before the hike to check out the eagles gathering along the Skagit River. Each winter, hundreds of eagles from as far away as Alaska converge in this area to feast on spawning […]
- [Canon Rebel XT](https://johnandkristie.com/canon-rebel-xt/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Here are my new toys! My loving girlfriend got me the Canon Rebel XT Digital SLR camera along with the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens. The wide angle view from this lens is amazing! No more stitching together panoramas. To round out my kit, I also picked up the new EF […]
- [Christmas](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-3/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I had an incredible Christmas this year! We added several new ornaments to the tree and spent a lot of time with our families. We feel very fortunate to have so many wonderful people in our lives. Many yummy treats were consumed, many laughs were shared, and many gifts […]
- [Mazama Ridge](https://johnandkristie.com/mazama-ridge/): MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Today I led Kristie, her brother, and her dad on a beautiful snowshoe hike up Mazama Ridge. Our route was nearly five miles roundtrip, descending a couple hundred feet into Paradise Valley and back up 900′ to the top of the ridge. Mt. Rainier loomed majestically above us, surrounded […]
- [2005 Photo Album](https://johnandkristie.com/2005-photo-album/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Several months ago, one of Kristie’s former coworkers showed her a professional-looking photo book he had made with iPhoto. Ever since then, Kristie has wanted her own album with our photos in it. Unfortunately, iPhoto is only available to Mac users, and I could not find a PC-compatible service that matched […]
- [Kanye West](https://johnandkristie.com/kanye-west/): EVERETT EVENTS CENTER, EVERETT, WA :: Kanye West made a stop in Everett tonight and performed most of the tracks from his two highly acclaimed albums. Every song is exceptional, and so was the concert. All of the singers and musicians maintained an incredible level of energy throughout the sets, and we wondered how it […]
- [Lake Keechelus](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-keechelus/): IRON HORSE STATE PARK, WA :: Kristie and I headed up to Snoqualmie Pass today to enjoy the snow. My legs were itching to go on a hike, and Kristie wanted a break from writing her final papers. Our original destination was Twin Lakes, but we couldn’t find the trail. We had Dan Nelson’s snowshoe […]
- [Rattlesnake Ledge](https://johnandkristie.com/rattlesnake-ledge/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: The trail to Rattlesnake Ledge is short and sweet, climbing about 1200′ to a ledge overlooking the Snoqualmie Valley and Rattlesnake Lake. I hiked a little further beyond the ledge to a higher point where Mt. Si, Tenerife and Mailbox Peak are unmistakable across the valley. Between them are […]
- [Perfect Vegan Sugar Cookies](https://johnandkristie.com/perfect-vegan-sugar-cookies/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I baked these sugar cookies from scratch for Darren and Shannon’s annual Harvest Party. We were surprised how well they turned out. The cookies were just hard enough to keep their shape, but soft when bitten. They tasted buttery and melted in your mouth. The icing was glossy, smooth […]
- [Kristie's 30th Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/kristies-30th-birthday/): ROCK BOTTOM RESTAURANT & BREWERY, SEATTLE, WA :: Thanks to everyone who joined us to celebrate Kristie’s 30th Birthday! Kristie says it was her best birthday party ever! She was super happy to see all of you and we hope you had a great time!
- [Denny Creek](https://johnandkristie.com/denny-creek/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I decided to head up to Lake Melakwa today via the Denny Creek trail. This trail is an old favorite that feels dramatically different depending on the time of year. During the summer, it’s usually packed full of families. The waterslides are filled with people in bathing suits and […]
- [The Rohdenburgs](https://johnandkristie.com/the-rohdenburgs/): WOODLAND PARK ZOO, SEATTLE, WA :: My favorite friends from Eastern Washington and their new daughter made a surprise visit during their annual pilgrimage to the furniture mecca: IKEA. Their Scandinavian shopping spree wasn’t until the next day, so we met and spent some time catching up at the zoo. The animals were fun to […]
- [Bumbershoot](https://johnandkristie.com/bumbershoot/): SEATTLE CENTER, SEATTLE, WA :: I arrived back into Seattle this afternoon and Kristie was at the airport to pick me up. After many hugs and kisses, we drove to the Seattle Center for the 35th Annual Bumbershoot Arts Festival. We were happy to be together again and looking forward to the Digable Planets show […]
- [Bryce Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/bryce-canyon-2/): BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, UT :: My company sent me on a business trip to Salt Lake City and I used the opportunity to visit Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Bryce Canyon is about five hours south of Salt Lake City, and Zion another two hours south from Bryce. After my meetings, I made […]
- [Angel's Landing](https://johnandkristie.com/angels-landing/): ZION NATIONAL PARK, UT :: After hiking the Narrows, I boarded the shuttle at the Temple of Sinawa and headed back to The Grotto, where the trailhead for Angel’s Landing is located. My boots, socks and shorts were soaked. I felt sorry for whoever sat in my seat immediately after me. The trail to Angel’s […]
- [Zion Campground](https://johnandkristie.com/zion-campground/): SPRINGDALE, UT :: After a full day of hiking Bryce Canyon and Zion, I pulled into a commercial campground in Springdale, just a few miles outside of the Zion gates. I setup my tent in a nice site along the Virgin River and enjoyed a long, hot shower. Afterwards, I found a burrito place within […]
- [Zion Narrows](https://johnandkristie.com/zion-narrows/): ZION NATIONAL PARK, UT :: I had read many amazing descriptions for this hike and was looking forward to finally experiencing it. From Zion’s Visitor Center, shuttles depart every several minutes to carry passengers to numerous stops along the Virgin River Valley. The hike up the Narrows begins at the last stop, at the Temple […]
- [SummerStop Beach Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/summerstop-beach-festival/): SEATTLE, WA :: Seattle’s downtown streets were closed off and converted into an urban beach this weekend. People played volleyball, built sand castles, sampled chili contest recipes, and enjoyed live music from three stages placed around Westlake Center and Pacific Place.
- [Vesper Peak](https://johnandkristie.com/vesper-peak/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Today I followed an old miner trail to the top of Vesper Peak. The path to its 6214′ summit is overgrown, rocky and steep, making the 10 miles and 4100′ elevation gain seem much worse than it actually was. I lost my footing and fell more times than I’ll […]
- [Union Bay Canoeing](https://johnandkristie.com/union-bay-canoeing/): SEATTLE, WA :: If Kristie and I ever move away from Seattle, one of the things we’d really miss are the beautiful waterways around the city. For a while, we’ve wanted to explore the surrounding lakes, bays and cuts with a kayak or canoe. Since it was going to be another warm day and we […]
- [Ingalls Lake](https://johnandkristie.com/ingalls-lake/): WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I really enjoy my morning drives to distant trailheads. It’s a rare opportunity to quietly think and reflect on things. Once I’m outside of the city, it’s just me in my climate-controlled cabin cruising through the beautiful Teanaway Valley, away from the traffic and free from all distractions. Sometimes I’ll […]
- [Cirque de Flambé](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-de-flambe/): MAGNUSON PARK, SEATTLE, WA :: Fire has a mystique that captivates us. Its dancing flames hypnotize us. For most of human history, we have relied on fire to keep us warm, to prepare our food, and to forge our tools. But fire can also kill. Whether by innate instinct or conscious choice, fire demands our […]
- [Chris & Geoff](https://johnandkristie.com/chris-geoff/): SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I enjoyed a nice dinner with Chris and Geoff. Chris had just completed the Breast Cancer 3-Day, a 60-mile walk from Bellevue to Seattle. This was her third summer fundraising for breast cancer research and education. She has raised over $4000, with a goal of $10,000 by the end of […]
- [Anger Management Tour 3](https://johnandkristie.com/anger-management-tour-3/): WHITE RIVER AMPHITHEATER, AUBURN, WA :: Kristie and I had a good time at the White River Amphitheater, where Eminem and 50 Cent headlined the 3rd Anger Management Tour. Also tagging along were a couple dozen other rappers on the Shady Records label. The concert was great when Em and Fiddy were alone performing their […]
- [Chinatown Summer Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/chinatown-summer-festival/): SEATTLE, WA :: We saw One World Taiko perform today for the International District’s 30th Annual Summer Festival. The Japanese drummers were just one of the dozens of events taking place over the weekend. Several streets were closed to traffic and filled with tents selling Pan-Asian crafts and food. Kristie found a Hawaiian shaved ice […]
- [Night of the Bunnies II](https://johnandkristie.com/night-of-the-bunnies-ii/): WOODLAND PARK, SEATTLE, WA :: The bunnies in Woodland Park caught us by surprise last year. But today, we were prepared. Kristie brought a bag of baby carrots to feed them. Some of the older bunnies came right up to our hands and others crowded around us when they heard the plastic bag rustle. It […]
- [The Enchantments](https://johnandkristie.com/the-enchantments/): WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Three days with Jake, Jayson and Jessica in a place that does not belie its name. It was an incredible weekend, starting at Colchuck Lake, climbing up Aasgard Pass, descending through the Enchantments, and exiting out of Snow Lakes. I had secured our overnight permits from the Forest Service back […]
- [Red Rock Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/red-rock-canyon/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 8 :: RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA, NV :: Red Rock Canyon is just twenty minutes west of Las Vegas. The vibrant red rocks of Calico Hills can be seen from the strip. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time to go hiking and exploring. We only drove the 13 mile scenic […]
- [Secret Garden](https://johnandkristie.com/secret-garden/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 8 :: LAS VEGAS, NV :: Tucked beside The Mirage is Siegfried & Roy’s small zoo and aquarium, where one can get a close-up view of dolphins, an asian elephant, white lions, snow white tigers, striped white tigers, bengal tigers, leopards, and a jaguar. The cats sleep 12-16 hours a day, so […]
- [Grand Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/grand-canyon/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 7 :: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, AZ :: As a surprise for Kristie, I booked a tour to Grand Canyon National Park. I thought we could save some time if we took a short flight there and back from Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the outfitter was completely disorganized, uncommunicative, misleading and incompetent. Our […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: Mystère](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-mystere/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 6 :: LAS VEGAS, NV :: Kristie and I love Cirque du Soleil! When Alegría was in Seattle a couple years ago we saw an enchanting and unforgetable show. We hoped Mystère would be just as good and we weren’t disappointed! Our front row seats immersed us into the performances. Elaborately costumed […]
- [Las Vegas](https://johnandkristie.com/las-vegas/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 6 :: LAS VEGAS, NV :: We stayed a couple nights in Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget. A four-star hotel with a two-star price. It was a nice place to stay, considering we were only there to sleep. The old neon and the Fremont Street light show were pretty cool. We […]
- [Knott's Berry Farm](https://johnandkristie.com/knotts-berry-farm/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 5 :: BUENA PARK, CA :: A new roller coaster named “The Silver Bullet” opened last year at Knott’s Berry Farm. We rode it and it was insane! Just writing about it makes me queasy. The photo above shows us in the midst of experiencing gravity, acceleration and inertia in ways our […]
- [Orca Tour](https://johnandkristie.com/orca-tour/): 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 Vancouver Island and a large number of outfitters depart directly from the harbor. We found Eagle Wing Tours to be the best reviewed company on TripAdvisor, […]
- [The Butchart Gardens](https://johnandkristie.com/the-butchart-gardens/): 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 us at the gate, but it was quickly justified when walking through the immaculate park as we realized it requires an army of workers and […]
- [Victoria](https://johnandkristie.com/victoria/): 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. We had a lot of fun together, checking out the sights and enjoying the nice weather. We stayed at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbor and […]
- [Victoria Butterfly Gardens](https://johnandkristie.com/victoria-butterfly-gardens/): 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 to Sidney via a Washington State Ferry, which departed Anacortes at 7:45 AM and took three hours to cross the straits. When you add in […]
- [Swakane Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/swakane-canyon/): 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 road, NFD 5215. The road seems to go on forever through the mountains, and I’m sure there are many other adventures beyond my turnaround point. Today, I […]
- [Laundry Room Makeover](https://johnandkristie.com/laundry-room-makeover/): 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 small space. I wish we could have gotten fancy new appliances to match, but Kristie wants to keep the old and ugly dryer until it breaks… […]
- [Spring in Macro](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-in-macro/): 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 dandelions, I decided to try out my new macro glass (EF 100 f/2.8 Macro) on a couple of them. When I first looked into the […]
- [Mt. Constitution](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-constitution/): 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 peninsula along Cascade Lake in South End Campground. The forecast promised a lot of rain over the weekend, so canopies and tarps were setup as […]
- [Rundetaarn](https://johnandkristie.com/rundetaarn/): COPENHAGEN, DENMARK :: The Rundetaarn, or Round Tower, was built during the reign of King Christian IV – the same guy who commissioned and lived in Rosenborg Castle. It’s approximately 11 stories tall, and a circular platform on top of the tower offers sweeping, unobstructed views across all of Copenhagen. It was the Space Needle […]
- [Nyhavn](https://johnandkristie.com/nyhavn/): COPENHAGEN, DENMARK :: Our team had an early meeting with a prospect in Copenhagen, after which we headed to scenic Nyhavn to have lunch along the canal. They were rushed to catch a flight back to London, but I had planned to stay in the city for a couple nights to do some sightseeing on […]
- [Kastellet](https://johnandkristie.com/kastellet/): 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 citadel has been integral to the defense of the city’s prominent port. The angled bastions effectively deflected cannon fire and allowed more lines of sight to pick-off soldiers sieging […]
- [Rosenborg Castle](https://johnandkristie.com/rosenborg-castle/): 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 of old masonry walls, high towers, heavy timber bridges across moats, cobblestoned courtyards, and the gleaming suits of armor and weaponry on display. Since leaving […]
- [Copenhagen](https://johnandkristie.com/copenhagen/): 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 rippled through the reflections as a mermaid looked on and beyond. She longs for a person, a place, a time far away. Perhaps a time of princes, […]
- [London](https://johnandkristie.com/london-2/): LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM :: The company dispatched Mike, Scott and me to London again, where we met several exciting prospects and consulted with a few existing clients. Our itinerary was a whirlwind, requiring the team to divide and conquer, criss-crossing the city and country to make the most of our short stay. The meetings were […]
- [KODO](https://johnandkristie.com/kodo/): MEANY HALL, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie also surprised me on my birthday with tickets to see Kodo, perhaps the most reknown, influential and dedicated taiko troop. The musicians not only play taiko, they live it. The 50 performers are members of a traditional Japanese village, where they farm, fish, and celebrate ancient festivals while rehearsing […]
- [Canon EOS 5D Mark II](https://johnandkristie.com/canon-eos-5d-mark-ii/): EDMONDS, WA :: Happy Birthday to me! As a gift to myself, I added a new camera body to my kit: The Canon EOS 5D Mark II. It’s a major upgrade from the remarkable Rebel XT that Kristie got for me a little over three years ago. The primary difference is the full-frame sensor, which […]
- [Kitty Kennel](https://johnandkristie.com/kitty-kennel/): EDMONDS, WA :: Last summer I built a kennel for Mance and Sage, allowing them to safely and conveniently enjoy a little bit of the outside world. I’m just now posting it on the website because, 1) I’ve been working through a large backlog of photos, and 2) I’ve been waiting for a snow day […]
- [unBELIZEable!](https://johnandkristie.com/unbelizeable/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 12 :: BELIZE :: Here’s a recap of our unbelievable vacation through Florida, Guatemala and Belize. It literally required a few months of research and planning to pull everything together, six months before we were scheduled to depart. All of the work was well worth it. Everything went off without a hitch […]
- [Mexico Rocks](https://johnandkristie.com/mexico-rocks/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 11 :: BELIZE BARRIER REEF, BELIZE :: Mexico Rocks is the name given to a popular snorkeling destination along the Belize Barrier Reef located just a half-mile from our resort. We were told we could easily kayak there and back, but a strong breeze produced some doubt. The waters were choppy and […]
- [Hol Chan Marine Reserve](https://johnandkristie.com/hol-chan-marine-reserve/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 10 :: BELIZE BARRIER REEF, BELIZE :: Hol Chan means “little channel” in Mayan. It describes a unique and relatively narrow cut in the Belize Barrier Reef where the creatures of the open Caribbean Sea are able to cross into the calmer, protected seagrass beds behind the reef. Large coral formations and […]
- [San Pedro](https://johnandkristie.com/san-pedro/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 9 :: SAN PEDRO, AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE :: We were sad to leave our cottage at Chaa Creek, but we knew there would be more exciting adventure and stunning scenery at our next destination, Ambergris Caye. This long island skirts the Belize Barrier Reef, second only in size to Australia’s. Ambergris Caye […]
- [Belize Legacy Beach Resort](https://johnandkristie.com/belize-legacy-beach-resort/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 9 :: AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE :: From a dock in San Pedro, we took a 15 minute boat ride to the Belize Legacy Beach Resort, our beachside base for our final four days in Belize. The Belize Legacy is a relatively new resort and one of the most remote on Ambergris Caye. […]
- [Belizean Butterflies](https://johnandkristie.com/belizean-butterflies/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 8 :: CAYO DISTRICT, BELIZE :: The itinerary for our last full day on the mainland was reserved for relaxation and soaking in the scenery of our jungle resort. Tomorrow, we would bid farewell to Chaa Creek and drive back across the country for our short flight to Ambergris Caye. We started […]
- [Actun Tunichil Muknal](https://johnandkristie.com/actun-tunichil-muknal/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 7 :: TAPIR MOUNTAIN NATURE RESERVE, CAYO DISTRICT, BELIZE :: Actun Tunichil Muknal is a Mayan term that I love to chant. It just sounds cool when I raise my chest and lower my voice: Awk-toon Toon-each-EEL Mook-nal. Translated, it means “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre”. It’s the name given to the […]
- [Barton Creek Cave](https://johnandkristie.com/barton-creek-cave/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 6 :: CAYO DISTRICT, BELIZE :: The Maya believed that caves were very sacred places. They were the birthplace of gods and the human race, and were passageways to Xibalbá, the underworld realm of demons, disease and death. Mayas frequently worshipped in these underground cathedrals, performing elaborate rituals and human sacrifice ceremonies […]
- [San Ignacio](https://johnandkristie.com/san-ignacio/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 6 :: SAN IGNACIO, CAYO DISTRICT, BELIZE :: San Ignacio is Belize’s westernmost town, located just twelve miles from the Guatemalan border. More than 16,000 Belizeans live in San Ignacio, along with hundreds of tourists that make their basecamp here, making it a relatively large population center in Belize. It’s an ideal […]
- [Tikal](https://johnandkristie.com/tikal/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 5 :: TIKAL NATIONAL PARK, PETEN DEPARTMENT, GUATEMALA :: Today we visited the magnificent ruins at Tikal, the largest city of the ancient Mayan civilization. Our adventure started at Chaa Creek with our first wake-up knock at 6:00 AM. This gave us time to eat breakfast and meet with our group that […]
- [Jungle Zip-Line](https://johnandkristie.com/jungle-zip-line/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 5 :: TIKAL NATIONAL PARK, PETEN DEPARTMENT, GUATEMALA :: On our way back to Belize from Tikal, we stopped at Canopy Tours just outside the gates of the park to experience zip-lining through the jungle. We chose the fast tour, because a few people in our group would be waiting for us […]
- [The Lodge at Chaa Creek](https://johnandkristie.com/the-lodge-at-chaa-creek/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 4 :: CAYO DISTRICT, BELIZE :: Like most travelers to Belize, we planned a surf and turf itinerary, splitting our time between the mainland and the cayes. Our base for five nights would be The Lodge at Chaa Creek, an absolutely amazing eco-resort on a 365 acre nature reserve near the Guatemalan […]
- [The Belize Zoo](https://johnandkristie.com/the-belize-zoo/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 4 :: BELIZE DISTRICT, BELIZE :: On Thanksgiving morning, Kristie and I arrived in Belize, a tiny Central American country bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea. Our decision to vacation there was based on raving reviews from more than a few of our friends. The more we heard and read […]
- [South Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/south-beach/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 3 :: MIAMI, FL :: The drive from Orlando to Miami was easy and took just a little over three hours, thanks to the Florida Turnpike (and perhaps the overly acute angle of my right foot against the gas pedal). It was well worth the $15 in tolls. We stayed one night […]
- [Madonna](https://johnandkristie.com/madonna/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 3 :: MIAMI, FL :: A couple years ago, we happened to catch the NBC broadcast of Madonna’s Confessions tour at Wembley Stadium and thought it was a pretty awesome show. We told ourselves the next time she’s in town, we gotta get tickets. Well, here’s some trivia: Madonna kicked off her […]
- [Animal Kingdom](https://johnandkristie.com/animal-kingdom/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 2 :: ORLANDO, FL :: Our purpose for visiting Orlando was to see La Nouba, although the show wasn’t until later at night. This presented us with the challenge of finding something to do during the day. The only attractions seemed to be the dozen or so theme parks in the area, […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-la-nouba/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 2 :: ORLANDO, FL :: Kristie and I love Cirque du Soleil, and we’re willing to travel across the country (and someday around the world) to see every one of their productions. I think we might be well on our way. There are currently 18 Cirque shows, and La Nouba was our […]
- [Grand Cypress Resort](https://johnandkristie.com/grand-cypress-resort/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 1 :: ORLANDO, FL :: So begins our much anticipated, two-week trip to the jungles and beaches of Belize! To kick things off, we traveled through Florida for a few days to check out a couple attractions and to take advantage of airfare discounts to Belize City via Miami. The Sunshine State […]
- [London](https://johnandkristie.com/london/): LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM :: Until now, my business trips have been confined to Canada, Mexico and the United States, where most of our market exists. We have implementations all over the world, however, and this week I finally had the opportunity to visit some of our clients and prospects across the pond in London. Our […]
- [The Slot](https://johnandkristie.com/the-slot/): ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK, CA :: After exploring the Calcite Mine area, I only had a couple hours to check out another nearby canyon, “The Slot”. I nearly decided to skip it, but I’m glad I didn’t. The passageway through The Slot is pretty cool. It is more jagged and much tighter than the slot […]
- [Calcite Mine](https://johnandkristie.com/calcite-mine/): ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK, CA :: I love slots. Slot canyons, that is. While Kristie was attending her conference today, I was excited to check out two popular slot canyon trails in Anza-Borrego, California’s largest state park. The vast desert and badlands of Anza-Borrego are centered around the town of Borrego Springs, just a couple […]
- [USS Midway](https://johnandkristie.com/uss-midway/): THE MIDWAY MUSEUM, SAN DIEGO, CA :: After walking around Balboa Park, I drove to downtown San Diego’s waterfront where the USS Midway is docked. The aircraft carrier was decommissioned in 1997 after 47 years of distinguished service, including the first and last air-to-air kills in the Vietnam War and the only perfect record as […]
- [The Neurosciences Institute](https://johnandkristie.com/the-neurosciences-institute/): LA JOLLA, CA :: Kristie is really into the human brain. As an educational therapist, her work and professional development require her to read through volumes of books and periodicals on brain research. In general, she enjoys reading stories about people with brain disorders, and has been known to successfully schmooze her way into doctorate-level […]
- [Balboa Park](https://johnandkristie.com/balboa-park-2/): BALBOA PARK, SAN DIEGO, CA :: I started today with a walk through Balboa Park, San Diego’s much larger version of the Seattle Center. The park was established in 1835, but most of the major buildings, halls, fountains, gardens and avenues were designed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, celebrating the completion of the Panama Canal […]
- [Torrey Pines Beach Sunset](https://johnandkristie.com/torrey-pines-beach-sunset/): TORREY PINES STATE NATURAL RESERVE, CA :: On our way through La Jolla, we stopped at Torrey Pines State Reserve for a sunset stroll along its beautiful beach. The day was still very warm and it felt great to get our toes wet in the surf. Tall sandstone cliffs, atop which are the rare namesake […]
- [Mission Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/mission-beach/): MISSION BEACH, SAN DIEGO, CA :: One of the first things we did when we arrived in San Diego was to hit the beach. The Mission Bay Aquatic Center rented us a couple bodyboards along with spring suits for cheap. We then walked to Mission Beach, toting our boards through the alleyways of Mission Boulevard, […]
- [Kona Kai Resort](https://johnandkristie.com/kona-kai-resort/): SHELTER ISLAND, SAN DIEGO, CA :: Kristie and I were reluctant to end our summer, so we spent a week vacationing in sunny San Diego where it was 80-plus degrees every day. We stayed at the Kona Kai Resort, where Kristie also attended an ET* conference. The Kona Kai is located on Shelter Island, a […]
- [Hoh River Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/hoh-river-trail/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: This weekend I backpacked the Hoh River Trail with Jacob, Jayson and Pat, three great friends for over 20 years now. We camped two nights at a small, riverside meadow near Olympus Guard Station and hiked for three days, covering 30 miles to Elk Lake and back. We got a […]
- [Mythbusters](https://johnandkristie.com/mythbusters/): MOORE THEATRE, SEATTLE, WA :: The Mythbusters, Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, were in Seattle to share behind-the-scenes stories from their popular television show. I think I’ve seen every episode, and Kristie gets a kick out of it as well. Their show is interesting and entertaining, and their presentation tonight was no different. Dr. Warren […]
- [Point of Arches](https://johnandkristie.com/point-of-arches/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: I joined a few buddies from work for a weekend at Point of Arches and Shi Shi Beach, certainly one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. No, the water is not warm and clear, and the sand is not white and soft, but this narrow crescent of coastline […]
- [Orca Cruise](https://johnandkristie.com/orca-cruise/): SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WA :: Kristie and I enjoyed our Labor Day weekend with an orca watching trip via Island Mariner Cruises. Their 110′ boat conveniently departed from Bellingham to take us on a scenic, eight-hour voyage around the San Juan Islands. We were able to avoid the ferries and be back home before sunset. […]
- [Klapatche to Cougar Rock](https://johnandkristie.com/klapatche-to-cougar-rock/): THE WONDERLAND TRAIL DAY 3 :: MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: We started our third day early on another cold and misty morning. Today would be a challenge, requiring eight hours on the trail. Our next stop at Cougar Rock Campground was over 15 miles and 3500 vertical feet away. The plan was to […]
- [Golden Lakes to Klapatche](https://johnandkristie.com/golden-lakes-to-klapatche/): THE WONDERLAND TRAIL DAY 2 :: MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: We were still in good spirits as we began our second day on The Wonderland Trail, although the mood was dampened a bit by the wet and heavy fog. The trek to Klapatche Park was misty, rainy and cold, but also thrilling and […]
- [Mowich Lake to Golden Lakes](https://johnandkristie.com/mowich-lake-to-golden-lakes/): THE WONDERLAND TRAIL DAY 1 :: MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: We were in high spirits as we began our much anticipated and ambitious attempt of The Wonderland Trail. With our confidence bolstered by the beaming sun, we embarked on the grand loop around Mt. Rainier from the trailhead at Mowich Lake. Our path […]
- [Mt. Lillian & Naneum Meadow](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-lillian-naneum-meadow/): WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Kristie attended yet another conference at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum. There is absolutely nothing to do in Cle Elum, but I tagged along to catch up on some reading, walk through the shops in Leavenworth, and check out the Mt. Lillian and Naneum Meadow trail near Blewett Pass. You’ll […]
- [Navaho Peak](https://johnandkristie.com/navaho-peak/): WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I joined Jayson, Jessica and Jacob for an overnighter to Navaho Peak via the Stafford Creek trail in the Teanaway. Due to the heavy snowfall this winter, this was one of only a few high elevation options that was hikable and within a few hours drive of Seattle. Our other […]
- [Fourth of July](https://johnandkristie.com/fourth-of-july/): SOMEWHERE BETWEEN EDMONDS AND MUKILTEO, WA :: My boss very kindly invited us to celebrate the Fourth of July with his family and friends. He and his neighbors gathered together to put on a mini-block party in their cul-de-sac. It was pretty cool! There were several grills and tables arranged on the street and kids […]
- [Horsetail Falls Loop](https://johnandkristie.com/horsetail-falls-loop/): COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE NATIONAL SCENIC AREA, OR :: On my way back home from Painted Hills, I made a stop again at the waterfalls between exits 31 and 35 on Interstate 84. I have to say, this place is very special. Everything about this area is beautiful. The wide Columbia River Gorge is flanked by […]
- [Biglow Canyon Wind Farm](https://johnandkristie.com/biglow-canyon-wind-farm/): SHERMAN COUNTY, OR :: I love roadtrips, but they’re a little more expensive these days. My trip through Central Oregon and back totaled 1000 miles. Optimistically, my Pathfinder gets about 20 mpg on the freeway, although likely a couple miles less considering the way I drive. So on this trip, I must have burned through […]
- [Lower Oneonta Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/lower-oneonta-falls/): COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE NATIONAL SCENIC AREA, OR :: On a whim, I took a couple days off from work before July 4th to enjoy a roadtrip to Central Oregon. My destination was the Painted Hills. On the way there and back, I stopped along the Historic Columbia River Highway to hike a few of its […]
- [Painted Hills](https://johnandkristie.com/painted-hills/): JOHN DAY FOSSIL BED NATIONAL MONUMENT, OR :: After a long drive through the Columbia River Gorge and Central Oregon’s scenic high desert, I arrived at Painted Hills. Pulling into the viewpoint parking lot a couple hours before sunset, I realized I was quite lucky with my timing. The hills were glowing golden in the […]
- [Front Yard Facelift](https://johnandkristie.com/front-yard-facelift/): EDMONDS, WA :: When we bought our house, we were initially attracted to the very large pine tree in the front yard. Its branches extended over the street and roof, creating a cozy, woodsy landscape. Well, the charm faded as we gradually learned the pine was a menace to the house and other plants. Hardly […]
- [Mt. Lillian & Naneum Meadow](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-lillian-naneum-meadow-2/): WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Kristie attended yet another conference at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum. Although Suncadia is nice, there’s not much to do in town. I tagged along anyway to catch up on some reading, walk through the shops in Leavenworth, and to check out the Mt. Lillian and Naneum Meadow trail near […]
- [Wenatchee River Whitewater](https://johnandkristie.com/wenatchee-river-whitewater/): WENATCHEE RIVER, CASHMERE, WA :: Kristie rounded up thirteen friends and family (including her mom!) for an incredibly fun whitewater rafting ride on the Wenatchee River. The river was flowing high and fast, and we got plenty soaked bumping through the Class III waves. When we weren’t getting splashed by the river, we’d engage other […]
- [200th Post](https://johnandkristie.com/200th-post/): EDMONDS, WA :: To celebrate the 200th entry on johnandkristie.com, I treated the website to a minor facelift. There is a little less clutter than before, allowing the photos to stand out stronger against the darker background. I also got rid of all the serifs on the fonts and logo to give the site a […]
- [Campbell's Resort](https://johnandkristie.com/campbells-resort/): CHELAN, WA :: Chelan has always been one of Kristie’s favorite spots in Eastern Washington. Through high school and college, she would frequently join her friends here to enjoy the small shops, the large lake, and the reliably warm weather – it is sunny 300 days per year in Chelan. Kristie was in town this […]
- [Chelan Lakeshore Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/chelan-lakeshore-trail/): WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: The Lakeshore Trail is an incredible hike that is well worth the extra effort to reach it. After a three hour car ride to Chelan from the Seattle area, backpackers must board a passenger ferry that takes another three hours to arrive at the trailhead near Prince Creek. Fortunately, Kristie […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: Corteo](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-corteo/): MARYMOOR PARK, REDMOND, WA :: To celebrate Mother’s Day, we invited our moms to see Corteo, a Cirque du Soleil show traveling the world and making a brief stop in Redmond’s Marymoor Park. Altogether, ten members from the Brown and English clans gathered together to enjoy dinner and an evening of world-class, acrobatic theater. This […]
- [Palouse Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/palouse-falls/): PALOUSE FALLS STATE PARK, JOSO, WA :: Despite having once lived in the Palouse region for five years, I had never been to Palouse Falls. On my way to Hell’s Canyon, I noticed signs for the park along SR261, a curvy and scenic road between the towns of Washtucna and Starbuck. I tagged the location […]
- [The Snake River Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/the-snake-river-trail/): HELLS CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, ID :: I drove across the state to backpack along Idaho’s bank of the Snake River. The roadtrip was long, but enjoyable. I appreciate any opportunity to cruise through the beautiful, rolling landscape of the Palouse and the small, farm towns of Eastern Washington. After a night in Grangeville, I […]
- [Duelin' Ivoryz Saloon](https://johnandkristie.com/duelin-ivoryz-saloon/): LONGHORN BARBECUE, AUBURN, WA :: We joined a bunch of friends at the Longhorn Barbecue last night to celebrate Shannon’s birthday. This Longhorn features a large, well-stocked bar and a pair of baby grand pianos facing each other on a central stage. This was a first for Kristie and me. I’ve seen several dueling piano […]
- [PLAY!](https://johnandkristie.com/play/): BENAROYA HALL, SEATTLE, WA :: Master Chief rocked Benaroya Hall tonight! For my birthday, Kristie surprised me with tickets to PLAY!, a symphony performance of popular video game music that is touring orchestras around the world. The concert celebrated a wide range of gaming genres, from the classic 8-bit days of Super Mario Brothers and […]
- [Skyline Lake](https://johnandkristie.com/skyline-lake/): ALPINE LAKES WILDERNESS AREA, WA :: Today we planned to meet Tatiana, Greg and Dana for a winter wonderland adventure near Stevens Pass. Unfortunately, we started a bit late in the day and had a few issues finding a parking space and the trailhead. The main parking areas were closed, so I proceeded to the […]
- [Fireplace Renovation](https://johnandkristie.com/fireplace-renovation/): EDMONDS, WA :: I used part of my holiday vacation to finally update our fireplace, a year and a half after moving in. During that time, the edges of our new carpet and laminate flooring remained unfinished where they met with the original brown tile surrounding our bronze fireplace insert, circa 1979. In addition, an […]
- [Christmas](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2/): EDMONDS, WA :: For this holiday season, we decorated the house with a row of lights along the roof and hung a wreath above the garage. We think it looks nice and cheery, particularly within a landscape of freshly fallen snow. I took this photo during a storm that left four inches of fluffy powder […]
- [2007 Photo Album](https://johnandkristie.com/2007-photo-album/): EDMONDS, WA :: Another eventful year deserves another photo album! As with 2005 and 2006, 2007 will be remembered and shared with a photo book produced by MyPublisher. We had four copies printed this year. One to keep and the others to give to family. They make great gifts. Our parents greatly appreciate and anticipate […]
- [Narae 2007 Korean Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/narae-2007-korean-festival/): MEANY HALL, SEATTLE, WA :: We’d like to thank Hye Ran and Rob for inviting us to this concert. When they first told us about it, Kristie and I were not sure what to expect. I really thought we were just going to see a couple of Hye Ran’s nieces and other kids dancing and […]
- [Goat Lake & Elliot Creek](https://johnandkristie.com/goat-lake-elliot-creek/): HENRY M. JACKSON WILDERNESS, WA :: I have been waiting to return to Goat Lake for a long time. Although it had been more than six years since I first hiked this trail, the picturesque image of snow-laden Cadet Peak reflecting off Goat Lake has never faded from my mind. The Mountain Loop Scenic Highway […]
- [Chapel of Thanksgiving](https://johnandkristie.com/chapel-of-thanksgiving/): DALLAS, TX :: Our last stop in Dallas was a visit to Thanks-Giving Square, a multifaith center for giving thanks. Philip Johnson designed the small park and chapel, which features a unique and beautiful stained glass ceiling. It’s a nice reminder and celebration of gratitude, but the Foundation’s emphasis is clearly on giving thanks to […]
- [Dallas Arboretum](https://johnandkristie.com/dallas-arboretum/): DALLAS, TX :: Yes, there is greenery in Dallas! Just a few miles from downtown is White Rock Lake, Dallas’s own version of Seattle’s beloved Green Lake park, complete with athletic fields, playgrounds, fishing docks, a performing arts theater and a paved trail packed with runners and rollerbladers. However, as with most things in Texas, […]
- [Fort Worth Stockyards](https://johnandkristie.com/fort-worth-stockyards/): FORT WORTH, TX :: Fort Worth was once a major railroad town and shipping point for millions of livestock. The Stockyards district preserves this history and celebrates the spirit of the American West. Cobblestone streets, wooden sidewalks, rickity old saloons, and costumed cowboy characters are elements contributing to the theme. There’s even a cattle drive […]
- [Fogo de Chão](https://johnandkristie.com/fogo-de-chao/): DALLAS, TX :: If you like to dine out, Dallas has got you covered. The city boasts the highest number of restaurants per capita in the nation. As we searched for places to eat dinner, it seemed nearly half of the options were steakhouses, which certainly drew no complaints from me. I had read a […]
- [Dallas](https://johnandkristie.com/dallas/): DALLAS, TX :: Dallas is a vastly sprawled, desolate and dirty city. It’s not the kind of place you would want to spend a vacation, although that’s exactly what I did. Kristie was attending a week-long conference, and I tagged along to support her. The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex hosts the highest concentration of corporate headquarters […]
- [Kristie's Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/kristies-birthday/): STIX BILLIARDS & BREWERY, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie celebrated her birthday with family and friends at Stix, a new pool hall on the south shore of Lake Union. We booked the private room and had access to our own patio overlooking the lake, along with a premium pool table, comfy leather seats, and an XBOX […]
- [San Jose Taiko](https://johnandkristie.com/san-jose-taiko/): EDMONDS CENTER FOR THE ARTS, EDMONDS, WA :: Kristie and I invited my parents to see San Jose Taiko perform in downtown Edmonds to celebrate my dad’s birthday. The show began with a single, large drum that was carefully rolled onto the center of the dark stage. A spotlight beamed onto the drummer and the […]
- [Sunset on Haleakala](https://johnandkristie.com/sunset-on-haleakala/): MAUI VACATION DAY 5 :: HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, HI :: Our vacation in Maui has finally reached its end. The last item on our itinerary was a dazzling sunset from the top of Haleakala, which means “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian. Most visitors to the volcano will wake up early to see the sunrise. […]
- [Haleakala](https://johnandkristie.com/haleakala/): MAUI VACATION DAY 5 :: HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, HI :: Haleakala is the world’s largest dormant volcano, with a summit 10,023 feet above sea level, and an additional 30,000 feet extending beneath to the ocean floor. Although it dominates East Maui Island, the visible part of the mountain represents only 3% of it’s total volume. […]
- [Big Beach & Little Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/big-beach-little-beach/): MAUI VACATION DAY 5 :: WAILEA-MAKENA, HI :: On our last full day in Maui, we headed south and visited several beaches before heading up to Haleakala. Each of the beaches were very nice, but pretty much the same. However, one beach, or rather, a pair of beaches stood out: Big Beach (officially known as […]
- [Iao Needle](https://johnandkristie.com/iao-needle/): MAUI VACATION DAY 4 :: IAO VALLEY STATE PARK, WAILUKU, HI :: By day four, our burnt skin needed a break from the sun. Fortunately, the remainder of our planned activities on Maui would take place in cloudier areas. It’s amazing that Kāʻanapali and the west coast of the island annually receive less than 20 […]
- [Honokalani Black Sand Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/honokalani-black-sand-beach/): MAUI VACATION DAY 4 :: WAIANAPANAPA STATE PARK, HANA, HI :: When we were planning our trip, we didn’t think we would drive to Hana, as Kristie has a low tolerance for roadtrips, especially roadtrips that contain curvy roads. The famous Road to Hana is perhaps the curviest in the world, with approximately 600 twists […]
- [Waimoku Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/waimoku-falls/): MAUI VACATION DAY 4 :: HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, HI :: Our final destination of the day was Waimoku Falls via the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park. The trailhead is at the ranger station near The Seven Sacred Pools, just a few miles beyond the town of Hana. The trail began in alternating grassy and […]
- [Sea Turtles at Black Rock](https://johnandkristie.com/sea-turtles-at-black-rock/): MAUI VACATION DAY 3 :: KAANAPALI, HI :: Our day of snorkeling ended at Black Rock (Pu’u Keka’a), one of only three ancient sites where Hawaiian’s believed their spirits departed the world. Mighty kings dove into the ocean and returned to prove their favor with the gods. Every night, a torchlit cliff diving ceremony honors […]
- [Drums of the Pacific Luau](https://johnandkristie.com/drums-of-the-pacific-luau/): MAUI VACATION DAY 3 :: KAANAPALI, HI :: You gotta do a luau when you’re in Hawaii, right? There are several to choose from on Maui, but I had read Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt was the most exciting. To get there, we walked a half mile along Kāʻanapali Beach, getting a glance […]
- [Honolua & Napili Bay](https://johnandkristie.com/honolua-napili-bay/): MAUI VACATION DAY 3 :: KAPALUA, HI :: The first half of today was dedicated to snorkeling. We went up north to Honolua Bay, moved south to Napili Bay, and then headed back towards our hotel in Kaanapali, saving the best for last: Black Rock. The main parking lot to Honolua Bay was filled, so […]
- [Lanai Dolphin Watch](https://johnandkristie.com/lanai-dolphin-watch/): MAUI VACATION DAY 2 :: LANAI ISLAND, HI :: During our Trilogy trip, we hopped onboard a high speed raft to look for dolphins along Lānaʻi’s kona (southern) coast. The Blue Water Adventure Rafting tour took us on an hour-long, waterborne thrill ride. The high speed raft weaved between rocks, banked steeply on turns and […]
- [Trilogy Sail to Lanai](https://johnandkristie.com/trilogy-sail-to-lanai/): MAUI VACATION DAY 2 :: LANAI ISLAND, HI :: Taking advantage of the three hour jet lag, we scheduled an early, sunrise sail with Trilogy Excursions from Lahaina Harbor to Lānaʻi Island (where Bill Gates was married). We generally avoid tours like this, but nearly every guide book and online review said Trilogy was the […]
- [The Whaler on Kaanapali](https://johnandkristie.com/the-whaler-on-kaanapali/): MAUI VACATION DAY 1 :: KAANAPALI, HI :: Kristie and I have been looking forward to this much deserved vacation – six incredible days on Maui to forget about work, relax, and play! The highlights of the trip included: sailing on a catamaran to Lānaʻi, chasing manta rays and baby dolphins, snorkeling with sea turtles, […]
- [Point of Arches](https://johnandkristie.com/point-of-arches-2/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Kristie and I enjoyed a weekend backpacking with our friends to Shi Shi Beach and Point of Arches. Getting there requires a long, winding drive to Neah Bay, some effort to haul camping gear over 4.5 miles, and a slog through a messy maze of mud. Most would agree it’s […]
- [Washington Business Week](https://johnandkristie.com/washington-business-week/): WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, BELLINGHAM, WA :: Kristie says, “I spent a week up in Bellingham on the Western Washington University campus as a Washington Business Week Camp Company Advisor with 300 high school students and 28 other Advisors. Each Advisor is assigned a group of 10 students, which make up a company. Throughout the week, […]
- [Blue Angels](https://johnandkristie.com/blue-angels/): GENESEE PARK, SEATTLE, WA :: You gotta love the Blue Angels! I know some people don’t for various reasons, but even those who protest these magnificent machines of death must respect the amazing skill of the pilots and the incredible engineering of the jets. The best part of the show was the sonic boom and […]
- [Daft Punk](https://johnandkristie.com/daft-punk/): WAMU THEATER, SEATTLE, WA :: Last night, Daft Punk completely blew my mind. We arrived just in time to find a pair of seats centered about six rows back on the mezzanine. It was a great vantage point to take in the entire show, and we avoided wrestling with the crowd on the floor. Almost […]
- [Vancouver, B.C.](https://johnandkristie.com/vancouver-b-c/): VANCOUVER, B.C.:: This weekend we visited Vancouver for a relaxing, fun and romantic getaway. My company was sending me to Sydney for a week, so we wanted to make the most of our time together before I left. Despite the rain, beautiful Vancouver did not disappoint. We knew it was going to be a great […]
- [Plains of Abraham](https://johnandkristie.com/plains-of-abraham/): MT. ST. HELENS NATIONAL VOLCANIC MONUMENT, WA :: If you don’t mind winding, bumpy roads that border along steep cliffs, the drive to this trailhead on FR 99 is as enjoyable as the hike. I had to pass many drivers who seemed torn between gawking at the surreal, blasted surroundings and keeping their eyes on […]
- [Yo Gabba Gabba](https://johnandkristie.com/yo-gabba-gabba/): PARAMOUNT THEATRE, SEATTLE, WA :: The kiddos were delighted and perhaps a little overwhelmed seeing one of their favorite TV shows in real life!
- [Pt. Townsend & Seattle Getaway](https://johnandkristie.com/pt-townsend-seattle-getaway/): PORT TOWNSEND, WA :: A Port Townsend getaway gave us a beautiful old hotel, many unique shops, historical landmarks, and a change of scenery before the trip back through Seattle.
- [Imagine Children's Museum](https://johnandkristie.com/imagine-childrens-museum-3/): IMAGINE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, EVERETT, WA :: Oh, this place was awful. Kids hated it. Don't go there. If you've been there before, it's gone way downhill since then. Tell your friends to avoid the place too! 😉
- [Christmas 2012](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2012/): EDMONDS, WA :: The cuties celebrate their third Christmas, and Lauren still wasn't wanting anything to do with Santa!
- [Royal Arch](https://johnandkristie.com/royal-arch/): ROYAL ARCH, BOULDER, CO :: A steep and rewarding hike to a natural stone arch, set amidst the Flatirons overlooking Boulder.
- [Zoolights](https://johnandkristie.com/zoolights/): POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM, TACOMA, WA :: Zoolights filled the night with glowing animals, rainbow tunnels, and plenty of twinkling holiday vibes.
- [Thanksgiving at Cannon Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/thanksgiving-at-cannon-beach/): CANNON BEACH, OR :: The toddlers' first visit to Cannon Beach and Seaside for Thanksgiving. An amazing landscape and community for young and older minds alike to wander in wonder.
- [Halloween](https://johnandkristie.com/halloween-2/): ALDERWOOD MALL, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Taking our little bugs out trick-or-treating!
- [Picking Up Mommy](https://johnandkristie.com/picking-up-mommy/): SEATTLE-TACOMA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, SEATAC, WA :: The kids and I were glad to pick up Kristie from the airport.
- [The Enchantments](https://johnandkristie.com/the-enchantments-2/): THE ENCHANTMENTS, WA :: Four days in alpine heaven, made even more surreal by the golden larches and smokey wildfires.
- [Rainbow Birthday Party](https://johnandkristie.com/rainbow-birthday-party/): EDMONDS, WA :: Celebrating the twins' 2nd birthday with lots of color!
- [Office Fire](https://johnandkristie.com/office-fire/): LYNNWOOD, WA :: The scene at Kristie's office building two weeks ago. We're so grateful the 30 occupants were able to get out the building before the rapidly spreading fire overtook the entire structure.
- [The Evergreen State Fair](https://johnandkristie.com/the-evergreen-state-fair-3/): EVERGREEN STATE FAIRGROUNDS, MONROE, WA :: The fair was a toddler wonderland of carousel horses, animals, rides, and a fun new experience around every corner.
- [Petting Farm & Water Park](https://johnandkristie.com/petting-farm-water-park/): FOREST PARK, EVERETT, WA :: A perfect little zoo for the kids, plus a fun waterpark! We'll be coming back here for sure.
- [Wallace Lake & Falls Loop](https://johnandkristie.com/wallace-lake-falls-loop/): WALLACE FALLS STATE PARK, GOLD BAR, WA :: Another Thursday evening hike, this time a loop up to Wallace Lake and back down along Wallace Falls.
- [Woodland Park Zoo](https://johnandkristie.com/woodland-park-zoo-2/): WOODLAND PARK ZOO, SEATTLE, WA :: Had a great time with the kids on Sunday enjoying the animals. The skies threatened rain, but it stayed dry all day and kept the crowds away.
- [Mt. Pilchuck](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-pilchuck-2/): MOUNT PILCHUCK, WA :: From yesterday, an evening hike up to the Mt. Pilchuck fire lookout. Snow still covers the top half of the trail.
- [An Edmonds Kind of 4th](https://johnandkristie.com/an-edmonds-kind-of-4th-2/): EDMONDS, WA :: Fun parade and fireworks show with the kids!
- [The Lost Coast](https://johnandkristie.com/the-lost-coast/): LOST COAST, CALIFORNIA :: I backpacked 19 miles along one of California’s most rugged and scenic stretches of coastline over two days. On the drive to the trailhead, my final text to Kristie was, “Just saw a cougar running down the road!” Unfortunately, my SPOT satellite messenger then failed to send any updates for the […]
- [Edmonds Arts Fest](https://johnandkristie.com/edmonds-arts-fest/): EDMONDS, WA :: Taking the kids out on Father's Day.
- [Backyardigans](https://johnandkristie.com/backyardigans/): EDMONDS, WA :: Fun with my family on a sunny day!
- [Sauer Mountain](https://johnandkristie.com/sauer-mountain/): SAUER MOUNTAIN, PESHASTIN, WA :: On Memorial Day, Kristie and I hiked the hills just outside Leavenworth. In between the cinnamon pines, the hills were filled with yellow balsamroot and purple lupine.
- [Black Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/black-canyon/): BLACK CANYON CREEK, WA :: Black Canyon provided broad desert views, spring wildflowers, a landscape carved into dramatic layers, and the remnants of an old homestead slowly being reclaimed by mother nature,
- [Art Day with Daddy](https://johnandkristie.com/art-day-with-daddy/): EDMONDS, WA :: Giving Mommy a break this weekend with the colors of my life!
- [Tulip Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/tulip-festival/): SKAGIT VALLEY TULIP FESTIVAL, MOUNT VERNON, WA :: The Skagit tulip fields surrounded us with rows of vibrant color, creating a spring backdrop that brightened our hearts!
- [Easter 2012](https://johnandkristie.com/easter-2012/): EDMONDS, WA :: Their second Easter brought two memorable firsts. They met the Easter Bunny for the first time and, judging by their reactions, were not impressed with him at all. Their first egg hunt went much better. They had fun searching for eggs and discovering what was hidden inside, making it the clear winner […]
- [Backyard Swings](https://johnandkristie.com/backyard-swings/): EDMONDS, WA :: The playset is still not finished, but we managed to put up the swings. The kids were thrilled to try them! Their joy makes it all worth it…
- [Ireland](https://johnandkristie.com/ireland/): IRELAND :: A business trip to the Emerald Isle included just enough free time to explore Dublin, Belfast, and some of the surrounding countryside.
- [Happy St. Patrick's Day](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-st-patricks-day/): EDMONDS, WA :: The kids are about 10% Irish… and 100% cute!
- [At the beach](https://johnandkristie.com/at-the-beach/): MARINA BEACH, EDMONDS, WA :: A winter trip to Marina Beach included an exploration of stones, driftwood, and the fascinating tides.
- [Swings](https://johnandkristie.com/swings/): EDMONDS, WA :: Just a few photos capturing the joy of swings at a nearby playground.
- [Hurricane Ridge Snowshoe](https://johnandkristie.com/hurricane-ridge-snowshoe-2/): HURRICANE RIDGE, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Returning to snowshoe one of my favorite winter landscapes while trying not to slide down the steep slopes!
- [First Snow](https://johnandkristie.com/first-snow/): EDMONDS, WA :: The first snow turned the yard into a brand-new world, complete with a little trepidation, but mostly delight at the new experience!
- [Safari: Part 3 of 3](https://johnandkristie.com/safari-part-3-of-3/): ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA :: Part 3 of our vacation takes place in beautiful Zanzibar and ends in the labyrinth of ancient Stone Town!
- [Christmas 2011](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2011/): EDMONDS, WA :: Second Christmas with the twins. Of course they have no idea what's going on, but the joy, wonder, and excitement of gathering with family, unwrapping gifts, and playing with new toys is universal.
- [Watch the Throne](https://johnandkristie.com/watch-the-throne/): MGM GRAND, NV :: Jay-Z and Kanye West in Las Vegas!
- [Safari: Part 2 of 3](https://johnandkristie.com/safari-part-2-of-3/): MASAI MARA, KENYA :: Part 2 of our safari resumes in Kenya's Masai Mara and continues through Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater.
- [Halloween in Edmonds](https://johnandkristie.com/halloween-in-edmonds/): EDMONDS, WA :: Our cute little tigers go trick-or-treating in downtown Edmonds!
- [Safari: Part 1 of 3](https://johnandkristie.com/safari-part-1-of-3/): ISTANBUL, TURKEY :: Our adventures through New York, Istanbul, Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar!
- [Autumn with the kids](https://johnandkristie.com/autumn-with-the-kids/): EDMONDS, WA :: Back home with the kids – experiencing the pumpkin patch, playing with other kids, and Halloween bowling!
- [Toddling & First Haircut](https://johnandkristie.com/toddling-first-haircut/): EDMONDS, WA :: It's fun to watch our little babies grow into toddlers!
- [Lauren & Miranda's 1st Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/lauren-mirandas-1st-birthday/): EDMONDS, WASHINGTON :: The twins celebrated their first birthday surrounded by friends and family, with bright outfits, tiny cakes and all the attention two new one-year-olds could handle. They looked extra cute in their traditional Korean hanbok for their doljanchi. They also took part in the doljabi, choosing from a table of symbolic objects. The […]
- [High Divide Loop](https://johnandkristie.com/high-divide-loop/): HIGH DIVIDE, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: The High Divide Loop delivered alpine lakes, steep ridges, and enormous Olympic views around nearly every bend.
- [11 Months](https://johnandkristie.com/11-months/): EDMONDS, WA :: At eleven months, the twins were all curiosity, quick smiles, and a rapidly shrinking supply of things they could not reach.
- [Skykomish River White Water Rafting](https://johnandkristie.com/skykomish-river-white-water-rafting/): SKYKOMISH RIVER, WA :: The Skykomish put us straight into cold spray and lively rapids. Beautiful day and fun times on the river!
- [Ross Lake Backpacking](https://johnandkristie.com/ross-lake-backpacking/): ROSS LAKE, WA :: A Fourth of July backpacking trip to Ross Lake traded fireworks for mountain water, camp meals, and a spectacular wilderness weekend.
- [Siblings](https://johnandkristie.com/siblings/): EDMONDS, WA :: Quiet moments at home captured the twins side by side. Their personalities were already distinct, but they were always happiest within arm’s reach of each other.
- [U2: 360 Tour](https://johnandkristie.com/u2-360-tour/): QWEST FIELD, SEATTLE, WA :: U2 transformed Qwest Field into a surrounding wall of sound and light, with the enormous stage looming over a packed Seattle crowd. Lucky to be in the pit with closeups of Bono and the band!
- [May Days](https://johnandkristie.com/may-days/): DISCOVERY PARK, SEATTLE, WA :: May offered mild weather, the UW Street Fair, bubbles in the sink and backyard, and an excellent opportunity to carry the babies through Discovery Park.
- [First Easter](https://johnandkristie.com/first-easter/): EDMONDS, WA :: The twins’ first Easter featured sunny yellow dresses, pastel eggs, and two cute babies not yet sure what all the excitement was about.
- [Grandma & Grandpa Visit](https://johnandkristie.com/grandma-grandpa-visit/): EDMONDS, WA :: Grandma and Grandpa’s visit meant plenty of cuddles, floor time, and delight with every new expression.
- [Growing Fast](https://johnandkristie.com/growing-fast/): EDMONDS, WA :: The twins seemed to change by the day, becoming more alert, more expressive, and barely able to sit up on their own long enough for some quick photos!
- [First Hike](https://johnandkristie.com/first-hike/): MEADOWDALE BEACH PARK, WA :: Our first family hike carried the babies through the forest to Meadowdale Beach, beginning an outdoor tradition very early.
- [Lunch](https://johnandkristie.com/lunch/): EDMONDS, WA :: Lunch today was a small milestone: self-feeding in their new high chairs, and thoroughly making a mess of their cute faces.
- [5 months](https://johnandkristie.com/5-months/): EDMONDS, WA :: Five months brought stronger heads, bigger smiles, and a rapidly expanding repertoire of floor-level mobility skills.
- [4 Months](https://johnandkristie.com/4-months/): EDMONDS, WA :: At four months, the twins were discovering toys, tummy time, and learning how to smile big for the camera.
- [First Halloween](https://johnandkristie.com/first-halloween/): EDMONDS, WA :: For their first Halloween, the twins became the cutest little pumpkins in the patch – for a few minutes at least. Time enough for a couple quick photos!
- [Weeks 2-5](https://johnandkristie.com/weeks-2-5/): EDMONDS, WA :: Those first weeks passed in a blur of feeding, sleeping, tiny stretches, and two babies gradually settling into home.
- [Lauren & Miranda - 1st Week](https://johnandkristie.com/lauren-miranda-1st-week/): EDMONDS, WA :: The twins’ first week was measured in naps, cuddles, and the amazement of finally having them home.
- [The Birth of Lauren & Miranda](https://johnandkristie.com/the-birth-of-lauren-miranda/): EVERGREENHEALTH KIRKLAND, KIRKLAND, WA :: Lauren and Miranda arrived together, beginning the biggest adventure of our lives with two tiny faces and more joy than we knew how to hold. Meeting them for the first time was a moment that changed everything, and suddenly our family felt complete in an entirely new way. I will […]
- [The Bump](https://johnandkristie.com/the-bump/): EDMONDS, WA :: Before the twins arrived, Kristie’s growing belly and the newly prepared nursery offered a quiet preview of how completely our lives were about to change. The room was ready, but it was still difficult to imagine just how much love and activity would soon fill it. I was constantly amazed by Kristie […]
- [The Nursery](https://johnandkristie.com/the-nursery/): The twins’ nursery was still a work in progress, but it was already becoming the bright, modern space we had imagined for Lauren and Miranda. These photos captured the room as it came together, one detail at a time. The finished nursery eventually caught the attention of Apartment Therapy, which featured the photos and an […]
- [Ancient Lakes Hike](https://johnandkristie.com/ancient-lakes-hike/): ANCIENT LAKES, QUINCY, WASHINGTON :: Ancient Lakes brought together basalt cliffs, bright blue water, waterfall, and wide-open desert skies, creating one of the most distinctive landscapes I have hiked in Eastern Washington. The contrast between the dry terrain and the lakes made nearly every part of the trail worth stopping to take in. I also […]
- [Dry Falls Hike](https://johnandkristie.com/dry-falls-hike/): DRY FALLS, WA :: Dry Falls made the scale of the Ice Age floods visible, with enormous cliffs and lakes spread across the coulee below.
- [Conan in Seattle](https://johnandkristie.com/conan-in-seattle/): MCCAW HALL, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON :: We celebrated Conan O’Brien’s birthday during a stop on his Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour. Conan was joined by his usual crew, along with surprise guest Dave Matthews. I had been a longtime Conan fan, so it felt good to support him after the way NBC handled […]
- [Master Bedroom Remodel](https://johnandkristie.com/master-bedroom-remodel/): EDMONDS, WA :: This weekend, Kristie and I finally moved back into our bedroom. It was a rough five months living with the construction in and around the house, but ultimately worth it for the new bathroom and walk-in closet.
- [Twins!](https://johnandkristie.com/twins/): 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 would become our beautiful twin daughters, who we enjoy and love so much today! For the eight years that Kristie and I have been a couple, we were 99% […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: O](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-o/): 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 like it, but I wasn’t as impressed. Perhaps it’s because I’m not a swimmer or diver and can’t fully appreciate the talent, but this is […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: KA](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-ka/): 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, KA presents a linear story and emphasizes theatrics over acrobatics. That’s not to say the actors were not performing unbelievable, breathtaking stunts – they were […]
- [Vegas](https://johnandkristie.com/vegas/): 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 and scenic strip. Upon checking in, I presented a credit card sandwich, and we were given unlimited passes to the restaurants and buffet. These allowed […]
- [Zion National Park](https://johnandkristie.com/zion-national-park/): 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 drove two hours south to Zion National Park. Eager to move our legs and work off some of the turkey and gravy, we hiked the Canyon […]
- [Bryce Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/bryce-canyon/): 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 that my mom slaved over at her house. This year we planned a six-day family trip to enjoy the natural wonders of Southwest Utah and […]
- [Narae 2009 Korean Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/narae-2009-korean-festival/): 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 annual production translates to “Wings” in English, and showcases traditional Korean dance and music. We invited my parents to the show this time as well, […]
- [U2 at The Rose Bowl](https://johnandkristie.com/u2/): 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 Rose Bowl) Our seats: Two (RED) Zone VIP stage-side tickets. Sitting next to us: Danny Devito and Josh Homme, along with a couple LiveNation VPs. […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: Kooza](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-kooza/): 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. As expected, the performances were amazing, and we think Dad and Carol were also impressed. All of the Cirque shows feature a theme: a dream, […]
- [Eureka Dunes](https://johnandkristie.com/eureka-dunes/): 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 in an unfamiliar place, not knowing what creepy critters lingered in the shadows of my small flashlight and in the blackness beyond the beam. So […]
- [The Racetrack](https://johnandkristie.com/the-racetrack/): 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 (photos soon). I tagged along on this trip as usual to support her, but also to spend a couple days in Death Valley prior to the concert. I’m not […]
- [Larch Lake](https://johnandkristie.com/larch-lake/): 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. I also hoped to catch the season’s changing colors, particularly the golden larches. My research led me to Larch Lake, which seemed like the ideal […]
- [Our Niece, Shielle](https://johnandkristie.com/our-niece-shielle/): 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 my younger sister. But I gotta say, with the pregnancy and birth of her perfect little daughter, she did all right. And although she was […]
- [Burg Eltz](https://johnandkristie.com/burg-eltz/): 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 (it’s also Rick Steve’s favorite). Built in the 12th century, the scenic structure sits strategically upon a large rock, towering ten stories and more than three hundred feet […]
- [St. Goar & Bacharach](https://johnandkristie.com/st-goar-bacharach/): 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, between Koblenz and Rudesheim. Along this major medieval thoroughfare, over thirty castles are perched upon the steep, green hillsides of the rolling river valley. Some […]
- [Castle Hotel Auf Schoenburg](https://johnandkristie.com/castle-hotel-auf-schoenburg/): 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 Schoenburg is perched high above the town of Oberwesel, and has watched over the river valley since the 12th century. The castle was half-destroyed by […]
- [Gelnhausen](https://johnandkristie.com/gelnhausen/): 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 our first drive on Germany’s famous autobahns. The dash on the Benz displayed 155 kph (about 96 mph), but we were still being passed. Fahrvergnügen! Our first […]
- [Auschwitz-Birkenau](https://johnandkristie.com/auschwitz-birkenau/): 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 deception of the Nazis. The phrase “arbeit macht frei” translates to “work makes you free.” Of course this message, in the literal sense, was a cruel […]
- [Wieliczka Salt Mine](https://johnandkristie.com/wieliczka-salt-mine/): 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 spend a couple hours deep underground, but just about everything seems fun and uplifting after a day at a death camp. The Wieliczka Salt Mine actually […]
- [Kraków](https://johnandkristie.com/krakow/): 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 sightseeing in and around the city. Kraków is the former capital of Poland, where ancient kings and priests ruled from the castle and cathedral on Wawel […]
- [Gdynia Business Week](https://johnandkristie.com/gdynia-business-week/): 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 heard the news that WBW was planning a program in Gdynia, Poland. I had never been to Europe and didn’t know much about the history or […]
- [Hel](https://johnandkristie.com/hel/): 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 stretch half-way across the horizon. This narrow peninsula is over 21 miles long and at times is only 300 feet wide. Both sides are lined […]
- [Toruń](https://johnandkristie.com/torun/): 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 to drive me. It wasn’t cheap, but it was much faster than taking the train. The friendly driver also spoke enough English for us to […]
- [Sopot](https://johnandkristie.com/sopot/): 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, a resort town between Gdynia and Gdańsk. Without a car, I walked a mile to the nearest train station (Gdynia Wzgórze św. Maksymiliana) and bought […]
- [Gdańsk](https://johnandkristie.com/gdansk/): 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. Through the centuries, Gdańsk has been a major center of culture and trade between Western and Eastern Europe. Regional powers have long fought for the city’s […]
- [Malbork Castle](https://johnandkristie.com/malbork-castle/): 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 a tour of the area. We’re glad we found Agnieszka Syroka, who is very friendly, energetic, and passionate about her country. (In particular, she loves […]
- [Gdynia](https://johnandkristie.com/gdynia/): 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 to teach entrepreneurship and teamwork to high school students. The program was put together by the Washington Business Week organization and the Seattle-Gdynia Sister City Association, along with […]
- [Depeche Mode](https://johnandkristie.com/depeche-mode/): 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 Arena. Kristie’s been a longtime fan, and I think their new album, Sounds of the Universe, is one of their best (minus the last few […]
- [Tuck & Robin Lakes](https://johnandkristie.com/tuck-robin-lakes/): 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 and climbs 3200 feet. On paper, those statistics don’t seem too daunting, and so I believed two days would be plenty of time. After hiking […]
- [Sand Point](https://johnandkristie.com/sand-point/): 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 relatively easy, but very scenic introduction to backpacking for the two newbies in our group. We had a little difficulty getting to the trailhead, thanks […]
- [Coldplay at The Gorge](https://johnandkristie.com/coldplay/): 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 drive from Seattle. The last show we saw at the Gorge was a festival featuring Moby, David Bowie, Busta Rhymes and DJ Tiesto in 2002. […]
- [Duran Duran](https://johnandkristie.com/duran-duran/): 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 catchy electropop songs, such as “Sophisticated Side Ponytail” and “Beard Lust”, which really aren’t too thematically different from the songs on the headliner’s hit list, such as […]
- [Fourth of July](https://johnandkristie.com/fourth-of-july-2/): 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 friends, freedom and fireworks! We kicked up the celebration several notches this year; our combined arsenal was many times larger than 2008, and included dozens upon dozens of shells, rockets […]
- [Sauk Whitewater Rafting](https://johnandkristie.com/sauk-whitewater-rafting/): 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, which was great for enjoying the mountain views and drying out from douses of icey cold snow melt. The Sauk offers one of the best […]
- [Cool in the New Pool](https://johnandkristie.com/cool-in-the-new-pool/): EDMONDS, WA :: The new pool passed its first test: lots of splashing, floating toys, and absolutely no interest in getting out.
- [Spray Park](https://johnandkristie.com/spray-park/): FOREST PARK, EVERETT, WA :: Forest Park’s spray fountains turned a warm afternoon into a blur of water, bare feet, and delighted squeals.
- [Daddy's Day Weekend](https://johnandkristie.com/daddys-day-weekend/): FUJI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Wow, am I a lucky guy! Very grateful for my wonderful family and my own amazing dad. Happy Father's Day!
- [Summers](https://johnandkristie.com/summers/): EDMONDS, WA :: Summers are scraped knees and ice cream.
- [Preschool Graduation](https://johnandkristie.com/preschool-graduation/): EDMONDS, WA :: Congrats to our kiddos for completing preschool!
- [Bringing the Voodoo Home](https://johnandkristie.com/bringing-the-voodoo-home/): PORTLAND, OR :: So long Portland! Thanks for keeping it weird. @voodoodoughnuts
- [Cast Art](https://johnandkristie.com/cast-art/): EDMONDS, WA :: One benefit of rupturing your Achilles is having a temporary art canvas attached to you.
- [Backyard Camping](https://johnandkristie.com/backyard-camping/): EDMONDS, WA :: The backyard became a campground, complete with a tent, camp chairs, chalk drawings, and all the comforts of home just steps away.
- [Enchanted Village](https://johnandkristie.com/enchanted-village/): WILD WAVES, FEDERAL WAY, WA :: Enchanted Village turned Cinco de Mayo into a day of rides, giant creatures, and sunshine.
- [An Edmonds Kind of Day](https://johnandkristie.com/an-edmonds-kind-of-day/): EDMONDS, WA :: An ordinary Edmonds day became a small adventure with lunch out, a walk around town, and enjoying signs of Spring in the park.
- [Seattle Center Whirligig](https://johnandkristie.com/seattle-center-whirligig/): SEATTLE CENTER, SEATTLE, WA :: The Seattle Center Whirligig transformed the Armory into a maze of enormous inflatables, with the Space Needle and International Fountain waiting outside.
- [Easter 2015](https://johnandkristie.com/easter-2015/): EDMONDS, WA :: Easter brought bunny ears, easter egg hunt, and smashed cascarones that left the backyard covered in confetti for weeks!
- [The Coloring of the Eggs](https://johnandkristie.com/the-coloring-of-the-eggs/): EDMONDS, WA :: The kitchen table became a dye lab as plain eggs took on bright colors, stickers, and a few delightfully messy fingerprints.
- [Bath Rave](https://johnandkristie.com/bath-rave/): EDMONDS, WA :: Glow sticks, bathwater, and a dark room were all it took to turn an ordinary bath into a tiny neon dance party.
- [Gymnastics Graduation](https://johnandkristie.com/gymnastics-graduation/): FRANCES ANDERSON CENTER, EDMONDS, WA :: The gymnastics graduation showed off a year of tumbling, balance, and brave turns at the front of the class.
- [New Year's Day in Seattle](https://johnandkristie.com/new-years-day-in-seattle/): SEATTLE, WA :: Gingerbread Houses, Westlake Center, Monorail, EMP and Space Needle!
- [Christmas 2014](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2014/): EDMONDS, WA :: Christmas unfolded through crafts, gifts, family visits, and a living room that stayed cheerfully full.
- [Dry Ingredients](https://johnandkristie.com/dry-ingredients/): EDMONDS, WA :: Incorporating the dry ingredients.
- [Santa](https://johnandkristie.com/santa-2/): ALDERWOOD MALL, LYNNWOOD, WA :: A somewhat dubious visit with Santa.
- [Trimming the Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/trimming-the-tree-4/): EDMONDS, WA :: Small hands found just the right spots for every ornament, slowly turning the tree into the centerpiece of the room.
- [Holidays at Disneyland](https://johnandkristie.com/holidays-at-disneyland/): DISNEYLAND, ANAHEIM, CA :: Disneyland during the holidays meant character encounters, sparkling decorations, and a little extra magic around every corner.
- [Legoland](https://johnandkristie.com/legoland/): LEGOLAND, CARLSBAD, CA :: Lots of fun with Grandma and Grandpa at Legoland!
- [San Diego](https://johnandkristie.com/san-diego/): SAN DIEGO, CA :: Old Town, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp Quarter, and Coronado Beach with Grandma & Grandpa!
- [San Diego Zoo](https://johnandkristie.com/san-diego-zoo-2/): SAN DIEGO ZOO, SAN DIEGO, CA :: The San Diego Zoo gave us a full day among elephants, pandas, and winding garden paths, with a few rides for the kids along the way.
- [Halloween 2014](https://johnandkristie.com/halloween-2014/): EDMONDS, WA :: Ariel and Rapunzel take over Edmonds!
- [Jack-O'-Lanterns](https://johnandkristie.com/jack-o-lanterns-5/): EDMONDS, WA :: Totoro and Minecraft themed.
- [Oktoberfest](https://johnandkristie.com/oktoberfest/): MUNICH, GERMANY :: Here it is! The main event! The culmination of our epic nine-day adventure in Germany! OKTOBERFEST! It was so much fun, I can't even describe how great it was… 7000 party people in das Haus! A beautiful tent filled with drinking, cheering, laughing, dancing, singing and hugging! All as one, focused on […]
- [Preschool Pumpkin Patch](https://johnandkristie.com/preschool-pumpkin-patch/): EDMONDS, WA :: First field trip for the kids! First chaperone duty for me!
- [Munich](https://johnandkristie.com/munich/): MUNICH, GERMANY :: After hiking sections of the Taubertal Panoramaweg, we continued on to Munich. It was a good change of pace after the trail, with time to relax and drink! We stopped at the Hofbräuhaus and spent time at the Augustiner beer garden, sharing food, beer and stories from the hike on the eve […]
- [Neuschwanstein Castle & Fussen](https://johnandkristie.com/neuschwanstein-castle-fussen/): NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE, SCHWANGAU, GERMANY :: The hike up to the viewpoint near Mary’s Bridge was long and steep, but the view of Neuschwanstein Castle made it worth the effort. Seeing the castle surrounded by mountains and forest was one of those moments that lived up to the pictures. We also spent some time exploring nearby […]
- [Dress Up!](https://johnandkristie.com/dress-up/): EDMONDS, WA :: Colorful outfits today!
- [Panoramaweg Taubertal](https://johnandkristie.com/panoramaweg-taubertal/): TAUBER VALLEY, GERMANY :: A 25 mile hike over two days from Tauberbischofsheim to Wertheim and Bad Mergentheim to Beckstein. Farmland, forests, old villages, castles, apple orchards and vineyards all along the way.
- [Rothenburg ob der Tauber](https://johnandkristie.com/rothenburg-ob-der-tauber-2/): ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER, GERMANY :: Rothenburg is a medieval walled city frozen in time. We enjoyed the gothic cathedral, dungeon museum, and beautiful park occupying the foundation of a ruined castle. We also climbed the fortified walls and explored the maze of chambers within the bastions and towers. Rothenburg was our launchpad for our […]
- [Fulda](https://johnandkristie.com/fulda/): FULDA, GERMANY :: Our adventure started in Fulda, the beautiful hometown of Jacob's extended family, who are the most warm, most inviting, most fun and funny people in all of Germany!
- [Iceland](https://johnandkristie.com/iceland/): ICELAND :: With only 24 hours in Iceland, I drove over five hundred miles along the southern coast from Keflavik to Jokulsarlon and back. A much too short adventure spanning a unique landscape so raw and elemental, yet so alive with dynamic beauty and diversity… Iceland, I shall return.
- [A Toothless Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/a-toothless-birthday/): EDMONDS, WA :: A Toothless-themed birthday brought Viking helmets, dragon shields, and enough handmade details to make Berk feel surprisingly close to Edmonds.
- [Them Apples](https://johnandkristie.com/them-apples/): EDMONDS, WA :: The harvest from the crab apple tree in our yard. And a basket full of veggies from the garden.
- [Lost Lake Camping Trip](https://johnandkristie.com/lost-lake-camping-trip/): LOST LAKE, OR :: It's a five-six hour roadtrip away, but Lost Lake Campground is one of our favorite outdoor family destinations. Incredibly scenic and lots to do, from hiking to fishing. And when they're older, perhaps some paddleboarding. We love that there are no motor boats allowed, so its peaceful as well.
- [Balance Bikes](https://johnandkristie.com/balance-bikes/): EDMONDS, WA :: The balance bikes inspired immediate test rides, a few careful starts, and a lot of determined tries to master the seemingly impossible art of staying upright on two wheels.
- [Preschool Orientation](https://johnandkristie.com/preschool-orientation/): EDMONDS, WA :: Preschool orientation offered a first look at the classroom, the teachers, and the colorful little world waiting inside.
- [Tour de Terrace Fair](https://johnandkristie.com/tour-de-terrace-fair/): MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, WA :: The Tour de Terrace packed carnival rides, face painting, and fairground treats into one bright summer day.
- [Chris & Noel's Wedding](https://johnandkristie.com/chris-noels-wedding/): TACOMA, WA :: Chris and Noel’s wedding was full of warm summer light, beautiful details, and many family and friends gathered to celebrate them in an intimate, natural, and enchanting setting. I was so happy and honored to be trusted as their photographer for such a special occasion!
- [Cool in the Pool](https://johnandkristie.com/cool-in-the-pool-3/): EDMONDS, WA :: Taking full advantage of this Pacific Northwest heatwave!
- [An Edmonds Kind of Fourth](https://johnandkristie.com/an-edmonds-kind-of-fourth/): EDMONDS, WA :: Edmonds marked the Fourth with red-white-and-blue outfits, a lively parade, and plenty of curbside cheering.
- [Grouse Creek Campground](https://johnandkristie.com/grouse-creek-campground/): GROUSE CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND, WA :: Camping with friends, collecting giant pine cones, and launching water rockets higher than the trees!
- [Ocean Shores](https://johnandkristie.com/ocean-shores/): OCEAN SHORES, WA :: Fun weekend with friends old and new at Ocean Shores!
- [Prelude to Summer](https://johnandkristie.com/prelude-to-summer/): EDMONDS, WA :: Warm weather arrived early, sending us straight to the splash pad for the first barefoot afternoon of the season.
- [Fairy Parade](https://johnandkristie.com/fairy-parade/): EDMONDS, WA :: To celebrate the opening of the Edmonds Museum Garden Market.
- [Easter 2014](https://johnandkristie.com/easter-2014/): EDMONDS, WA :: Baskets, Egg Hunt, and Cascarones!
- [Eggs To Dye For](https://johnandkristie.com/eggs-to-dye-for/): EDMONDS, WA :: The kiddos got a little silly this year while coloring their Easter eggs!
- [Moab](https://johnandkristie.com/moab/): MOAB, UT :: One spectacular day in Canyonlands and Arches National Park. Arrived prior to sunrise at Mesa Arch, followed the faint trail to False Kiva, and then hiked the eight-mile loop to Devil's Garden.
- [Spring 2014](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-2014/): EDMONDS, WA :: Great to be back home with my three superheroes!
- [Saint Edward State Park](https://johnandkristie.com/saint-edward-state-park/): SAINT EDWARD STATE PARK, KENMORE, WA :: Spring sun and fun with the kids at one of our favorite parks and playground.
- [Disneyland! Days 5, 6 & 7](https://johnandkristie.com/disneyland-days-5-6-7/): DISNEYLAND, ANAHEIM, CA :: Our final Disneyland days mixed classic rides, pool time, and the last few bits of magic we could squeeze from the trip.
- [Disneyland! Days 3 & 4](https://johnandkristie.com/disneyland-days-3-4/): DISNEYLAND, ANAHEIM, CA :: Days three and four brought more characters, bigger rides, and the growing confidence of two very enthusiastic little park experts.
- [Disneyland! Days 1 & 2](https://johnandkristie.com/disneyland-days-1-2/): DISNEYLAND, ANAHEIM, CA :: The first two Disneyland days began with wide eyes at the hotel window and quickly escalated into rides, characters, and nonstop discovery.
- [Marymere Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/marymere-falls-2/): MARYMERE FALLS, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: The trail to Marymere Falls crossed mossy bridges and wintery forest before reaching the frozen waterfall tucked into the trees.
- [Rialto Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/rialto-beach-2/): RIALTO BEACH, WA :: Rialto Beach was all silver sky, driftwood, and restless surf, creating a quiet winter landscape with plenty to explore and beachscape to wander.
- [Teppanyaki Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/teppanyaki-birthday/): FUJI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Fun night enjoying flaming food with the fantastic foursome!
- [Artist Point Snowshoe](https://johnandkristie.com/artist-point-snowshoe/): ARTIST POINT, MOUNT BAKER, WA :: Gorgeous and fun day in a winter wonderland!
- [Winterfest at Seattle Center](https://johnandkristie.com/winterfest-at-seattle-center/): SEATTLE CENTER, SEATTLE, WA :: Massive Monkees and wintery follies. Despite the cold temps, they couldn't resist the lure of the International Fountain.
- [Christmas 2013](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2013/): EDMONDS, WA :: Christmas 2013 brought presents, cousins, stories, and a living room happily overtaken by family.
- [Project Project](https://johnandkristie.com/project-project/): EDMONDS, WA :: Installing the projector, speaker system, and retractable acoustically transparent screen in our living room. Santa was good to me this year!
- [Green Lake Pathway of Lights](https://johnandkristie.com/green-lake-pathway-of-lights/): GREEN LAKE, SEATTLE, WA :: A winter walk along a candlelit pathway around the lake.
- [Santa 2013](https://johnandkristie.com/santa-2013/): ALDERWOOD MALL, LYNNWOOD, WA :: No tears this year!
- [Trimming the Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/trimming-the-tree-5/): EDMONDS, WA :: The kids decorated from the lowest branches up, making the tree more colorful with every carefully placed ornament.
- [Vancouver, B.C](https://johnandkristie.com/vancouver-b-c-2/): VANCOUVER, CANADA :: The kids went on their first international trip over Thanksgiving weekend. We had fun exploring the Aquarium, Yaletown, Granville Island, the German Christmas Market, and the Bloedel Conservatory.
- [Books & Trees](https://johnandkristie.com/books-trees/): WILCOX PARK, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Saturday's adventure in the library and woods.
- [Bulbs](https://johnandkristie.com/bulbs/): EDMONDS, WA :: Planted 100 daffodils, 200 crocuses, 30 hyacinths, and 50 tulips! Spring must seem nearly a lifetime away for our little helpers!
- [Autumn](https://johnandkristie.com/autumn/): EDMONDS, WA :: A quick break to enjoy the season with the kids and Sandee.
- [Imagine Children's Museum](https://johnandkristie.com/imagine-childrens-museum/): IMAGINE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, EVERETT, WA :: Love this place! Perfect activity for a stormy day.
- [Trick-or-Treating](https://johnandkristie.com/trick-or-treating/): EDMONDS, WA :: Trick-or-treating sent a tiny pirate crew through the neighborhood in search of candy and adventure.
- [Pumpkins Three Ways](https://johnandkristie.com/pumpkins-three-ways/): EDMONDS, WA :: With the pumpkins we grew in our garden, we made jack-o-lanterns, crunchy snacks, and a delicious pie.
- [Kanye West: Yeezus Tour](https://johnandkristie.com/kanye-west-yeezus-tour/): CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: Our fourth time seeing Mr. West in concert. Didn't quite get the theme of this show (a luchador on a snowy mountain meets Jesus?), but it was as always, interesting and entertaining!
- [A Walk in the Woods](https://johnandkristie.com/a-walk-in-the-woods/): YOST PARK, EDMONDS, WA :: Yost Park was perfect for a slow autumn walk, with wooden paths, fallen leaves, and plenty of small discoveries underfoot.
- [Biking with Grandma & Grandpa](https://johnandkristie.com/biking-with-grandma-grandpa/): EDMONDS, WA :: Learning to ride their balance bikes with Grandma and Grandpa!
- [Oregon Coast](https://johnandkristie.com/oregon-coast/): CANNON BEACH, OR :: Tillamook, Cape Meares, Hug Point and Cannon Beach!
- [3rd Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/3rd-birthday/): EDMONDS, WA :: The twins’ third birthday took place under the sea, complete with a floating remote controlled shark that produced an entertaining mixture of fright and delight!
- [Richmond Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/richmond-beach/): RICHMOND BEACH, SHORELINE, WA :: Richmond Beach offered stones for stacking, sand for digging, and a shoreline made for exploring.
- [The Evergreen State Fair](https://johnandkristie.com/the-evergreen-state-fair-2/): EVERGREEN STATE FAIRGROUNDS, MONROE, WA :: The Evergreen State Fair delivered rides, animals, treats, and more things to point at than two kids could possibly manage at once.
- [Camping at Mt. Rainier](https://johnandkristie.com/camping-at-mt-rainier/): MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Lauren and Miranda's first camping trip!
- [Taste of Edmonds](https://johnandkristie.com/taste-of-edmonds/): EDMONDS, WA :: Taste of Edmonds combined fair food, sunshine, and a bright pink slide that was impossible to pass up.
- [Tour de Terrace](https://johnandkristie.com/tour-de-terrace/): MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, WA :: The Tour de Terrace brought face paint, spinning rides, and the kind of wide-eyed excitement only a summer fair can produce.
- [Point Defiance Park](https://johnandkristie.com/point-defiance-park/): POINT DEFIANCE PARK, TACOMA, WA :: Point Defiance offered playground stops and beach exploring with their cousin.
- [An Edmonds Kind of Fourth](https://johnandkristie.com/an-edmonds-kind-of-fourth-2/): EDMONDS, WA :: A small-town Fourth meant plenty of flags, patriotic outfits, and parade watching with Grandma.
- [Forest Park](https://johnandkristie.com/forest-park/): FOREST PARK, EVERETT, WA :: Forest Park gave us a petting zoo, playgrounds, splash pads, and a day’s worth of toddler-sized adventures.
- [Splish Splash](https://johnandkristie.com/splish-splash/): EDMONDS, WA :: A backyard splash pool, one giant inflatable giraffe, and two determined kids made part of a perfect summer day.
- [Edmonds Arts Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/edmonds-arts-festival/): EDMONDS, WA :: The Edmonds Arts Festival offered handmade treasures, colorful displays, and a few irresistible treats between the booths.
- [The Centennial Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/the-centennial-trail/): SNOHOMISH, WA :: We biked and rollerbladed with the kids from Snohomish to Machias Station.
- [Enchanted Village & Wild Waves](https://johnandkristie.com/enchanted-village-wild-waves/): WILD WAVES, FEDERAL WAY, WA :: Wild Waves paired storybook creatures with rides and waterpark fun, giving us two kinds of amusement park in one day.
- [Stella & Sawyer's 3rd Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/stella-sawyers-3rd-birthday/): TACOMA, WA :: Stella and Sawyer’s third birthday turned the backyard into a picnic, craft table, and wonderfully busy play zone.
- [Painting with Aeverie](https://johnandkristie.com/painting-with-aeverie/): EDMONDS, WA :: A fun day exploring art with brushes and bright color.
- [Backyard Fun](https://johnandkristie.com/backyard-fun/): EDMONDS, WA :: Enjoying a sunny Spring day.
- [Baking Cookies for Mommy's Day](https://johnandkristie.com/baking-cookies-for-mommys-day/): EDMONDS, WA :: The kids baked cookies for Mother’s Day, adding generous scoops, careful stirring, and a little extra sweetness for Mommy.
- [Scriber Lake & Wilcox Parks](https://johnandkristie.com/scriber-lake-wilcox-parks/): SCRIBER LAKE & WILCOX PARKS, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Sunny day to enjoy a walk in the woods and the playground.
- [First Garden](https://johnandkristie.com/first-garden/): EDMONDS, WA :: Tracking the progress of our first garden, from seed to harvest.
- [Imagine Children's Museum](https://johnandkristie.com/imagine-childrens-museum-2/): IMAGINE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, EVERETT, WA :: Imagine Children’s Museum made room for building, climbing, pretending, and interacting with absolutely everything in sight.
- [Easter 2013](https://johnandkristie.com/easter-2013/): EDMONDS, WA :: Hunting eggs (cascarones) and then smashing them on Mommy and Daddy's heads!
- [Cousins](https://johnandkristie.com/cousins/): EDMONDS, WA :: Fun with Shielle and Aunt Susan over the weekend!
- [Weekend with Grandpa & Grandma](https://johnandkristie.com/weekend-with-grandpa-grandma/): SEATTLE, WA :: Pike Place Market, The Great Wheel, Conveyor Belt Sushi, Lobsterfest, and more!
- [Birthday at The Keg](https://johnandkristie.com/birthday-at-the-keg/): THE KEG, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Birthday dinner at The Keg, where I enjoyed my ribeye steak in peace, but had to fight for a piece of my cake! 😄
- [Christmas 2016](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2016/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Matching pajamas, presents by the tree, and plenty of time together gave Christmas the cozy vibes we love!
- [Photos with Santa](https://johnandkristie.com/photos-with-santa/): ALDERWOOD MALL, LYNNWOOD, WA :: We dressed up for the annual Santa photo and came away with a polished portrait, along with candid moments that were even better.
- [Twin Devotion](https://johnandkristie.com/twin-devotion/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Miranda wasn't feeling great, so Lauren drew these cute and happy coloring pages to cheer them up.
- [Enchant Christmas Light Maze](https://johnandkristie.com/enchant-christmas-light-maze/): OLYMPIC VILLAGE, VANCOUVER, CANADA :: Enchant surrounded us with tunnels of light, glittering sculptures, and a maze that made Vancouver feel like a walk-through snow globe.
- [Capilano Canyon Lights](https://johnandkristie.com/capilano-canyon-lights/): CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE, NORTH VANCOUVER, CANADA :: Capilano’s bridges and forest became a glowing winter world, with thousands of lights reflected through the canyon.
- [Thanksgiving in Vancouver, BC](https://johnandkristie.com/thanksgiving-in-vancouver-bc/): VANCOUVER, CANADA :: We spent Thanksgiving exploring Vancouver’s waterfront, public art, and rainy streets, bundled up and happy to wander.
- [Grandpa English & Uncle Mike](https://johnandkristie.com/grandpa-english-uncle-mike/): PIKE PLACE MARKET, SEATTLE, WA :: A Seattle visit with Grandpa and Uncle Mike naturally led to Pike Place Market, where there was plenty to see, sample, and photograph.
- [Happy Birthday, Grandpa](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-birthday-grandpa/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Grandpa’s birthday gathered everyone around the table for dinner, gifts, and the sort of family evening worth remembering.
- [Cocoa Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/cocoa-beach/): COCOA BEACH, FL :: Cocoa Beach gave the kids miles of sand, warm surf, and all the room they needed to race the waves.
- [Trimming the Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/trimming-the-tree-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: A couple weeks early this year.
- [Gatorland](https://johnandkristie.com/gatorland/): GATORLAND, ORLANDO, FL :: Gatorland delivered giant reptiles, fun photo opps, and a wonderfully over-the-top slice of old Florida.
- [Hollywood Studios](https://johnandkristie.com/hollywood-studios/): DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS, BAY LAKE, FL :: Hollywood Studios mixed stage spectacle, movie magic, and larger-than-life characters into one packed Disney day.
- [Magic Kingdom](https://johnandkristie.com/magic-kingdom/): MAGIC KINGDOM, BAY LAKE, FL :: We felt very lucky to have lunch with the princesses inside Cinderella Castle. It was a special part of the day, but meeting Merida was an even bigger highlight for our own wild redhead, Lauren!
- [Animal Kingdom](https://johnandkristie.com/animal-kingdom-2/): DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM, BAY LAKE, FL :: We had a fun day exploring Animal Kingdom, with plenty of rides and entertainment along the way. The yeti ride was an easy favorite, and repeat floats on the river ride kept us cool and refreshed! We also loved the Festival of the Lion King, with its music, […]
- [Epcot](https://johnandkristie.com/epcot/): EPCOT, BAY LAKE, FL :: We spent the day traveling from country to country without ever leaving the park. Each stop around World Showcase had something different to see, and we enjoyed wandering through the pavilions, taking in the details and seeing what was waiting around the next corner.
- [Happy Birthday, Kristie](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-birthday-kristie-4/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Mommy’s birthday came with an enormous cake, bright gifts, and two eager helpers determined to make the celebration special.
- [First Light](https://johnandkristie.com/first-light/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Snuck in some telescope time before bed tonight! We observed a convenient and familiar object. Felt like we were floating in space next to it!
- [Fellow Tooth Fairies](https://johnandkristie.com/fellow-tooth-fairies/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Fellow Tooth Fairies, what is the going rate these days for a lower central incisor?
- [Lego Dragons](https://johnandkristie.com/lego-dragons/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Loving their Lego dragons! They built the red and blue ones entirely on their own.
- [Salmon Search](https://johnandkristie.com/salmon-search/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: We didn't find any salmon, but we still enjoyed an adventurous walk on a beautiful autumn day.
- [6th Birthday Party](https://johnandkristie.com/6th-birthday-party/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The space-themed sixth-birthday celebration filled the house with friends, crafts, treats, and just enough star sparkle to reach every surface.
- [Six](https://johnandkristie.com/six/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Happy 6th Birthday to Lauren and Miranda!
- [Kindergarten](https://johnandkristie.com/kindergarten/): CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: Kindergarten began at the bus stop, with new backpacks, a yellow school bus, and two brave kids ready for a much bigger world.
- [The Museum of Flight](https://johnandkristie.com/the-museum-of-flight/): THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT, SEATTLE, WA :: The Museum of Flight let the kids climb, explore, and get wonderfully close to aircraft from every era.
- [Bubble Machine](https://johnandkristie.com/bubble-machine/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: A bubble machine is worth every cent!
- [Sunday Sushi](https://johnandkristie.com/sunday-sushi/): SUSHI HANA, BOTHELL, WA :: Sunday Sushi!
- [The Upside Down](https://johnandkristie.com/the-upside-down/): GRASS LAWN PARK, REDMOND, WA :: The Upside Down @learninglandscape
- [Seafair Air Show](https://johnandkristie.com/seafair-air-show/): LAKE WASHINGTON, WA :: First Seafair for the kiddos. Hydroplane races and fun activities along the shore, but the Blue Angels were the highlight.
- [Kauai](https://johnandkristie.com/kauai/): KAUAI, HI :: Our fun and relaxing getaway to The Garden Island!
- [Hot Tub: Foam Monster](https://johnandkristie.com/hot-tub-foam-monster/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The day started innocently enough… until the foam monster attacked the hot tub!
- [Beardslee Pub Bike Ride](https://johnandkristie.com/beardslee-pub-bike-ride/): BEARDSLEE PUBLIC HOUSE, BOTHELL, WA :: Brew with my buddies at Beardslee Pub after biking around Bothell.
- [Lily Marsh to Osprey Point](https://johnandkristie.com/lily-marsh-to-osprey-point/): LILY MARSH, PONDEROSA STATE PARK, ID :: Taking in the scenery around McCall, Idaho via this beautiful hike through prairie, ponds, and Ponderosa, peaking with a picturesque panorama.
- [Whitewater Rafting on the Salmon River](https://johnandkristie.com/whitewater-rafting-on-the-salmon-river/): SALMON RIVER, ID :: Apparently there's no age restriction for rafting in Idaho! Glad our five-year-olds could join us one their first whitewater adventure!
- [McCall Cabin](https://johnandkristie.com/mccall-cabin/): MCCALL, ID :: We loved our stay in this perfect little cabin for Jacob & Tara's wedding.
- [Wild Horses Monument](https://johnandkristie.com/wild-horses-monument/): WILD HORSE MONUMENT, VANTAGE, WA :: The climb up to and among the Wild Horses sculptures opened onto huge Columbia River views and a landscape that felt almost otherworldly.
- [Tara & Jacob's Wedding](https://johnandkristie.com/tara-jacobs-wedding/): MCCALL, ID :: We had a wonderful time celebrating the marriage of Tara & Jacob! #rhoadesgotschwager
- [4th of July in Bothell](https://johnandkristie.com/4th-of-july-in-bothell/): BOTHELL, WA :: Bothell’s Fourth filled downtown with bikes, flags, parade crowds, and the easy fun of a community celebration.
- [Remlinger Farm](https://johnandkristie.com/remlinger-farm/): REMLINGER FARMS, CARNATION, WA :: Remlinger Farm offered a full day of rides, animals, and farm-themed fun!
- [U-Pick Raspberries](https://johnandkristie.com/u-pick-raspberries/): SNOHOMISH, WA :: We picked raspberries straight from the vines, though plenty disappeared before they ever reached the containers.
- [The Hydra](https://johnandkristie.com/the-hydra/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The Hydra #hydrangea
- [Lunch at The Woodshop](https://johnandkristie.com/lunch-at-the-woodshop/): THE WOODSHOP, MCMENAMINS ANDERSON SCHOOL, BOTHELL, WA :: Lunch at The Woodshop!
- [Cannon Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/cannon-beach-3/): CANNON BEACH, OR :: Kites, castles, sunsets, volcanoes, and puffins!
- [Water Balloon Fight](https://johnandkristie.com/water-balloon-fight/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Grateful for awesome neighbors, sunny days, and easy-to-fill water balloons!
- [Inn at Cannon Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/inn-at-cannon-beach/): INN AT CANNON BEACH, CANNON BEACH, OR :: Bunnies everywhere!
- [Tillamook & Cape Mears Lighthouse](https://johnandkristie.com/tillamook-cape-mears-lighthouse/): CAPE MEARES & TILLAMOOK, OR :: A coastal Oregon day took us from Tillamook to Cape Meares, with lighthouse views, forest stops, and no shortage of dairy-themed silliness.
- [Bike Wash](https://johnandkristie.com/bike-wash/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: At the bike wash.
- [Wetlands Field Trip with Hawkeye](https://johnandkristie.com/wetlands-field-trip-with-hawkeye/): NORTH CREEK COUNTY PARK, WA :: A wetlands field trip turned the park into an outdoor classroom, with Hawkeye keeping a circle of young naturalists completely absorbed.
- [Summer Soccer Camp](https://johnandkristie.com/summer-soccer-camp/): CANYON PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL, BOTHELL, WA :: It's official. We are now Soccer Parents.
- [Problem Solving](https://johnandkristie.com/problem-solving/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Problem solving: a ball stuck in a tree and some pool noodles.
- [Spring in the Backyard](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-in-the-backyard/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Had fun with the kids planting flowers, kicking the soccer ball, preparing the hot tub, and just goofing around.
- [Wallace Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/wallace-falls/): WALLACE FALLS STATE PARK, GOLD BAR, WA :: The trail to Wallace Falls followed rushing water through thick forest before revealing the falls in one dramatic drop after another.
- [Lightsaber Battle](https://johnandkristie.com/lightsaber-battle/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: After watching The Force Awakens last night, the kids were inspired to resume their Jedi training in the garage.
- [Happy Easter](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-easter-7/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Bright baskets, painted eggs, and a little spring sunshine made Easter morning feel properly festive.
- [Spring in the New House](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-in-the-new-house/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Spring arrived at the new house with fresh flowers, an egg-coloring table, and plenty of room for new traditions.
- [Sony a7RII](https://johnandkristie.com/sony-a7rii/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The Sony a7R II is replacing my Canon 5D. My new mirrorless kit will include the Sony 55mm f/1.8, Sony 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3, and my old favorite Canon 14mm f/2.8L II with the Metabones adapter.
- [Camera Eulogy](https://johnandkristie.com/camera-eulogy/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: I'm sad my camera of seven years has died. Its last three shots were of a grey whale breaching off the coast of Maui. High winds and rough water drenched everything on our boat, and the camera succumbed to the salt water. I think it lived a pretty decent life […]
- [Colorful Bird](https://johnandkristie.com/colorful-bird/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Oh. Ma. Caw.
- [Pixel art with the kids](https://johnandkristie.com/pixel-art-with-the-kids/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Pixel art with the kids!
- [Bubbles](https://johnandkristie.com/bubbles-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Bubbles
- [Black Rock](https://johnandkristie.com/black-rock/): BLACK ROCK, HI :: We spent a relaxing day at the beach near Black Rock, where the kids were happy playing in the sand and enjoying the water. It was a simple day by the ocean and a nice chance for everyone to slow down.
- [Drums of the Pacific Luau](https://johnandkristie.com/drums-of-the-pacific-luau-2/): DRUMS OF THE PACIFIC LUAU, HYATT REGENCY MAUI, HI :: The Drums of the Pacific paired dinner with vivid costumes, music, and a performance that carried the evening from sunset into torchlight.
- [Maui Ocean Center](https://johnandkristie.com/maui-ocean-center/): MAUI OCEAN CENTER, MAALAEA, HI :: At the Maui Ocean Center, glowing tanks and schools of tropical fish made it feel as though we were walking beneath the reef.
- [Road to Hana: Black Sand Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/road-to-hana-black-sand-beach/): WAIANAPANAPA STATE PARK, HANA, HI :: The Road to Hana led us through lava tubes and dense tropical forest before opening onto the striking black sand at Waiʻānapanapa.
- [Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/pipiwai-trail-waimoku-falls-2/): WAIMOKU FALLS, HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, HI :: The Pipiwai Trail took us through lush jungle, past a giant banyan tree, and into a dense bamboo forest, where the tall stalks surrounded the path and knocked together in the breeze. Every part of the trail felt different, with plenty to see along the way. At the […]
- [Hyatt Residence Club Kaanapali Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/hyatt-residence-club-kaanapali-beach/): HYATT RESIDENCE CLUB, KAANAPALI, HI :: Kāʻanapali offered an easy mix of pool time, ocean views, and a balcony that made staying in feel almost as good as going out.
- [Maui Whale Watching](https://johnandkristie.com/maui-whale-watching/): MAUI, HI :: We watched whales surface against the Maui mountains, then slipped into the clear water for a closer look below the waves.
- [Stone Town, Zanzibar](https://johnandkristie.com/stone-town-zanzibar/): STONE TOWN, ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA :: Throw Back Thursday! I'm not sure why it took more than four years to finally post these photos, but I'm glad I finally did. On the last day of our safari in 2011, we discovered Stone Town's exotic markets, learned its rich history, and explored its enchanting maze of narrow […]
- [Catching Snowflakes](https://johnandkristie.com/catching-snowflakes/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Fun catching the falling snow!
- [New Year's in Bellingham](https://johnandkristie.com/new-years-in-bellingham/): BELLINGHAM, WA :: An overnight getaway with Kristie to start 2016 relaxed and energized!
- [Christmas 2015](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2015/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Christmas brought family together around the tree for stories, presents, and the comfortable rhythm of familiar traditions.
- [That's a Wrap](https://johnandkristie.com/thats-a-wrap/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Next level wrapping! Our niece will never guess her presents. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
- [Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/leavenworth-christmas-lighting-festival/): LEAVENWORTH, WA :: Leavenworth was buried in snow and glowing with Christmas lights, making it the perfect setting for sledding, cocoa, and a very festive walk through town.
- [Santa](https://johnandkristie.com/santa/): ALDERWOOD MALL, LYNNWOOD, WA :: The Santa visit produced bright smiles, matching holiday outfits, and a few quiet wishes shared at close range.
- [Mayan Ruins of Tulum](https://johnandkristie.com/mayan-ruins-of-tulum/): TULUM RUINS, TULUM, MEXICO :: Our last day of adventures in Mexico!
- [Turtles at Akumal Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/turtles-at-akumal-beach/): AKUMAL BEACH, MEXICO :: Had fun swimming with turtles and snorkeling with the kids for the first time!
- [Ahau Tulum](https://johnandkristie.com/ahau-tulum/): AHAU TULUM, TULUM, MEXICO :: Four days relaxing in paradise to celebrate Kristie's 40th birthday, our 14th anniversary, the purchase of our new home, and the sale of our old home! So happy and grateful!
- [Trimming the Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/trimming-the-tree-3/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The ornaments went up one careful branch at a time, with the kids taking their decorating duties very seriously.
- [Ik Kil Cenote](https://johnandkristie.com/ik-kil-cenote/): IK KIL CENOTE, MEXICO :: Ik Kil felt like a secret world below ground, with clear blue water, hanging vines, and sunlight spilling in from above.
- [Chichen Itza](https://johnandkristie.com/chichen-itza/): CHICHÉN ITZÁ, MEXICO :: We walked beneath the enormous stone geometry of Chichén Itzá, finding carved details and ancient stories everywhere we looked.
- [The Lodge at Chichen Itza](https://johnandkristie.com/the-lodge-at-chichen-itza/): THE LODGE AT CHICHÉN ITZÁ, MEXICO :: Our first two days in Mexico were spent in a jungle resort just steps away from Chichen Itza.
- [Frozen on Ice](https://johnandkristie.com/frozen-on-ice/): ANGEL OF THE WINDS ARENA, EVERETT, WA :: Frozen on Ice turned the arena into Arendelle, complete with dazzling costumes, dramatic lighting, and enough spectacle to keep everyone spellbound.
- [Texan Halloween](https://johnandkristie.com/texan-halloween/): DALLAS ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDEN, DALLAS, TX :: The arboretum supplied pumpkins, carriages, and plenty of Texas-sized scenery for a wonderfully Texan-themed Halloween.
- [Medieval Times](https://johnandkristie.com/medieval-times/): MEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER & TOURNAMENT, DALLAS, TX :: Dinner came with knights, horses, cheering sections, and just enough theatrical danger to make eating with our hands feel completely reasonable.
- [Perot Museum of Nature and Science](https://johnandkristie.com/perot-museum-of-nature-and-science/): PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE, DALLAS, TX :: Science! We spent the day exploring space, dinosaurs, earthquakes, robotics, gemstones and so much more. With hands-on exhibits throughout the museum, there was always something new to try or learn. We even tried to outrun a cheetah! It wasn't even close… It was a fun way […]
- [Ft. Worth Stockyards](https://johnandkristie.com/ft-worth-stockyards/): FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS, FORT WORTH, TX :: A wild west history lesson for the kids.
- [Klyde Warren Park](https://johnandkristie.com/klyde-warren-park/): KLYDE WARREN PARK, DALLAS, TX :: The kids enjoying a very cool park in downtown Dallas.
- [Gaylord Texan Resort](https://johnandkristie.com/gaylord-texan-resort/): GAYLORD TEXAN RESORT, GRAPEVINE, TX :: Kicking off our vacation with four days of fun and family at this distinctly Texan landmark.
- [Lummi Cabin](https://johnandkristie.com/lummi-cabin/): BELLINGHAM, WA :: The kids and I enjoyed a fun weekend in Bellingham with our friends.
- [Blood Moon](https://johnandkristie.com/blood-moon/): COLLEGE PLACE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Fun night chasing the Blood Moon with the kids, wishing on shooting stars, climbing trees in the dark, and even an owl or two! 😉
- [Magical 5th Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/magical-5th-birthday/): EDMONDS, WA :: With many of their great friends and Xakary the Magician!
- [Empire of the Sun](https://johnandkristie.com/empire-of-the-sun/): MARYMOOR PARK, REDMOND, WA :: "Loving every minute 'cause you make me feel so alive!" – Empire of the Sun with St. Lucia at Marymoor Park!
- [Shielle's 6th Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/shielles-6th-birthday/): SOUTH HILL MALL, PUYALLUP, WA :: Shielle’s birthday was a whirl of giant slides, bright inflatables, and kids happily bouncing themselves breathless.
- [Seattle Boating](https://johnandkristie.com/seattle-boating/): UNION BAY SEATTLE, SEATTLE, WA :: A sunny outing from Lake Washington to Union Bay gave the kids their first taste of life on a boat and a new appreciation for the view from the water. Also a great spot for napping, it seems!
- [7C's Swim School](https://johnandkristie.com/7cs-swim-school/): WOODMOOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BOTHELL, WA :: Twin swim lessons at 7C's Swim School! There's a Pisces joke in here somewhere…
- [Horsin' Around](https://johnandkristie.com/horsin-around/): ARLINGTON, WA :: Sandee's birthday at the Rhodes River Ranch!
- [Hair Salon](https://johnandkristie.com/hair-salon/): EDMONDS, WA :: They take this very seriously.
- [Grandma & Grandpa Playdate](https://johnandkristie.com/grandma-grandpa-playdate/): EDMONDS, WA :: A playdate with Grandma and Grandpa filled the backyard with climbing, swinging, and the sort of attention only grandparents provide.
- [First Passports](https://johnandkristie.com/first-passports/): EDMONDS, WA :: Cleared to travel! @statedept
- [An Edmonds Kind of 4th](https://johnandkristie.com/an-edmonds-kind-of-4th/): EDMONDS, WA :: Edmonds celebrates the Fourth with a traditional parade rolling straight through town.
- [Sammamish Kayaking](https://johnandkristie.com/sammamish-kayaking/): BOTHELL LANDING, BOTHELL, WA :: A beautiful day to float down the river! From Bothell Landing, we made it to Blue Heron Landing before turning around. Next time we'll try to make it all the way to Lake Washington.
- [Water Lantern Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/water-lantern-festival/): EVERETT, WA :: A peaceful, inspiring, and beautiful evening along the water with the glowing sunset and floating lanterns.
- [A Family Fourth](https://johnandkristie.com/a-family-fourth/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: It's been a busy year, so we decided to skip the parades, traffic, and crowds this year to focus on family, and enjoy a cozy little holiday at our home.
- [Tambark Creek Park](https://johnandkristie.com/tambark-creek-park/): TAMBARK CREEK PARK, SNOHOMISH, WA :: A 7.8 mile ride with the twins’ new bikes from our house to Tambark Creek Park! Happy 4th!
- [Universal Studios Hollywood](https://johnandkristie.com/universal-studios-hollywood/): UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD, UNIVERSAL CITY, CA :: The kids were pretty excited to be visiting the "real" Hogwarts, Jurassic Park, and the home of the Minions! The were also thrilled to see King Kong, Jaws, an earthquake, animal actors, Hello Kitty, and the Transformers. They also braved through The Mummy and The Walking Dead, which […]
- [Bakersfield](https://johnandkristie.com/bakersfield/): BAKERSFIELD, CA :: Long overdue visit to Grandma and Grandpa in Bakersfield, CA – where it was 105 degrees! We had fun catching up, enjoying Carol's cooking, touring the nice neighborhood and historic downtown, a visit to the local natural history museum, and dinner before heading back to LA – where it was 30 degrees […]
- [Summer Vacation](https://johnandkristie.com/summer-vacation/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: End of 1st grade / 1st day of summer!
- [New Bikes](https://johnandkristie.com/new-bikes/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Somehow the kids ended up with new bikes for Dad’s Day, but we had fun testing them out during a nice ride around the neighborhood. I also got a cool new electric mower, along with an extra large dose of cuddles and kisses!
- [Fremont Solstice Parade & Street Fair](https://johnandkristie.com/fremont-solstice-parade-street-fair/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: A fun kick-off to summer!!
- [Spring 2018 Piano Recital](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-2018-piano-recital/): BOTHELL, WA :: The spring recital brought a full room, polished performances, and another chance to celebrate how far the kids had come at the piano.
- [Spring Break - Delicate Arch](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-break-delicate-arch/): DELICATE ARCH, ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, UT :: (A little late posting this, but it has been a busy Spring!) The hike to Delicate Arch was one of our favorites, taking us up a challenging climb across slickrock (via a cairn marked trail) and alongside narrow paths atop steep cliffs before finally being rewarded with one […]
- [2018 Dance Recital](https://johnandkristie.com/2018-dance-recital/): SNOHOMISH HIGH SCHOOL, SNOHOMISH, WA :: The kids practiced hard all year for this show! They were so excited and we were so proud to see them perform!
- [Mother's Day](https://johnandkristie.com/mothers-day-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: I can't imagine a better mommy for our lucky kids!
- [Jupiter](https://johnandkristie.com/jupiter/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: It’s past bedtime, but worth it to observe Jupiter and the Galilean moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Calisto)… I hope they’ll dream of voyaging through space tonight.
- [The Lion King](https://johnandkristie.com/the-lion-king-2/): SKYVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL, BOTHELL, WA :: We enjoyed watching the talented cast perform The Lion King at Skyview, especially the wonderful actress and singer who played Timon! Great job V!
- [Recital Photo Day](https://johnandkristie.com/recital-photo-day/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Having a little fun before the official photo session!
- [Bird Housing](https://johnandkristie.com/bird-housing/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: A little measuring, drilling, painting, and patience turned plain boards into cheerful new homes for the backyard birds.
- [Spring Concert](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-concert/): CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: Miranda definitely enjoyed playing the bongos! Not so much the singing during the remainder of the concert (judging by their expressions). 😉
- [Monument Valley](https://johnandkristie.com/monument-valley/): MONUMENT VALLEY, AZ/UT :: At the halfway point between Zion and Moab is the iconic Monument Valley, one of the most famous landscapes in the entire Southwest. We stayed the at The View hotel to enjoy a fantastic dinner, sunset, star gazing, sunrise, and bumpy ride among the cowboy backdrops before heading back on the […]
- [Horseshoe Bend](https://johnandkristie.com/horseshoe-bend/): HORSESHOE BEND, PAGE, AZ :: Just a few miles away from Antelope Canyon is the Colorado River, where it dramatically bends into a horseshoe shape between 1000 feet tall, vertigo-inducing red rock cliffs!
- [Antelope Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/antelope-canyon/): ANTELOPE CANYON, PAGE, AZ :: After exploring Zion for a couple days, we headed to Page, Arizona to visit Antelope Canyon. Or as the kids like to call it, Cantaloupe Canyon!
- [Spring STEAM Fair](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-steam-fair/): CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: The kids had fun participating in their first science fair! Miranda demonstrated robots and programming with Frankie the Cat, and Lauren demonstrated the concepts of phase change and pixels with her Perler beads.
- [Emerald Pools & Riverside Walk](https://johnandkristie.com/emerald-pools-riverside-walk/): ZION NATIONAL PARK, UT :: On our second day in Zion National Park, we explored the three Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk leading to the Narrows.
- [Canyon Overlook Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/canyon-overlook-trail/): ZION NATIONAL PARK, UT :: After wandering through the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, we headed to Zion and hiked the short but thrilling Canyon Overlook Trail.
- [Bryce Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/bryce-canyon-3/): BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, UT :: The first stop on our tour of Utah/Arizona was a sunrise hike along the Navajo-Queen's Garden Loop Trail in beautiful Bryce Canyon. We got to the freezing trailhead early to catch dawn's intense red colors – well worth the tiredness and extra layers of clothes!
- [Easter 2018](https://johnandkristie.com/easter-2018/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Easter morning brought baskets at the door, an outdoor egg hunt, and more than a few pieces of candy sampled along the way.
- [Emoji Eggs](https://johnandkristie.com/emoji-eggs/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The egg-dyeing table became an emoji workshop, complete with bright colors, tiny faces, and a whole carton full of personality.
- [Happy Birthday, Emerson](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-birthday-emerson/): REDMOND, WA :: Emerson’s birthday filled the room with friends, presents, cake, and the happy chaos that only a kids’ party can produce.
- [Girl Scout Cookies](https://johnandkristie.com/girl-scout-cookies/): SAFEWAY, BOTHELL, WA :: Get your Girl Scout cookies! South entrance of Safeway at Thrasher’s Corner until 6:00 PM!
- [Diagon Alley](https://johnandkristie.com/diagon-alley/): BALLARD, SEATTLE, WA :: Up to no good in Ballard! We're so glad we made it to Diagon Alley's last day in Seattle. The kids were assigned to their houses by the Sorting Hat, tried some yummy butterbeer, got their wands at Olivanders, ate their fill of chocolate frogs, caught a golden snitch, found all […]
- [Up periscopes](https://johnandkristie.com/up-periscopes/): THE HOME DEPOT, BOTHELL, WA :: Neat little woodworking project provided for kids at The Home Depot. Up periscopes!
- [La Push](https://johnandkristie.com/la-push-2/): LA PUSH, WA :: A few fun and chilly days on the Olympic Coast! We climbed giant driftwood logs, enjoyed a bonfire with smores, watched the sunset while trying to outrun the surf (Miranda was not successful), spotted constellations at night, and even watched snow fall on the beach! But mostly we just enjoyed quiet […]
- [North Creek, Washington](https://johnandkristie.com/north-creek-washington-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: As we wait for the next illustrated volume of Harry Potter, I decided to take the kids to Middle Earth for our next book-to-movie experience. At first, it was a challenge to keep their attention through the chaos of "An Unexpected Party," but once Bilbo and the Company of Thorin […]
- [Cousin Bowl](https://johnandkristie.com/cousin-bowl/): TUKWILA FAMILY FUN CENTER, TUKWILA, WA :: The cousins took over the bowling alley, mixing careful aim with creative technique and a few celebratory trips to the arcade.
- [Glow Dance](https://johnandkristie.com/glow-dance-2/): CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: First school dance for the kids!
- [Lego Boost](https://johnandkristie.com/lego-boost/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: At seven, they’re building and programming their first robot! Interested Ivy League universities can PM me with acceptance letters and full ride scholarships. 😉
- [Oahu](https://johnandkristie.com/oahu/): OAHU, HI :: Hard to believe we were in warm and sunny Hawaii just a week ago! Here are some photos from our time in Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, and the North Shore.
- [Sledding](https://johnandkristie.com/sledding/): SKYVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL, BOTHELL, WA :: After opening our Christmas presents, we walked over to Skyview Junior High and enjoyed the beautiful snow. Back at home, we made a new friend in our front yard.
- [Christmas 2017](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2017/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Christmas stretched happily across two days of cooking, gifts, games, and time together around the tree.
- [Physics Defying Snowman](https://johnandkristie.com/physics-defying-snowman/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Did physics take a day off for Christmas?? Check out our snowman’s cantilevered lean!
- [White Christmas](https://johnandkristie.com/white-christmas/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Eve with our parents, siblings, and niece. Looking forward to seeing what Santa brought and playing in the snow tomorrow! Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
- [Snowflake Lane](https://johnandkristie.com/snowflake-lane/): SNOWFLAKE LANE, BELLEVUE, WA :: Celebrating the Winter Solstice with a parade and snow, of course!
- [Santa Photos](https://johnandkristie.com/santa-photos/): ALDERWOOD, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Too tall for Santa's lap this year, but not too tall for their seahorses! 😆
- [Wood Gingerbread House](https://johnandkristie.com/wood-gingerbread-house/): THE HOME DEPOT, BOTHELL, WA :: This might become a weekly tradition! Great program for kids at The Home Depot. Today’s build was a gingerbread house!
- [Winter Piano Recital](https://johnandkristie.com/winter-piano-recital/): BOTHELL, WA :: The winter recital ended the year on a high note, with proud smiles at the piano and family gathered in the audience.
- [Woodland Park Zoo](https://johnandkristie.com/woodland-park-zoo/): WOODLAND PARK ZOO, SEATTLE, WA :: A fun day at the zoo and showing the kids where mommy and daddy first lived together… We lived in Fremont, not the zoo! 😉
- [Daisies](https://johnandkristie.com/daisies/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Our girl scouts have been promoted to Daises, and thus new uniforms must be prepared. Hopefully I did this right!
- [Jack O'Lanterns](https://johnandkristie.com/jack-olanterns-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: We turned a row of pumpkins into a glowing cast of Halloween characters, each one with its own wonderfully strange expression.
- [Cardinals vs Honey Badgers](https://johnandkristie.com/cardinals-vs-honey-badgers/): WILMOT GATEWAY PARK, WOODINVILLE, WA :: The Cardinals closed out their soccer season with a spectacular 6-1 victory! Our Lauren was on fire as she scored three goals during the game! It's been so much fun to see the progress the kids have made, both individually and as a team. So proud, and thankful for […]
- [Soccer in the Fog](https://johnandkristie.com/soccer-in-the-fog/): WILMOT GATEWAY PARK, WOODINVILLE, WA :: The fog nearly swallowed the field, but the game carried on through purple jerseys, determined players, and a soccer ball appearing and disappearing in the mist.
- [Depeche Mode: Spirit Tour](https://johnandkristie.com/depeche-mode-spirit-tour/): CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: Man, these guys just keep getting better! Amazing, passionate, uplifting show – so fun to celebrate our anniversary with one of Kristie's favorite bands!
- [Hot Tub o' Colors](https://johnandkristie.com/hot-tub-o-colors/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Soaking away the stress of school and soccer.
- [Happy Birthday, Kristie](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-birthday-kristie-3/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Happy, Happy Birthday to the one who always gives us so much happiness and love! We love you, so very much!
- [Cardinals vs. Twisters](https://johnandkristie.com/cardinals-vs-twisters/): BOTHELL, WA :: It was a tense game against the Twisters, as the kids in purple recovered from a 3 point deficit at the half to tie the game. And Miranda scored their second goal of the season! The Cardinals maintain their winning record of 2-1-3 with just two games to go.
- [Fall Harvest Pumpkin Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/fall-harvest-pumpkin-festival/): REMLINGER FARMS, CARNATION, WA :: We revisited Remlinger Farms for ponies, roller coasters, hay mazes, slides, pedal cars, and pumpkins – oh my!
- [Cardinals vs. Racers](https://johnandkristie.com/cardinals-vs-racers/): BOTHELL, WA :: The purple Cardinals win their second straight game! Lauren also scored her first goal, and Miranda carried the last drive, kicking in a goal, unfortunately just a second after the last whistle. The kids in purple improve to 2-1-2 with just three more games to go.
- [Cardinals vs. Storm](https://johnandkristie.com/cardinals-vs-storm/): BOTHELL, WA :: The purple Cardinals won their first game today, and Miranda scored their first goal! 1-1-2 at the season's midpoint.
- [Cardinals vs. Unicorns](https://johnandkristie.com/cardinals-vs-unicorns/): BOTHELL, WA :: The kids are stepping up their game, but the competition is fierce. Proud of our purple Cardinals!
- [Minecraft Birthday Party](https://johnandkristie.com/minecraft-birthday-party/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Lauren & Miranda celebrated their 7th birthday with their best friends and a Minecraft theme!
- [Happy 7th Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-7th-birthday/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Happy 7th Birthday to my sweet, joyful, and wonderful kids! I cannot express how impossibly proud and happy you make me to be your dad. I love you, Lauren and Miranda!
- [Bye Bye Banff](https://johnandkristie.com/bye-bye-banff/): BANFF, CANADA :: We finally concluded our trip by exploring the animal named avenues, touristy shops, and beautiful parks of downtown Banff.
- [RCMP Musical Ride](https://johnandkristie.com/rcmp-musical-ride/): BANFF, CANADA :: Lucky us, we happened to be in Banff the same weekend as the Mounties, who were touring all of Canada for its 150th birthday. We watched a very impressive equestrian drill performance synchronized to music, and the kids were able to meet with the police officers and their horses after the show.
- [Lake Minnewanka](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-minnewanka/): LAKE MINNEWANKA, BANFF NATIONAL PARK, CANADA :: We rented a boat and enjoyed the morning on Banff's largest glacial lake, chasing the loons and trying to echo their cool calls!
- [Banff Gondola](https://johnandkristie.com/banff-gondola/): BANFF GONDOLA, BANFF, CANADA :: An evening ride up Sulphur Mountain, and then a short hike to the summit (8000') where scientists once observed cosmic rays. It was a little smokey, but the views and the sunset were still beautiful!
- [Peyto Lake](https://johnandkristie.com/peyto-lake/): PEYTO LAKE, BANFF NATIONAL PARK, CANADA :: From Moraine Lake, we ventured about 30 miles north along the Icefields Parkway to Peyto Lake, yet another stunningly turquoise body of water in Banff. Do you see the shape of a bear in the shoreline?
- [Moraine Lake](https://johnandkristie.com/moraine-lake/): MORAINE LAKE, BANFF NATIONAL PARK, CANADA :: We arrived at Moraine Lake at 7:45, before sunrise, and the parking lot was already full! Fortunately we were just about ten cars down the road. Walked around the shore, crossed the logs, and climbed up a boulder pile to get a better view. Completely worth it!
- [Lake Louise](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-louise/): LAKE LOUISE, BANFF NATIONAL PARK, CANADA :: Lake Louise was every bit as blue as promised, framed by towering peaks and the first hints of autumn along the shore.
- [Johnston Canyon Hike](https://johnandkristie.com/johnston-canyon-hike/): JOHNSTON CANYON, BANFF NATIONAL PARK, CANADA :: Gorge-ous hike through a narrow canyon via cantilevered walkways overlooking a brilliant blue river and two waterfalls!
- [First Day of First Grade](https://johnandkristie.com/first-day-of-first-grade/): CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: First grade started with new backpacks, big smiles, and a classroom that suddenly made kindergarten feel very far away.
- [Oneonta Gorge](https://johnandkristie.com/oneonta-gorge/): ONEONTA GORGE, OR :: The route through Oneonta Gorge was more stream than trail, leading beneath mossy walls toward the hidden falls at the end.
- [Lost Lake Resort & Hood River](https://johnandkristie.com/lost-lake-resort-hood-river/): HOOD RIVER, OR :: A cabin by the lake and Mike's Ice Cream in town.
- [The Eclipse](https://johnandkristie.com/the-eclipse/): MADRAS, OR :: We joined the crowds in Madras and watched daylight collapse into darkness for an eerie, truly awesome, and unforgettable few minutes beneath the total eclipse.
- [Eclipse Camping](https://johnandkristie.com/eclipse-camping/): MADRAS, OR :: We drove down through Central Oregon's high desert the day before the eclipse without encountering any of the predicted traffic. Our campsite was on the R+D Ranch just outside of Madras. It was one of the relatively smaller scale options that we shared with a thousand other fellow eclipse chasers. Surprisingly well […]
- [Girl Scout Camp](https://johnandkristie.com/girl-scout-camp/): BOTHELL, WA :: Some highlights from their week at the Trail & Sail Day Camp.
- [Cool in the pool](https://johnandkristie.com/cool-in-the-pool-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Cool in the pool! #nothottub #cooltub @ North Creek, Washington
- [Northwest Trek](https://johnandkristie.com/northwest-trek/): NORTHWEST TREK, EATONVILLE, WA :: Northwest Trek offered animals around every bend, from curious birds to the residents that preferred watching us from behind the trees.
- [Bellingham](https://johnandkristie.com/bellingham/): BELLINGHAM, WA :: Glass Beach, Mindport Exhibits, and Rocket Donuts!
- [Cultus Lake Adventure Park](https://johnandkristie.com/cultus-lake-adventure-park-2/): CULTUS LAKE ADVENTURE PARK, CULTUS LAKE, CANADA :: Across the street from the Cultus Lake Waterpark is the Cultus Lake Adventure Park, the cutest little amusement park! I loved the theming and attention paid to every single detail!
- [Cultus Lake Waterpark](https://johnandkristie.com/cultus-lake-waterpark-2/): CULTUS LAKE WATERPARK, CULTUS LAKE, CANADA :: We drove up to Chilliwack, BC after work on Friday and played all Saturday at the Cultus Lake Waterpark and Adventure Park! Here's a video of our first ride of the day on the Colossal Canyon slide. So fun!
- [4th of July BBQ](https://johnandkristie.com/4th-of-july-bbq/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: A bright Bothell Fourth of July brought flags, summer dresses, neighborhood fun, and sparklers after sunset.
- [Bike Ride to Beardslee Pub](https://johnandkristie.com/bike-ride-to-beardslee-pub/): BEARDSLEE PUBLIC HOUSE, BOTHELL, WA :: Via the North Creek Trail, we rode from our house to the Beardslee Public House for a yummy lunch and a beer. We also snaked through Canyon Park (appreciating the steep "canyon" aspect of it) and stopped by the Clubhouse to say hello to the herons. Fun ride, 10 […]
- [Jacob's 40th Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/jacobs-40th-birthday/): CLE ELUM, WA :: Jacob’s fortieth had all the right ingredients: family, food, cake, and enough laughter to make the milestone feel easy.
- [The Reptile Zoo](https://johnandkristie.com/the-reptile-zoo/): MONROE, WA :: The Reptile Zoo put us eye-to-eye with creatures that slither, climb, and stare back with impressive patience.
- [Happy Birthday, Mark](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-birthday-mark/): SEATTLE, WA :: Mark’s birthday turned the park into a party, with a playground, cake, and friends making the most of a sunny Seattle afternoon.
- [Cannon Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/cannon-beach-2/): CANNON BEACH, OR :: Where we made sandcastles and Miranda befriended a ladybug!
- [Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls](https://johnandkristie.com/columbia-river-gorge-waterfalls/): COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, OR/WA :: Six stunning waterfalls within a few miles of each other along the Columbia River. The kids loved them, and they did so well on the steep trails.
- [Bubbles](https://johnandkristie.com/bubbles/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Bubbles!
- [Log Boom Park Bike Ride](https://johnandkristie.com/log-boom-park-bike-ride/): LOG BOOM PARK, KENMORE, WA :: We made a family ride of the Burke-Gilman, stopping at Log Boom Park before continuing along the lake through Kenmore and Lake Forest Park.
- [U2: The Joshua Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/u2-the-joshua-tree/): LUMEN FIELD, SEATTLE, WA :: Such a fun, high-energy, and amazing show! Featuring a cold-open with Larry pounding Sunday Bloody Sunday's militant beat, the entire masterpiece of The Joshua Tree album, and an encore of several more hits – no filler! And that screen… My god, that screen! Wow!
- [Happy Mother's Day](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-mothers-day-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Mother’s Day was simple and sweet: handmade words, a few flowers, and time with the person at the center of it all.
- [Miner's Corner](https://johnandkristie.com/miners-corner/): MINER'S CORNER COUNTY PARK, BOTHELL, WA :: Sunny fun at Miner's Corner! @ Miner's Corner County Park
- [Spring Piano Recital](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-piano-recital-2/): BOTHELL, WA :: The spring piano recital paired careful concentration at the keyboard with some very proud smiles afterward.
- [Happy Easter](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-easter-6/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Bunny ears, baskets on the doorstep, and a backyard egg hunt made for a colorful Easter at home.
- [Egg Hunt & Cookie Decorating](https://johnandkristie.com/egg-hunt-cookie-decorating/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: An egg hunt outside and cookie decorating inside kept the Easter sugar rush going in every possible direction.
- [Tour de Woodinville](https://johnandkristie.com/tour-de-woodinville/): SAMMAMISH RIVER TRAIL, WA :: Biking Bothell Landing to Wilmot Gateway Park to Redhook Brewery and back via the Sammamish River Trail
- [Happy Birthday, Emerson](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-birthday-emerson-2/): KENMORE LANES, WA :: Emerson’s birthday rolled straight into the lanes, with bowling, cake, presents, and a crowd of delighted friends.
- [LAN Party](https://johnandkristie.com/lan-party/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: This is what a LAN party looks like in 2017.
- [Artists at Play Playground](https://johnandkristie.com/artists-at-play-playground/): ARTISTS AT PLAY, SEATTLE CENTER, SEATTLE, WA :: Artists at Play proved that a playground can double as a sculpture, and that the biggest slides are always worth the climb.
- [Bremerton to Seattle Ferry](https://johnandkristie.com/bremerton-to-seattle-ferry/): BREMERTON, WA :: The kids enjoyed their first ride on a ferry!
- [Quidditch Night](https://johnandkristie.com/quidditch-night/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Quidditch Night! We finished reading The Sorceror's Stone to the kids and rewarded ourselves with the movie. Great story, in both forms. And it was fun to see the kids demonstrate their comprehension by anticipating scenes in the film!
- [Disney's California Adventure](https://johnandkristie.com/disneys-california-adventure/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 5 :: ANAHEIM, CA :: The photo above shows us a split-second before falling 13 floors down an elevator shaft in the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror! That was fun, as was the rest of California Adventure. If we could visit only one of Disney’s theme parks in Anaheim, we’d choose California […]
- [Disneyland](https://johnandkristie.com/disneyland/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 4 :: ANAHEIM, CA :: The happiest place on earth? Perhaps, but I wish I had taken photos of all of the crying kids and their stressed out parents (actually, someone already did). Don’t get me wrong, I love Disneyland. Kristie and I had a great time. But in order to do […]
- [Wild Animal Park](https://johnandkristie.com/wild-animal-park/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 3 :: ESCONDIDO, CA :: We had a choice between visiting the San Diego Zoo or the Wild Animal Park, and we were glad we decided on the latter. Most of the animals in the Wild Animal Park are able to roam across acres of land resembling their natural habitat. We started […]
- [Santa Monica / Malibu](https://johnandkristie.com/santa-monica-malibu/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 3 :: SANTA MONICA, CA :: I have many great memories of Santa Monica and Los Angeles. As architecture students many years ago, we spent a lot of time here exploring buildings designed by Frank Gehry, Richard Meier, Charles Eames, Greene & Greene, and Frank Lloyd Wright. And of course, as college […]
- [La Jolla](https://johnandkristie.com/la-jolla/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 2 :: LA JOLLA, CA :: After Sea World, we drove to nearby La Jolla. I wanted to explore the Salk Institute, but the gates were locked. We circled around the complex, looking for a way inside. It would have been easy to hop a fence, but I didn’t want to spend […]
- [Sea World](https://johnandkristie.com/sea-world/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 2 :: SAN DIEGO, CA :: The second day of our vacation started with an early arrival at Sea World for a breakfast buffet with the orcas. The killer whales enjoyed whole fish and ice cubes (a treat for them) while we ate fruit, pastries, eggs, sausage, hash browns, french toast and […]
- [Joshua Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/joshua-tree/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 1 :: JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, CA :: To kick off the summer, Kristie and I ventured south for an eight day vacation in the Southwest. We flew from Seattle to Las Vegas and rented a little convertible, driving nearly 1,000 miles to follow our packed itinerary. It was a great trip! […]
- [Free PSP](https://johnandkristie.com/free-psp/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Hey, guess what appeared on my doorstep today! A free Playstation Portable from Gratis! Well, it wasn’t exactly free. As with my free iPod, I decided to use Google to get my referrals quickly. This time it cost about $60 to get 30 people to sign-up. Of those 30, six eventually […]
- [Rachel Lake](https://johnandkristie.com/rachel-lake/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I joined Jake and Jayson today for a hike up to Rachel Lake. We were expecting cool temperatures and overcast skies, but when we arrived at the trailhead, it was warm and sunny. It had been a while since I last hiked this trail, and I had forgotten how […]
- [The Crystal Method](https://johnandkristie.com/the-crystal-method/): SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I don’t visit the dance clubs too often anymore, but we figure its good to drop into one every once in a while to see if we’re missing out on anything. Tonight, The Crystal Method was playing at Element across from the EMP. It’s a relatively new club that occupies […]
- [Mt. Teneriffe & Mt. Si Loop](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-teneriffe-mt-si-loop/): NORTH BEND, WA :: A few days before Memorial Day weekend, Seattle experienced a record-breaking heat wave with temperatures reaching 90 degrees. My mom called to brag about her new air conditioner and asked what I had done to escape the heat. I told her I hiked 14 miles to traverse the ridge between Mt. […]
- [Umtanum Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/umtanum-canyon/): UMTANUM CREEK RECREATION AREA, YAKIMA, WA :: This weekend I joined Jake, Jayson and Jessica for our first backpacking trip of the year. We hiked deep into Umtanum Canyon, hoping to reach Durr Road. After about two miles, the maintained trail petered out into a faint path that required plenty of bushwhacking and several creek […]
- [U2](https://johnandkristie.com/u2-2/): KEY ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: It was a wonderful night at Key Arena! By far, this was the best U2 concert of the three I’ve seen, and it was the first for Kristie and my sister. The band was enthusiastic and lively, feeding off the incredible energy of the crowd. You could tell the four […]
- [Skagit Valley Tulip Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/skagit-valley-tulip-festival-2/): LA CONNER, WA :: This morning we took a short trip to Skagit Valley to see the tulips. As we wandered from one field of color to the next, the fast moving clouds occasionally allowed the sunshine to break through. Scores of photographers lined the roads with their tripods, waiting patiently for the perfect lighting […]
- [XBOX Mod](https://johnandkristie.com/xbox-mod/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: It’s possible to turn the XBOX into an impressive media center PC with a simple hardware modification to bypass the system’s restrictive BIOS. There are literally hundreds of vendors that sell “mod chips” and dozens of manufacturers that produce them. Deciding on which one to get depends on your XBOX version, […]
- [Granite Mountain](https://johnandkristie.com/granite-mountain/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I hiked up Granite Mountain on Sunday and had an enjoyable time. It’s less than an hour from Seattle and couldn’t be any closer to I-90, making it a popular choice for many other hikers on this sunny and warm weekend. The trail starts at the Pratt Lake trailhead […]
- [Cheer Bear](https://johnandkristie.com/cheer-bear/): SEATTLE, WA :: Today was a happy day for Kristie! She met a real, live Care Bear! She agreed to let me post a picture to the website, but she wanted me to make it clear that it was only by chance we ran into Cheer Bear. We just happened to be at the Northgate […]
- [Cherry Blossoms](https://johnandkristie.com/cherry-blossoms/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Just sharing a few pictures of the cherry tree in our yard, which seems to be blooming early this year. It was 61 degrees and sunny in Seattle today, with a couple more weeks of winter remaining.
- [Mt. Baker Cabin](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-baker-cabin/): GLACIER, WA :: Kristie and I spent the weekend with friends in a cabin near Mt. Baker. The original plan included snowshoeing in the mountains, but that required snow – something that we are sorely lacking this winter. Despite the unusually warm weather and rain, we all had a great time just hanging out, playing […]
- [Lime Kiln Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/lime-kiln-trail/): GRANITE FALLS, WA :: The threat of avalanches kept me away from the mountains this weekend. I decided instead to explore the new Lime Kiln Trail in Robe Canyon. Overall, it’s a nice seven-mile walk through the woods along a historic railroad grade that overlooks the Stillaguamish River. Like the nearby Old Robe Trail, it […]
- [Free iPod (and Shirt)](https://johnandkristie.com/free-ipod-and-shirt/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: A shiny, new iPod arrived at our door today. I received it for free from Gratis at www.freeipods.com! If you’re wondering how it works and would like to get your own, read on: Gratis is a lead referral business for companies such as Blockbuster, eBay, The Wall Street Journal, BMG, Video […]
- [Dragonfly Mosaic](https://johnandkristie.com/dragonfly-mosaic/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Over the holiday break, Kristie crafted a glass mosaic, transforming an ordinary clay pot into a sparkling piece of art. This was her first time working with glass tiles and grout, so it took some practice to master the techniques. The first few attempts to cut the tiles with a pair […]
- [The Lion King](https://johnandkristie.com/the-lion-king/): PARAMOUNT THEATER, SEATTLE, WA :: To celebrate the new year, Kristie forced me to dress up. Apart from that hassle, it was a very enjoyable and memorable night. We started with dinner at The Oceanaire, an ultra-fancy seafood restaurant. We didn’t have reservations, but we lucked out by being seated right as we walked in. […]
- [Mt. Si](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-si/): NORTH BEND, WA :: Among the holiday indulgences, the edible and drinkable kind are the most regretable. All of the smoked ham, cheese, wine, chocolates, cookies, nuts and other snacks had taken their toll on my gut. Wallowing in my sofa for 12 hours to the watch the entire “Lord of the Rings” trilogy probably […]
- [Christmas](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-4/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: For a few years, Kristie and I used a dinky Christmas tree that we placed on top of the fireplace mantel. It was barely a foot tall, and the regular-sized ornaments we were collecting could no longer fit on its puny limbs. This year, we splurged and got a pre-lit, 7-foot, […]
- [Whistler](https://johnandkristie.com/whistler/): WHISTLER, B.C.:: Many, many thanks to Howard and Linda for inviting us to stay a few nights in their very nice Whistler condo! We had an awesome weekend! Our first experience of Whistler was both an exciting holiday getaway and a relaxing break from school. The drive to Whistler from Seattle was only five hours, […]
- [Bamboo Fountain](https://johnandkristie.com/bamboo-fountain/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Indoor fountains are certainly popular these days. The sound of falling water trickling over a bed of rocks is very pleasing. Unfortunately, most of the fountains sold in stores are gaudy and/or very expensive. I thought it would be relatively easy and much cheaper to create my own. Essentially, a fountain […]
- [Mt. Pilchuck](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-pilchuck/): MT. PILCHUCK STATE PARK, WA :: Today was my fourth hike to the top of Mt. Pilchuck, and it was the first time the sky was clear enough to enjoy the view. Wow! Fresh snow blanketed the landscape and the cold, dry air offered a great view of the surrounding peaks. Most prominent were Glacier, […]
- [Marin's Holiday Party](https://johnandkristie.com/marins-holiday-party/): SEATTLE, WA :: Marin and her roommates kicked-off the holiday season early with a party in their notorious Greenlake home. Perhaps a little too early, because pumpkins and Halloween decorations were found mingling with the stockings and Santa hats. People were holding cups adorned with ghosts while singing, “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas.” After a […]
- [Museum of Glass](https://johnandkristie.com/museum-of-glass/): TACOMA, WA :: The Museum of Glass is among several recent projects that are revitalizing downtown Tacoma. It is situated across from the new Washington State History Museum and the University of Washington’s branch campus. Tacoma’s other icons, old and new, can be seen from the museum’s surrounding terraces and plazas, including the Tacoma Dome, […]
- [Camp Muir](https://johnandkristie.com/camp-muir/): MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: I got up at 3:30 AM this morning to be in MRNP by 6:00 AM. There were no clouds, no fog, and no wind – ideal conditions for a sunrise photo of Mt. Rainier mirrored in Reflection Lakes. Although getting up that early is never fun, today it was […]
- [Seattle Central Library](https://johnandkristie.com/seattle-central-library/): SEATTLE, WA :: I remember coming across Rem Koolhaas’s modernist projects while I was in architecture school. Honestly, I think I was more impressed by his name than his buildings. Cool House… How could you possibly have a better name as an architect? Modern design has always appealed to me, but I wondered how liveable […]
- [Sahale Glacier](https://johnandkristie.com/sahale-glacier/): NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK, WA :: When I first hiked this trail a couple years ago, a nearby wildfire prevented me from reaching the campsites at the end of the Sahale Arm. The Cascade River Valley and surrounding vistas were obscured by smoke. Despite assurances from the park rangers that I would be safe, my […]
- [Mt. St. Helens](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-st-helens/): MT. ST. HELENS NATIONAL VOLCANIC MONUMENT, WA :: Earlier this year, Jessica secured several permits to climb Mt. St. Helens, allowing Jayson, Jacob, Pat, Cheri and myself to summit the still-active volcano. The peak once reached 9,760 feet, but the eruption in 1980 pulverized the entire north face and blew 1,400 feet off the top, […]
- [Pacific City](https://johnandkristie.com/pacific-city/): PACIFIC CITY, OR :: After our day in Salem, we decided to drive back home along the coast, stopping in Pacific City along the way. This small town skirts a beautiful, sandy beach that is usually filled with surfers and happy sun worshippers. The Pelican Pub overlooks the beach, and it’s the perfect place to […]
- [Silver Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/silver-falls/): SILVER FALLS STATE PARK, OR :: We had originally planned to camp at Mt. Rainier this weekend, but as I checked the weather forecast and web camera every thirty minutes from work on Friday, the chance of actually seeing the mountain and staying dry on Saturday grew slim. Plan B was hastily put together: we […]
- [Three Fingers](https://johnandkristie.com/three-fingers/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Wow! This is the hike to which all others will be compared! The weekend forecast predicted overcast skies and rain, so I decided to take the day off from work to enjoy what might have been one of the last sunny days of summer. Reading through trip reports and […]
- [Lake Lillian & Rampart Ridge](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-lillian-rampart-ridge/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: If you want to get to beautiful Lake Lillian in a hurry, there’s a steep trail accessible from a sharp bend in a forest road along Rocky Run Creek. The trail is less than a mile long and is very, very steep. I won’t reveal exactly how to get […]
- [Green Mountain](https://johnandkristie.com/green-mountain-2/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I joined the McIvors and their energetic Weimaraners for a hike up Green Mountain, one of the most scenic trails along the Mountain Loop highway. We met in Darrington, and were eager to get on the 26 mile gravel road to the trailhead. My shiny new Pathfinder needed to […]
- [Heather & Seth's Wedding](https://johnandkristie.com/heather-seths-wedding/): BELLINGHAM, WA :: Heather and Seth couldn’t have chosen a better day for their wedding reception in beautiful Bellingham. The weather was gorgeous, and the scenery from Marine Park included a spectacular view of Puget Sound and the San Juans. The pretty decorations were hand-crafted by Heather, and the feast for over 100 family and […]
- [The Pathfinder](https://johnandkristie.com/the-pathfinder/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Check out my new ride! I had finally had enough of my old Intrepid. After it died on me again last weekend, I decided I needed to stop dumping money into it and get myself a nicer vehicle. I knew I wanted a mid-size SUV, and my research narrowed down my […]
- [Washington Park Arboretum](https://johnandkristie.com/washington-park-arboretum/): UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGON, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I usually devote our Sundays to relaxation and reading. She’ll work her way through a pile of books as I look through the Sunday paper. Sunday just doesn’t feel right without a few pounds of newsprint, retail advertisements and colorful comics in my lap. Today we decided […]
- [Gothic Basin](https://johnandkristie.com/gothic-basin/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: The trail statistics for Gothic Basin are very deceiving. According to the Forest Service website, the trail climbs 2700′ over the course of 3.3 miles. It doesn’t tell you nearly 2000 of those feet are gained in just one mile. It’s a torturing and seemingly endless stretch of trail […]
- [Mt. Forgotten Meadows](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-forgotten-meadows/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: As I type this entry, I must pause after every sentence to scratch at a mosquito bite. I know I shouldn’t, but I’m bitten all over and itching makes it feel better. As I rake my nails again across my bumpy skin, I wonder: why are mosquito bites so […]
- [Pearrygin Lake](https://johnandkristie.com/pearrygin-lake/): PEARRYGIN LAKE STATE PARK, WA :: This weekend we car-camped at Pearrygin Lake State Park with a large group of friends, including Kristie’s brother and his buddy, Justin. Our gang of 12 adults, 4 dogs and 1 toddler divided ourselves amongst three campsites that were conveniently connected and located in a less-trafficked section of the […]
- [Lake Union Fireworks](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-union-fireworks/): LAKE UNION, SEATTLE, WA :: To celebrate the 4th of July, Kristie and I watched the fireworks show over Lake Union. We grabbed a couple lawn chairs, walked down the hill from our house, and found a spot to sit along the Fremont Cut and under the Aurora Bridge. It was a beautiful night. Families […]
- [Kendall Katwalk](https://johnandkristie.com/kendall-katwalk/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I started this hike from the Snoqualmie Pass trailhead at 7:00 AM. I’ve been trying to hit the trails much earlier this year. For me, there are several benefits: 1. There are no crowds. I don’t have to pass hordes of hikers and can have the destination to myself […]
- [Night of the Bunnies](https://johnandkristie.com/night-of-the-bunnies/): WOODLAND PARK, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I enjoy going on walks together around town. I like to bring my camera along, just in case something strikes me as photoworthy. She’d rather I didn’t, I think, because our walks are too often interrupted by me spending every other minute trying to frame yet another flower […]
- [Sauk River Whitewater](https://johnandkristie.com/sauk-river-whitewater/): SAUK RIVER, DARRINGTON, WA :: Kristie finally succeeded in rounding up a group of eight fearless friends for a day of whitewater rafting in the Cascades. The Sauk River runs beside the small mountain town of Darrington, where we met our outfitter and guides from Orion Expeditions. On a scale from one to six, with […]
- [Panda Cake](https://johnandkristie.com/panda-cake/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Wow, lucky me! On this weekend, Kristie once again possessed a powerful urge to exercise her creativity in the form of baked goods. Usually this results in yummy muffins or cupcakes, but today, I was blown away. I’m still not sure what I did to deserve this wonderful panda cake. Whatever […]
- [Point of Arches](https://johnandkristie.com/point-of-arches-3/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Chances are you’ve heard of Shi Shi Beach and Point of Arches. The Travel Channel recently included the two-mile stretch of pristine sand on their list of the country’s ten best beaches. The media attention along with a brand new boardwalk trail instilled a sense of urgency in our backpacking […]
- [Burke-Gilman Beer Mile](https://johnandkristie.com/burke-gilman-beer-mile/): BURKE-GILMAN TRAIL, SEATTLE, WA :: Official Beer Mile Rules: 1. Each competitor drinks four cans of beer and completes four laps (Start – beer/lap, beer/lap, beer/lap, beer/lap – finish). 2. Beer must be consumed before the lap is begun, within the transition area which is the 10 meter zone before the start/finish line on a […]
- [Susan's WSU Graduation](https://johnandkristie.com/susans-wsu-graduation/): WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY, PULLMAN, WA :: Mom, Dad, Kristie and I made the trip across the state to visit WSU and celebrate my sister’s graduation. Five years ago, I had left Pullman and she had just arrived. I’m very proud and happy for her achievement. I know it’s not easy. It was fun to revisit […]
- [Mailbox Peak](https://johnandkristie.com/mailbox-peak/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: The horror stories about Mailbox Peak are true. This is the steepest trail I’ve ever hiked. So steep, that when I tried to summit it last year in the rain, I could not get up the muddy slope. So steep, that there are hand-holds to help pull you up […]
- [Umtanum Ridge](https://johnandkristie.com/umtanum-ridge/): UMTANUM CREEK RECREATION AREA, YAKIMA, WA :: I decided I needed a change of scenery this weekend, so I headed east towards Yakima for a hike up Umtanum Ridge. The reports I read promised a dry landscape of basalt, cactus, wildflowers and no snow. A perfect break from the cold, dark forests and frozen lakes […]
- [Poo Poo Point](https://johnandkristie.com/poo-poo-point/): TIGER MOUNTAIN STATE FOREST, ISSAQUAH, WA :: The trailhead for Poo Poo Point is located behind Issaquah High School’s stadium and is only 30 minutes away from Seattle. The trail offers a quick, 5.5 mile hike (roundtrip) on Tiger Mountain to a bluff overlooking Lake Sammamish. This is apparently a hang glider port, 2000 feet […]
- [Lake 22](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-22/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Kristie’s dad was visiting this weekend, and he wanted to go on a hike. I suggested Lake 22, a fairly easy trail with a variety of scenery, including old-growth trees, waterfalls, and an alpine lake at the base of Mt. Pilchuck. It’s always been a favorite of mine, especially […]
- [White Salmon Ridge](https://johnandkristie.com/white-salmon-ridge/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Pat and Cheri had reserved a spacious cabin near the town of Glacier for a wintery getaway in the mountains. Matt, Becky, Kristie and I joined them for a weekend of fireside chats, video games, cheesy movies and a fun snowshoe adventure atop Mt. Baker. After our first night […]
- [The Centipede](https://johnandkristie.com/the-centipede/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: An arcade machine. Every boy dreams of having one. I guess I never stopped dreaming. I built one! The idea for the project started when I was reminiscing about old video games, like Donkey Kong, Robotron, Joust, Ms. Pac Man and Street Fighter II. I thought it’d be great to play […]
- [San Juan Island](https://johnandkristie.com/san-juan-island/): SAN JUAN ISLAND, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: To celebrate the second anniversary of our merry coupledom, Kristie and I chose to stay the weekend on scenic San Juan Island. Our October getaways in the Northwest are great because of the romantic fall colors and heavily discounted hotel rates. The tourist crowds have mostly thinned out, […]
- [La Push](https://johnandkristie.com/la-push/): QUILEUTE INDIAN RESERVATION, LA PUSH, WA :: We were in La Push this weekend with more than a dozen friends. Marin had reserved three cabins that sat on the edge of the beach. From their decks we could see the ocean and surfers. We hiked the trail to Third Beach and explored the little coves […]
- [Belize Day 3](https://johnandkristie.com/belize-day-3/): SECRET BEACH, SAN PEDRO, BELIZE :: Today in beautiful Belize we enjoyed the long shallow beach at (the not-so-secret) Secret Beach, went snorkeling with sharks and stingrays, ate at Elvi's Kitchen, and watched the world famous Chicken Drop contest!
- [Belize Day 2](https://johnandkristie.com/belize-day-2/): GRAND CARIBE RESORT, SAN PEDRO, BELIZE :: Today in beautiful Belize we went parasailing, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, and dining in one of the few restaurants open on the island on New Years Day.
- [NYE in Belize](https://johnandkristie.com/nye-in-belize/): THE TRUCK STOP, SAN PEDRO, BELIZE :: HAPPY NEW YEAR! The last day of 2019 was one of our best! We flew into Ambergris Caye, walked the beach, had dinner and enjoyed a Family Feud show at The Truck Stop, drove our golf cart through the crazy streets of San Pedro at night, and then […]
- [Christmas 2019](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2019/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Our Christmas morning, with a video capturing Lauren and Miranda's excitement upon discovering they're finally getting kittens! Wishing everyone a joyful holiday!
- [Christmas Eve 2019](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-eve-2019/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: With cousin, aunt, uncle, grandparents, and gingerbread men too!
- [Christmas Piano Recital](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-piano-recital/): KENMORE, WA :: They no longer believe in Santa or dresses, but they agreed to wear their ruffled tunics and sit with the nice, bearded man in the mall one more time. Fortunately, they still believe in the magic of music, and enjoyed performing their Christmas songs at recital with their fun new piano teacher!
- [Copenhagen](https://johnandkristie.com/copenhagen-2/): COPENHAGEN, DENMARK :: I’ve always loved Copenhagen, so I was very happy to share it with Kristie. We explored the colorful waterfront at Nyhavn, climbed the winding ramp inside the Round Tower, wandered through Freetown Christiania, and stopped to see the Little Mermaid beside the harbor. Our vacation rental was adjacent to the pedestrian and […]
- [London Highlights](https://johnandkristie.com/london-highlights/): LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM :: We took advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday to vacation in Europe, with London as our first stop. We stayed near Piccadilly Circus and explored Borough Market, the Tower of London, where the ravens were a particular favorite, and some of the city’s best-known sights, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. We […]
- [Thanksgiving 2019](https://johnandkristie.com/thanksgiving-2019/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: A wonderful time shared with family and the first turkey I ever cooked. Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
- [Trimming the Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/trimming-the-tree/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Trimming the tree!
- [Trick-Or-Treat](https://johnandkristie.com/trick-or-treat/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Happy Halloween from the archer, the fox, the Care Bear, and the scary eye creature! Thanks to Faye for hosting the fun party!
- [Jack-O'-Lanterns](https://johnandkristie.com/jack-o-lanterns-3/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: This year we're terrifying the neighborhood with a Pusheen and Squishmallow… 😉 At least the Pusheen looks somewhat mean.
- [Junior Chefs](https://johnandkristie.com/junior-chefs/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The kids continue to develop their kitchen skills via their monthly Raddish Kids kits. This album covers their preparation of Dulce de Leche Cookies, Chimichurri Steak Sandwiches, Jack o' Pot Pies, and Boonana Bread!
- [Alicorn Team Pictures](https://johnandkristie.com/alicorn-team-pictures/): WILMOT GATEWAY PARK, WOODINVILLE, WA :: The soccer season is over, but we'll always have these photos to help remember the fun had by this group of kids and their coaches. The team trusted me with their photos this year – it was the least I could do to help out. Go Alicorns!
- [Kristie's Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/kristies-birthday-4/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Work and travel has kept me away from Lightroom! Trying to catch up with a few photos from Kristie's birthday earlier this month.
- [Alicorns vs Pumas](https://johnandkristie.com/alicorns-vs-pumas/): BOTHELL, WA :: The Alicorns were on fire today, hustling around the field, relentlessly attacking, and executing some awesome passing plays to win 4-0 against the Pumas!
- [Skate Night](https://johnandkristie.com/skate-night/): LYNNWOOD BOWL & SKATE, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Colored lights, loud music, and a pair of skates made for a high-energy night at the rink.
- [Pusheen's Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/pusheens-birthday/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The kids arbitrarily decided today was Aanya's birthday. Aanya is the name of their Pusheenimal lion – one of their favorite stuffies. Knowing the days that I get to celebrate a stuffed animal birthday with my kids are limited, I went all in. We celebrated with Pusheen-themed games throughout the […]
- [Seattle Children's Book Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/seattle-childrens-book-festival/): SEATTLE, WA :: Today the kids got to see some of their favorite authors, including Tui T. Sutherland (Wings of Fire), Dana Simpson (Phoebe and Her Unicorn), Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet), and Ben Clanton (Narwhal and Jelly). There were about 50 authors present in all, and the lines were crazy-long for most of them. We chose […]
- [Science Birthday Party](https://johnandkristie.com/science-birthday-party/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Lauren & Miranda chose to celebrate their 9th birthday with a science themed party and thirteen of their best friends. Catalyst Courtney from Mad Science put on an interactive, educational, and entertaining show. Afterwards, the kids continued their fun experiments in the Orbeez lab, and later in the backyard with […]
- [Nine](https://johnandkristie.com/nine/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Happy 9th Birthday to our beautiful (and very silly) kids! Thank you, Grandma Carol, for the nice cards and fun gifts!
- [Alicorns vs Daisies](https://johnandkristie.com/alicorns-vs-daisies/): BOTHELL, WA :: Proud of these kids for playing hard through the entire game with no subs and no complaints! Thanks to Ruben for stepping in to coach, and Lizzy for refereeing!
- [3rd Grade](https://johnandkristie.com/3rd-grade/): CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: Third grade began with bright backpacks, familiar front-step photos, and two kids suddenly looking much older than they did last September.
- [Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery](https://johnandkristie.com/chateau-ste-michelle-winery/): CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE WINERY, WOODINVILLE, WA :: Enjoying the last weekend of summer vacation with games, crafts, music, and of course wine at Ste. Michelle.
- [NYSA Soccer Jamboree](https://johnandkristie.com/nysa-soccer-jamboree/): REDMOND, WA :: The kids kicked off their 2019 soccer season with three (3!) games on Saturday at the interleague soccer jamboree at 60 Acres! They were pretty beat by the end of the day, but they're still loving the game.
- [Pier to Pier Bike Ride](https://johnandkristie.com/pier-to-pier-bike-ride/): SANTA MONICA, CA :: Before heading back to the airport, we rented bikes at Santa Monica Pier and rode them via the nice bike path to Venice Beach Pier. We stopped to check out the sights along the way, including a steaming dragon, Muscle Beach (under renovation), the skate park, and the beach itself. It […]
- [Tongva Park](https://johnandkristie.com/tongva-park/): TONGVA PARK, SANTA MONICA, CA :: On the final day of our trip, we had breakfast and explored Santa Monica's brand new and beautiful Tongva Park, just a block away from our hotel and directly in front of City Hall. We had fun exploring the gardens, playground, and unique sculptures!
- [Griffith Observatory](https://johnandkristie.com/griffith-observatory/): GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY, LOS ANGELES, CA :: Angelenos are lucky to have free access to amazing museums such as The Getty Center, California Science Center, and The Griffith Observatory. Today we visited The Griffith Observatory, perched high above Los Angeles with a commanding view of the city. Unfortunately, it was super crowded, so we didn't get […]
- [Santa Monica](https://johnandkristie.com/santa-monica/): SANTA MONICA, CA :: While in Southern California, we felt we needed to spend a couple days at the beach. So off to Santa Monica we went, where we spent the first day relaxing in the pool and strolling along Third Street Promenade. For lunch, we introduced the kids to one of our favorites: Barney's […]
- [Moro Rock](https://johnandkristie.com/moro-rock/): MORO ROCK, SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, CA :: Our last stop in Sequoia National Park was Moro Rock, a granite monolith that towers over most of the park. It's like the little brother of Yosemite's Half Dome, and not nearly as difficult to climb. Still, the 350 carved steps left us a little winded at 6750 […]
- [Tokopah Falls Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/tokopah-falls-trail/): TOKOPAH FALLS, SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, CA :: After being on the road for a few hours and enduring the summertime crowds around General Sherman, it was nice to stretch our legs a bit and find some relative peace in the wilderness. There were still throngs of people on the trail, but about a half mile […]
- [General Sherman](https://johnandkristie.com/general-sherman/): GENERAL SHERMAN TREE, SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, CA :: We enjoyed a day in Sequoia National Park, starting with General Sherman, the world's largest tree (by volume)! It's 275 feet tall and 36.5 feet wide at its base! Its largest *branch* is seven feet wide! The General has lived 2000 years, and the experience of being […]
- [Blanco](https://johnandkristie.com/blanco/): COSTCO, WOODINVILLE, WA :: We had fun shopping with Blanco The Legendary Costco Cart this morning!
- [Cosmic Cuisine](https://johnandkristie.com/cosmic-cuisine/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: In order to develop the twins' culinary skills beyond serving a bowl of cereal, we subscribed to the Raddish Kids meal kits. This month's theme was Cosmic Cuisine! The kids enjoyed making Galactic Pancakes, Meteor Meatballs, and Planetary Pasta. It was fun, and we're looking forward to next month's rad […]
- [4th of July](https://johnandkristie.com/4th-of-july/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: We made it back home from Canada just in time to celebrate America's birthday with some food, frisbee, and fireworks!
- [Cultus Lake Waterpark](https://johnandkristie.com/cultus-lake-waterpark/): CULTUS LAKE WATERPARK, CULTUS LAKE, CANADA :: Cultus Lake Waterpark is compact, but fun! It features a range of thrilling to more casual slides, perfect to pace through the day.
- [Cultus Lake Adventure Park](https://johnandkristie.com/cultus-lake-adventure-park/): CULTUS LAKE ADVENTURE PARK, CULTUS LAKE, CANADA :: One of our favorite amusement parks is just a few hours north in Chilliwack, BC. Today, however, we were able to just walk to it from our lakeside vacation rental. We love the fun and detailed Pacific Northwest theming throughout this park. Better yet, we loved not […]
- [Cascade Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/cascade-falls/): CASCADE FALLS, MISSION, CANADA :: A nice short walk through the misty woods to a long suspension bridge and beautiful waterfall plunging 100 feet into an emerald green pool. We were also lucky to have the entire park to ourselves.
- [Cultus Lake, British Columbia](https://johnandkristie.com/cultus-lake-british-columbia/): CULTUS LAKE, CANADA :: We revisited Cultus Lake for a few days of family fun and relaxation. We enjoyed walks along the lake and nearby Cascade Falls, many board games, rides at the nearby theme park and waterslide park, fishing off the dock, and cozy evenings together in front of the fire.
- [Fremont Solstice Parade & Fair](https://johnandkristie.com/fremont-solstice-parade-fair/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Celebrating the solstice in the center of the universe with Seattle's most artistic and "flashy" community! The twins were even invited to participate in the parade several times to dance and interact with various floats and performers. Such a fun way to kick-off the summer!
- [Spring 2019 Piano Recital](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-2019-piano-recital/): BOTHELL, WA :: Another recital, another proud evening watching months of piano practice turn into confident performances onstage.
- [Minefaire](https://johnandkristie.com/minefaire/): WAMU THEATER, SEATTLE, WA :: Today the kids celebrated their favorite game at Minefaire! They experienced Minecraft in virtual reality, got their faces painted, played an online egg hunt challenge, participated in a lava-side Q&A with StacyPlays, watched a costume contest, successfully solved an escape room, and of course checked out all of the merch!
- [Slip-n-Slide Party](https://johnandkristie.com/slip-n-slide-party/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The first 80 degree Saturday is an occasion to celebrate in this town! The neighborhood kids were invited to slip, slide, splash, and shoot each other while watering our lawns. 😉
- [Sonics vs Eagles](https://johnandkristie.com/sonics-vs-eagles/): WESTHILL ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: It's fun seeing the coed teams play this season. It's been a little more physical, but the kids are still loving and winning their games!
- [Happy Easter](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-easter-5/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Well, the kids no longer believe in the Easter Bunny, Leprechauns, or Santa Claus. The disbelief started with the Tooth Fairy, of all things. But whether real or make-believe, we still had just as much fun celebrating the myth and traditions that define us as a culture and family. Happy […]
- [Last Day in Costa Rica](https://johnandkristie.com/last-day-in-costa-rica/): MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA :: Our final stop in Costa Rica was at the butterfly garden across the street from our hotel. We saw hundreds of butterflies and even a couple monkeys before driving back to San Jose for our flight back to Seattle. Our nine days in Costa Rica were an amazing and unforgettable […]
- [El Avion](https://johnandkristie.com/el-avion/): PUNTARENAS PROVINCE, COSTA RICA :: Our favorite restaurant in Costa Rica is also perhaps its most famous. You can't miss the giant cargo plane while driving through Manuel Antonio. The restaurant is themed around one of two C-123 planes used by the CIA during the mid-80s. Its sister plane was shot down by Nicaragua's military […]
- [When in Columbus](https://johnandkristie.com/when-in-columbus/): COLUMBUS, OH :: When in Columbus… This experience made me seriously question the entire premise of the first Harold & Kumar movie…
- [Paddle Boarding at Night](https://johnandkristie.com/paddle-boarding-at-night/): PAQUERA, COSTA RICA :: My first attempt at paddle boarding was during a beautiful sunset with just my family (and our two guides)! I failed miserably at actually standing up, but Kristie and Miranda mastered the SUP in no time. Lauren and I were happy to be sitting. Underneath the boards were bright LED lights, […]
- [Manuel Antonio National Park](https://johnandkristie.com/manuel-antonio-national-park/): MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA :: With help from our guide, Bear Claw, we hiked through most of Manuel Antonio park and spotted a variety of wildlife, including a vine snake. Miranda had wished to see their first snake in the wild, and they were thrilled to finally see one! After hiking for a […]
- [Si Como No](https://johnandkristie.com/si-como-no/): SÍ COMO NO, MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA :: We stayed at Si Como No in Manuel Antonio during our last three days in Costa Rica. It's a beautiful resort with a couple restaurants and pools. Our balcony overlooked the jungle and Pacific Ocean. "Si como no" translates to, "Yes, of course!"
- [Rio Tarcoles Crocodiles](https://johnandkristie.com/rio-tarcoles-crocodiles/): TÁRCOLES RIVER, COSTA RICA :: Our five hour drive from Arenal to Manuel Antonio included a few pit stops, the best of which was at the Rio Tarcoles bridge where dozens of gigantic crocodiles congregate. It's hard to get a sense of scale in these photos, but some of these crocs had to be longer […]
- [Rio Sarapiqui Rafting](https://johnandkristie.com/rio-sarapiqui-rafting/): SARAPIQUÍ RIVER, COSTA RICA :: The Sarapiquí River carried us through churning rapids and lush Costa Rican forest. It was wet, fast, and exhilarating from start to finish.
- [Mistico Hanging Bridges](https://johnandkristie.com/mistico-hanging-bridges/): MISTICO ARENAL HANGING BRIDGES, COSTA RICA :: A nice morning walk through the jungle via a beautiful two-mile trail and several suspended bridges. The most impressive was 300 feet long and about 150 feet from the ground! We chose to self-guide, and that resulted in seeing very few animals. We listened and searched our best, […]
- [Sleeping with the Fishes](https://johnandkristie.com/sleeping-with-the-fishes/): POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM, TACOMA, WA :: The twins joined their Girl Scout troop for a Zoo Snooze. They had the entire Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium to themselves for the night and early the next morning. The kids got to see some behind-the-scenes areas and nocturnal animal behavior (including howling red wolves and […]
- [Last Game](https://johnandkristie.com/last-game/): WESTHILL ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: The kids just finished their last basketball game of the Winter season. It's their favorite sport, they love their coach, and they've progressed so much. We just had to sign them up again for the Spring season!
- [Arenal EcoZoo](https://johnandkristie.com/arenal-ecozoo/): EL CASTILLO, PUERTO CORTÉS, COSTA RICA :: This cool little reptile zoo was definitely a highlight for Miranda! They were able to hold a few different kinds of snakes and feed an iguana.
- [Arenal Zip Line](https://johnandkristie.com/arenal-zip-line/): SKY ADVENTURES ARENAL, COSTA RICA :: This was not just another zipline. We flew from mountain to mountain across seven cables, with the longest stretching more than 2,460 feet and the highest reaching 656 feet above the ground. At speeds of up to 43 miles per hour, the rainforest dropped away beneath us while Arenal […]
- [Aguas Termales](https://johnandkristie.com/aguas-termales/): THE SPRINGS RESORT AND SPA, MONTERREY, COSTA RICA :: After a day of fun, we found a couple hot springs to relax in. The heat of the nearby volcano keeps these waters at a constant 99 degrees! As the sun set, we enjoyed dinner with a view of Arenal. And of course, one must enjoy […]
- [Tubing the Arenal River](https://johnandkristie.com/tubing-the-arenal-river/): ARENAL RIVER, COSTA RICA :: It was so fun bobbing down the beautiful and WARM river! A few sections of white water threaten to tip us over, but everyone made it through afloat and smiling – over and over again!
- [Horseback Riding at Club Rio](https://johnandkristie.com/horseback-riding-at-club-rio/): THE SPRINGS RESORT AND SPA, MONTERREY, COSTA RICA :: We were hoping the horseback ride in Las Vegas would be enough to satisfy Miranda for a while, but they loved it so much we knew we had to do it again soon. This time in the jungles, plains, and rivers around Arenal. It was a […]
- [Bogarin Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/bogarin-trail/): BOGARÍN TRAIL, LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA :: A walk through the dense greenery of Bogarín Trail rewarded us with wildlife hiding in plain sight, from colorful birds to a perfectly camouflaged sloth.
- [Arenal Nature Villa](https://johnandkristie.com/arenal-nature-villa/): LA FORTUNA, ATENAS, COSTA RICA :: Our first five days in Arenal were spent in this fantastic Airbnb right across the parking lot from the Mistico Hanging Bridges. We loved having a full kitchen, laundry machines, two bedrooms and two baths in this modern, secluded villa tucked in the jungle. The stars and sounds at […]
- [La Fortuna, Costa Rica](https://johnandkristie.com/la-fortuna-costa-rica/): LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA :: The small, bustling town of La Fortuna is the gateway to Arenal Volcano and served as our connection back to civilization during the first half of our trip. Although we stayed in a villa about 30 minutes away, we found ourselves coming back often to this tourist-friendly town for groceries, […]
- [Red Rock Canyon Horseback Ride](https://johnandkristie.com/red-rock-canyon-horseback-ride/): RED ROCK CANYON, NV :: We saved the best Las Vegas adventure for last: a horseback ride up, through, and back down the beautiful desert landscape around Red Rock Canyon. Miranda was especially thrilled since they've been going through an intense horse loving phase, reading through every book in the library. People say don't bring […]
- [Volcano at The Mirage](https://johnandkristie.com/volcano-at-the-mirage/): THE MIRAGE, LAS VEGAS, NV :: The pyrotechnic show in front of The Mirage is pretty impressive! It actually frightened and disturbed our kids quite a bit, which of course was funny to watch. 😉
- [Cirque du Soleil: Mystere](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-mystere-2/): TREASURE ISLAND, NV :: Kristie and I first saw Mystere nearly 14 years ago! It's still one of our favorite Cirque du Soleil shows. This time we brought the kids and had front and center seats. Usually, it's the people in the aisle that get chosen to participate, so we felt safe… But tonight the […]
- [Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat](https://johnandkristie.com/secret-garden-and-dolphin-habitat/): THE MIRAGE, LAS VEGAS, NV :: Lions, and tigers, and dolphins, oh my! The dolphins were especially active, and the kids enjoyed chasing the new baby dolphin around the tanks.
- [Bellagio](https://johnandkristie.com/bellagio/): BELLAGIO, LAS VEGAS, NV :: It's always a thrill to see the Conservatory and Fountains – water and chocolate! Not quite sure which the kids liked more. 😉
- [Container Park](https://johnandkristie.com/container-park/): DOWNTOWN CONTAINER PARK, LAS VEGAS, NV :: After running around indoors at Circus Circus for several hours, we thought it'd be good to spend some time outside. Container Park in downtown Las Vegas was the perfect spot to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. All of the play structures and cool shops are made from […]
- [Circus Circus](https://johnandkristie.com/circus-circus/): CIRCUS CIRCUS, LAS VEGAS, NV :: The kids had a great time at Circus Circus riding the big rides in the Adventure Dome and winning some new Squishmallows at the Midway.
- [Tournament of Kings](https://johnandkristie.com/tournament-of-kings/): EXCALIBUR, NV :: What better way to celebrate my birthday than with a king's tournament! The knights battled as we ate our medieval dinner with our fingers and cheered on the evil dragon sorcerer and his dragon knights. (Miranda insisted we sit in the Dragon's section). Very similar to Medieval Times, but much better!
- [JW Marriott Las Vegas](https://johnandkristie.com/jw-marriott-las-vegas/): JW MARRIOTT, LAS VEGAS, NV :: We are finally getting around to posting our photos from Vegas! The conference was at the JW Marriott in Summerlin, about 15 minutes away from the strip. Our upgraded suite was spacious, with a large patio overlooking the mountains. The kids enjoyed exploring the room and grounds… And discovered […]
- [Snow Day](https://johnandkristie.com/snow-day-4/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Another snow day, and the district just announced that tomorrow is canceled as well. these kids will have been in school for less than six hours in 11 days! They don’t seem too upset about it though…
- [PNW Reptile & Exotic Animal Show](https://johnandkristie.com/pnw-reptile-exotic-animal-show/): WASHINGTON STATE FAIR, PUYALLUP, WA :: We took our little critters to the exotic animal show, and returned home with a little fox and dragon!
- [Glow Dance](https://johnandkristie.com/glow-dance/): CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: Baby Shark + glow sticks = elementary euphoria!
- [First Basketball Game](https://johnandkristie.com/first-basketball-game/): WESTHILL ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: The kids are trying out basketball this season at the Y, and they're loving it! We got a hoop from Costco and finally got to set it up this sunny weekend. During their first basketball game, both kids played impressively, with Miranda scoring the first two baskets!
- [Three Christmases](https://johnandkristie.com/three-christmases/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
- [Christmas Cuties](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-cuties/): ALDERWOOD MALL, LYNNWOOD, WA :: A few fun photos at the house and mall before visiting with Santa.
- [Christmas Train at Stanley Park](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-train-at-stanley-park/): STANLEY PARK, VANCOUVER, CANADA :: We also visited Stanley Park to ride the Christmas Train and view the forest saturated with millions of colorful lights and decorations – all setup by local firefighters who volunteered weeks leading up to the event to raise money for burn victims. We were even treated to an entertaining song […]
- [Aurora Winter Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/aurora-winter-festival/): AURORA WINTER FESTIVAL, VANCOUVER, CANADA :: We stayed the weekend in Vancouver BC to kick off the holidays. First stop was the Aurora Winter Festival, where we danced with ice elves, adventured through a mystical garden maze on a treasure hunt, enjoyed an interactive story with Santa inside a giant igloo, and even went tubing!
- [Cannon Beach Thanksgiving](https://johnandkristie.com/cannon-beach-thanksgiving-2/): CANNON BEACH, OR :: A Thanksgiving getaway to Cannon Beach where we enjoyed the beach between storms, playing board games, chasing bunnies, Black Friday shopping the artsy shops, and watching a wonderful performance of The Wizard of Oz at the historic Coaster Theatre.
- [Happy Halloween](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-halloween-4/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The kids had fun partying and trick-or-treating tonight, Hogwarts style!
- [Jack-o'-Lanterns](https://johnandkristie.com/jack-o-lanterns-4/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: This year’s jack-o’-lanterns glowed with bats, cats, and just the right amount of Halloween menace.
- [Cougar Mountain Zoo](https://johnandkristie.com/cougar-mountain-zoo/): ISSAQUAH, WA :: We took the kids to The Cougar Mountain Zoo where Miranda was excited to meet the herpetologists and feed the tigers. Afterwards we enjoyed lunch at Triple XXX Burgers and a walk through town.
- [17th Anniversary](https://johnandkristie.com/17th-anniversary/): TACOMA, WA :: Dropped off the kids at the grandparents and enjoyed a weekend in Tacoma with Kristie to celebrate our 17th anniversary! A good time was had with flaming food, comedy clubbing, book shopping, museum hopping, and much scooting around town!
- [Happy Birthday, Kristie](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-birthday-kristie-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: A few shots from last night's celebration. I live to see these three smile!
- [Alicorns vs The Phoenix](https://johnandkristie.com/alicorns-vs-the-phoenix/): BOTHELL, WA :: The kids in purple won another game this weekend, 5-0 against The Phoenix! Their record is 6-0 for the season, with just two games to go.
- [Alicorns vs Kickers](https://johnandkristie.com/alicorns-vs-kickers/): BOTHELL, WA :: The amazing Alicorns won another game over the weekend, outscoring the Kickers 5-2. They're 5-0 with three more games to go this season.
- [Alicorns vs Pandas](https://johnandkristie.com/alicorns-vs-pandas/): BOTHELL, WA :: The Alicorns faced another strong opponent this weekend, but attacked relentlessly to earn a 4-1 victory over the Pandas! The Alicorns have a 4-0 record at the midpoint of their season!
- [Birthday at Hogwarts](https://johnandkristie.com/birthday-at-hogwarts/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: We converted the house to Hogwarts over the weekend so that our little Ginny (Lauren) and Hermione (Miranda) could celebrate their 8th birthday with their favorite witches! The party kicked off with the sorting hat ceremony and included potion making, rounds of butterbeer, a few competitions (best seeker, best levitator, […]
- [Alicorns vs Flames](https://johnandkristie.com/alicorns-vs-flames/): BOTHELL, WA :: Grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousin showed up this weekend to cheer on Lauren and Miranda against a tough defensive team. The Alicorns never stopped attacking, however, and earned another victory, 2-0 against the Flames!
- [Alicorns vs Stingers](https://johnandkristie.com/alicorns-vs-stingers/): BOTHELL, WA :: 2-0! Another great game and victory for the Alicorns!
- [Alicorns vs Angels](https://johnandkristie.com/alicorns-vs-angels/): BOTHELL, WA :: The kids played their first game of the season on Saturday. This year the fields and goals are much larger, and there's a goalie position. Their practice over the summer paid off, as the Alicorns continue their winning streak from last year, beating the Angels 2-1.
- [2nd Grade](https://johnandkristie.com/2nd-grade/): CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: Second grade arrived with colorful backpacks, fresh school supplies, and the annual front-door portrait before the first bell.
- [The Evergreen State Fair](https://johnandkristie.com/the-evergreen-state-fair/): EVERGREEN STATE FAIRGROUNDS, MONROE, WA :: Bookending the last days of summer with a fun day at the fair!
- [IKEA](https://johnandkristie.com/ikea/): IKEA, RENTON, WA :: We survived our trip to IKEA! Stocked up on inexpensive furniture and meatballs, hopefully won’t need to return for another five years!
- [91 degrees today](https://johnandkristie.com/91-degrees-today/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: 91 degrees today! But these kids know how to keep cool.
- [Mt. Rainier Camping](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-rainier-camping/): MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: We enjoyed three days in the great outdoors with cousin Shielle, Susan, and Shain! We camped at Cougar Rock Campground, hiked to Comet Falls, splashed in the ice-cold Nisqually River, celebrated Shain's 40th birthday, hiked the Skyline Trail from Paradise, competed in the Animal Olympics, earned our first Junior […]
- [Lemonade Stand](https://johnandkristie.com/lemonade-stand/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Iced, fresh lemonade! Thanks for setting up the cute stand, Janine and Lindsy!
- [Walking the Cats](https://johnandkristie.com/walking-the-cats/): EDMONDS, WA :: We love our cats. Unfortunately, this means they are fated to a life indoors. It’s just too dangerous in our area to let them roam outside. There are coyotes, raccoons, opossums, cars and feral cats to worry about. However, I also don’t think it’s right to deprive the cats of the outdoors. […]
- [ARTOPIA](https://johnandkristie.com/artopia/): GEORGETOWN, SEATTLE, WA :: Today, Kristie and I walked the streets of Georgetown for the very first time. The old industrial neighborhood hosted a festival of art, music, theater and events. We peeked inside a few of the galleries and were as perplexed as we usually are when viewing contemporary art, but we could appreciate […]
- [Fourth of July Creek](https://johnandkristie.com/fourth-of-july-creek/): WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I enjoyed the first full day of summer in the mountains, hiking the Fourth of July Creek trail to Icicle Ridge and the site of an old fire lookout. The lookout is no longer there, and I had to wonder why as I weaved through the skeletal remains of a […]
- [The Police](https://johnandkristie.com/the-police/): KEY ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I initially didn’t have high expectations for The Police concert. We thought it would be a relatively quiet night, with us having a good time singing along to familiar tunes from the early 80s. Our expectations sank lower after Copeland’s well-publicized criticism of the rehearsals in Vancouver… But […]
- [Moscow Cats Theater](https://johnandkristie.com/moscow-cats-theater/): SEATTLE REPERTORY THEATRE, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I were looking forward to a show featuring a troupe of specially trained cats. The Moscow Cats Theater website says the following: “35 cats! 1 dog! 5 clowns! Death defying Balancing Acts! Dancing! Acrobatics! The only entertainment of its kind in the World-features non-stop action by a […]
- [San Francisco Chinatown](https://johnandkristie.com/san-francisco-chinatown/): SAN FRANCISCO, CA :: After my hike up Yosemite’s Half Dome, I had an extra day to explore downtown San Francisco. I started with a dim sum lunch at Yank Sing. As I enjoyed a blossom tea, busy servers steered carts past me. I was free to select among the many little plates containing bite-sized […]
- [San Francisco](https://johnandkristie.com/san-francisco/): SAN FRANCISCO, CA :: After wandering around Chinatown, I decided to visit a few other landmarks in San Francisco, including Coit Tower, The Palace of Fine Arts and The Golden Gate Bridge. I think I would have enjoyed spending more time in the city to walk through Fisherman’s Wharf and/or Golden Gate Park, but it […]
- [Half Dome](https://johnandkristie.com/half-dome/): YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA :: I’ve wanted to visit Yosemite for a long time. I finally had an opportunity over Memorial Day weekend when a business trip placed me in the Silicon Valley. Kristie would be busy writing a final paper and the weather was going to be perfect. It seemed like all of the […]
- [Flamingo](https://johnandkristie.com/flamingo/): CHICAGO, IL :: While viewing the beautiful city of Chicago from the Sears Tower Skydeck, I noticed a distinct, red object within a plaza 103 floors below me. I’m a big fan of Alexander Calder’s mobiles and stabiles, and I immediately recognized the form as one of his best works. Back on the ground, I […]
- [Chicago](https://johnandkristie.com/chicago/): CHICAGO, IL :: A recent business trip had me travelling through the Midwestern towns of Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati and Columbus. Of those, I found Louisville to be the nicest, with a suprisingly vibrant nightlife on the neighborhood streets and beautiful scenery all around. I’d like to go back someday. Unfortunately, my return flight from Columbus […]
- [Boulder River](https://johnandkristie.com/boulder-river/): BOULDER RIVER WILDERNESS, WA :: The Boulder River trail is a nearby favorite. As usual, it was wet and muddy, with many blowdowns to weave around, crawl under, or climb over. I was plenty dirty by the time I got back to my car! This trail is definitely more about the journey than the destination, […]
- [Skagit Valley Tulip Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/skagit-valley-tulip-festival/): LA CONNER, WA :: Kristie and I headed North after work on Friday to enjoy a nice walk through fields of blooming tulips on a rare, sunny and warm Spring evening. Actually, little of my time was spent walking… Mostly I was just standing, waiting for the sun to peek through the clouds, or I […]
- [The French Quarter](https://johnandkristie.com/the-french-quarter/): NEW ORLEANS, LA :: A long business trip to New Orleans was both very productive and very fun! When I wasn’t conducting demonstrations, engaged in round tables, or spending facetime with existing clients, I was free to soak up The Big Easy. I arrived on St. Patrick’s Day and Bourbon Street was absolutely cram-packed with […]
- [TAIKOPROJECT](https://johnandkristie.com/taikoproject/): EDMONDS CENTER FOR THE ARTS, EDMONDS, WA :: Kristie is a drum freak. She enjoys listening to all kinds of drums: steel drums, congas, bongos, tom-toms, hi-hats, snares, bass drums, marching band drums, drum machines, and especially taiko drums; the bigger the better. One of the most talented and innovative taiko groups, TAIKOPROJECT, held a […]
- [Commonwealth Basin](https://johnandkristie.com/commonwealth-basin/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: On this first day of 2007, Kristie and I enjoyed a snowshoe hike through Commonwealth Basin near Snoqualmie Pass. We had originally planned to explore Pipe Creek near Blewett Pass, but the roads were getting kind of dicey over the mountains, so we cut our drive time in half […]
- [Christmas](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas/): EDMONDS, WA :: Our first Christmas in our new home with our new kittens was wonderful! The photo above shows Sage stalking Mance from under the tree. We tried our best to keep them away from it, but I imagine even an artificial tree must be irresistible to a pair of indoor cats. They have […]
- [2006 Photo Album](https://johnandkristie.com/2006-photo-album/): EDMONDS, WA :: Just in time for the holidays, I created another photo album to capture and share some of the milestones and events Kristie and I experienced in 2006. Like last year, I used MyPublisher to compose and print the album. The updated software offered several improved layouts, background colors and other new options. […]
- [Mini-Pendant Chandelier](https://johnandkristie.com/mini-pendant-chandelier/): EDMONDS, WA :: With most of the house renovations complete, we finally invited our friends over for a dinner party. We looked forward to using our new table, chairs and place settings, but the dining room still had a very ugly ceiling light which we had not yet replaced. We simply hadn’t found anything that […]
- [Halloween](https://johnandkristie.com/halloween/): EDMONDS, WA :: We decided to have a little fun with the trick-or-treaters this Halloween, our first in our new home. We placed five jack-o-lanterns around our entryway, replaced the outside lights with red bulbs, and placed several black lights around the inside of the door. The black lights kept the hall dark and lit […]
- [Halloween Sugar Cookies](https://johnandkristie.com/halloween-sugar-cookies/): EDMONDS, WA :: This Halloween we made a bunch of cookies in the shape of ghosts, pumpkins, bats and cats. It was fun and the cookies were delicious! Batches went out to family, friends and co-workers. We used the wildly popular Perfect Vegan Sugar Cookies recipe from last year – the most visited page on […]
- [Rockport](https://johnandkristie.com/rockport/): ROCKPORT, MA :: On our last day in New England, Kristie and I headed north from Boston to check out Rockport and Salem. Rockport is a small fishing village and artist community on the coast of Cape Ann. A pedestrian-only zone contains many quaint shops, cafes and galleries. In nearby Gloucester, we stopped at a […]
- [Trails Near Boston](https://johnandkristie.com/trails-near-boston/): MILTON AND CONCORD, MA :: Today we drove a short distance away from the city to experience a few of the natural attractions in Massachussetts. The first stop was a four mile loop to the top of Great Blue Hill, the highest point of elevation within ten miles of the entire Atlantic coast. A stone […]
- [Life is Good Pumpkin Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/life-is-good-pumpkin-festival/): BOSTON COMMON, BOSTON, MA :: We were in Boston Common this evening to enjoy the second annual Life is Good Pumpkin Festival. The event is a fundraiser for Camp Sunshine, a program to allow kids with life-threatening illnesses to attend a weeklong camp with their families. In order to bring attention to the event, thousands […]
- [Mount Auburn Cemetery](https://johnandkristie.com/mount-auburn-cemetery/): CAMBRIDGE, MA :: Boston is home to many of America’s “firsts”, including the first college, first post office, first public park, first public school, first public library, first lighthouse, first subway, and first marathon. In nearby Cambridge, I visited the nation’s first garden cemetery, Mount Auburn Cemetery, whose founders’ were the first with the idea […]
- [Harvard Square](https://johnandkristie.com/harvard-square/): CAMBRIDGE, MA :: We crossed the Charles River and walked around Harvard Square and Harvard Yard, which was kind of neat. I think I was most excited to see the offices of Dewey Cheetham & Howe and Kristie was thrilled to find a new book, “Frames of Reference for the Assessment of Learning Disabilities,” at […]
- [Boston](https://johnandkristie.com/boston/): BOSTON, MA :: Kristie needed to be in Boston for an Association of Educational Therapists conference. I tagged along and added a few extra days to our trip to experience New England and celebrate our fifth anniversary (and engagement) together. Neither of us had been to Boston before. We had a great time exploring the […]
- [We're Engaged!](https://johnandkristie.com/were-engaged/): SEATTLE, WA :: It shouldn’t be a surprise to our family and friends, but Kristie and I are now officially betrothed! I surprised her with dinner at Palace Kitchen, where we had our very first date five years ago. After our nice meal, we went to the beach at Golden Gardens, where we were first […]
- [Mance & Sage](https://johnandkristie.com/mance-sage/): EDMONDS, WA :: The kittens are taking over our website! Kristie insisted we post more photos of them in our album, because they’re growing so fast. They’ve nearly doubled in size, but they’re still pretty darn cute. It took us a few days to come up with names. Kristie decided on Sage to match the […]
- [Maple Pass](https://johnandkristie.com/maple-pass/): OKANOGAN NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: This hike was my first experience of the golden larch. The larch is a unique, deciduous conifer. Its needles turn bright yellow every Fall, and the event drives the fine people at NWHikers.net into a frenzy. Every other message seems to be about when and where to find them. Was […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: Delirium](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-delirium/): KEY ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: The Cirque du Soleil was in town again to perform their best songs in a very entertaining and overwhelming multimedia concert. Musicians, singers, dancers, and acrobats enacted a sequence of dream-like stories as large-scale videos were projected on moving screens. The acrobatic performances were amazing, but not as breathtaking as […]
- [Mexico City](https://johnandkristie.com/mexico-city/): MEXICO CITY, MEXICO :: The company sent me and a coworker to Mexico City for a few days. It was a great trip! We successfully deployed a major account, the clients were thrilled, and we were able to explore a tiny part of the world’s second largest city. Thousands of people were protesting the recent […]
- [EIG Website](https://johnandkristie.com/eig-website/): EDMONDS, WA :: Please excuse the shameless self-promotion, but today is a proud day! The website for Kristie’s insurance agency has finally launched, nearly a year after English Insurance Group, LLC opened its doors for business. It has been a challenge finding the time to design, develop and write it, but we’re very happy with […]
- [Kitties](https://johnandkristie.com/kitties/): EDMONDS, WA :: Kristie and I are the proud new parents of two cute kittens! They were adopted from the Everett Animal Shelter. The girl is five weeks old and the boy is five months old. Unfortunately, the two aren’t getting acquainted very well. I think the little girl is intimidated by the bigger boy, […]
- [Morimoto](https://johnandkristie.com/morimoto/): PHILADELPHIA, PA :: I was in Philadelphia this week with a couple coworkers, and I fully intended to subsist on just Philly cheesesteaks in my attempt to find the best one. However, Scott happens to be pretty good at ordering sushi, so we had to find a good sushi restaurant. In San Francisco, he took […]
- [Green Mountain](https://johnandkristie.com/green-mountain/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Each time I’ve hiked Green Mountain, I’ve been impressed by how stunningly green it really is. A nearly overgrown section of the trail cuts through a densely vegetated slope of grasses and shrubs. The perfectly green expanse was dotted with millions of wildflowers in many different colors. Some of […]
- [Anacapa](https://johnandkristie.com/anacapa/): CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK, CA :: Anacapa, the smallest of the Channel Islands, is located fourteen miles from the Californian coast. We boarded a catamaran at Ventura Harbor and enjoyed the hour-long crossing. Our eyes were peeled for blue whales and dolphins as we approached the edge of the Pacific Shelf, where the continent plunges […]
- [San Diego Zoo](https://johnandkristie.com/san-diego-zoo/): SAN DIEGO ZOO, SAN DIEGO, CA :: We missed the off-ramp exit for the San Diego Zoo and drove within a mile and of half of the Mexican border. A quick u-turn put us back on track, although I think I would have enjoyed a little time in Tijuana. The San Diego Zoo is huge! […]
- [The Getty Center](https://johnandkristie.com/the-getty-center/): LOS ANGELES, CA :: Today we enjoyed an exploration of The Getty Center, a billion dollar museum designed by Richard Meier. The white monuments are a modernist version of the ancient acropolis, perched upon a high hill overlooking Los Angeles. As we walked through the galleries and outdoor spaces, we could certainly appreciate the spirit […]
- [Third Street Promenade](https://johnandkristie.com/third-street-promenade/): SANTA MONICA, CA :: Kristie and I strolled through Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade a couple times during our week in California. It’s a pedestrian-only avenue spanning several blocks, filled with tourists and buskers. A variety of shops and restaurants line the streets, including Kidrobot and Barney’s Beanery. Kidrobot is an adult toy store, but […]
- [Mt. Baldy](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-baldy/): ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST, CA :: There are two ways to reach the 10,064′ summit of Mt. Baldy. You can suffer over a long 13.6 mile loop that climbs 3500′ in elevation, or you can take a ski lift up to the restaurant at Baldy Notch and hike a 6.4 mile loop that climbs a much […]
- [Devil's Chair](https://johnandkristie.com/devils-chair/): DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL NATURE CENTER, CA :: The Devil’s Punchbowl is a curious area of geology, consisting of large slabs of rock that seemed to have toppled over each other like dominoes which were then swirled around and fractured by the shifting tectonic plates of the Punchbowl fault. The long trail to Devil’s Chair leads to […]
- [Ladder Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/ladder-canyon/): MECCA HILLS WILDERNESS, MECCA, CA :: As Kristie attended a conference for education consultants at Claremont McKenna College, I was enjoying several hikes in the Southern Californian wilderness. The first trail on my list was a four mile loop through Ladder and Painted Canyons, situated along the San Andreas Fault between Joshua Tree National Park […]
- [Ryan Mountain](https://johnandkristie.com/ryan-mountain/): JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, CA :: After my hike in Ladder Canyon, I drove through the south entrance of nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Honestly, there’s not much to see in the southern half of the park. There’s the cholla cactus garden, where I walked the interpretive trail (when photographing cacti with a wide angle […]
- [Mt. Dickerman](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-dickerman/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I kicked off the summer by renewing my Golden Eagle pass and bagging my third summit of Mt. Dickerman. I hadn’t been on a hike in four months and I wasn’t sure how well my legs would carry me up 3900′ and over 8.6 miles. Fortunately, the ascent is […]
- [Sips at Solstice](https://johnandkristie.com/sips-at-solstice/): ISSAQUAH, WA :: Education Access Network hosted a wine-tasting event this evening to raise funds and increase awareness for the non-profit organization. EAN provides low-cost, high quality courses to prepare students for success in higher education. Since being founded nearly five years ago, Education Access Network has improved academic opportunities for hundreds of low-income students […]
- [Kristie English, M.Ed.](https://johnandkristie.com/kristie-english-m-ed/): UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, SEATTLE, WA :: About four years ago, Kristie decided her initial career choice in human resources and corporate training wasn’t making her happy. She discovered her real passion was in education and cognitive development. Her shelves began to fill rapidly with books on brain research, and she volunteered much of her time […]
- [Washington, D.C.](https://johnandkristie.com/washington-d-c/): WASHINGTON, D.C. :: From New York City, it’s a four hour drive and nearly $20 in toll fees to Washington, D.C. A co-worker and I were visiting the headquarters of a very well known relief organization, just a couple blocks from the White House. After the first day of our presentations, we enjoyed some drinks, […]
- [Central Park](https://johnandkristie.com/central-park/): CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK CITY, NY :: I really enjoyed my walks through Central Park, even though it rained the entire time and I didn’t have any idea where I was going. More than once, I tried crossing the park, and each time I ended up back where I began. I had no problem finding […]
- [Museum of Natural History](https://johnandkristie.com/museum-of-natural-history/): NEW YORK CITY, NY :: What a fascinating place! The American Museum of Natural History displays some of the most breathtaking wonders of our world, including a full scale model of a blue whale, impressive reconstructions of dinosaur fossils, interactive presentations of our planet’s dynamic geology, and the largest meteorite ever discovered. I could have […]
- [New York, New York](https://johnandkristie.com/new-york-new-york/): NEW YORK CITY, NY :: Lucky me, I was able to extend a business trip to visit The Big Apple for the very first time! I only had a couple days, so I studied my travel guides during my flight and carefully selected what I would be able to see and do. From JFK airport […]
- [The TSX](https://johnandkristie.com/the-tsx/): EDMONDS, WA :: Check out Kristie’s new ride! Kristie replaced her Acura Integra with a sporty, new Acura TSX. It looks and drives great! The TSX has several features that will make Kristie’s life much easier. She has nearly no navigational ability, so the large-screen GPS system is a huge benefit. The car also has […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: Varekai](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-varekai/): MARYMOOR PARK, REDMOND, WA :: Kristie and I invited my parents to see Varekai, another amazing Cirque du Soleil show touring the world and making a stop at Redmond’s Marymoor Park. The performances were breathtaking, the music was enchanting, and the clowns were hilarious! It was great to see Mom and Dad wide-eyed and grinning […]
- [Home](https://johnandkristie.com/home/): EDMONDS, WA :: Will the renovating ever end? Probably not, but after nearly five weeks of working on the house, we think we deserve a small break. It has been a week since we moved in, and the new house is finally starting to feel like home. There are still floors to finish, walls to […]
- [Our First House](https://johnandkristie.com/our-first-house/): EDMONDS, WA :: I apologize for the lack of posts lately, but I have a good excuse: Kristie and I have been very busy searching for our first house! After about 20 viewings, we finally chose a nice rambler in Edmonds built in 1979 with 3 bedrooms, 1.75 bathrooms, and a 2 car garage. The […]
- [Drops](https://johnandkristie.com/drops/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie has been encouraging me to shoot more still life and abstract photography. As with the Smoke Tendrils, this is a very simple subject that the camera tranforms into a surprisingly interesting series. The images are composed of water drops on a mirror reflecting colored posterboard. The secret is to treat […]
- [Cannon Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/cannon-beach/): CANNON BEACH, OR :: Kristie and I spent a wonderful weekend at Cannon Beach. We stayed at the Hallmark Resort in a cozy, firelit room with a private deck overlooking the beach and haystack. It was perfect for a relaxing and romantic getaway. The weather was gorgeous on Saturday and Sunday, although a bit chilly. […]
- [Valentine's Day](https://johnandkristie.com/valentines-day/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I celebrated our 5th Valentine’s Day with a date at the Laugh Lovers Ball: “An Evening of Sophisticated Silliness” in the Paramount Theater. Four standup comics and three sketch comedy groups had us laughing throughout the night. Our favorite local comedian, David Crowe, organizes the event every year. It […]
- [Lower Gray Wolf River](https://johnandkristie.com/lower-gray-wolf-river/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: My first overnight backpacking trip was seven years ago on the Gray Wolf River. Until today, I had never been back. It’s too bad it has taken me so long to return, because it’s a great trail. The river is beautiful and a thick carpet of moss covers everything. Slides […]
- [Smoke Tendrils](https://johnandkristie.com/smoke-tendrils/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: It’s amazing what you can do with a couple sticks of incense and a few lights! You’re looking at photos of smoke tendrils, colored with a blueish bulb and two bright spotlights. This was a fun project, inspired by photos on c h r o m a s i a and Sensitive Light. It took a while to get […]
- [Spicy Vegan Chili](https://johnandkristie.com/spicy-vegan-chili/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: I make this chili for Kristie about once a month. It’s her absolute favorite recipe. Despite being vegan, the chili is thick, hearty, spicy and very delicious. It’s very easy to make and doesn’t need to be stewed for hours like a conventional chili. The peppers and corn remain sweet and […]
- [Rialto Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/rialto-beach/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: I used some vacation time to enjoy my last two days as a twenty-something. The weather forecast predicted a strong possibility of sunshine, so I hoped for the best and headed towards the Olympic Coast. Unfortunately, the weatherman lied and my entire beach hike was socked in by fog and […]
- [100th Post](https://johnandkristie.com/100th-post/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: To mark the 100th entry on johnandkristie.com, I thought I’d share a few statistics. Since June 2004, over 1100 photos have been posted and more than 26,000 words have been written to chronicle the wonderful life Kristie and I enjoy together. We love being able to look through the website and […]
- [John's 30th Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/johns-30th-birthday/): FREMONT CLASSIC PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA, SEATTLE, WA :: Today I celebrated my 30th birthday with friends, most of whom I have known since middle school. They were kind enough to sacrifice their Saturday evening to join Kristie and I for a nice dinner. Thank you for your presence (and presents!). I had a great time […]
- [Hurricane Hill](https://johnandkristie.com/hurricane-hill/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: After 27 straight days of rain in Seattle, the sun finally broke through the clouds on Sunday. I seized the opportunity to enjoy a day outdoors, returning to the Olympic Peninsula again to snowshoe Hurricane Hill. Unfortunately, I arrived at the Heart of the Hills gate a little too early. […]
- [Marymere Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/marymere-falls/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: After my snowshoe trip atop Hurricane Hill, I drove west to nearby Lake Crescent to check out Marymere Falls. The trail starts at the Storm King ranger station, wandering less than two miles roundtrip through a mossy, old-growth forest. If you’re in the area, it is definitely worth the short […]
- [Dungeness Spit](https://johnandkristie.com/dungeness-spit/): DUNGENESS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, SEQUIM, WA :: Kristie and I had an amazing day hiking Dungeness Spit, reputedly the world’s longest at five miles. It is located near Sequim, the state’s driest spot. We could actually see the Olympic rain shadow stretch behind the mountains: a pocket of clear sky surrounded by less inviting weather. […]
- [Oyster Dome](https://johnandkristie.com/oyster-dome/): BLANCHARD MOUNTAIN, WA :: The first half of this trail was quite nice. It was dry and climbed gradually through a brilliant, green forest offering occasional views of the San Juan Islands. The second half, however, wasn’t so nice. The trail became steep and muddy. I missed a turn and wandered into the “bat caves,” […]
- [Skagit River Eagles](https://johnandkristie.com/skagit-river-eagles/): ROCKPORT, WA :: I was on my way up North to find the Oyster Dome trail, but decided to drive east on SR-20 before the hike to check out the eagles gathering along the Skagit River. Each winter, hundreds of eagles from as far away as Alaska converge in this area to feast on spawning […]
- [Canon Rebel XT](https://johnandkristie.com/canon-rebel-xt/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Here are my new toys! My loving girlfriend got me the Canon Rebel XT Digital SLR camera along with the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens. The wide angle view from this lens is amazing! No more stitching together panoramas. To round out my kit, I also picked up the new EF […]
- [Christmas](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-3/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I had an incredible Christmas this year! We added several new ornaments to the tree and spent a lot of time with our families. We feel very fortunate to have so many wonderful people in our lives. Many yummy treats were consumed, many laughs were shared, and many gifts […]
- [Mazama Ridge](https://johnandkristie.com/mazama-ridge/): MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Today I led Kristie, her brother, and her dad on a beautiful snowshoe hike up Mazama Ridge. Our route was nearly five miles roundtrip, descending a couple hundred feet into Paradise Valley and back up 900′ to the top of the ridge. Mt. Rainier loomed majestically above us, surrounded […]
- [2005 Photo Album](https://johnandkristie.com/2005-photo-album/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Several months ago, one of Kristie’s former coworkers showed her a professional-looking photo book he had made with iPhoto. Ever since then, Kristie has wanted her own album with our photos in it. Unfortunately, iPhoto is only available to Mac users, and I could not find a PC-compatible service that matched […]
- [Kanye West](https://johnandkristie.com/kanye-west/): EVERETT EVENTS CENTER, EVERETT, WA :: Kanye West made a stop in Everett tonight and performed most of the tracks from his two highly acclaimed albums. Every song is exceptional, and so was the concert. All of the singers and musicians maintained an incredible level of energy throughout the sets, and we wondered how it […]
- [Lake Keechelus](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-keechelus/): IRON HORSE STATE PARK, WA :: Kristie and I headed up to Snoqualmie Pass today to enjoy the snow. My legs were itching to go on a hike, and Kristie wanted a break from writing her final papers. Our original destination was Twin Lakes, but we couldn’t find the trail. We had Dan Nelson’s snowshoe […]
- [Rattlesnake Ledge](https://johnandkristie.com/rattlesnake-ledge/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: The trail to Rattlesnake Ledge is short and sweet, climbing about 1200′ to a ledge overlooking the Snoqualmie Valley and Rattlesnake Lake. I hiked a little further beyond the ledge to a higher point where Mt. Si, Tenerife and Mailbox Peak are unmistakable across the valley. Between them are […]
- [Perfect Vegan Sugar Cookies](https://johnandkristie.com/perfect-vegan-sugar-cookies/): FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I baked these sugar cookies from scratch for Darren and Shannon’s annual Harvest Party. We were surprised how well they turned out. The cookies were just hard enough to keep their shape, but soft when bitten. They tasted buttery and melted in your mouth. The icing was glossy, smooth […]
- [Kristie's 30th Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/kristies-30th-birthday/): ROCK BOTTOM RESTAURANT & BREWERY, SEATTLE, WA :: Thanks to everyone who joined us to celebrate Kristie’s 30th Birthday! Kristie says it was her best birthday party ever! She was super happy to see all of you and we hope you had a great time!
- [Denny Creek](https://johnandkristie.com/denny-creek/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I decided to head up to Lake Melakwa today via the Denny Creek trail. This trail is an old favorite that feels dramatically different depending on the time of year. During the summer, it’s usually packed full of families. The waterslides are filled with people in bathing suits and […]
- [The Rohdenburgs](https://johnandkristie.com/the-rohdenburgs/): WOODLAND PARK ZOO, SEATTLE, WA :: My favorite friends from Eastern Washington and their new daughter made a surprise visit during their annual pilgrimage to the furniture mecca: IKEA. Their Scandinavian shopping spree wasn’t until the next day, so we met and spent some time catching up at the zoo. The animals were fun to […]
- [Bumbershoot](https://johnandkristie.com/bumbershoot/): SEATTLE CENTER, SEATTLE, WA :: I arrived back into Seattle this afternoon and Kristie was at the airport to pick me up. After many hugs and kisses, we drove to the Seattle Center for the 35th Annual Bumbershoot Arts Festival. We were happy to be together again and looking forward to the Digable Planets show […]
- [Bryce Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/bryce-canyon-2/): BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, UT :: My company sent me on a business trip to Salt Lake City and I used the opportunity to visit Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Bryce Canyon is about five hours south of Salt Lake City, and Zion another two hours south from Bryce. After my meetings, I made […]
- [Angel's Landing](https://johnandkristie.com/angels-landing/): ZION NATIONAL PARK, UT :: After hiking the Narrows, I boarded the shuttle at the Temple of Sinawa and headed back to The Grotto, where the trailhead for Angel’s Landing is located. My boots, socks and shorts were soaked. I felt sorry for whoever sat in my seat immediately after me. The trail to Angel’s […]
- [Zion Campground](https://johnandkristie.com/zion-campground/): SPRINGDALE, UT :: After a full day of hiking Bryce Canyon and Zion, I pulled into a commercial campground in Springdale, just a few miles outside of the Zion gates. I setup my tent in a nice site along the Virgin River and enjoyed a long, hot shower. Afterwards, I found a burrito place within […]
- [Zion Narrows](https://johnandkristie.com/zion-narrows/): ZION NATIONAL PARK, UT :: I had read many amazing descriptions for this hike and was looking forward to finally experiencing it. From Zion’s Visitor Center, shuttles depart every several minutes to carry passengers to numerous stops along the Virgin River Valley. The hike up the Narrows begins at the last stop, at the Temple […]
- [SummerStop Beach Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/summerstop-beach-festival/): SEATTLE, WA :: Seattle’s downtown streets were closed off and converted into an urban beach this weekend. People played volleyball, built sand castles, sampled chili contest recipes, and enjoyed live music from three stages placed around Westlake Center and Pacific Place.
- [Vesper Peak](https://johnandkristie.com/vesper-peak/): MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Today I followed an old miner trail to the top of Vesper Peak. The path to its 6214′ summit is overgrown, rocky and steep, making the 10 miles and 4100′ elevation gain seem much worse than it actually was. I lost my footing and fell more times than I’ll […]
- [Union Bay Canoeing](https://johnandkristie.com/union-bay-canoeing/): SEATTLE, WA :: If Kristie and I ever move away from Seattle, one of the things we’d really miss are the beautiful waterways around the city. For a while, we’ve wanted to explore the surrounding lakes, bays and cuts with a kayak or canoe. Since it was going to be another warm day and we […]
- [Ingalls Lake](https://johnandkristie.com/ingalls-lake/): WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I really enjoy my morning drives to distant trailheads. It’s a rare opportunity to quietly think and reflect on things. Once I’m outside of the city, it’s just me in my climate-controlled cabin cruising through the beautiful Teanaway Valley, away from the traffic and free from all distractions. Sometimes I’ll […]
- [Cirque de Flambé](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-de-flambe/): MAGNUSON PARK, SEATTLE, WA :: Fire has a mystique that captivates us. Its dancing flames hypnotize us. For most of human history, we have relied on fire to keep us warm, to prepare our food, and to forge our tools. But fire can also kill. Whether by innate instinct or conscious choice, fire demands our […]
- [Chris & Geoff](https://johnandkristie.com/chris-geoff/): SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I enjoyed a nice dinner with Chris and Geoff. Chris had just completed the Breast Cancer 3-Day, a 60-mile walk from Bellevue to Seattle. This was her third summer fundraising for breast cancer research and education. She has raised over $4000, with a goal of $10,000 by the end of […]
- [Anger Management Tour 3](https://johnandkristie.com/anger-management-tour-3/): WHITE RIVER AMPHITHEATER, AUBURN, WA :: Kristie and I had a good time at the White River Amphitheater, where Eminem and 50 Cent headlined the 3rd Anger Management Tour. Also tagging along were a couple dozen other rappers on the Shady Records label. The concert was great when Em and Fiddy were alone performing their […]
- [Chinatown Summer Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/chinatown-summer-festival/): SEATTLE, WA :: We saw One World Taiko perform today for the International District’s 30th Annual Summer Festival. The Japanese drummers were just one of the dozens of events taking place over the weekend. Several streets were closed to traffic and filled with tents selling Pan-Asian crafts and food. Kristie found a Hawaiian shaved ice […]
- [Night of the Bunnies II](https://johnandkristie.com/night-of-the-bunnies-ii/): WOODLAND PARK, SEATTLE, WA :: The bunnies in Woodland Park caught us by surprise last year. But today, we were prepared. Kristie brought a bag of baby carrots to feed them. Some of the older bunnies came right up to our hands and others crowded around us when they heard the plastic bag rustle. It […]
- [The Enchantments](https://johnandkristie.com/the-enchantments/): WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Three days with Jake, Jayson and Jessica in a place that does not belie its name. It was an incredible weekend, starting at Colchuck Lake, climbing up Aasgard Pass, descending through the Enchantments, and exiting out of Snow Lakes. I had secured our overnight permits from the Forest Service back […]
- [Red Rock Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/red-rock-canyon/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 8 :: RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA, NV :: Red Rock Canyon is just twenty minutes west of Las Vegas. The vibrant red rocks of Calico Hills can be seen from the strip. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time to go hiking and exploring. We only drove the 13 mile scenic […]
- [Secret Garden](https://johnandkristie.com/secret-garden/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 8 :: LAS VEGAS, NV :: Tucked beside The Mirage is Siegfried & Roy’s small zoo and aquarium, where one can get a close-up view of dolphins, an asian elephant, white lions, snow white tigers, striped white tigers, bengal tigers, leopards, and a jaguar. The cats sleep 12-16 hours a day, so […]
- [Grand Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/grand-canyon/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 7 :: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, AZ :: As a surprise for Kristie, I booked a tour to Grand Canyon National Park. I thought we could save some time if we took a short flight there and back from Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the outfitter was completely disorganized, uncommunicative, misleading and incompetent. Our […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: Mystère](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-mystere/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 6 :: LAS VEGAS, NV :: Kristie and I love Cirque du Soleil! When Alegría was in Seattle a couple years ago we saw an enchanting and unforgetable show. We hoped Mystère would be just as good and we weren’t disappointed! Our front row seats immersed us into the performances. Elaborately costumed […]
- [Las Vegas](https://johnandkristie.com/las-vegas/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 6 :: LAS VEGAS, NV :: We stayed a couple nights in Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget. A four-star hotel with a two-star price. It was a nice place to stay, considering we were only there to sleep. The old neon and the Fremont Street light show were pretty cool. We […]
- [Knott's Berry Farm](https://johnandkristie.com/knotts-berry-farm/): SOUTHWEST VACATION DAY 5 :: BUENA PARK, CA :: A new roller coaster named “The Silver Bullet” opened last year at Knott’s Berry Farm. We rode it and it was insane! Just writing about it makes me queasy. The photo above shows us in the midst of experiencing gravity, acceleration and inertia in ways our […]
- [Leavenworth](https://johnandkristie.com/leavenworth/): LEAVENWORTH, WA :: You can pack a lot of family fun in a few days in Leavenworth! Here's the last set of photos from our weekend, including the main town and Waterfront Park. Tschüss Leavenworth, bis Weihnachten!
- [Icicle Village Resort](https://johnandkristie.com/icicle-village-resort/): ICICLE VILLAGE RESORT, LEAVENWORTH, WA :: We stayed at the Icicle Village Resort during our extended weekend in Leavenworth. It's a pretty decent hotel with heated pools, a nice 18-hole putt-putt course, and a game room. Our balcony had a view of Tumwater Mountain, where we spotted a family of marmots going about their daily […]
- [Milky Way](https://johnandkristie.com/milky-way/): LAKE WENATCHEE STATE PARK, LEAVENWORTH, WA :: Most people visit Lake Wenatchee during the day to enjoy watersports or fishing. We go there in the middle of the night during a new moon to watch the Perseid meteor shower and The Milky Way. Many wishes were made on shooting stars that night, including one on […]
- [Leavenworth Summer Theater](https://johnandkristie.com/leavenworth-summer-theater/): LEAVENWORTH SUMMER THEATER, LEAVENWORTH, WA :: The hills were actually alive with the sound of music Saturday evening! We enjoyed the Leavenworth Summer Theater's 25th annual production of The Sound of Music, featuring a talented cast of actors, singers and orchestra that would have made Julie Andrews and The Family Von Trapp proud. The play […]
- [Icicle Gorge](https://johnandkristie.com/icicle-gorge/): ICICLE GORGE, LEAVENWORTH, WA :: A scenic 4.5 mile loop along both banks of the crystal clear Icicle River took us through a surprising variety of environments, including cool cedar, fir and spruce forests, and open warm meadows with vanilla scented ponderosas. The sound of the roaring river was a constant companion, along with occasional […]
- [Wenatchee River Tubing](https://johnandkristie.com/wenatchee-river-tubing/): WENATCHEE RIVER, LEAVENWORTH, WA :: We’re enjoying a weekend of perfect weather in Leavenworth! The skies were brilliant, the air was 75, the water 68, and the drinks ice cold while we floated along the beautiful Wenatchee River!
- [Sienna the Corn Snake](https://johnandkristie.com/sienna-the-corn-snake/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: This kid loves their corn snake!
- [Ruby Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/ruby-beach/): RUBY BEACH, WA :: Ruby Beach is one of the most stunning coastlines in Olympic National Park. The rugged scene is composed of a broadly curved beach, interspersed with an impressive collection of sea stacks, and framed by battered Sitka Spruce. The trees are lined up like soldiers, paying respect to their fallen driftwood brothers, […]
- [The Tree of Life and Kalaloch Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/the-tree-of-life-and-kalaloch-beach/): TREE OF LIFE, KALALOCH BEACH, WA :: The roots of Kalaloch’s Tree of Life seem to be holding on through sheer determination. We wandered the driftwood-covered beach and took in one of the coast’s strangest, most beautiful landmarks.
- [Kalaloch Campground](https://johnandkristie.com/kalaloch-campground/): KALALOCH CAMPGROUND, WA :: We were lucky to secure an oceanside campsite at Kalaloch for two nights. Our site was tucked into the woods on a bluff overlooking the beach. It served as our basecamp for outings to other nearby beaches, as well fire-cooked meals, s’mores, relaxation, and many games. We tried a fun one […]
- [The Bandon House](https://johnandkristie.com/the-bandon-house/): BANDON, OR :: Here’s the last set of photos from our road trip, highlighting some of the great times we had while sharing four days with family at The Bandon House. This rental was a fun splurge, and included every amenity you could think of. We enjoyed the spacious interior, wrap around decks with fire […]
- [Bandon Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/bandon-beach/): BANDON, OR :: Bandon’s beach is flanked by tall cliffs and picturesque rock spires. We explored caverns that flirted dangerously with the rising tide. The wind was whipping fiercely, so please excuse our contorted expressions. During one selfie attempt, a wave snuck up on us and almost drowned our toes. This beach is also famous […]
- [Oregon Dunes](https://johnandkristie.com/oregon-dunes/): OREGON DUNES, OR :: Our last stop on our road trip was in Bandon, Oregon – an area famous for fantastic beaches, challenging golf courses, and the sand dunes that inspired the planet Arrakis in Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novels. Instead of House Atriedes and Harkonnen, however, we met up with House Brown and Jenkins. We […]
- [Tour-Thru Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/tour-thru-tree/): TOUR-THRU TREE, KLAMATH, CA :: We found a tree that we could just barely squeeze through!
- [Fern Canyon Trail Redwood National Park](https://johnandkristie.com/fern-canyon-trail-redwood-national-park/): FERN CANYON TRAIL REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK, ORICK, CA :: Today we explored a lush, magical canyon with walls layered in vibrant green ferns. The kids had fun crisscrossing the crystal clear stream via planks and fallen trunks. This unique and beautiful area is recognized as a World Heritage site and was featured in Jurassic Park […]
- [Palace of Fine Arts](https://johnandkristie.com/palace-of-fine-arts/): PALACE OF FINE ARTS, CA :: Today we left San Francisco and drove up to Humboldt County, the midway point to our next destination, Bandon. We stopped by The Palace of Fine Arts and Crissy Field to get a view of Karl the Fog. We also cruised through the Avenue of Giants, but mostly enjoyed […]
- [Land Rover Experience](https://johnandkristie.com/land-rover-experience/): 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 how to drive Mando! This is the way.
- [California Road Trip](https://johnandkristie.com/california-road-trip/): 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 in. Here are some highlights from the first two days.
- [Happy Dad's Day](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-dads-day/): 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 family, and I love being their dad!
- [Theatresports / Great Wolf Lodge Weekend](https://johnandkristie.com/theatresports-great-wolf-lodge-weekend/): 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 March 2020 to see Whose Line Is It Anyway at The Moore, and 16 months later we were back to see improv […]
- [New Signs Project](https://johnandkristie.com/new-signs-project/): 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 building and new signage. Over a few weeks, fifteen new monument, building, and directory signs were carved out of the CNC machine, painted, lettered, and […]
- [Happy Mom's Day](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-moms-day/): 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 through the wetlands and woods, dinner at her favorite olive-themed Italian restaurant, and family movie night starring her favorite ursine Londoner from Darkest Peru!
- [Spring Pruning Pile](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-pruning-pile/): 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 is dead, long live the pile!
- [San Juan Sculpture Garden](https://johnandkristie.com/san-juan-sculpture-garden/): 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 years ago. This time we had fun asking the kids to interpret each piece of art, ranging from the profound to the whimsical!
- [Lime Kiln Lighthouse](https://johnandkristie.com/lime-kiln-lighthouse-2/): 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 loved climbing and peeling the paper-like bark of the madrone trees.
- [Sammamish River Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/sammamish-river-trail/): 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](https://johnandkristie.com/eagle-cove-vacation-home/): 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 rope swing and large yard. A bonus was the black fox we often saw running through the backyard. Can you spot […]
- [American Camp & South Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/american-camp-south-beach/): 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.
- [San Juan Sunsets & S'mores](https://johnandkristie.com/san-juan-sunsets-smores/): 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.
- [San Juan Safari](https://johnandkristie.com/san-juan-safari-2/): 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 and silver foxes every morning and night, particularly along Pickett's Lane on the way to South Beach, but also in our […]
- [Happy Easter](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-easter-3/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Easter baskets appeared at the front door, followed by colorful treats and a relaxed celebration at home.
- [Twin Chefs](https://johnandkristie.com/twin-chefs/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The twins made dinner tonight! Three Cheese Ravioli with Confetti Corn Muffins.
- [Perseverance](https://johnandkristie.com/perseverance/): 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 few minutes, and the team’s reaction when the landing was confirmed was memorable. At the time, Mars was 127 million miles from Earth, and signals […]
- [Snowy Valentine's](https://johnandkristie.com/snowy-valentines/): 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 perfectly normal winter attire. Hoping to be much more normal soon!
- [Hurricane Ridge Snowshoe](https://johnandkristie.com/hurricane-ridge-snowshoe/): 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 some snowshoeing and sledding in relative solitude! A fierce storm moved in during the afternoon, causing whiteout conditions and earning the area its name. Luckily […]
- [Another Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/another-birthday/): 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 in gold, a cool new Lego set, and the most delicious homemade cheesecake I've ever tasted! Very grateful for my family, friends, health, […]
- [Anza-Borrego Sculptures](https://johnandkristie.com/anza-borrego-sculptures/): 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 surrounding desert. The amazing characters and creatures were crafted by Ricardo Breceda. We had a map in hand and tracked down his dragon, scorpion, elephants, […]
- [Ladder Canyon & Painted Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/ladder-canyon-painted-canyon/): 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 five-mile maze of slots and a thousand feet of elevation change. A fun and adventurous hike!
- [The Grand Canyon - Ooh Aah Point](https://johnandkristie.com/the-grand-canyon-ooh-aah-point/): 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 to just peer into it – we had to be *in* it. So we hiked the 700 feet down to Ooh Aah Point. Despite the […]
- [Cathedral Rock](https://johnandkristie.com/cathedral-rock/): 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 evening in the red rock spires of Cathedral Rock. The hike was a bit challenging, requiring climbing and sure footing, but it was well […]
- [Palm Springs Airport](https://johnandkristie.com/palm-springs-airport/): PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, PALM SPRINGS, CA :: Heading back home via our new favorite airport!
- [SoCal New Year](https://johnandkristie.com/socal-new-year/): INDIO, CA :: Ringing in the New Year, SoCal and Animal Style! 😎🍔Wishing everyone health and happiness in 2021!
- [Joshua Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/joshua-tree-2/): JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, JOSHUA TREE CA, JOSHUA TREE, CA :: U2’s fifth studio album and our destination today!
- [Christmas 2020](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2020/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: So grateful to share the holidays with our families! Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
- [First D&D Adventure](https://johnandkristie.com/first-dd-adventure/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: I ran the twins through their first D&D campaign today! They outwitted an ambush, cleared a cave of goblins and their bugbear leader, rescued an NPC, befriended a wolf, and made it to level 2 in just under three hours! Onward to Phandalin!
- [Suncadia Winter Getaway](https://johnandkristie.com/suncadia-winter-getaway/): SUNCADIA, CLE ELUM, WA :: We safely gathered (Covid) with family this weekend to celebrate the holidays and the surprise engagement of my sister!
- [Gingerbread Houses](https://johnandkristie.com/gingerbread-houses/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Gingerbread houses! The kids made theirs the traditional way, and I made mine with Lego. While Legos are much neater to work with, they can't beat the yummy scent and taste of gingerbread and icing!
- [Wreck of the Peter Iredale](https://johnandkristie.com/wreck-of-the-peter-iredale/): WRECK OF THE PETER IREDALE, FORT STEVENS STATE PARK, OR :: The Peter Iredale looked especially dramatic in the evening light, its rusted ribs rising from the surf like the skeleton of some enormous sea creature.
- [Sunset at Hug Point](https://johnandkristie.com/sunset-at-hug-point/): HUG POINT, OR :: We reached Hug Point just as the sky began turning gold, with the tide reflecting every last bit of the sunset.
- [Cannon Beach Thanksgiving](https://johnandkristie.com/cannon-beach-thanksgiving/): CANNON BEACH, OR :: Another Thanksgiving at Cannon Beach! This year we lucked out with some amazing weather, and the kids were warm enough to run through the foamy surf with their bare feet!
- [Ecola State Park](https://johnandkristie.com/ecola-state-park/): ECOLA STATE PARK, JEWELL, OR :: Enjoying kites and trails on a blustery bluff overlooking beautiful Cannon Beach.
- [Bye Disco, Hello Mando](https://johnandkristie.com/bye-disco-hello-mando/): BELLEVUE JAGUAR AND LAND ROVER, BELLEVUE, WA :: This weekend we said goodbye to Disco, and hello to Mando! I love the new Defender, but I think the nickname the kids came up with will take a little while longer to grow on me. #thisistheway
- [Chicken Skewers & S’mores Pie](https://johnandkristie.com/chicken-skewers-smores-pie/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The kids cooked a couple of their favorite Radish recipes today: Chicken Teriyaki Skewers and S’mores Pie!
- [Covid Halloween](https://johnandkristie.com/covid-halloween/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: A little different this year, but still a fun time! Grateful for our neighbors that organized safe, alternative activities!
- [19th Anniversary](https://johnandkristie.com/19th-anniversary/): MCMENAMINS ELKS TEMPLE, TACOMA, WA :: Kristie and I celebrated our 19th anniversary with a stay at the McMenamins Elks Temple in Tacoma. We requested the very cool Graffiti Room, which celebrates the artists that took over the building during its derelict decades, the 80s and 90s. The hotel features several eclectic restaurants and bars, […]
- [Corn Maze](https://johnandkristie.com/corn-maze/): BOB'S CORN AND PUMPKIN FARM, SNOHOMISH, WA :: Embracing the season with a visit to the local farm. Nothing says Fall like the sight of pumpkins all the way to the horizon, along with the warm scent of bonfires, apples and cinnamon mixed in the cool, crisp air – and of course the awkward sensation […]
- [Kristie's Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/kristies-birthday-3/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: We had a great time celebrating Kristie's birthday, packing the weekend with family fun, including Bob's corn maze and Throw Throw Burrito!
- [Magnetic Paint](https://johnandkristie.com/magnetic-paint/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: After 8 (!!!) coats of paint (6 in magnetic and 2 in Paradise Landscape), Lauren’s new favorite color (teal) adorns her walls (along with her beautiful artwork)!
- [Welcome, Sienna](https://johnandkristie.com/welcome-sienna/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Happy day for Miranda, our little herpetologist! They welcomed Sienna home – a beautiful 3-month old corn snake!
- [10th Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/10th-birthday/): SUNCADIA, CLE ELUM, WA :: We celebrated our twins' 10th birthday, along with their cousin's and grandpa's birthdays at Suncadia! It was a fun weekend filled with games, great food, outdoor fun, and much needed time with family.
- [North Creek Clubhouse](https://johnandkristie.com/north-creek-clubhouse/): NORTH CREEK CLUBHOUSE, BOTHELL, WA :: A few years ago, we purchased this 90 year-old, former golf clubhouse, to serve as the new office for English Insurance Group and Learning Landscape. This year we spent nearly every evening and weekend working on renovating the property along with Eakman Construction. Except for the state mandated month-long […]
- [4th Grade](https://johnandkristie.com/4th-grade/): CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: We are so proud of our 4th graders, taking on the challenge of a virtual education to stay safe from Covid. Lauren and Miranda are excited to meet their new teacher and classmates!
- [Lake Chelan Boating](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-chelan-boating-2/): LAKE CHELAN, WA :: A calm day on Lake Chelan gave us plenty of time on the boat, surrounded by blue water and blue sky.
- [Lake Chelan Sunset](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-chelan-sunset/): LAKE CHELAN, WA :: The twins take in a beautiful sunset over Lake Chelan, which coincided with their Pusheen’s birthday.
- [Lake Chelan Jet Ski](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-chelan-jet-ski/): LAKE CHELAN, WA :: The quiet lake did not stay quiet for long once the jet skis came out. Plenty of spray, speed, and big smiles!.
- [Cool in the Pool](https://johnandkristie.com/cool-in-the-pool/): LAKE CHELAN SHORES, CHELAN, WA :: We traded the summer heat for fun times in the resort's pool.
- [Timber](https://johnandkristie.com/timber/): NORTH CREEK CLUBHOUSE, BOTHELL, WA :: Timber! Exciting and a little sad to watch eight large trees removed from the Clubhouse lot today. We would have loved to have been able to keep this row of poplars, but they were destroying the parking lot and property. We're going to replace them with more friendly trees.
- [New Neighbors](https://johnandkristie.com/new-neighbors/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Miranda enjoys observing a trio of eagles that recently became residents in the neighborhood.
- [Mt. Pilchuck Hike](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-pilchuck-hike/): MOUNT PILCHUCK, WA :: We took advantage of the extended summer daylight, and hiked up Mt. Pilchuck after work. The trail is six miles roundtrip and climbs 2300' to an old fire lookout. It was quite the challenge, due to the rocky terrain and constant clouds of mosquitoes. Unfortunately, our three hour estimate turned into […]
- [Lost Lake Paddleboarding](https://johnandkristie.com/lost-lake-paddleboarding/): LOST LAKE RESORT & CAMPGROUND, HOOD RIVER, OR :: After our hike around the lake, we spent the rest of the day on it. The kids paddled around on SUP boards while I followed in a (appropriately named) John boat. The twins were confident enough with their skills to picnic on their boards, but didn’t […]
- [Lost Lake Lakeshore Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/lost-lake-lakeshore-trail/): LOST LAKE, OR :: Lost Lake is at 3100' elevation, so while the forecast promised a warm day to splash around in the sun, the morning was quite chilly. We decided to walk the 3.2 mile loop around the lake to allow things time to heat up. It's a beautiful trail with lots of boardwalks […]
- [Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE)](https://johnandkristie.com/comet-c-2020-f3-neowise/): PANORAMA POINT, HOOD RIVER, OR :: Dragged the kids out late to see the comet. We waited at Panorama Point overlooking Hood River. At around 10:30 PM, the comet became visible to the naked eye, but looked much more impressive with our binoculars and camera. We also saw Jupiter, Saturn, and the Milky Way – […]
- [Lost Lake Butte](https://johnandkristie.com/lost-lake-butte/): LOST LAKE, OR :: We spent this weekend at beautiful Lost Lake, one of our favorite summer getaways. Upon rolling into camp, we decided to hike four miles and 1300' up Lost Lake Butte to build our appetite for dinner. The views of Mt. Hood at the top did not disappoint, and meals always seem […]
- [Lucky](https://johnandkristie.com/lucky/): NORTH CREEK CLUBHOUSE, BOTHELL, WA :: Found a bit of luck on our walk today!
- [Kingston Ferry Sunset](https://johnandkristie.com/kingston-ferry-sunset/): KINGSTON, WA :: We wrapped up our Olympic Peninsula weekend with ice cream in Kingston and a sunset ferry ride.
- [Pyramid Peak](https://johnandkristie.com/pyramid-peak/): LAKE CRESCENT, WA :: The twins have been on countless day hikes, but today was their longest by far. Seven miles roundtrip and 2400' of elevation gain to the top of Pyramid Peak overlooking Lake Crescent and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. An old lookout is still perched at the summit, built during WW2 […]
- [Sequim to Port Angeles Bike Ride](https://johnandkristie.com/sequim-to-port-angeles-bike-ride/): SEQUIM TO PORT ANGELES, WA :: We covered the 17-mile route from Sequim toward Port Angeles by bike, rolling across trestles, through forests and open fields, and under a very welcome blue sky. Beautiful ride along the new Discovery Trail.
- [Cannon Beach Splashing](https://johnandkristie.com/cannon-beach-splashing/): CANNON BEACH, OR :: What a difference a day makes at Cannon Beach! The constant drizzle burned away to reveal warm sunshine and a crystal blue sky, perfect for splashing around all day in the waves!
- [Hug Point](https://johnandkristie.com/hug-point/): HUG POINT, OR :: Waterfalls, caves, old wagon roads, and miles of beachcombing. Others had already found all of the intact sand dollars, but we were excited to find a couple sand pennies!
- [Cannon Beach Father's Day](https://johnandkristie.com/cannon-beach-fathers-day/): CANNON BEACH, OR :: We celebrated the end of the school year, the summer solstice, and Father's Day with a fun weekend of beaches, bunnies, boardgames, and breweries at Cannon Beach!
- [Lord Hill Park](https://johnandkristie.com/lord-hill-park/): LORD HILL REGIONAL PARK, SNOHOMISH, WA :: A sunny ramble through Lord Hill led us across meadows and forest trails, with a surprise horseback and abandoned farm equipment sighting along the way.
- [Mother's Day](https://johnandkristie.com/mothers-day/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: A beautiful weekend fit for celebrating a beautiful mommy! Bike rides, paper airplane contests, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and tons of love and laughter shared with the best mommy our kids could ever have!
- [Brightwater Trails](https://johnandkristie.com/brightwater-trails/): BRIGHTWATER TRAILS, WOODINVILLE, WA :: Enjoyed a nice walk this evening, but it was cut short when Kristie decided to take a dip in the creek, one second after the first photo!
- [Grateful During COVID](https://johnandkristie.com/grateful-during-covid/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Grateful for more time with my family, for daily walks around town, for so many sunny days, for that windy day and kites, for the hot tub that came with the house that we never thought we'd use, for technology that helps us stay connected, for puzzles and boardgames, for […]
- [Happy Easter](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-easter-4/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: This year, the Easter bunny brought the kids passports to their own Animal Crossing islands. And because the lawn is being reseeded, the egg hunt was indoors, but just as fun. It was also the first Easter for our new kitties, who couldn't resist participating as well.
- [Everything is Awesome](https://johnandkristie.com/everything-is-awesome/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Well, perhaps not everything right now… But most things are still pretty awesome, including Lauren and Miranda playing the song on the piano as a duet!
- [Nappy St. Patrick's Day](https://johnandkristie.com/nappy-st-patricks-day/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Probably the best way to celebrate this year. Nappy St. Patrick’s Day!
- [Pandemic Bike Ride](https://johnandkristie.com/pandemic-bike-ride/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Doing our best to fend off the cabin fever pandemic.
- [Lauren's New Smile](https://johnandkristie.com/laurens-new-smile/): LOWE ORTHODONTICS, SHORELINE, WA :: Exactly one year ago, Lauren got braces to correct her cross-bite. Today, she got them removed, and we're all celebrating her new smile!
- [NYBA Basketball](https://johnandkristie.com/nyba-basketball/): BEAR CREEK ELEMENTARY, WA :: And that's a wrap on another fun season of basketball with coach EJ and the Jaguars! The third graders played and practiced hard, winning 7 of their 10 games and placing 2nd in their division!
- [Spelling Bee](https://johnandkristie.com/spelling-bee/): CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: Lauren and Miranda made it through round after round of the spelling bee and left the stage with well-earned certificates and an even bigger smile.
- [Neko & Eevee](https://johnandkristie.com/neko-eevee/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: A few more photos of the kitties! They were rescued as part of a stray litter. So far they're a bit shy, but also very, very sweet.
- [Another Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/another-birthday-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Thank you for the birthday wishes!! Here we are playing with one of my gifts, the amazing Oculus Quest! Inside virtual reality, I feel like a Jedi master impressively slicing cubes with my lightsabers to the beat! The reality, however, is that I am the 44 year-old version of the […]
- [Snow Day](https://johnandkristie.com/snow-day-3/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: We walked over to the sled hill, checked out The Little Library, and cozied up with hot chocolate back home.
- [Winter Adorned Home](https://johnandkristie.com/winter-adorned-home/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: A tranquil view of the house this morning.
- [Belize Day 8](https://johnandkristie.com/belize-day-8/): SAN IGNACIO, BELIZE :: We packed our last full day in Belize with a ton of activities: bird watching, exploring the Xunantunich ruins, taking our car across a river via a hand-cranked ferry, petting green iguanas, butterflies, and caterpillars, shopping the local market, and wrapping it all up with a night walk through the jungle!
- [Belize Day 7](https://johnandkristie.com/belize-day-7/): CAVES BRANCH JUNGLE LODGE, BELIZE :: When Kristie and I first visited Belize eleven years ago, our favorite experiences were exploring the network of caves that the Maya used for ceremonies and sacrifices. Today we were able to take the kids on a tour of Xibalba, the first level of the Underworld and literally translates […]
- [Belize Day 6](https://johnandkristie.com/belize-day-6/): CAHAL PECH ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVE, SAN IGNACIO & SANTA ELENA, BELIZE :: Today in The Cayo we rode horses through the jungle, swam in the pool, explored the Mayan ruin Cahal Pech, had dinner at Ko-Ox Han Nah (it's Mayan for "Let's Go Eat" and is San Ignacio's hottest restaurant), and stopped alongside the road to […]
- [Belize Day 5](https://johnandkristie.com/belize-day-5/): BELIZE ZOO, BELIZE :: Belize saved some of its wildest sights for day five, including close encounters with brilliant birds and an impressively relaxed jaguar.
- [Belize Day 4](https://johnandkristie.com/belize-day-4/): AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE :: Today in La Isla Bonita we enjoyed some down time relaxing at the pool, walking around town to check out some shops, and returning to our favorite spots, Secret Beach and The Truck Stop, before saying farewell to Ambergris Caye. Tomorrow we're off to the mainland!
- [Orca Tour](https://johnandkristie.com/orca-tour/): 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 Vancouver Island and a large number of outfitters depart directly from the harbor. We found Eagle Wing Tours to be the best reviewed company on TripAdvisor, […]
- [The Butchart Gardens](https://johnandkristie.com/the-butchart-gardens/): 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 us at the gate, but it was quickly justified when walking through the immaculate park as we realized it requires an army of workers and […]
- [Victoria](https://johnandkristie.com/victoria/): 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. We had a lot of fun together, checking out the sights and enjoying the nice weather. We stayed at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbor and […]
- [Victoria Butterfly Gardens](https://johnandkristie.com/victoria-butterfly-gardens/): 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 to Sidney via a Washington State Ferry, which departed Anacortes at 7:45 AM and took three hours to cross the straits. When you add in […]
- [Swakane Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/swakane-canyon/): 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 road, NFD 5215. The road seems to go on forever through the mountains, and I’m sure there are many other adventures beyond my turnaround point. Today, I […]
- [Laundry Room Makeover](https://johnandkristie.com/laundry-room-makeover/): 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 small space. I wish we could have gotten fancy new appliances to match, but Kristie wants to keep the old and ugly dryer until it breaks… […]
- [Spring in Macro](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-in-macro/): 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 dandelions, I decided to try out my new macro glass (EF 100 f/2.8 Macro) on a couple of them. When I first looked into the […]
- [Mt. Constitution](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-constitution/): 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 peninsula along Cascade Lake in South End Campground. The forecast promised a lot of rain over the weekend, so canopies and tarps were setup as […]
- [Rundetaarn](https://johnandkristie.com/rundetaarn/): COPENHAGEN, DENMARK :: The Rundetaarn, or Round Tower, was built during the reign of King Christian IV – the same guy who commissioned and lived in Rosenborg Castle. It’s approximately 11 stories tall, and a circular platform on top of the tower offers sweeping, unobstructed views across all of Copenhagen. It was the Space Needle […]
- [Nyhavn](https://johnandkristie.com/nyhavn/): COPENHAGEN, DENMARK :: Our team had an early meeting with a prospect in Copenhagen, after which we headed to scenic Nyhavn to have lunch along the canal. They were rushed to catch a flight back to London, but I had planned to stay in the city for a couple nights to do some sightseeing on […]
- [Kastellet](https://johnandkristie.com/kastellet/): 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 citadel has been integral to the defense of the city’s prominent port. The angled bastions effectively deflected cannon fire and allowed more lines of sight to pick-off soldiers sieging […]
- [Rosenborg Castle](https://johnandkristie.com/rosenborg-castle/): 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 of old masonry walls, high towers, heavy timber bridges across moats, cobblestoned courtyards, and the gleaming suits of armor and weaponry on display. Since leaving […]
- [Copenhagen](https://johnandkristie.com/copenhagen/): 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 rippled through the reflections as a mermaid looked on and beyond. She longs for a person, a place, a time far away. Perhaps a time of princes, […]
- [London](https://johnandkristie.com/london-2/): LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM :: The company dispatched Mike, Scott and me to London again, where we met several exciting prospects and consulted with a few existing clients. Our itinerary was a whirlwind, requiring the team to divide and conquer, criss-crossing the city and country to make the most of our short stay. The meetings were […]
- [KODO](https://johnandkristie.com/kodo/): MEANY HALL, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie also surprised me on my birthday with tickets to see Kodo, perhaps the most reknown, influential and dedicated taiko troop. The musicians not only play taiko, they live it. The 50 performers are members of a traditional Japanese village, where they farm, fish, and celebrate ancient festivals while rehearsing […]
- [Canon EOS 5D Mark II](https://johnandkristie.com/canon-eos-5d-mark-ii/): EDMONDS, WA :: Happy Birthday to me! As a gift to myself, I added a new camera body to my kit: The Canon EOS 5D Mark II. It’s a major upgrade from the remarkable Rebel XT that Kristie got for me a little over three years ago. The primary difference is the full-frame sensor, which […]
- [Kitty Kennel](https://johnandkristie.com/kitty-kennel/): EDMONDS, WA :: Last summer I built a kennel for Mance and Sage, allowing them to safely and conveniently enjoy a little bit of the outside world. I’m just now posting it on the website because, 1) I’ve been working through a large backlog of photos, and 2) I’ve been waiting for a snow day […]
- [unBELIZEable!](https://johnandkristie.com/unbelizeable/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 12 :: BELIZE :: Here’s a recap of our unbelievable vacation through Florida, Guatemala and Belize. It literally required a few months of research and planning to pull everything together, six months before we were scheduled to depart. All of the work was well worth it. Everything went off without a hitch […]
- [Mexico Rocks](https://johnandkristie.com/mexico-rocks/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 11 :: BELIZE BARRIER REEF, BELIZE :: Mexico Rocks is the name given to a popular snorkeling destination along the Belize Barrier Reef located just a half-mile from our resort. We were told we could easily kayak there and back, but a strong breeze produced some doubt. The waters were choppy and […]
- [Hol Chan Marine Reserve](https://johnandkristie.com/hol-chan-marine-reserve/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 10 :: BELIZE BARRIER REEF, BELIZE :: Hol Chan means “little channel” in Mayan. It describes a unique and relatively narrow cut in the Belize Barrier Reef where the creatures of the open Caribbean Sea are able to cross into the calmer, protected seagrass beds behind the reef. Large coral formations and […]
- [San Pedro](https://johnandkristie.com/san-pedro/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 9 :: SAN PEDRO, AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE :: We were sad to leave our cottage at Chaa Creek, but we knew there would be more exciting adventure and stunning scenery at our next destination, Ambergris Caye. This long island skirts the Belize Barrier Reef, second only in size to Australia’s. Ambergris Caye […]
- [Belize Legacy Beach Resort](https://johnandkristie.com/belize-legacy-beach-resort/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 9 :: AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE :: From a dock in San Pedro, we took a 15 minute boat ride to the Belize Legacy Beach Resort, our beachside base for our final four days in Belize. The Belize Legacy is a relatively new resort and one of the most remote on Ambergris Caye. […]
- [Belizean Butterflies](https://johnandkristie.com/belizean-butterflies/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 8 :: CAYO DISTRICT, BELIZE :: The itinerary for our last full day on the mainland was reserved for relaxation and soaking in the scenery of our jungle resort. Tomorrow, we would bid farewell to Chaa Creek and drive back across the country for our short flight to Ambergris Caye. We started […]
- [Actun Tunichil Muknal](https://johnandkristie.com/actun-tunichil-muknal/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 7 :: TAPIR MOUNTAIN NATURE RESERVE, CAYO DISTRICT, BELIZE :: Actun Tunichil Muknal is a Mayan term that I love to chant. It just sounds cool when I raise my chest and lower my voice: Awk-toon Toon-each-EEL Mook-nal. Translated, it means “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre”. It’s the name given to the […]
- [Barton Creek Cave](https://johnandkristie.com/barton-creek-cave/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 6 :: CAYO DISTRICT, BELIZE :: The Maya believed that caves were very sacred places. They were the birthplace of gods and the human race, and were passageways to Xibalbá, the underworld realm of demons, disease and death. Mayas frequently worshipped in these underground cathedrals, performing elaborate rituals and human sacrifice ceremonies […]
- [San Ignacio](https://johnandkristie.com/san-ignacio/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 6 :: SAN IGNACIO, CAYO DISTRICT, BELIZE :: San Ignacio is Belize’s westernmost town, located just twelve miles from the Guatemalan border. More than 16,000 Belizeans live in San Ignacio, along with hundreds of tourists that make their basecamp here, making it a relatively large population center in Belize. It’s an ideal […]
- [Tikal](https://johnandkristie.com/tikal/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 5 :: TIKAL NATIONAL PARK, PETEN DEPARTMENT, GUATEMALA :: Today we visited the magnificent ruins at Tikal, the largest city of the ancient Mayan civilization. Our adventure started at Chaa Creek with our first wake-up knock at 6:00 AM. This gave us time to eat breakfast and meet with our group that […]
- [Jungle Zip-Line](https://johnandkristie.com/jungle-zip-line/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 5 :: TIKAL NATIONAL PARK, PETEN DEPARTMENT, GUATEMALA :: On our way back to Belize from Tikal, we stopped at Canopy Tours just outside the gates of the park to experience zip-lining through the jungle. We chose the fast tour, because a few people in our group would be waiting for us […]
- [The Lodge at Chaa Creek](https://johnandkristie.com/the-lodge-at-chaa-creek/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 4 :: CAYO DISTRICT, BELIZE :: Like most travelers to Belize, we planned a surf and turf itinerary, splitting our time between the mainland and the cayes. Our base for five nights would be The Lodge at Chaa Creek, an absolutely amazing eco-resort on a 365 acre nature reserve near the Guatemalan […]
- [The Belize Zoo](https://johnandkristie.com/the-belize-zoo/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 4 :: BELIZE DISTRICT, BELIZE :: On Thanksgiving morning, Kristie and I arrived in Belize, a tiny Central American country bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea. Our decision to vacation there was based on raving reviews from more than a few of our friends. The more we heard and read […]
- [South Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/south-beach/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 3 :: MIAMI, FL :: The drive from Orlando to Miami was easy and took just a little over three hours, thanks to the Florida Turnpike (and perhaps the overly acute angle of my right foot against the gas pedal). It was well worth the $15 in tolls. We stayed one night […]
- [Madonna](https://johnandkristie.com/madonna/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 3 :: MIAMI, FL :: A couple years ago, we happened to catch the NBC broadcast of Madonna’s Confessions tour at Wembley Stadium and thought it was a pretty awesome show. We told ourselves the next time she’s in town, we gotta get tickets. Well, here’s some trivia: Madonna kicked off her […]
- [Animal Kingdom](https://johnandkristie.com/animal-kingdom/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 2 :: ORLANDO, FL :: Our purpose for visiting Orlando was to see La Nouba, although the show wasn’t until later at night. This presented us with the challenge of finding something to do during the day. The only attractions seemed to be the dozen or so theme parks in the area, […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-la-nouba/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 2 :: ORLANDO, FL :: Kristie and I love Cirque du Soleil, and we’re willing to travel across the country (and someday around the world) to see every one of their productions. I think we might be well on our way. There are currently 18 Cirque shows, and La Nouba was our […]
- [Grand Cypress Resort](https://johnandkristie.com/grand-cypress-resort/): UNBELIZEABLE VACATION DAY 1 :: ORLANDO, FL :: So begins our much anticipated, two-week trip to the jungles and beaches of Belize! To kick things off, we traveled through Florida for a few days to check out a couple attractions and to take advantage of airfare discounts to Belize City via Miami. The Sunshine State […]
- [London](https://johnandkristie.com/london/): LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM :: Until now, my business trips have been confined to Canada, Mexico and the United States, where most of our market exists. We have implementations all over the world, however, and this week I finally had the opportunity to visit some of our clients and prospects across the pond in London. Our […]
- [The Slot](https://johnandkristie.com/the-slot/): ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK, CA :: After exploring the Calcite Mine area, I only had a couple hours to check out another nearby canyon, “The Slot”. I nearly decided to skip it, but I’m glad I didn’t. The passageway through The Slot is pretty cool. It is more jagged and much tighter than the slot […]
- [Calcite Mine](https://johnandkristie.com/calcite-mine/): ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK, CA :: I love slots. Slot canyons, that is. While Kristie was attending her conference today, I was excited to check out two popular slot canyon trails in Anza-Borrego, California’s largest state park. The vast desert and badlands of Anza-Borrego are centered around the town of Borrego Springs, just a couple […]
- [USS Midway](https://johnandkristie.com/uss-midway/): THE MIDWAY MUSEUM, SAN DIEGO, CA :: After walking around Balboa Park, I drove to downtown San Diego’s waterfront where the USS Midway is docked. The aircraft carrier was decommissioned in 1997 after 47 years of distinguished service, including the first and last air-to-air kills in the Vietnam War and the only perfect record as […]
- [The Neurosciences Institute](https://johnandkristie.com/the-neurosciences-institute/): LA JOLLA, CA :: Kristie is really into the human brain. As an educational therapist, her work and professional development require her to read through volumes of books and periodicals on brain research. In general, she enjoys reading stories about people with brain disorders, and has been known to successfully schmooze her way into doctorate-level […]
- [Balboa Park](https://johnandkristie.com/balboa-park-2/): BALBOA PARK, SAN DIEGO, CA :: I started today with a walk through Balboa Park, San Diego’s much larger version of the Seattle Center. The park was established in 1835, but most of the major buildings, halls, fountains, gardens and avenues were designed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, celebrating the completion of the Panama Canal […]
- [Torrey Pines Beach Sunset](https://johnandkristie.com/torrey-pines-beach-sunset/): TORREY PINES STATE NATURAL RESERVE, CA :: On our way through La Jolla, we stopped at Torrey Pines State Reserve for a sunset stroll along its beautiful beach. The day was still very warm and it felt great to get our toes wet in the surf. Tall sandstone cliffs, atop which are the rare namesake […]
- [Mission Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/mission-beach/): MISSION BEACH, SAN DIEGO, CA :: One of the first things we did when we arrived in San Diego was to hit the beach. The Mission Bay Aquatic Center rented us a couple bodyboards along with spring suits for cheap. We then walked to Mission Beach, toting our boards through the alleyways of Mission Boulevard, […]
- [Kona Kai Resort](https://johnandkristie.com/kona-kai-resort/): SHELTER ISLAND, SAN DIEGO, CA :: Kristie and I were reluctant to end our summer, so we spent a week vacationing in sunny San Diego where it was 80-plus degrees every day. We stayed at the Kona Kai Resort, where Kristie also attended an ET* conference. The Kona Kai is located on Shelter Island, a […]
- [Hoh River Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/hoh-river-trail/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: This weekend I backpacked the Hoh River Trail with Jacob, Jayson and Pat, three great friends for over 20 years now. We camped two nights at a small, riverside meadow near Olympus Guard Station and hiked for three days, covering 30 miles to Elk Lake and back. We got a […]
- [Mythbusters](https://johnandkristie.com/mythbusters/): MOORE THEATRE, SEATTLE, WA :: The Mythbusters, Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, were in Seattle to share behind-the-scenes stories from their popular television show. I think I’ve seen every episode, and Kristie gets a kick out of it as well. Their show is interesting and entertaining, and their presentation tonight was no different. Dr. Warren […]
- [Point of Arches](https://johnandkristie.com/point-of-arches/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: I joined a few buddies from work for a weekend at Point of Arches and Shi Shi Beach, certainly one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. No, the water is not warm and clear, and the sand is not white and soft, but this narrow crescent of coastline […]
- [Orca Cruise](https://johnandkristie.com/orca-cruise/): SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WA :: Kristie and I enjoyed our Labor Day weekend with an orca watching trip via Island Mariner Cruises. Their 110′ boat conveniently departed from Bellingham to take us on a scenic, eight-hour voyage around the San Juan Islands. We were able to avoid the ferries and be back home before sunset. […]
- [Klapatche to Cougar Rock](https://johnandkristie.com/klapatche-to-cougar-rock/): THE WONDERLAND TRAIL DAY 3 :: MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: We started our third day early on another cold and misty morning. Today would be a challenge, requiring eight hours on the trail. Our next stop at Cougar Rock Campground was over 15 miles and 3500 vertical feet away. The plan was to […]
- [Golden Lakes to Klapatche](https://johnandkristie.com/golden-lakes-to-klapatche/): THE WONDERLAND TRAIL DAY 2 :: MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: We were still in good spirits as we began our second day on The Wonderland Trail, although the mood was dampened a bit by the wet and heavy fog. The trek to Klapatche Park was misty, rainy and cold, but also thrilling and […]
- [Mowich Lake to Golden Lakes](https://johnandkristie.com/mowich-lake-to-golden-lakes/): THE WONDERLAND TRAIL DAY 1 :: MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: We were in high spirits as we began our much anticipated and ambitious attempt of The Wonderland Trail. With our confidence bolstered by the beaming sun, we embarked on the grand loop around Mt. Rainier from the trailhead at Mowich Lake. Our path […]
- [Mt. Lillian & Naneum Meadow](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-lillian-naneum-meadow/): WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Kristie attended yet another conference at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum. There is absolutely nothing to do in Cle Elum, but I tagged along to catch up on some reading, walk through the shops in Leavenworth, and check out the Mt. Lillian and Naneum Meadow trail near Blewett Pass. You’ll […]
- [Navaho Peak](https://johnandkristie.com/navaho-peak/): WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I joined Jayson, Jessica and Jacob for an overnighter to Navaho Peak via the Stafford Creek trail in the Teanaway. Due to the heavy snowfall this winter, this was one of only a few high elevation options that was hikable and within a few hours drive of Seattle. Our other […]
- [Fourth of July](https://johnandkristie.com/fourth-of-july/): SOMEWHERE BETWEEN EDMONDS AND MUKILTEO, WA :: My boss very kindly invited us to celebrate the Fourth of July with his family and friends. He and his neighbors gathered together to put on a mini-block party in their cul-de-sac. It was pretty cool! There were several grills and tables arranged on the street and kids […]
- [Horsetail Falls Loop](https://johnandkristie.com/horsetail-falls-loop/): COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE NATIONAL SCENIC AREA, OR :: On my way back home from Painted Hills, I made a stop again at the waterfalls between exits 31 and 35 on Interstate 84. I have to say, this place is very special. Everything about this area is beautiful. The wide Columbia River Gorge is flanked by […]
- [Biglow Canyon Wind Farm](https://johnandkristie.com/biglow-canyon-wind-farm/): SHERMAN COUNTY, OR :: I love roadtrips, but they’re a little more expensive these days. My trip through Central Oregon and back totaled 1000 miles. Optimistically, my Pathfinder gets about 20 mpg on the freeway, although likely a couple miles less considering the way I drive. So on this trip, I must have burned through […]
- [Lower Oneonta Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/lower-oneonta-falls/): COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE NATIONAL SCENIC AREA, OR :: On a whim, I took a couple days off from work before July 4th to enjoy a roadtrip to Central Oregon. My destination was the Painted Hills. On the way there and back, I stopped along the Historic Columbia River Highway to hike a few of its […]
- [Painted Hills](https://johnandkristie.com/painted-hills/): JOHN DAY FOSSIL BED NATIONAL MONUMENT, OR :: After a long drive through the Columbia River Gorge and Central Oregon’s scenic high desert, I arrived at Painted Hills. Pulling into the viewpoint parking lot a couple hours before sunset, I realized I was quite lucky with my timing. The hills were glowing golden in the […]
- [Front Yard Facelift](https://johnandkristie.com/front-yard-facelift/): EDMONDS, WA :: When we bought our house, we were initially attracted to the very large pine tree in the front yard. Its branches extended over the street and roof, creating a cozy, woodsy landscape. Well, the charm faded as we gradually learned the pine was a menace to the house and other plants. Hardly […]
- [Mt. Lillian & Naneum Meadow](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-lillian-naneum-meadow-2/): WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: Kristie attended yet another conference at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum. Although Suncadia is nice, there’s not much to do in town. I tagged along anyway to catch up on some reading, walk through the shops in Leavenworth, and to check out the Mt. Lillian and Naneum Meadow trail near […]
- [Wenatchee River Whitewater](https://johnandkristie.com/wenatchee-river-whitewater/): WENATCHEE RIVER, CASHMERE, WA :: Kristie rounded up thirteen friends and family (including her mom!) for an incredibly fun whitewater rafting ride on the Wenatchee River. The river was flowing high and fast, and we got plenty soaked bumping through the Class III waves. When we weren’t getting splashed by the river, we’d engage other […]
- [200th Post](https://johnandkristie.com/200th-post/): EDMONDS, WA :: To celebrate the 200th entry on johnandkristie.com, I treated the website to a minor facelift. There is a little less clutter than before, allowing the photos to stand out stronger against the darker background. I also got rid of all the serifs on the fonts and logo to give the site a […]
- [Campbell's Resort](https://johnandkristie.com/campbells-resort/): CHELAN, WA :: Chelan has always been one of Kristie’s favorite spots in Eastern Washington. Through high school and college, she would frequently join her friends here to enjoy the small shops, the large lake, and the reliably warm weather – it is sunny 300 days per year in Chelan. Kristie was in town this […]
- [Chelan Lakeshore Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/chelan-lakeshore-trail/): WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: The Lakeshore Trail is an incredible hike that is well worth the extra effort to reach it. After a three hour car ride to Chelan from the Seattle area, backpackers must board a passenger ferry that takes another three hours to arrive at the trailhead near Prince Creek. Fortunately, Kristie […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: Corteo](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-corteo/): MARYMOOR PARK, REDMOND, WA :: To celebrate Mother’s Day, we invited our moms to see Corteo, a Cirque du Soleil show traveling the world and making a brief stop in Redmond’s Marymoor Park. Altogether, ten members from the Brown and English clans gathered together to enjoy dinner and an evening of world-class, acrobatic theater. This […]
- [Palouse Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/palouse-falls/): PALOUSE FALLS STATE PARK, JOSO, WA :: Despite having once lived in the Palouse region for five years, I had never been to Palouse Falls. On my way to Hell’s Canyon, I noticed signs for the park along SR261, a curvy and scenic road between the towns of Washtucna and Starbuck. I tagged the location […]
- [The Snake River Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/the-snake-river-trail/): HELLS CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, ID :: I drove across the state to backpack along Idaho’s bank of the Snake River. The roadtrip was long, but enjoyable. I appreciate any opportunity to cruise through the beautiful, rolling landscape of the Palouse and the small, farm towns of Eastern Washington. After a night in Grangeville, I […]
- [Duelin' Ivoryz Saloon](https://johnandkristie.com/duelin-ivoryz-saloon/): LONGHORN BARBECUE, AUBURN, WA :: We joined a bunch of friends at the Longhorn Barbecue last night to celebrate Shannon’s birthday. This Longhorn features a large, well-stocked bar and a pair of baby grand pianos facing each other on a central stage. This was a first for Kristie and me. I’ve seen several dueling piano […]
- [PLAY!](https://johnandkristie.com/play/): BENAROYA HALL, SEATTLE, WA :: Master Chief rocked Benaroya Hall tonight! For my birthday, Kristie surprised me with tickets to PLAY!, a symphony performance of popular video game music that is touring orchestras around the world. The concert celebrated a wide range of gaming genres, from the classic 8-bit days of Super Mario Brothers and […]
- [Skyline Lake](https://johnandkristie.com/skyline-lake/): ALPINE LAKES WILDERNESS AREA, WA :: Today we planned to meet Tatiana, Greg and Dana for a winter wonderland adventure near Stevens Pass. Unfortunately, we started a bit late in the day and had a few issues finding a parking space and the trailhead. The main parking areas were closed, so I proceeded to the […]
- [Fireplace Renovation](https://johnandkristie.com/fireplace-renovation/): EDMONDS, WA :: I used part of my holiday vacation to finally update our fireplace, a year and a half after moving in. During that time, the edges of our new carpet and laminate flooring remained unfinished where they met with the original brown tile surrounding our bronze fireplace insert, circa 1979. In addition, an […]
- [Christmas](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2/): EDMONDS, WA :: For this holiday season, we decorated the house with a row of lights along the roof and hung a wreath above the garage. We think it looks nice and cheery, particularly within a landscape of freshly fallen snow. I took this photo during a storm that left four inches of fluffy powder […]
- [2007 Photo Album](https://johnandkristie.com/2007-photo-album/): EDMONDS, WA :: Another eventful year deserves another photo album! As with 2005 and 2006, 2007 will be remembered and shared with a photo book produced by MyPublisher. We had four copies printed this year. One to keep and the others to give to family. They make great gifts. Our parents greatly appreciate and anticipate […]
- [Narae 2007 Korean Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/narae-2007-korean-festival/): MEANY HALL, SEATTLE, WA :: We’d like to thank Hye Ran and Rob for inviting us to this concert. When they first told us about it, Kristie and I were not sure what to expect. I really thought we were just going to see a couple of Hye Ran’s nieces and other kids dancing and […]
- [Goat Lake & Elliot Creek](https://johnandkristie.com/goat-lake-elliot-creek/): HENRY M. JACKSON WILDERNESS, WA :: I have been waiting to return to Goat Lake for a long time. Although it had been more than six years since I first hiked this trail, the picturesque image of snow-laden Cadet Peak reflecting off Goat Lake has never faded from my mind. The Mountain Loop Scenic Highway […]
- [Chapel of Thanksgiving](https://johnandkristie.com/chapel-of-thanksgiving/): DALLAS, TX :: Our last stop in Dallas was a visit to Thanks-Giving Square, a multifaith center for giving thanks. Philip Johnson designed the small park and chapel, which features a unique and beautiful stained glass ceiling. It’s a nice reminder and celebration of gratitude, but the Foundation’s emphasis is clearly on giving thanks to […]
- [Dallas Arboretum](https://johnandkristie.com/dallas-arboretum/): DALLAS, TX :: Yes, there is greenery in Dallas! Just a few miles from downtown is White Rock Lake, Dallas’s own version of Seattle’s beloved Green Lake park, complete with athletic fields, playgrounds, fishing docks, a performing arts theater and a paved trail packed with runners and rollerbladers. However, as with most things in Texas, […]
- [Fort Worth Stockyards](https://johnandkristie.com/fort-worth-stockyards/): FORT WORTH, TX :: Fort Worth was once a major railroad town and shipping point for millions of livestock. The Stockyards district preserves this history and celebrates the spirit of the American West. Cobblestone streets, wooden sidewalks, rickity old saloons, and costumed cowboy characters are elements contributing to the theme. There’s even a cattle drive […]
- [Fogo de Chão](https://johnandkristie.com/fogo-de-chao/): DALLAS, TX :: If you like to dine out, Dallas has got you covered. The city boasts the highest number of restaurants per capita in the nation. As we searched for places to eat dinner, it seemed nearly half of the options were steakhouses, which certainly drew no complaints from me. I had read a […]
- [Dallas](https://johnandkristie.com/dallas/): DALLAS, TX :: Dallas is a vastly sprawled, desolate and dirty city. It’s not the kind of place you would want to spend a vacation, although that’s exactly what I did. Kristie was attending a week-long conference, and I tagged along to support her. The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex hosts the highest concentration of corporate headquarters […]
- [Kristie's Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/kristies-birthday/): STIX BILLIARDS & BREWERY, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie celebrated her birthday with family and friends at Stix, a new pool hall on the south shore of Lake Union. We booked the private room and had access to our own patio overlooking the lake, along with a premium pool table, comfy leather seats, and an XBOX […]
- [San Jose Taiko](https://johnandkristie.com/san-jose-taiko/): EDMONDS CENTER FOR THE ARTS, EDMONDS, WA :: Kristie and I invited my parents to see San Jose Taiko perform in downtown Edmonds to celebrate my dad’s birthday. The show began with a single, large drum that was carefully rolled onto the center of the dark stage. A spotlight beamed onto the drummer and the […]
- [Sunset on Haleakala](https://johnandkristie.com/sunset-on-haleakala/): MAUI VACATION DAY 5 :: HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, HI :: Our vacation in Maui has finally reached its end. The last item on our itinerary was a dazzling sunset from the top of Haleakala, which means “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian. Most visitors to the volcano will wake up early to see the sunrise. […]
- [Haleakala](https://johnandkristie.com/haleakala/): MAUI VACATION DAY 5 :: HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, HI :: Haleakala is the world’s largest dormant volcano, with a summit 10,023 feet above sea level, and an additional 30,000 feet extending beneath to the ocean floor. Although it dominates East Maui Island, the visible part of the mountain represents only 3% of it’s total volume. […]
- [Big Beach & Little Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/big-beach-little-beach/): MAUI VACATION DAY 5 :: WAILEA-MAKENA, HI :: On our last full day in Maui, we headed south and visited several beaches before heading up to Haleakala. Each of the beaches were very nice, but pretty much the same. However, one beach, or rather, a pair of beaches stood out: Big Beach (officially known as […]
- [Iao Needle](https://johnandkristie.com/iao-needle/): MAUI VACATION DAY 4 :: IAO VALLEY STATE PARK, WAILUKU, HI :: By day four, our burnt skin needed a break from the sun. Fortunately, the remainder of our planned activities on Maui would take place in cloudier areas. It’s amazing that Kāʻanapali and the west coast of the island annually receive less than 20 […]
- [Honokalani Black Sand Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/honokalani-black-sand-beach/): MAUI VACATION DAY 4 :: WAIANAPANAPA STATE PARK, HANA, HI :: When we were planning our trip, we didn’t think we would drive to Hana, as Kristie has a low tolerance for roadtrips, especially roadtrips that contain curvy roads. The famous Road to Hana is perhaps the curviest in the world, with approximately 600 twists […]
- [Waimoku Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/waimoku-falls/): MAUI VACATION DAY 4 :: HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, HI :: Our final destination of the day was Waimoku Falls via the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park. The trailhead is at the ranger station near The Seven Sacred Pools, just a few miles beyond the town of Hana. The trail began in alternating grassy and […]
- [Sea Turtles at Black Rock](https://johnandkristie.com/sea-turtles-at-black-rock/): MAUI VACATION DAY 3 :: KAANAPALI, HI :: Our day of snorkeling ended at Black Rock (Pu’u Keka’a), one of only three ancient sites where Hawaiian’s believed their spirits departed the world. Mighty kings dove into the ocean and returned to prove their favor with the gods. Every night, a torchlit cliff diving ceremony honors […]
- [Drums of the Pacific Luau](https://johnandkristie.com/drums-of-the-pacific-luau/): MAUI VACATION DAY 3 :: KAANAPALI, HI :: You gotta do a luau when you’re in Hawaii, right? There are several to choose from on Maui, but I had read Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt was the most exciting. To get there, we walked a half mile along Kāʻanapali Beach, getting a glance […]
- [Honolua & Napili Bay](https://johnandkristie.com/honolua-napili-bay/): MAUI VACATION DAY 3 :: KAPALUA, HI :: The first half of today was dedicated to snorkeling. We went up north to Honolua Bay, moved south to Napili Bay, and then headed back towards our hotel in Kaanapali, saving the best for last: Black Rock. The main parking lot to Honolua Bay was filled, so […]
- [Lanai Dolphin Watch](https://johnandkristie.com/lanai-dolphin-watch/): MAUI VACATION DAY 2 :: LANAI ISLAND, HI :: During our Trilogy trip, we hopped onboard a high speed raft to look for dolphins along Lānaʻi’s kona (southern) coast. The Blue Water Adventure Rafting tour took us on an hour-long, waterborne thrill ride. The high speed raft weaved between rocks, banked steeply on turns and […]
- [Trilogy Sail to Lanai](https://johnandkristie.com/trilogy-sail-to-lanai/): MAUI VACATION DAY 2 :: LANAI ISLAND, HI :: Taking advantage of the three hour jet lag, we scheduled an early, sunrise sail with Trilogy Excursions from Lahaina Harbor to Lānaʻi Island (where Bill Gates was married). We generally avoid tours like this, but nearly every guide book and online review said Trilogy was the […]
- [The Whaler on Kaanapali](https://johnandkristie.com/the-whaler-on-kaanapali/): MAUI VACATION DAY 1 :: KAANAPALI, HI :: Kristie and I have been looking forward to this much deserved vacation – six incredible days on Maui to forget about work, relax, and play! The highlights of the trip included: sailing on a catamaran to Lānaʻi, chasing manta rays and baby dolphins, snorkeling with sea turtles, […]
- [Point of Arches](https://johnandkristie.com/point-of-arches-2/): OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Kristie and I enjoyed a weekend backpacking with our friends to Shi Shi Beach and Point of Arches. Getting there requires a long, winding drive to Neah Bay, some effort to haul camping gear over 4.5 miles, and a slog through a messy maze of mud. Most would agree it’s […]
- [Washington Business Week](https://johnandkristie.com/washington-business-week/): WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, BELLINGHAM, WA :: Kristie says, “I spent a week up in Bellingham on the Western Washington University campus as a Washington Business Week Camp Company Advisor with 300 high school students and 28 other Advisors. Each Advisor is assigned a group of 10 students, which make up a company. Throughout the week, […]
- [Blue Angels](https://johnandkristie.com/blue-angels/): GENESEE PARK, SEATTLE, WA :: You gotta love the Blue Angels! I know some people don’t for various reasons, but even those who protest these magnificent machines of death must respect the amazing skill of the pilots and the incredible engineering of the jets. The best part of the show was the sonic boom and […]
- [Daft Punk](https://johnandkristie.com/daft-punk/): WAMU THEATER, SEATTLE, WA :: Last night, Daft Punk completely blew my mind. We arrived just in time to find a pair of seats centered about six rows back on the mezzanine. It was a great vantage point to take in the entire show, and we avoided wrestling with the crowd on the floor. Almost […]
- [Vancouver, B.C.](https://johnandkristie.com/vancouver-b-c/): VANCOUVER, B.C.:: This weekend we visited Vancouver for a relaxing, fun and romantic getaway. My company was sending me to Sydney for a week, so we wanted to make the most of our time together before I left. Despite the rain, beautiful Vancouver did not disappoint. We knew it was going to be a great […]
- [Plains of Abraham](https://johnandkristie.com/plains-of-abraham/): MT. ST. HELENS NATIONAL VOLCANIC MONUMENT, WA :: If you don’t mind winding, bumpy roads that border along steep cliffs, the drive to this trailhead on FR 99 is as enjoyable as the hike. I had to pass many drivers who seemed torn between gawking at the surreal, blasted surroundings and keeping their eyes on […]
- [First](https://johnandkristie.com/first/): FIRST, GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND :: Our last day in Switzerland was our First! Rather, it was on the mountain named First (pronounced Feerst). Another four gondola rides to the top, with stunning views along the way, and another cliff walk experience that was unfortunately more socked in than the one at Birn. We were on a […]
- [Mürren](https://johnandkristie.com/murren/): MÜRREN, SWITZERLAND :: From Allmendhubel we decided to walk back down to Murren, enjoying the views and cows with their bells along the way. From Murren, it was one final gondola ride back to Lauterbrunnen.
- [Allmendhubel](https://johnandkristie.com/allmendhubel/): ALLMENDHUBEL, MÜRREN, SWITZERLAND :: Allmendhubel is a flower covered hill above Murren, accessible via a steep funicular. There’s a cute restaurant and playground there, as well as a nexus of trails wandering throughout the Oberland.
- [Skyline Walk](https://johnandkristie.com/skyline-walk/): SKYLINE WALK, LAUTERBRUNNEN, SWITZERLAND :: On our way back down from Schilthorn, we stopped at Birn and braved the Skyline Walk. The clouds moved in quickly, so by the end, it wasn’t quite as thrilling as we could no longer see the ground hundreds of feet below us, but it was was still a cool […]
- [Schilthorn](https://johnandkristie.com/schilthorn/): SCHILTHORN – PIZ GLORIA, MÜRREN, SWITZERLAND :: Today we rode four gondolas to the summit of Schilthorn at 9744 feet. It’s famous for being in the James Bond movie, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The rotating restaurant provides 360 degree views of the surrounding Alps, and the bathrooms are an interactive multimedia experience for Bond […]
- [Grindelwald, Switzerland](https://johnandkristie.com/grindelwald-switzerland-2/): GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND :: Our vacation rental was a cute chalet perched high in the hills over Grindelwald, with in-your-face views of Wetterhorn, Mattenberg, and Eiger. It was a great base for our adventures in the Oberland. The guest book had entries all the way back to 1965! Miranda added an edelweiss to one of its […]
- [Trümmelbachfälle](https://johnandkristie.com/trummelbachfalle/): TRÜMMELBACHFÄLLE, LAUTERBRUNNEN, SWITZERLAND :: Trummelbach is the largest subterranean waterfall in Europe, fed by the snows of the mighty Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. We took the funicular inside the mountain to ascend 6 of its 10 falls, and walked the final way to the top. After returning to Lauterbrunnen, dinner and ice cream sundaes were […]
- [Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland](https://johnandkristie.com/lauterbrunnen-switzerland/): LAUTERBRUNNEN, SWITZERLAND :: We’ve had so much fun on our European vacation, but we saved the best for last with three days in the beautiful Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland! We started with a four mile walk through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, from Horner’s Bar to Trummelbach Falls and back.
- [Hotel Kronasaur](https://johnandkristie.com/hotel-kronasaur/): HOTEL KRØNASÅR, RUST, GERMANY :: Europa-Park features six themed hotels. We stayed in Kronasar, which looks like a mythological Scandinavian museum, and is conveniently connected to the Rulantica water park and Hyggedal saunas.
- [Rulantica Water Park Day 1](https://johnandkristie.com/rulantica-water-park-day-1/): RULANTICA, RUST, GERMANY :: We enjoyed a couple days at Rulantica water park. Most of it is indoors and temperature controlled, and the fun-themed rides are thrilling and fun!
- [Food Loop](https://johnandkristie.com/food-loop/): FOOD LOOP, RUST, GERMANY :: Food Loop! One of the coolest restaurants in Europa-Park, where your order is placed on a screen and then soon delivered via roller coaster to your table!
- [Europa-Park](https://johnandkristie.com/europa-park-2/): EUROPA-PARK, RUST, GERMANY :: We had a really fun day at Europa-Park. We tried plenty of rides, explored the different themed areas, and enjoyed taking in all the details. We loved the forested and park-like areas. Fun fact: Europa-Park has over 100 attractions and shows, including 14 rollercoasters across 21 themed areas. We covered a […]
- [Dachau](https://johnandkristie.com/dachau/): DACHAU CONCENTRATION CAMP, DACHAU, GERMANY :: “All the Dachaus must remain standing. The Dachaus, the Belsens, the Buchenwalds, the Auschwitzes, all of them. They must remain standing because they are a monument to a moment in time when some men decided to turn the earth into a graveyard. Into it, they shoveled all of their […]
- [Hofbräuhaus München](https://johnandkristie.com/hofbrauhaus-munchen/): HOFBRÄUHAUS MÜNCHEN – DAS ORIGINAL, MUNICH, GERMANY :: The next best thing to Oktoberfest in Munich is the original Hofbrauhaus brewery and beer hall! Lauren tried her first beer. She wasn't a fan!
- [Rothenburg ob der Tauber](https://johnandkristie.com/rothenburg-ob-der-tauber/): ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER, GERMANY :: Rothenburg on the Tauber, the quintessential medieval German town.
- [Feuchtwangen](https://johnandkristie.com/feuchtwangen/): FEUCHTWANGEN, GERMANY :: Between our destinations of Gelnhausen and Rothenburg, I found a “layover” vacation rental within an small, unfamiliar, and unassuming town named Feuchtwangen. We were very pleased to discover Feuchtwangen to be a well preserved and beautiful German gem. Our cute little green rental was more than 500 years old and adjacent to […]
- [Bacharach](https://johnandkristie.com/bacharach/): BACHARACH, GERMANY :: Between our excursions to and from our castle hotel in Oberwesel, we explored the two adjacent Rhine River towns, Bacharach and Sankt Goar. In each, we found cute spots to enjoy lunch, along with cuckoo clock shops, and wineries offering unlimited samples!
- [Burg Eltz](https://johnandkristie.com/burg-eltz-2/): BURG ELTZ, WIERSCHEM, GERMANY :: We really enjoyed our visit to Burg Eltz, hidden among the hills and forests of western Germany. The setting is just as memorable as the castle itself, and we had a good time exploring the area, taking photos and seeing the architecture up close.
- [Burghotel "Auf Schönburg"](https://johnandkristie.com/burghotel-auf-schonburg-2/): BURGHOTEL "AUF SCHÖNBURG", OBERWESEL, GERMANY :: Hotel Schönburg: The Rooms – After London we flew to Frankfurt, rented a van, and drove to The Rhein River Valley, where over 30 castles are perched atop the hillsides. One of those castles is Schönburg, where we stayed a couple nights pretending to be royalty of the Rhein!
- [Piccadilly Circus](https://johnandkristie.com/piccadilly-circus/): PICCADILLY CIRCUS, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM :: Our base in London was the Thistle hotel in Piccadilly Circus, an excellent tourist-friendly neighborhood within steps of groceries, restaurants, most of the top attractions, and a direct line to Heathrow. The buskers are great as well, and I even got pulled into a show as a volunteer!
- [Din Tai Fung, London](https://johnandkristie.com/din-tai-fung-london/): DIN TAI FUNG, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM :: While in London, we treated the kids and the grandparents to their first Din Tai Fung experience. Despite the American menu being better than the British version, they were all very impressed. Grandma also gave the kids a lesson with chopsticks.
- [Superbloom](https://johnandkristie.com/superbloom/): SUPERBLOOM, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM :: To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, the moat of the Tower of London was filled with a colorful garden of wildflowers.
- [Tower of London](https://johnandkristie.com/tower-of-london/): TOWER OF LONDON, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM :: The Brown & English Family tour of London continues with the Norman (my dad’s given name) conquest of England and The Tower of London (which the Normans built in 1066).
- [London Eye](https://johnandkristie.com/london-eye/): THE OFFICIAL LONDON EYE, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM :: The London Eye – despite almost losing our kids and grandma on the Tube, we plowed through our jet lag to wrap up the twins’ first and very long day of trans-Atlantic travel with a ride around the Eye, some playtime at the park, and of course, […]
- [Leake Street Tunnel](https://johnandkristie.com/leake-street-tunnel/): LEAKE STREET TUNNEL, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM :: We enjoyed walking through Leake Street Tunnel near Waterloo and taking a closer look at the layers of colorful street art covering the walls and ceiling. There was something different everywhere we looked, and it was fun spotting the smaller details among the larger pieces. The artwork is […]
- [Trafalgar Square to Westminster Abbey](https://johnandkristie.com/trafalgar-square-to-westminster-abbey/): BIG BEN TOWER, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM :: A short walk from Trafalgar Square to Westminster Abbey, taking in the sights and taking in the vibe of London.
- [London West End](https://johnandkristie.com/london-west-end/): LONDON WEST END, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM :: West End Kids – from our hotel in Piccadilly Circus, we explore Leicester Square, China Town, and Covent Garden.
- [Arriving in London](https://johnandkristie.com/arriving-in-london/): LONDON WEST END, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM :: Seattle to Paddington – We’re kicking off our European vacation with a couple of days in London!
- [Solstice Parade In Fremont](https://johnandkristie.com/solstice-parade-in-fremont/): SOLSTICE PARADE IN FREMONT, SEATTLE, WA :: We spent our first five years as a couple living in Fremont, loving life in the self-proclaimed Center of the Universe! We look forward to returning every year to see how some things are thankfully the same! Happy Solstice!
- [Last Day of Elementary School](https://johnandkristie.com/last-day-of-elementary-school/): CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: And that’s a wrap! The kids graduated from their elementary school today, and celebrated with a fun car parade for the teachers and staff.
- [Miranda's Final Marimba Performance](https://johnandkristie.com/mirandas-final-marimba-performance/): NORTHSHORE SENIOR CENTER, BOTHELL, WA :: The finale marimba performance for this talented group of 5th graders was bittersweet! It was fun to see the results of their practice and dedication as they toured and performed for their school and community.
- [Spring Piano Recital](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-piano-recital/): KENMORE, WA :: Spring Piano Recital – Miranda plays “Along the River Seine” and Lauren plays “Titanium”
- [Closing on the Lake House](https://johnandkristie.com/closing-on-the-lake-house/): CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: This Memorial Day weekend we became owners at The Lookout in Chelan! After months of feasibility studies, incorporation, designing, permitting, and financing, we finally closed on the development’s last lot. Construction of our dream vacation home begins next week, and we couldn’t be more excited for the many experiences and […]
- [Miranda the Marimbist](https://johnandkristie.com/miranda-the-marimbist/): CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BOTHELL, WA :: Miranda the marimbist makes many magnificent melodies with their fellow fifth graders at the Canyon Creek Art Gala.
- [Mother's Day Bike Ride](https://johnandkristie.com/mothers-day-bike-ride-2/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Today we celebrated Kristie’s awesome momminess with a Lego bouquet, chocolate dipped strawberries, board games, lunch at the OG, a Sunny bike ride around Bothell, and a well deserved nap! Happy Mother’s Day, Kristie! We love you!
- [Bounce Around](https://johnandkristie.com/bounce-around/): SKY ZONE, TUKWILA, WA :: House of Bounce with the cousin today!
- [Young Hill at English Camp](https://johnandkristie.com/young-hill-at-english-camp/): YOUNG HILL, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: Great views at the top of Young Hill and some colonial history at English Camp.
- [Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm](https://johnandkristie.com/krystal-acres-alpaca-farm-2/): KRYSTAL ACRES ALPACA FARM, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: We saw alpacas. Ridiculous animals. Must have some, someday.
- [Fox Safari](https://johnandkristie.com/fox-safari/): SAN JUAN ISLAND, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: During our week on San Juan Island, we spotted 13 distinct foxes roaming the areas around American Camp, Cattle Point Lighthouse, and even on our vacation rental property near Eagle Cove Beach. Here are the ten best photos from our encounters, mainly of two adorable foxes we named […]
- [Play Ball](https://johnandkristie.com/play-ball/): NORTH CREEK FIELD #2, BOTHELL, WA :: It was a beautiful evening for softball! Looking forward to warmer, sunnier games and more wins like tonight!
- [Orca Watching](https://johnandkristie.com/orca-watching/): WESTERN PRINCE WHALE WATCHING ADVENTURES, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: We took the kids out for their first wild orca encounter via Western Prince’s high speed Zodiac. Fortunately the waters were calm, we were warmly bundled, and we spotted several transient orcas, which are surging in numbers and can be seen almost everyday around the San […]
- [San Juan Easter](https://johnandkristie.com/san-juan-easter/): SAN JUAN ISLAND, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: This year’s Easter was split between our vacation rental on San Juan Island and our home back in Bothell. We took advantage of the large property at the rental for an epic 100+ egg hunt, and then the Easter Bunny dropped off a basket of gifts at our […]
- [Among Us](https://johnandkristie.com/among-us/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: I printed this Among Us crew for the kids, and within minutes, Lauren cast them in this funny little movie! Content warning for violence, absurd expressions, and horrible music.
- [Happy Pi Day](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-pi-day/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Happy Pi Day! Thank you, Imperial PFS and Snohomish Pie Company!
- [Fastpitch](https://johnandkristie.com/fastpitch/): HUSKY SOFTBALL STADIUM, SEATTLE, WA :: The kids are trying something new this spring: fastpitch! Getting their practices in and spending quality time at the Husky softball game with their new team. Love watching them embrace and enjoy new challenges. Go Ravens!
- [Avants Magazine](https://johnandkristie.com/avants-magazine/): SNOHOMISH, WA :: Check out the photo of Mando in the latest issue of Avants Magazine (Volume 2, Issue 3, pages 46-47)! It was fun to be a part of this photoshoot and excellent article on the legacy of Land Rover vehicles and the strong community of their owners. Thanks to the tremendous staff @avantsofficial […]
- [Hyprov: Hypnotism + Improv](https://johnandkristie.com/hyprov-hypnotism-improv/): EDMONDS CENTER FOR THE ARTS, EDMONDS, WA :: The fam went out for dinner at The Keg tonight, and then proceeded to the Edmonds Center for the Arts to bear witness to a brand new art form: Hyprov! The hilarious combination of improv comedy and hypnotism! The show was amazing, and it was great to […]
- [Sunset Beach (Oahu)](https://johnandkristie.com/sunset-beach-oahu/): SUNSET BEACH (OAHU), HALEIWA, HI :: Sunset Beach was appropriately the last stop of our Oahu vacation. It was fun to watch the surfers, whales, and turtles, while basking in Hawaii’s warm sunlight one last time, before returning to the airport for our red eye flight home. We were sad to go, but a ton […]
- [Haleiwa](https://johnandkristie.com/haleiwa/): HALEIWA, HI :: Haleiwa is the self-proclaimed surfer capital of the world. After witnessing the consistent 30’ waves along the nearby North Shore, I gotta believe it! There’s frankly not too much to do in this town, unless you are a surfer, but it was fun to walk among the old beach shacks and boardwalkand […]
- [Kahuku Food Trucks](https://johnandkristie.com/kahuku-food-trucks/): KAHUKU, HI :: The best eats on Oahu are in Kahuku right alongside the Kamehameha Highway on the way to the North Shore. There we found over a dozen food trucks spanning a wide spectrum of yummy meals and treats. The kids enjoyed corn dogs, fries, churros and ice cream from the Corn Dog Company […]
- [Byodo-In Temple](https://johnandkristie.com/byodo-in-temple/): 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 via incense to the giant golden Buddha, and became one with the rhythm of the cosmos, like the koi drifting in the currents […]
- [Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden](https://johnandkristie.com/hoomaluhia-botanical-garden/): 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.
- [Kailua Vacation Home](https://johnandkristie.com/kailua-vacation-home/): 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 walked to the beach every day, enjoyed the lush garden with chirping geckos, and swung lazily on the tire swings in […]
- [Diamond Head](https://johnandkristie.com/diamond-head/): 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 back in Kailua!
- [Kualoa Ranch](https://johnandkristie.com/kualoa-ranch/): 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 notably from the Jurassic Park, Kong and Moana movies. Our guides also shared the history and cultural importance of the landscape, making it a surprisingly interesting […]
- [Hanauma Bay](https://johnandkristie.com/hanauma-bay/): 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 time here. But we saw many fishies, including a puffer, some urchins, and of course the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa!
- [Lanai Lookout](https://johnandkristie.com/lanai-lookout/): 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 capture a couple spouts on my iPhone.
- [Waikiki](https://johnandkristie.com/waikiki/): 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 have never been, so we gave them a small tour. Starting with the International Market, saying hello to the Duke, some lunch […]
- [Pearl Harbor](https://johnandkristie.com/pearl-harbor/): 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 protect our freedoms and way of life. The memorial sites and museums are very informative and moving. We especially appreciated the excellent outdoor movie outlining the […]
- [Pali Lookout](https://johnandkristie.com/pali-lookout/): 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 way from Kailua to Pearl Harbor and soaked in all of the stunning scenery, including the views from the Pali Lookout.
- [Ka Moana Luau](https://johnandkristie.com/ka-moana-luau/): 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!
- [Kailua Paddleboarding](https://johnandkristie.com/kailua-paddleboarding/): 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. Unfortunately the winds were too strong and we could barely maintain our position beyond the swim buoys. After giving it our best, we turned back […]
- [Kailua Boogie Boarding](https://johnandkristie.com/kailua-boogie-boarding/): 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.
- [Valentine's Date Night](https://johnandkristie.com/valentines-date-night/): 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 big city!
- [Cirque du Soleil: Alegria](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-alegria/): 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 decades later, we’ve seen dozens of their shows and loved them all, but only one has a song we’ll be humming for weeks […]
- [Chelan Winterfest](https://johnandkristie.com/chelan-winterfest/): CHELAN, WA :: A weekend in Chelan to visit a few sites and experience Winterfest!
- [3D Printed Door Knocker](https://johnandkristie.com/3d-printed-door-knocker/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Having fun printing a dragon door knocker with the Anycubic Vyper FDM printer!
- [Sledding out of 2021](https://johnandkristie.com/sledding-out-of-2021/): MALTBY, WA :: Sledding out of 2021! Have a happy and healthy New Year!
- [Let It Snow](https://johnandkristie.com/let-it-snow/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Nice to have a little snow to extend the holiday feels!
- [Christmas 2021](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2021/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Merry Christmas!
- [Suncadia Christmas 2021](https://johnandkristie.com/suncadia-christmas-2021/): 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 memories made!
- [Evergreen Lights](https://johnandkristie.com/evergreen-lights/): EVERGREEN CHURCH, BOTHELL, WA :: Enjoying the impressive light display at Evergreen Church!
- [DirtFish](https://johnandkristie.com/dirtfish/): 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 and we made a fun day of it in Snoqualmie! #whatmudflaps
- [Drogon](https://johnandkristie.com/drogon/): 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 Thrones, and I couldn’t help sneaking it away from her so I could play with it too!
- [Kenmore Lanes](https://johnandkristie.com/kenmore-lanes/): KENMORE LANES, KENMORE, WA :: Family bowling night!
- [Happy Halloween](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-halloween-3/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Happy Halloween, everyone! Glad to see the kids are back out trick-or-treating!
- [Alicorns Last Game & Team Photo](https://johnandkristie.com/alicorns-last-game-team-photo/): MALTBY COMMUNITY PARK, SNOHOMISH, WA :: The North Creek Alicorns finished up their season yesterday with a final game in the sun, followed by pizza and cupcakes at Zeeks! It was a great group of kids this year that bonded right away and played competitively while having fun. We hope to see them playing all […]
- [Coba Ruinas Arqueológicas](https://johnandkristie.com/coba-ruinas-arqueologicas/): COBA RUINAS ARQUEOLÓGICAS, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO :: On the 8th and final full day of our vacation, we drove to Coba. We love exploring Mayan ruins, and were glad to add Coba to the list of sites that we've seen throughout Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. The Mayans had mastered mathematics, astronomy, and agriculture (along with […]
- [Cenote Ik Kil](https://johnandkristie.com/cenote-ik-kil/): CENOTE IK KIL OFICIAL, YUCATÁN, MEXICO :: We also had a quick dip in our favorite cenote, Ik Kil, before returning back to Tulum.
- [Valladolid](https://johnandkristie.com/valladolid/): VALLADOLID, YUCATAN, MEXICO :: On our 6th day in Mexico, we drove two hours from Tulum to Valladolid, a designated "Pueblo Magico" in the heart of the Yucatan. Valladolid is one of the earliest Spanish colonial cities, established nearly 500 years ago. It is also considered the spark of the Mexican Revolution, where a bloody […]
- [Tulum](https://johnandkristie.com/tulum/): TULUM BEACH, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO :: Just a few scenes from Tulum's beach road, a deeply rutted and dangerous street without sidewalks that stretches five miles and takes 30 mins to traverse by car – if you're lucky. It wasn't remotely this bad when we were last here, just five years ago. It's still beautiful, […]
- [Tulum Vacation Home](https://johnandkristie.com/tulum-vacation-home/): TULUM BEACH, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO :: The second half of our Mexican vacation was spent in Tulum. We found a very nice and rare rental overlooking the beach, quiet and secluded from the increasingly popular hotel zone. Our first day greeted us with thunderstorms and a torrential downpour, but the clear skies soon returned allowing […]
- [Akumal Animal Sanctuary](https://johnandkristie.com/akumal-animal-sanctuary/): AKUMAL MONKEY SANCTUARY & RESCUED ANIMALS, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO :: On the fifth day of our Mexican vacation, we bid farewell to Playacar and headed South towards Tulum, our next destination. Along the way we stopped at the Akumal animal sanctuary, where rescued animals from traffickers, circuses, and zoos shutdown due to COVID are rehabilitated. […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: JOYÀ](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-joya/): CIRQUE DU SOLEIL JOYÀ, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO :: In addition to Kristie's birthday, we are celebrating our 20th anniversary in the Riviera Maya! I thank the universe everyday for our paths crossing and our life together. On our fourth evening in Mexico, we enjoyed an amazing dinner and show at Cirque du Soleil's appropriately named […]
- [Xcaret Theme Park](https://johnandkristie.com/xcaret-theme-park/): XCARET, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO :: Our third day in Mexico was spent in Xcaret, an enormous amusement park showcasing the country’s natural and cultural beauty. We saw many different animals, explored some Mayan ruins, painted ceramics, filled ourselves at a delicious Mexican buffet, floated an hour through an underground lazy river, and enjoyed a two-hour […]
- [Playacar Vacation Home](https://johnandkristie.com/playacar-vacation-home/): PLAYACAR BEACH, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO :: For the first half of our vacation, we rented a humble little place just steps from the beach. But it also has this little pool for when the beach just feels too far away. Also, the living room is missing a couple of walls, leaving us completely exposed to […]
- [Playa Del Carmen](https://johnandkristie.com/playa-del-carmen/): LA QUINTA AVENIDA, PLAYA DEL CARMEN, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO :: This morning we walked from Playacar to Playa Del Carmen’s famous 5th Avenue, a 2.5 mile pedestrian-only street packed with flea markets, restaurants, pharmacies, tour operators, buskers, and the occasional store featuring unique handmade souvenirs. It was a fun and very interactive experience, politely turning […]
- [Feliz Cumpleanos, Kristie](https://johnandkristie.com/feliz-cumpleanos-kristie/): COSTCO, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO :: Today we kicked off Kristie’s birthday celebration at Costco… in Cancun! It was a long day of travel, but we finally made it to our rental in Playa del Carmen. Looking forward to a much more fun and relaxing week ahead! Feliz Cumpleanos, Kristie! 😘🎉🎈🇲🇽
- [Late Night Soccer](https://johnandkristie.com/late-night-soccer/): NORTHCREEK SPORTS FIELDS, BOTHELL, WA :: these kids love playing and love competing, even when it's well past their bedtime!
- [Disneyland](https://johnandkristie.com/disneyland-2/): DISNEYLAND, ANAHEIM, CA :: Photos from our time in Disneyland! Fun to see the new Galaxy's Edge and ride the Millenium Falcon (although unfortunately we couldn't score a reservation on Rise of the Resistance). Altogether, we park hopped 14 hours on Saturday and 6 on Sunday, which seemed like the perfect amount of time to […]
- [Disney California Adventure Park](https://johnandkristie.com/disney-california-adventure-park/): DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK, ANAHEIM, CA :: A quick weekend trip down to Anaheim to celebrate the twins' 11th birthday! First stop, Disney's California Adventure!
- [11th Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/11th-birthday/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Happy 11th Birthday to our amazing twins, Lauren and Miranda! This collage includes a snapshot from each of their birthday celebrations to date. We hope their lives continue to be filled with adventure, appreciation, health, happiness, and love! 🧭🙏🍎😊❤️
- [Thursday Night Lights](https://johnandkristie.com/thursday-night-lights/): NORTHCREEK SPORTS FIELDS, BOTHELL, WA :: Thursday Night Lights!
- [iFLY](https://johnandkristie.com/ifly/): IFLY, TUKWILA, WA :: Celebrating their cousin's birthday today with indoor skydiving! We love you, Shielle! Happy Birthday!
- [The Alicorns are Back](https://johnandkristie.com/the-alicorns-are-back/): MALTBY COMMUNITY PARK, SNOHOMISH, WA :: The Alicorns are back!
- [5th Grade](https://johnandkristie.com/5th-grade/): CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: First day of school for our 5th graders!
- [Lake Chelan Vacation Home](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-chelan-vacation-home/): LAKE CHELAN SHORES RESORT, CHELAN, WA :: This was our second year staying at the Lake Chelan Shores condos. We love the lakeside location, well-maintained grounds, pools, and affordability (relative to other Chelan properties)!
- [Boating Lake Chelan](https://johnandkristie.com/boating-lake-chelan-2/): LAKE CHELAN, CHELAN, WA :: We rented a boat for the day and had lots of fun tubing, fishing, and just cruising up and down the lake. From the Old Mill boat launch, we went up to 25 Mile Creek (where the wildfire has been burning for a couple weeks and the halfway point to […]
- [Slidewaters](https://johnandkristie.com/slidewaters-2/): SLIDEWATERS, CHELAN, WA :: We decided to spend one of our last weekends of summer vacation in Chelan. First stop, Slidewaters! Kristie visited this water park as a kid, but says it’s grown significantly since. It was small compared to Wild Waves or Cultus Lake, but very clean and definitely a fun way to enjoy […]
- [Summer Recital](https://johnandkristie.com/summer-recital/): KENMORE, WA :: Proud to see our kids play! Miranda performed When You Wish Upon a Star and The Blue Danube. Lauren chose The Pink Panther and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.
- [Yo Gabba Gabba](https://johnandkristie.com/yo-gabba-gabba/): PARAMOUNT THEATRE, SEATTLE, WA :: The kiddos were delighted and perhaps a little overwhelmed seeing one of their favorite TV shows in real life!
- [Pt. Townsend & Seattle Getaway](https://johnandkristie.com/pt-townsend-seattle-getaway/): PORT TOWNSEND, WA :: A Port Townsend getaway gave us a beautiful old hotel, many unique shops, historical landmarks, and a change of scenery before the trip back through Seattle.
- [Imagine Children's Museum](https://johnandkristie.com/imagine-childrens-museum-3/): IMAGINE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, EVERETT, WA :: Oh, this place was awful. Kids hated it. Don't go there. If you've been there before, it's gone way downhill since then. Tell your friends to avoid the place too! 😉
- [Christmas 2012](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2012/): EDMONDS, WA :: The cuties celebrate their third Christmas, and Lauren still wasn't wanting anything to do with Santa!
- [Royal Arch](https://johnandkristie.com/royal-arch/): ROYAL ARCH, BOULDER, CO :: A steep and rewarding hike to a natural stone arch, set amidst the Flatirons overlooking Boulder.
- [Zoolights](https://johnandkristie.com/zoolights/): POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM, TACOMA, WA :: Zoolights filled the night with glowing animals, rainbow tunnels, and plenty of twinkling holiday vibes.
- [Thanksgiving at Cannon Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/thanksgiving-at-cannon-beach/): CANNON BEACH, OR :: The toddlers' first visit to Cannon Beach and Seaside for Thanksgiving. An amazing landscape and community for young and older minds alike to wander in wonder.
- [Halloween](https://johnandkristie.com/halloween-2/): ALDERWOOD MALL, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Taking our little bugs out trick-or-treating!
- [Picking Up Mommy](https://johnandkristie.com/picking-up-mommy/): SEATTLE-TACOMA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, SEATAC, WA :: The kids and I were glad to pick up Kristie from the airport.
- [The Enchantments](https://johnandkristie.com/the-enchantments-2/): THE ENCHANTMENTS, WA :: Four days in alpine heaven, made even more surreal by the golden larches and smokey wildfires.
- [Rainbow Birthday Party](https://johnandkristie.com/rainbow-birthday-party/): EDMONDS, WA :: Celebrating the twins' 2nd birthday with lots of color!
- [Office Fire](https://johnandkristie.com/office-fire/): LYNNWOOD, WA :: The scene at Kristie's office building two weeks ago. We're so grateful the 30 occupants were able to get out the building before the rapidly spreading fire overtook the entire structure.
- [The Evergreen State Fair](https://johnandkristie.com/the-evergreen-state-fair-3/): EVERGREEN STATE FAIRGROUNDS, MONROE, WA :: The fair was a toddler wonderland of carousel horses, animals, rides, and a fun new experience around every corner.
- [Petting Farm & Water Park](https://johnandkristie.com/petting-farm-water-park/): FOREST PARK, EVERETT, WA :: A perfect little zoo for the kids, plus a fun waterpark! We'll be coming back here for sure.
- [Wallace Lake & Falls Loop](https://johnandkristie.com/wallace-lake-falls-loop/): WALLACE FALLS STATE PARK, GOLD BAR, WA :: Another Thursday evening hike, this time a loop up to Wallace Lake and back down along Wallace Falls.
- [Woodland Park Zoo](https://johnandkristie.com/woodland-park-zoo-2/): WOODLAND PARK ZOO, SEATTLE, WA :: Had a great time with the kids on Sunday enjoying the animals. The skies threatened rain, but it stayed dry all day and kept the crowds away.
- [Mt. Pilchuck](https://johnandkristie.com/mt-pilchuck-2/): MOUNT PILCHUCK, WA :: From yesterday, an evening hike up to the Mt. Pilchuck fire lookout. Snow still covers the top half of the trail.
- [An Edmonds Kind of 4th](https://johnandkristie.com/an-edmonds-kind-of-4th-2/): EDMONDS, WA :: Fun parade and fireworks show with the kids!
- [The Lost Coast](https://johnandkristie.com/the-lost-coast/): LOST COAST, CALIFORNIA :: I backpacked 19 miles along one of California’s most rugged and scenic stretches of coastline over two days. On the drive to the trailhead, my final text to Kristie was, “Just saw a cougar running down the road!” Unfortunately, my SPOT satellite messenger then failed to send any updates for the […]
- [Edmonds Arts Fest](https://johnandkristie.com/edmonds-arts-fest/): EDMONDS, WA :: Taking the kids out on Father's Day.
- [Backyardigans](https://johnandkristie.com/backyardigans/): EDMONDS, WA :: Fun with my family on a sunny day!
- [Sauer Mountain](https://johnandkristie.com/sauer-mountain/): SAUER MOUNTAIN, PESHASTIN, WA :: On Memorial Day, Kristie and I hiked the hills just outside Leavenworth. In between the cinnamon pines, the hills were filled with yellow balsamroot and purple lupine.
- [Black Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/black-canyon/): BLACK CANYON CREEK, WA :: Black Canyon provided broad desert views, spring wildflowers, a landscape carved into dramatic layers, and the remnants of an old homestead slowly being reclaimed by mother nature,
- [Art Day with Daddy](https://johnandkristie.com/art-day-with-daddy/): EDMONDS, WA :: Giving Mommy a break this weekend with the colors of my life!
- [Tulip Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/tulip-festival/): SKAGIT VALLEY TULIP FESTIVAL, MOUNT VERNON, WA :: The Skagit tulip fields surrounded us with rows of vibrant color, creating a spring backdrop that brightened our hearts!
- [Easter 2012](https://johnandkristie.com/easter-2012/): EDMONDS, WA :: Their second Easter brought two memorable firsts. They met the Easter Bunny for the first time and, judging by their reactions, were not impressed with him at all. Their first egg hunt went much better. They had fun searching for eggs and discovering what was hidden inside, making it the clear winner […]
- [Backyard Swings](https://johnandkristie.com/backyard-swings/): EDMONDS, WA :: The playset is still not finished, but we managed to put up the swings. The kids were thrilled to try them! Their joy makes it all worth it…
- [Ireland](https://johnandkristie.com/ireland/): IRELAND :: A business trip to the Emerald Isle included just enough free time to explore Dublin, Belfast, and some of the surrounding countryside.
- [Happy St. Patrick's Day](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-st-patricks-day/): EDMONDS, WA :: The kids are about 10% Irish… and 100% cute!
- [At the beach](https://johnandkristie.com/at-the-beach/): MARINA BEACH, EDMONDS, WA :: A winter trip to Marina Beach included an exploration of stones, driftwood, and the fascinating tides.
- [Swings](https://johnandkristie.com/swings/): EDMONDS, WA :: Just a few photos capturing the joy of swings at a nearby playground.
- [Hurricane Ridge Snowshoe](https://johnandkristie.com/hurricane-ridge-snowshoe-2/): HURRICANE RIDGE, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Returning to snowshoe one of my favorite winter landscapes while trying not to slide down the steep slopes!
- [First Snow](https://johnandkristie.com/first-snow/): EDMONDS, WA :: The first snow turned the yard into a brand-new world, complete with a little trepidation, but mostly delight at the new experience!
- [Safari: Part 3 of 3](https://johnandkristie.com/safari-part-3-of-3/): ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA :: Part 3 of our vacation takes place in beautiful Zanzibar and ends in the labyrinth of ancient Stone Town!
- [Christmas 2011](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2011/): EDMONDS, WA :: Second Christmas with the twins. Of course they have no idea what's going on, but the joy, wonder, and excitement of gathering with family, unwrapping gifts, and playing with new toys is universal.
- [Watch the Throne](https://johnandkristie.com/watch-the-throne/): MGM GRAND, NV :: Jay-Z and Kanye West in Las Vegas!
- [Safari: Part 2 of 3](https://johnandkristie.com/safari-part-2-of-3/): MASAI MARA, KENYA :: Part 2 of our safari resumes in Kenya's Masai Mara and continues through Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater.
- [Halloween in Edmonds](https://johnandkristie.com/halloween-in-edmonds/): EDMONDS, WA :: Our cute little tigers go trick-or-treating in downtown Edmonds!
- [Safari: Part 1 of 3](https://johnandkristie.com/safari-part-1-of-3/): ISTANBUL, TURKEY :: Our adventures through New York, Istanbul, Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar!
- [Autumn with the kids](https://johnandkristie.com/autumn-with-the-kids/): EDMONDS, WA :: Back home with the kids – experiencing the pumpkin patch, playing with other kids, and Halloween bowling!
- [Toddling & First Haircut](https://johnandkristie.com/toddling-first-haircut/): EDMONDS, WA :: It's fun to watch our little babies grow into toddlers!
- [Lauren & Miranda's 1st Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/lauren-mirandas-1st-birthday/): EDMONDS, WASHINGTON :: The twins celebrated their first birthday surrounded by friends and family, with bright outfits, tiny cakes and all the attention two new one-year-olds could handle. They looked extra cute in their traditional Korean hanbok for their doljanchi. They also took part in the doljabi, choosing from a table of symbolic objects. The […]
- [High Divide Loop](https://johnandkristie.com/high-divide-loop/): HIGH DIVIDE, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: The High Divide Loop delivered alpine lakes, steep ridges, and enormous Olympic views around nearly every bend.
- [11 Months](https://johnandkristie.com/11-months/): EDMONDS, WA :: At eleven months, the twins were all curiosity, quick smiles, and a rapidly shrinking supply of things they could not reach.
- [Skykomish River White Water Rafting](https://johnandkristie.com/skykomish-river-white-water-rafting/): SKYKOMISH RIVER, WA :: The Skykomish put us straight into cold spray and lively rapids. Beautiful day and fun times on the river!
- [Ross Lake Backpacking](https://johnandkristie.com/ross-lake-backpacking/): ROSS LAKE, WA :: A Fourth of July backpacking trip to Ross Lake traded fireworks for mountain water, camp meals, and a spectacular wilderness weekend.
- [Siblings](https://johnandkristie.com/siblings/): EDMONDS, WA :: Quiet moments at home captured the twins side by side. Their personalities were already distinct, but they were always happiest within arm’s reach of each other.
- [U2: 360 Tour](https://johnandkristie.com/u2-360-tour/): QWEST FIELD, SEATTLE, WA :: U2 transformed Qwest Field into a surrounding wall of sound and light, with the enormous stage looming over a packed Seattle crowd. Lucky to be in the pit with closeups of Bono and the band!
- [May Days](https://johnandkristie.com/may-days/): DISCOVERY PARK, SEATTLE, WA :: May offered mild weather, the UW Street Fair, bubbles in the sink and backyard, and an excellent opportunity to carry the babies through Discovery Park.
- [First Easter](https://johnandkristie.com/first-easter/): EDMONDS, WA :: The twins’ first Easter featured sunny yellow dresses, pastel eggs, and two cute babies not yet sure what all the excitement was about.
- [Grandma & Grandpa Visit](https://johnandkristie.com/grandma-grandpa-visit/): EDMONDS, WA :: Grandma and Grandpa’s visit meant plenty of cuddles, floor time, and delight with every new expression.
- [Growing Fast](https://johnandkristie.com/growing-fast/): EDMONDS, WA :: The twins seemed to change by the day, becoming more alert, more expressive, and barely able to sit up on their own long enough for some quick photos!
- [First Hike](https://johnandkristie.com/first-hike/): MEADOWDALE BEACH PARK, WA :: Our first family hike carried the babies through the forest to Meadowdale Beach, beginning an outdoor tradition very early.
- [Lunch](https://johnandkristie.com/lunch/): EDMONDS, WA :: Lunch today was a small milestone: self-feeding in their new high chairs, and thoroughly making a mess of their cute faces.
- [5 months](https://johnandkristie.com/5-months/): EDMONDS, WA :: Five months brought stronger heads, bigger smiles, and a rapidly expanding repertoire of floor-level mobility skills.
- [4 Months](https://johnandkristie.com/4-months/): EDMONDS, WA :: At four months, the twins were discovering toys, tummy time, and learning how to smile big for the camera.
- [First Halloween](https://johnandkristie.com/first-halloween/): EDMONDS, WA :: For their first Halloween, the twins became the cutest little pumpkins in the patch – for a few minutes at least. Time enough for a couple quick photos!
- [Weeks 2-5](https://johnandkristie.com/weeks-2-5/): EDMONDS, WA :: Those first weeks passed in a blur of feeding, sleeping, tiny stretches, and two babies gradually settling into home.
- [Lauren & Miranda - 1st Week](https://johnandkristie.com/lauren-miranda-1st-week/): EDMONDS, WA :: The twins’ first week was measured in naps, cuddles, and the amazement of finally having them home.
- [The Birth of Lauren & Miranda](https://johnandkristie.com/the-birth-of-lauren-miranda/): EVERGREENHEALTH KIRKLAND, KIRKLAND, WA :: Lauren and Miranda arrived together, beginning the biggest adventure of our lives with two tiny faces and more joy than we knew how to hold. Meeting them for the first time was a moment that changed everything, and suddenly our family felt complete in an entirely new way. I will […]
- [The Bump](https://johnandkristie.com/the-bump/): EDMONDS, WA :: Before the twins arrived, Kristie’s growing belly and the newly prepared nursery offered a quiet preview of how completely our lives were about to change. The room was ready, but it was still difficult to imagine just how much love and activity would soon fill it. I was constantly amazed by Kristie […]
- [The Nursery](https://johnandkristie.com/the-nursery/): The twins’ nursery was still a work in progress, but it was already becoming the bright, modern space we had imagined for Lauren and Miranda. These photos captured the room as it came together, one detail at a time. The finished nursery eventually caught the attention of Apartment Therapy, which featured the photos and an […]
- [Ancient Lakes Hike](https://johnandkristie.com/ancient-lakes-hike/): ANCIENT LAKES, QUINCY, WASHINGTON :: Ancient Lakes brought together basalt cliffs, bright blue water, waterfall, and wide-open desert skies, creating one of the most distinctive landscapes I have hiked in Eastern Washington. The contrast between the dry terrain and the lakes made nearly every part of the trail worth stopping to take in. I also […]
- [Dry Falls Hike](https://johnandkristie.com/dry-falls-hike/): DRY FALLS, WA :: Dry Falls made the scale of the Ice Age floods visible, with enormous cliffs and lakes spread across the coulee below.
- [Conan in Seattle](https://johnandkristie.com/conan-in-seattle/): MCCAW HALL, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON :: We celebrated Conan O’Brien’s birthday during a stop on his Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour. Conan was joined by his usual crew, along with surprise guest Dave Matthews. I had been a longtime Conan fan, so it felt good to support him after the way NBC handled […]
- [Master Bedroom Remodel](https://johnandkristie.com/master-bedroom-remodel/): EDMONDS, WA :: This weekend, Kristie and I finally moved back into our bedroom. It was a rough five months living with the construction in and around the house, but ultimately worth it for the new bathroom and walk-in closet.
- [Twins!](https://johnandkristie.com/twins/): 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 would become our beautiful twin daughters, who we enjoy and love so much today! For the eight years that Kristie and I have been a couple, we were 99% […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: O](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-o/): 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 like it, but I wasn’t as impressed. Perhaps it’s because I’m not a swimmer or diver and can’t fully appreciate the talent, but this is […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: KA](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-ka/): 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, KA presents a linear story and emphasizes theatrics over acrobatics. That’s not to say the actors were not performing unbelievable, breathtaking stunts – they were […]
- [Vegas](https://johnandkristie.com/vegas/): 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 and scenic strip. Upon checking in, I presented a credit card sandwich, and we were given unlimited passes to the restaurants and buffet. These allowed […]
- [Zion National Park](https://johnandkristie.com/zion-national-park/): 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 drove two hours south to Zion National Park. Eager to move our legs and work off some of the turkey and gravy, we hiked the Canyon […]
- [Bryce Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/bryce-canyon/): 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 that my mom slaved over at her house. This year we planned a six-day family trip to enjoy the natural wonders of Southwest Utah and […]
- [Narae 2009 Korean Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/narae-2009-korean-festival/): 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 annual production translates to “Wings” in English, and showcases traditional Korean dance and music. We invited my parents to the show this time as well, […]
- [U2 at The Rose Bowl](https://johnandkristie.com/u2/): 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 Rose Bowl) Our seats: Two (RED) Zone VIP stage-side tickets. Sitting next to us: Danny Devito and Josh Homme, along with a couple LiveNation VPs. […]
- [Cirque du Soleil: Kooza](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-kooza/): 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. As expected, the performances were amazing, and we think Dad and Carol were also impressed. All of the Cirque shows feature a theme: a dream, […]
- [Eureka Dunes](https://johnandkristie.com/eureka-dunes/): 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 in an unfamiliar place, not knowing what creepy critters lingered in the shadows of my small flashlight and in the blackness beyond the beam. So […]
- [The Racetrack](https://johnandkristie.com/the-racetrack/): 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 (photos soon). I tagged along on this trip as usual to support her, but also to spend a couple days in Death Valley prior to the concert. I’m not […]
- [Larch Lake](https://johnandkristie.com/larch-lake/): 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. I also hoped to catch the season’s changing colors, particularly the golden larches. My research led me to Larch Lake, which seemed like the ideal […]
- [Our Niece, Shielle](https://johnandkristie.com/our-niece-shielle/): 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 my younger sister. But I gotta say, with the pregnancy and birth of her perfect little daughter, she did all right. And although she was […]
- [Burg Eltz](https://johnandkristie.com/burg-eltz/): 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 (it’s also Rick Steve’s favorite). Built in the 12th century, the scenic structure sits strategically upon a large rock, towering ten stories and more than three hundred feet […]
- [St. Goar & Bacharach](https://johnandkristie.com/st-goar-bacharach/): 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, between Koblenz and Rudesheim. Along this major medieval thoroughfare, over thirty castles are perched upon the steep, green hillsides of the rolling river valley. Some […]
- [Castle Hotel Auf Schoenburg](https://johnandkristie.com/castle-hotel-auf-schoenburg/): 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 Schoenburg is perched high above the town of Oberwesel, and has watched over the river valley since the 12th century. The castle was half-destroyed by […]
- [Gelnhausen](https://johnandkristie.com/gelnhausen/): 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 our first drive on Germany’s famous autobahns. The dash on the Benz displayed 155 kph (about 96 mph), but we were still being passed. Fahrvergnügen! Our first […]
- [Auschwitz-Birkenau](https://johnandkristie.com/auschwitz-birkenau/): 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 deception of the Nazis. The phrase “arbeit macht frei” translates to “work makes you free.” Of course this message, in the literal sense, was a cruel […]
- [Wieliczka Salt Mine](https://johnandkristie.com/wieliczka-salt-mine/): 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 spend a couple hours deep underground, but just about everything seems fun and uplifting after a day at a death camp. The Wieliczka Salt Mine actually […]
- [Kraków](https://johnandkristie.com/krakow/): 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 sightseeing in and around the city. Kraków is the former capital of Poland, where ancient kings and priests ruled from the castle and cathedral on Wawel […]
- [Gdynia Business Week](https://johnandkristie.com/gdynia-business-week/): 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 heard the news that WBW was planning a program in Gdynia, Poland. I had never been to Europe and didn’t know much about the history or […]
- [Hel](https://johnandkristie.com/hel/): 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 stretch half-way across the horizon. This narrow peninsula is over 21 miles long and at times is only 300 feet wide. Both sides are lined […]
- [Toruń](https://johnandkristie.com/torun/): 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 to drive me. It wasn’t cheap, but it was much faster than taking the train. The friendly driver also spoke enough English for us to […]
- [Sopot](https://johnandkristie.com/sopot/): 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, a resort town between Gdynia and Gdańsk. Without a car, I walked a mile to the nearest train station (Gdynia Wzgórze św. Maksymiliana) and bought […]
- [Gdańsk](https://johnandkristie.com/gdansk/): 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. Through the centuries, Gdańsk has been a major center of culture and trade between Western and Eastern Europe. Regional powers have long fought for the city’s […]
- [Malbork Castle](https://johnandkristie.com/malbork-castle/): 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 a tour of the area. We’re glad we found Agnieszka Syroka, who is very friendly, energetic, and passionate about her country. (In particular, she loves […]
- [Gdynia](https://johnandkristie.com/gdynia/): 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 to teach entrepreneurship and teamwork to high school students. The program was put together by the Washington Business Week organization and the Seattle-Gdynia Sister City Association, along with […]
- [Depeche Mode](https://johnandkristie.com/depeche-mode/): 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 Arena. Kristie’s been a longtime fan, and I think their new album, Sounds of the Universe, is one of their best (minus the last few […]
- [Tuck & Robin Lakes](https://johnandkristie.com/tuck-robin-lakes/): 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 and climbs 3200 feet. On paper, those statistics don’t seem too daunting, and so I believed two days would be plenty of time. After hiking […]
- [Sand Point](https://johnandkristie.com/sand-point/): 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 relatively easy, but very scenic introduction to backpacking for the two newbies in our group. We had a little difficulty getting to the trailhead, thanks […]
- [Coldplay at The Gorge](https://johnandkristie.com/coldplay/): 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 drive from Seattle. The last show we saw at the Gorge was a festival featuring Moby, David Bowie, Busta Rhymes and DJ Tiesto in 2002. […]
- [Duran Duran](https://johnandkristie.com/duran-duran/): 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 catchy electropop songs, such as “Sophisticated Side Ponytail” and “Beard Lust”, which really aren’t too thematically different from the songs on the headliner’s hit list, such as […]
- [Fourth of July](https://johnandkristie.com/fourth-of-july-2/): 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 friends, freedom and fireworks! We kicked up the celebration several notches this year; our combined arsenal was many times larger than 2008, and included dozens upon dozens of shells, rockets […]
- [Sauk Whitewater Rafting](https://johnandkristie.com/sauk-whitewater-rafting/): 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, which was great for enjoying the mountain views and drying out from douses of icey cold snow melt. The Sauk offers one of the best […]
- [Kukui Nut Leis](https://johnandkristie.com/kukui-nut-leis/): GRAND HYATT KAUAI RESORT & SPA, POIPU, HI :: Loving all of the onsite amenities and cultural crafts! The twins made their own Kukui nut leis and spinning tops, a fish made of a leaf, and they had a conversation with a hyacinth macaw (not native, but fun to see).
- [Na Pali Coast Dinner Sail](https://johnandkristie.com/na-pali-coast-dinner-sail/): CAPT ANDY'S, ELEELE, HI :: Epic dinner sail along the Na Pali coast! Whales, dolphins, cliffs, rainbows, and adventure!
- [Pool Day](https://johnandkristie.com/pool-day/): GRAND HYATT KAUAI RESORT & SPA, POIPU, HI :: Fun times in the amazing pools and lagoon!
- [Sunset Dinner](https://johnandkristie.com/sunset-dinner/): GRAND HYATT KAUAI RESORT & SPA, POIPU, HI :: Wonderful dinner, music, and sunset on the terrace overlooking the beach with my favorite people!
- [Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa](https://johnandkristie.com/grand-hyatt-kauai-resort-spa/): GRAND HYATT KAUAI RESORT & SPA, POIPU, HI :: Arrived in beautiful, sunny and warm Kauai for our midwinter break!
- [Skagit River Eagles](https://johnandkristie.com/skagit-river-eagles-2/): SKAGIT RIVER INTERPRETIVE CENTER, ROCKPORT, WA :: Our bird nerd dragged us up to the Skagit River on Sunday to view the eagles. Some years there are hundreds of them feasting on the salmon during their winter run. But this year’s chum population was low, so we only saw eight of the majestic birds. Along […]
- [Happy New Year from Chelan](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-new-year-from-chelan/): CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: Happy New Year from Lake Chelan, where thankfully the loud fireworks and celebrations are over at 9:00! 🥳🥱 We put away Christmas decorations and enjoyed fun family time wrapping up 2023!
- [Christmas 2023](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2023/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Hoping everyone had a very Merry Christmas! 🎄🥰
- [Macklemore](https://johnandkristie.com/macklemore/): CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: Macklemore’s return to Seattle was the perfect opportunity for the twins to experience their first arena concert! We all enjoyed his enthusiasm, positivity, and passion. A long and late night for the kids (concert ended at 11:20), but a ton of fun and well worth it!
- [First Christmas at Bighorn & Bluebell](https://johnandkristie.com/first-christmas-at-bighorn-bluebell/): BIGHORN & BLUEBELL, CHELAN, WA :: Our first Christmas at Bighorn & Bluebell! We had a great time with family, exchanging gifts, playing fun games, and indulging in a few too many holiday treats! 🎄🎁🍷🍪
- [Depeche Mode: Memento Mori](https://johnandkristie.com/depeche-mode-memento-mori/): 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 Andrew last year, surviving members Dave and Martin are going strong with a new album and still clearly loving what they do!
- [Seattle Christmas Market](https://johnandkristie.com/seattle-christmas-market/): SEATTLE CENTER, SEATTLE, WA :: Kicking off the holidays with the opening of the Seattle Christmas Market! We’ve been enjoying Vancouver’s version since it opened in 2010, and are glad Seattle finally had its own German-inspired market!
- [Juanita Bay Park Birding](https://johnandkristie.com/juanita-bay-park-birding/): JUANITA BAY PARK, KIRKLAND, WA :: Birding is a great hobby, except for the part about getting up super early to catch them while they’re most active. 🥱 Fortunately, daylight savings time helped a bit this morning, and we saw lots of cool birds! All of the bird photos were taken by them.
- [Happy Halloween](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-halloween-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Happy Halloween!
- [Jack O'Lanterns](https://johnandkristie.com/jack-olanterns/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The kids are still excited about Halloween! This year’s Jack-o’-lanterns.
- [Las Vegas](https://johnandkristie.com/las-vegas-2/): LAS VEGAS, NV :: The last batch of photos from our fun extended weekend in this oasis. I haven’t always liked this town, but during my last few visits it’s really grown on me. Viva Las Vegas!
- [U2 at the Sphere](https://johnandkristie.com/u2-at-the-sphere/): SPHERE, LAS VEGAS, NV :: Achtung Baby was released 30 years ago, and I have been a diehard U2 fan ever since! Back then the world was changing, the Cold War had just ended, the EU was born, and the internet was introduced to the masses. There were mixed feelings of exhilaration, hope, uncertainty, and […]
- [U2 Zoo Station Exhibit](https://johnandkristie.com/u2-zoo-station-exhibit/): THE PALAZZO RESORT HOTEL & CASINO, LAS VEGAS, NV :: In addition to the U2 concert at the Sphere, the adjacent Palazzo Resort featured an impressive exhibit of the original ZooTV tour. Among the artifacts were one of the Trabants used in music videos and as props during the tour!
- [Absinthe Cabaret](https://johnandkristie.com/absinthe-cabaret/): ABSINTHE CABARET AT CAESARS PALACE, LAS VEGAS, NV :: Other than U2, Absinthe may be the best show in Vegas right now! It’s a high-energy and hilarious production of amazing acrobatics and raunchiness that only works in Sin City! We found the secret speakeasy and entrance, and then laughed and cheered our way through the […]
- [The Palazzo Resort Hotel & Casino](https://johnandkristie.com/the-palazzo-resort-hotel-casino/): THE PALAZZO RESORT HOTEL & CASINO, LAS VEGAS, NV :: Celebrating our 22nd anniversary in Vegas to see Absinthe and U2! The Sphere is incredible, and we scored a great view of it from our room in The Palazzo. We just wish the cute emoji guy would appear more often! 😊
- [Kristie's Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/kristies-birthday-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Happy Birthday, Love! ❤️🥳🎉
- [Boulder River Trailhead](https://johnandkristie.com/boulder-river-trailhead/): BOULDER RIVER TRAILHEAD, ARLINGTON, WA :: Beautiful autumn colors and waterfalls on the Boulder River Trail. Always a fun time hiking with the family!
- [Annular Solar Eclipse of 2023](https://johnandkristie.com/annular-solar-eclipse-of-2023/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Very glad the weather cleared for a few minutes to allow us to observe the annular solar eclipse! The clouds even provided a nice filter at times to see the sun without our solar filters and binoculars. This is the third solar eclipse the twins have experienced. I’ll make astronomers […]
- [VR Birthday at Sandbox](https://johnandkristie.com/vr-birthday-at-sandbox/): THE VILLAGE AT TOTEM LAKE, KIRKLAND, WA :: The twins’ birthday festivities culminated in an epic adventure! Their group of friends vanquished a fierce dragon and an army of menacing monsters, thanks to Sandbox VR in Kirkland. While we've dabbled in virtual reality before, this was on another level. With motion tracking, immersive haptic vests, […]
- [Tsillan Cellars Tour](https://johnandkristie.com/tsillan-cellars-tour/): TSILLAN CELLARS, CHELAN, WA :: Autumn in Chelan is wine harvesting season! We took grandpa to Tsillan Cellars for a fun and informative tour of the winery. The owner and his crew drove us through the vineyard while we sampled wines and their grapes directly from the vine!
- [Chelan Birthdays](https://johnandkristie.com/chelan-birthdays/): CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: The twins, their cousin, and their grandpa all have mid-September birthdays, so we all gathered in Chelan over the weekend to celebrate them together!
- [7th Grade](https://johnandkristie.com/7th-grade/): SKYVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL, BOTHELL, WA :: First Day of 7th Grade!
- [Birding Juanita Bay](https://johnandkristie.com/birding-juanita-bay/): JUANITA BAY, KIRKLAND, WA :: Miranda is really into birding lately, so we took a nature walk around Juanita Bay. Not the best time of year or day, but we saw a few favorites. Do you know of any other good birding locations in the area?
- [Perseids](https://johnandkristie.com/perseids/): 60 ACRES SOCCER COMPLEX, REDMOND, WA :: Along with a few dozen other groups, we were at the local soccer fields between midnight and 1:00 AM to watch the Perseids. We saw about 20 decent meteors, but very few of these were radiating out of Perseus constellation. Just your average frequency of meteors across the […]
- [Devil's Punchbowl Bridge](https://johnandkristie.com/devils-punchbowl-bridge/): DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL BRIDGE, PORT ANGELES, WA :: Devil’s Punchbowl and Spruce Railroad Trail along the north shore of Lake Crescent
- [Sol Duc](https://johnandkristie.com/sol-duc/): SOL DUC FALLS, CRESCENT, WA :: Sol Duc? Sole Duck? Either way, a fun little hike through some old growth to some pretty falls.
- [Ruby Beach is truly a gem on the Olympic Coast](https://johnandkristie.com/ruby-beach-is-truly-a-gem-on-the-olympic-coast/): RUBY BEACH, KLALOCH, WA :: Ruby Beach is truly a gem on the Olympic Coast!
- [Fairholme Camp Ground Lake Crescent](https://johnandkristie.com/fairholme-camp-ground-lake-crescent/): FAIRHOLME CAMP GROUND LAKE CRESCENT, PORT ANGELES, WA :: A quick trip to The Olympics to hike, bike, and camp at Fairholme alongside Lake Crescent!
- [Summer at Lake Chelan](https://johnandkristie.com/summer-at-lake-chelan/): LAKESIDE SURF, CHELAN, WA :: Waterpark, pool, games, relaxing, s'mores, and surfing! The kids were super brave and tried surfing at Lakeside Surf. They did pretty well for their first time! Unfortunately, my phone overheated and shutdown before being able to catch a good video of Lauren.
- [A perfect afternoon cruising beautiful Lake Chelan](https://johnandkristie.com/a-perfect-afternoon-cruising-beautiful-lake-chelan/): LAKE CHELAN, CHELAN, WA :: A perfect afternoon cruising beautiful Lake Chelan! The water was calm, the skies were clear, and there was hardly anyone else out.
- [Billiard Table Delivery](https://johnandkristie.com/billiard-table-delivery/): CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: The billiard and shuffleboard tables have finally arrived! And now there are two young pool sharks in the making.
- [Snake Charmer](https://johnandkristie.com/snake-charmer/): 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, and Miranda just had to try to catch it! Warning: Video of Miranda getting bitten by a snake. (A little Neosporin and a Bandaid made […]
- [Beebe Springs Nature Area](https://johnandkristie.com/beebe-springs-nature-area-2/): BEEBE SPRINGS NATURE AREA, CHELAN, WA :: Back in Chelan for a week and decided to try fishing at Beebe Springs, where a small pond has been stocked for kids. We saw plenty of rainbow trout, but unfortunately none were biting. Fortunately, Miranda spotted a garter snake and we got quite the show as it […]
- [Leavenworth Adventure Park](https://johnandkristie.com/leavenworth-adventure-park/): LEAVENWORTH ADVENTURE PARK, LEAVENWORTH, WA :: Another fun extended weekend in Chelan, including a stop in Leavenworth to ride the new alpine coaster!
- [Chelan Family Fourth](https://johnandkristie.com/chelan-family-fourth/): CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: One of the many things we love about our new vacation home is the view of downtown Chelan and the lake. This meant we got to enjoy the great firework show (along with a beautiful full moon) directly from our front porch! Happy 4th of July!
- [Friend Weekend at Chelan](https://johnandkristie.com/friend-weekend-at-chelan/): CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: A fun week of summer fun in Chelan for the twins and their best friends, including a dry-run of our new vacation home as we’re getting it ready to be a short-term rental!
- [Summer Piano Recital](https://johnandkristie.com/summer-piano-recital/): KIRKLAND, WA :: Proud of our twin pianists for continuing to develop their musical talents. We never push them to practice, they just love their instructor and playing every day. Today they performed their favorite songs at their Spring recital, and this time each received an award for their improvement!
- [Soaring Eagle Award](https://johnandkristie.com/soaring-eagle-award/): SKYVIEW JUNIOR HIGH, BOTHELL, WA :: “The award is hereby presented in recognition of your efforts to promote Acceptance, Community, and Advocacy…” Proud of our Lauren for basically being an awesome person!
- [Hawkins National Laboratory](https://johnandkristie.com/hawkins-national-laboratory/): HAWKINS NATIONAL LABORATORY, DRUID HILLS, GA :: Throwback post of that time during the 80s that we visited Hawkins National Lab for a sleep study. Turns out a bunch of us had these special abilities to crush soda cans and freeze things. But wouldn’t you know it, Things got Stranger! Our powers opened a rift […]
- [DIY Bird Houses](https://johnandkristie.com/diy-bird-houses/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: We likely missed nesting season this year, but the kids are on a birding kick right now (especially Miranda) and insisted there are still some chickadees out there looking for homes. So off to Home Depot for an 8’ plank of cedar, which just happens to be enough wood for […]
- [Volleyball](https://johnandkristie.com/volleyball/): BOTHELL HIGH SCHOOL, BOTHELL, WA :: Celebrating the conclusion of Lauren’s first volleyball season! We cheered her on during the final matches at the jamboree hosted by Bothell High School. Now, she’s already eagerly anticipating the upcoming summer basketball and volleyball camps!
- [Arcane: Enemy by Imagine Dragons](https://johnandkristie.com/north-creek-washington/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Any other fans of Arcane or Imagine Dragons? The twins enjoyed practicing and performing the theme song from one of their favorite tv series!
- [Lake House Progress](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-house-progress/): CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: Another fun weekend in Chelan checking in on the progress of our vacation house! Exterior has been primed, landscaping is underway, and it’s just the thousands of interior details that remain. Very impressed and happy with our builder, @bluwaterhomes!
- [Mother's Day Bike Ride](https://johnandkristie.com/mothers-day-bike-ride/): CENTENNIAL TRAIL TRAILHEAD, SNOHOMISH, WA :: Happy Mother’s Day to the best mommy our kids could ever have! Celebrated with cards, gifts, chocolate covered strawberries, a bike ride along the Centennial Trail from Snohomish to Lake Stevens, lunch at her favorite Italian restaurant, and lots and lots of gratitude and love!
- [Lake House Signage](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-house-signage/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: T-minus one month until we move into our Lake Chelan vacation home! Dusting off the CNC machine and prototyping some signs that will be mounted outside the entryways.
- [The Mausoleum](https://johnandkristie.com/the-mausoleum/): THE MAUSOLEUM, ROCHE HARBOR, WA :: On the northern side of San Juan Island, you can hike through a cemetery and deep into the forest to arrive at the impressive McMillin Family Mausoleum. Three steps up to the main floor represent youth, middle age, and old age. The family’s ashes are interred in the chairs […]
- [Eagle Cove Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/eagle-cove-beach/): EAGLE COVE BEACH, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: There’s a tiny beach next to where we stay appropriately named Eagle Cove. We always see several eagles here, and today we were surprised to see another creature! At first we were excited it was a sea otter, being in the sea and all, but it just turned […]
- [Alpacas](https://johnandkristie.com/alpacas/): KRYSTAL ACRES ALPACA FARM, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: Alpacas! No visit to the island is complete without visiting our wile and woolly friends at Krystal Acres. Pellets were provided to feed them, along with a treasure hunt to get to know their names and unique personalities.
- [Jakle's Lagoon](https://johnandkristie.com/jakles-lagoon/): JAKLE'S LAGOON, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: Beautiful 3.6 mile loop hike along the peninsula between Griffin Bay and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It starts in the forest and skirts a few lagoons before climbing steeply up Mt. Finlayson and emerging on the grassy bluffs overlooking the beach, with impressive views of The Olympics […]
- [San Juan Island Spring Break](https://johnandkristie.com/san-juan-island-spring-break-2/): SAN JUAN ISLAND, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: We’re back on San Juan Island for Spring Break and Easter! Our week began with an egg hunt, sticker exchange, and gift baskets with new cameras that the twins are excited to use on our nature outings.
- [Basketball Season Wrap](https://johnandkristie.com/basketball-season-wrap/): SKYVIEW JUNIOR HIGH, BOTHELL, WA :: Basketball season is a wrap! Despite a broken foot, Lauren made it to the last four games and played her heart out. So grateful for the opportunity. Bring on volleyball season!
- [Cirque du Soleil: Corteo](https://johnandkristie.com/cirque-du-soleil-corteo-2/): CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: A fun afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa at The Seattle Center to watch Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo!
- [Braces for Miranda](https://johnandkristie.com/braces-for-miranda/): LOWE ORTHODONTICS, SHORELINE, WA :: Happy Valentines Day, Miranda! A brand new set of expensive braces to show how much Mommy and Daddy love you! 😅😉❤️
- [Lake House Progress](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-house-progress-2/): CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: We visited our vacation home in Chelan this weekend to check in on its progress and do some space planning. With Lauren’s broken foot, we couldn’t partake in any fun winter activities in the area, but she was very helpful with her measuring tape, geometry calculations, and by placing strips […]
- [Happy Birthday to Me](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-birthday-to-me/): LINCOLN SQUARE, BELLEVUE, WA :: Thanks for the birthday wishes! Here are some photos to prove I’m still alive after all these years… To celebrate, my family treated me to a fun extended weekend of our favorite dumpling restaurant, arcade games, the best homemade cheesecake in the world, and a day off work to enjoy […]
- [Fractured Foot](https://johnandkristie.com/fractured-foot/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: For those that don’t know, Lauren fractured her fifth metatarsal last week while playing Ghost in the Graveyard (basically Tag in the Dark) with her friends at the school. She couldn’t bike back home or bear any weight, so we rushed her to urgent care where they confirmed the bad news. […]
- [Merry Christmas](https://johnandkristie.com/merry-christmas-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: To all our nice (and naughty) friends, and especially to all our fellow Santas working late this Eve, Merry Christmas!
- [Suncadia Holidays](https://johnandkristie.com/suncadia-holidays/): SUNCADIA, CLE ELUM, WA :: We gathered the family for the holidays at Suncadia.
- [Christmas Recital](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-recital/): KENMORE, WA :: Lauren and Miranda’s Christmas Recital
- [Snow Day](https://johnandkristie.com/snow-day-2/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Snowman and sledding.
- [Skate & Sleepover](https://johnandkristie.com/skate-sleepover/): LYNNWOOD BOWL AND SKATE, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Roller skating, eating snowflakes, an Arcane marathon, and a sleepover with a bestie!
- [Thanksgiving 2022](https://johnandkristie.com/thanksgiving-2022/): SOUTH HILL, WA :: Grandma and Grandpa cooked up a delicious feast, Kristie baked her famous cheesecake, Aunt Susan and Uncle Shain setup a sundae bar, and I kept everyone hydrated with hot buttered rum. Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!
- [D&D](https://johnandkristie.com/dd/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: A fine, rainy afternoon spent exploring Dungeons and seeking Dragons!
- [Storm Drain Cleanup](https://johnandkristie.com/storm-drain-cleanup/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: For their leadership class, our kids and their friend volunteered to clear some local storm drains to help reduce the impact of the atmospheric river hitting us on Friday.
- [Halloween 2022: Max vs Rex](https://johnandkristie.com/halloween-2022-max-vs-rex/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Halloween 2022: Max vs Rex!
- [Jack-o'-Lanterns](https://johnandkristie.com/jack-o-lanterns-2/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: This year’s jack-o'-lanterns!
- [Stampede Pass](https://johnandkristie.com/stampede-pass/): STAMPEDE PASS, ENUMCLAW, WA :: Defender at Play – Enjoyed the beautiful day exploring Stampede Pass, running it from Kacheelus Lake to Greenwater. The 30 mile route was very easy, but a lot of fun, with stunning views of Rainier and the Stuart Range!
- [Fall Pruning](https://johnandkristie.com/fall-pruning/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Defender at Work – had to move about 20 cubic yards of pruned branches and bark a couple weekends ago. Love how easy it is to hitch and tow a two-ton dump trailer!
- [Big Finn Hill Park](https://johnandkristie.com/big-finn-hill-park/): BIG FINN HILL PARK, KIRKLAND, WA :: Congrats to Lauren for completing her first cross country season! It was cold and wet, and her legs and body were sore, but she finished strong, and said she will miss it – already looking forward to next year!
- [Divide & Conquer](https://johnandkristie.com/divide-conquer/): MONROE, WA :: It was a divide and conquer day for the parents. One kid is crazy about snakes, and the other loves alpacas! Which do you prefer?
- [Happy Birthday, Kristie](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-birthday-kristie/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Still cute and wonderful after all these years! I hope you know how much you are loved and appreciated! Happy Birthday, Kristie!
- [Pet Shop Boys](https://johnandkristie.com/pet-shop-boys/): CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: Commencing Kristie’s birthday weekend with some nostalgic New Wave! Some highlights from The Pet Shop Boys, New Order, and Paul Oakenfold at Climate Pledge Arena!
- [Dukes Of Hazzard Museum](https://johnandkristie.com/dukes-of-hazzard-museum/): COOTER'S DUKES OF HAZZARD MUSEUM, NASHVILLE, TN :: Nashville – Day 4: Our last day in Nashville included a stop at Cooter’s to sit in the General Lee, followed by lunch in an aquarium at Opry Mills!
- [Downtown Nashville](https://johnandkristie.com/downtown-nashville/): DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE, NASHVILLE, TN :: Nashville – Day 3: On Friday we returned to Broadway to check out the evening scene and it was pretty wild! The street and clubs were packed with dozens of live bands playing popular rock and country covers. We enjoyed drinks, dinner, and Blake Hall’s band at Miranda Lambert’s Casa […]
- [Opryland Resort](https://johnandkristie.com/opryland-resort/): GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER, NASHVILLE, TN :: Nashville – Day 2: Our second day was spent exploring the enormous Gaylord Opryland Resort, relaxing at the spa, and enjoying a catfish dinner at a restaurant with its own indoor catfish pond! And while walking back to our room, we think we might have spotted […]
- [Nashville, Tennessee](https://johnandkristie.com/nashville-tennessee/): NASHVILLE, TN :: Nashville – Day 1: Kristie had a conference in Music City, and I decided to tag along. Some highlights from our first day include murals in The Gulch, The Broadway Strip, and Martin’s BBQ Joint!
- [The Reign](https://johnandkristie.com/the-reign/): LUMEN FIELD, SEATTLE, WA :: I know everyone is happy the Mariners finally did something after 21 years, but how about some love for the consistently awesome Reign?! Fun night to watch their aggressive 3-0 win over Orlando, in addition to securing the NWSL Shield in front of their largest crowd yet!
- [Stranger Things Stop Motion](https://johnandkristie.com/stranger-things/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Lauren is just a little obsessed with Stranger Things! She found the sheet music for the theme song and locked herself in the dark bathroom to entirely reproduce the show’s iconic intro. Love it!
- [Lauren’s 1st Cross Country Meet](https://johnandkristie.com/laurens-1st-cross-country-meet/): TIMBERCREST MIDDLE SCHOOL, WOODINVILLE, WA :: Lauren’s first cross country meet!
- [12th Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/12th-birthday/): SERIAL EVENTS, BELLEVUE, WA :: Lauren & Miranda celebrated their 12th birthday with a group of friends at Serial.
- [Disney Birthdays](https://johnandkristie.com/disney-birthdays/): DISNEYLAND/CALIFONIA ADVENTURE, ANAHEIM, CA :: Celebrating cousin Shielle’s and grandpa Brown’s birthdays at Disney California Adventure Park! Genie+ worked great in both parks, and Early Entry allowed us to be among the first riders of Rise of the Resistance! So worth it! Also included are the traditionally obligatory photos of their Mickey ice cream bars!
- [Beardslee Public House](https://johnandkristie.com/beardslee-public-house/): BEARDSLEE PUBLIC HOUSE, BOTHELL, WA :: Another fun evening at the local pub, with a brilliant rainbow to cap it off! @beardsleeph
- [First Day of Middle School](https://johnandkristie.com/first-day-of-middle-school/): SKYVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL, BOTHELL, WA :: First day of middle school! 🥹❤️❤️
- [Remote Workers Assemble](https://johnandkristie.com/remote-workers-assemble/): DOWNTOWN OLYMPIA, WA :: Remote workers assemble! The mighty PNW team converges in Olympia for face time and frivolity!
- [Silverwood](https://johnandkristie.com/silverwood/): SILVERWOOD THEME PARK, ATHOL, ID :: Enjoying the last days of summer vacation with their cousin at Silverwood Theme Park.
- [Bothell Summerfest](https://johnandkristie.com/bothell-summerfest/): BOTHELL, WA :: The English Insurance Group booth was a hit at Bothell’s Summerfest! Over a hundred families stopped by with their insurance questions, and to take home their own Indy the Acorn plush! It was fun to see so many of the cute little acorns being carried by kids (and grownups) throughout the crowd. […]
- [Chelanigans](https://johnandkristie.com/chelanigans/): LAKE CHELAN, CHELAN, WA :: Chelanigans – just a few more pics of walks around town, pickleball, finding a deer in the vineyards, enjoying the prime rib dinner at The Landing, and splashing in the pool!
- [Lake Chelan Boating](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-chelan-boating/): LAKE CHELAN, CHELAN, WA :: On A Boat!
- [Slidewaters](https://johnandkristie.com/slidewaters/): SLIDEWATERS, CHELAN, WA :: Slidewaters is a small, clean, and well-managed water park, great for a few hours of refreshing fun on a hot day in Chelan!
- [Lemonade](https://johnandkristie.com/lemonade/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Support your local small businesses! Thanks for the beautiful flowers and refreshing lemonade, Izzi and Liam!
- [Lake House Progress](https://johnandkristie.com/lake-house-progress-3/): CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: We enjoyed another sunny and fun weekend in Chelan, and checked out the progress on our new vacation home! We were excited to see most of the framing completed in just two months, and being able to walk through the interior spaces in-person. The construction matches the renderings so far, […]
- [Sienna's 2nd Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/siennas-2nd-birthday/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: In our house there are many birthday celebrations… for favorite stuffed animals, for our cats, and for Miranda’s pet snake, Sienna, who just turned two years old! To celebrate, Sienna received extra handling time and a couple rat cakes that Miranda decorated – red velvet on the inside, of course, […]
- [Swiss Cows](https://johnandkristie.com/swiss-cows/): FIRST, GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND :: Bucket list item checked! Petting a Swiss cow! I’ve been enamored with these bell-donning beauties ever since Rick Steves featured them in his Switzerland episode, way back in 2004! In retrospect, maybe not the smartest thing to do… I’ve since read these cows have caused serious injury and death! #morecowbell
- [First Mountain Trikes](https://johnandkristie.com/first-mountain-trikes/): FIRST, GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND :: Gondolas are a great way to get down a mountain, but off-road trikes are way more fun! We rolled down the three kilometers of twisted track between Schrekfeld and Bort, enjoying the gobsmackingly stupefying views along the way.
- [First Glider](https://johnandkristie.com/first-glider/): FIRST GLIDER, GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND :: Ziplining in Switzerland, Superman-style, suspended from an eagle! We even got Grandma and Grandpa to give it a go!
- [Cool in the New Pool](https://johnandkristie.com/cool-in-the-new-pool/): EDMONDS, WA :: The new pool passed its first test: lots of splashing, floating toys, and absolutely no interest in getting out.
- [Spray Park](https://johnandkristie.com/spray-park/): FOREST PARK, EVERETT, WA :: Forest Park’s spray fountains turned a warm afternoon into a blur of water, bare feet, and delighted squeals.
- [Daddy's Day Weekend](https://johnandkristie.com/daddys-day-weekend/): FUJI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Wow, am I a lucky guy! Very grateful for my wonderful family and my own amazing dad. Happy Father's Day!
- [Summers](https://johnandkristie.com/summers/): EDMONDS, WA :: Summers are scraped knees and ice cream.
- [Preschool Graduation](https://johnandkristie.com/preschool-graduation/): EDMONDS, WA :: Congrats to our kiddos for completing preschool!
- [Bringing the Voodoo Home](https://johnandkristie.com/bringing-the-voodoo-home/): PORTLAND, OR :: So long Portland! Thanks for keeping it weird. @voodoodoughnuts
- [Cast Art](https://johnandkristie.com/cast-art/): EDMONDS, WA :: One benefit of rupturing your Achilles is having a temporary art canvas attached to you.
- [Backyard Camping](https://johnandkristie.com/backyard-camping/): EDMONDS, WA :: The backyard became a campground, complete with a tent, camp chairs, chalk drawings, and all the comforts of home just steps away.
- [Enchanted Village](https://johnandkristie.com/enchanted-village/): WILD WAVES, FEDERAL WAY, WA :: Enchanted Village turned Cinco de Mayo into a day of rides, giant creatures, and sunshine.
- [An Edmonds Kind of Day](https://johnandkristie.com/an-edmonds-kind-of-day/): EDMONDS, WA :: An ordinary Edmonds day became a small adventure with lunch out, a walk around town, and enjoying signs of Spring in the park.
- [Seattle Center Whirligig](https://johnandkristie.com/seattle-center-whirligig/): SEATTLE CENTER, SEATTLE, WA :: The Seattle Center Whirligig transformed the Armory into a maze of enormous inflatables, with the Space Needle and International Fountain waiting outside.
- [Easter 2015](https://johnandkristie.com/easter-2015/): EDMONDS, WA :: Easter brought bunny ears, easter egg hunt, and smashed cascarones that left the backyard covered in confetti for weeks!
- [The Coloring of the Eggs](https://johnandkristie.com/the-coloring-of-the-eggs/): EDMONDS, WA :: The kitchen table became a dye lab as plain eggs took on bright colors, stickers, and a few delightfully messy fingerprints.
- [Bath Rave](https://johnandkristie.com/bath-rave/): EDMONDS, WA :: Glow sticks, bathwater, and a dark room were all it took to turn an ordinary bath into a tiny neon dance party.
- [Gymnastics Graduation](https://johnandkristie.com/gymnastics-graduation/): FRANCES ANDERSON CENTER, EDMONDS, WA :: The gymnastics graduation showed off a year of tumbling, balance, and brave turns at the front of the class.
- [New Year's Day in Seattle](https://johnandkristie.com/new-years-day-in-seattle/): SEATTLE, WA :: Gingerbread Houses, Westlake Center, Monorail, EMP and Space Needle!
- [Christmas 2014](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2014/): EDMONDS, WA :: Christmas unfolded through crafts, gifts, family visits, and a living room that stayed cheerfully full.
- [Dry Ingredients](https://johnandkristie.com/dry-ingredients/): EDMONDS, WA :: Incorporating the dry ingredients.
- [Santa](https://johnandkristie.com/santa-2/): ALDERWOOD MALL, LYNNWOOD, WA :: A somewhat dubious visit with Santa.
- [Trimming the Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/trimming-the-tree-4/): EDMONDS, WA :: Small hands found just the right spots for every ornament, slowly turning the tree into the centerpiece of the room.
- [Holidays at Disneyland](https://johnandkristie.com/holidays-at-disneyland/): DISNEYLAND, ANAHEIM, CA :: Disneyland during the holidays meant character encounters, sparkling decorations, and a little extra magic around every corner.
- [Legoland](https://johnandkristie.com/legoland/): LEGOLAND, CARLSBAD, CA :: Lots of fun with Grandma and Grandpa at Legoland!
- [San Diego](https://johnandkristie.com/san-diego/): SAN DIEGO, CA :: Old Town, Balboa Park, Gas Lamp Quarter, and Coronado Beach with Grandma & Grandpa!
- [San Diego Zoo](https://johnandkristie.com/san-diego-zoo-2/): SAN DIEGO ZOO, SAN DIEGO, CA :: The San Diego Zoo gave us a full day among elephants, pandas, and winding garden paths, with a few rides for the kids along the way.
- [Halloween 2014](https://johnandkristie.com/halloween-2014/): EDMONDS, WA :: Ariel and Rapunzel take over Edmonds!
- [Jack-O'-Lanterns](https://johnandkristie.com/jack-o-lanterns-5/): EDMONDS, WA :: Totoro and Minecraft themed.
- [Oktoberfest](https://johnandkristie.com/oktoberfest/): MUNICH, GERMANY :: Here it is! The main event! The culmination of our epic nine-day adventure in Germany! OKTOBERFEST! It was so much fun, I can't even describe how great it was… 7000 party people in das Haus! A beautiful tent filled with drinking, cheering, laughing, dancing, singing and hugging! All as one, focused on […]
- [Preschool Pumpkin Patch](https://johnandkristie.com/preschool-pumpkin-patch/): EDMONDS, WA :: First field trip for the kids! First chaperone duty for me!
- [Munich](https://johnandkristie.com/munich/): MUNICH, GERMANY :: After hiking sections of the Taubertal Panoramaweg, we continued on to Munich. It was a good change of pace after the trail, with time to relax and drink! We stopped at the Hofbräuhaus and spent time at the Augustiner beer garden, sharing food, beer and stories from the hike on the eve […]
- [Neuschwanstein Castle & Fussen](https://johnandkristie.com/neuschwanstein-castle-fussen/): NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE, SCHWANGAU, GERMANY :: The hike up to the viewpoint near Mary’s Bridge was long and steep, but the view of Neuschwanstein Castle made it worth the effort. Seeing the castle surrounded by mountains and forest was one of those moments that lived up to the pictures. We also spent some time exploring nearby […]
- [Dress Up!](https://johnandkristie.com/dress-up/): EDMONDS, WA :: Colorful outfits today!
- [Panoramaweg Taubertal](https://johnandkristie.com/panoramaweg-taubertal/): TAUBER VALLEY, GERMANY :: A 25 mile hike over two days from Tauberbischofsheim to Wertheim and Bad Mergentheim to Beckstein. Farmland, forests, old villages, castles, apple orchards and vineyards all along the way.
- [Rothenburg ob der Tauber](https://johnandkristie.com/rothenburg-ob-der-tauber-2/): ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER, GERMANY :: Rothenburg is a medieval walled city frozen in time. We enjoyed the gothic cathedral, dungeon museum, and beautiful park occupying the foundation of a ruined castle. We also climbed the fortified walls and explored the maze of chambers within the bastions and towers. Rothenburg was our launchpad for our […]
- [Fulda](https://johnandkristie.com/fulda/): FULDA, GERMANY :: Our adventure started in Fulda, the beautiful hometown of Jacob's extended family, who are the most warm, most inviting, most fun and funny people in all of Germany!
- [Iceland](https://johnandkristie.com/iceland/): ICELAND :: With only 24 hours in Iceland, I drove over five hundred miles along the southern coast from Keflavik to Jokulsarlon and back. A much too short adventure spanning a unique landscape so raw and elemental, yet so alive with dynamic beauty and diversity… Iceland, I shall return.
- [A Toothless Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/a-toothless-birthday/): EDMONDS, WA :: A Toothless-themed birthday brought Viking helmets, dragon shields, and enough handmade details to make Berk feel surprisingly close to Edmonds.
- [Them Apples](https://johnandkristie.com/them-apples/): EDMONDS, WA :: The harvest from the crab apple tree in our yard. And a basket full of veggies from the garden.
- [Lost Lake Camping Trip](https://johnandkristie.com/lost-lake-camping-trip/): LOST LAKE, OR :: It's a five-six hour roadtrip away, but Lost Lake Campground is one of our favorite outdoor family destinations. Incredibly scenic and lots to do, from hiking to fishing. And when they're older, perhaps some paddleboarding. We love that there are no motor boats allowed, so its peaceful as well.
- [Balance Bikes](https://johnandkristie.com/balance-bikes/): EDMONDS, WA :: The balance bikes inspired immediate test rides, a few careful starts, and a lot of determined tries to master the seemingly impossible art of staying upright on two wheels.
- [Preschool Orientation](https://johnandkristie.com/preschool-orientation/): EDMONDS, WA :: Preschool orientation offered a first look at the classroom, the teachers, and the colorful little world waiting inside.
- [Tour de Terrace Fair](https://johnandkristie.com/tour-de-terrace-fair/): MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, WA :: The Tour de Terrace packed carnival rides, face painting, and fairground treats into one bright summer day.
- [Chris & Noel's Wedding](https://johnandkristie.com/chris-noels-wedding/): TACOMA, WA :: Chris and Noel’s wedding was full of warm summer light, beautiful details, and many family and friends gathered to celebrate them in an intimate, natural, and enchanting setting. I was so happy and honored to be trusted as their photographer for such a special occasion!
- [Cool in the Pool](https://johnandkristie.com/cool-in-the-pool-3/): EDMONDS, WA :: Taking full advantage of this Pacific Northwest heatwave!
- [An Edmonds Kind of Fourth](https://johnandkristie.com/an-edmonds-kind-of-fourth/): EDMONDS, WA :: Edmonds marked the Fourth with red-white-and-blue outfits, a lively parade, and plenty of curbside cheering.
- [Grouse Creek Campground](https://johnandkristie.com/grouse-creek-campground/): GROUSE CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND, WA :: Camping with friends, collecting giant pine cones, and launching water rockets higher than the trees!
- [Ocean Shores](https://johnandkristie.com/ocean-shores/): OCEAN SHORES, WA :: Fun weekend with friends old and new at Ocean Shores!
- [Prelude to Summer](https://johnandkristie.com/prelude-to-summer/): EDMONDS, WA :: Warm weather arrived early, sending us straight to the splash pad for the first barefoot afternoon of the season.
- [Fairy Parade](https://johnandkristie.com/fairy-parade/): EDMONDS, WA :: To celebrate the opening of the Edmonds Museum Garden Market.
- [Easter 2014](https://johnandkristie.com/easter-2014/): EDMONDS, WA :: Baskets, Egg Hunt, and Cascarones!
- [Eggs To Dye For](https://johnandkristie.com/eggs-to-dye-for/): EDMONDS, WA :: The kiddos got a little silly this year while coloring their Easter eggs!
- [Moab](https://johnandkristie.com/moab/): MOAB, UT :: One spectacular day in Canyonlands and Arches National Park. Arrived prior to sunrise at Mesa Arch, followed the faint trail to False Kiva, and then hiked the eight-mile loop to Devil's Garden.
- [Spring 2014](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-2014/): EDMONDS, WA :: Great to be back home with my three superheroes!
- [Saint Edward State Park](https://johnandkristie.com/saint-edward-state-park/): SAINT EDWARD STATE PARK, KENMORE, WA :: Spring sun and fun with the kids at one of our favorite parks and playground.
- [Disneyland! Days 5, 6 & 7](https://johnandkristie.com/disneyland-days-5-6-7/): DISNEYLAND, ANAHEIM, CA :: Our final Disneyland days mixed classic rides, pool time, and the last few bits of magic we could squeeze from the trip.
- [Disneyland! Days 3 & 4](https://johnandkristie.com/disneyland-days-3-4/): DISNEYLAND, ANAHEIM, CA :: Days three and four brought more characters, bigger rides, and the growing confidence of two very enthusiastic little park experts.
- [Disneyland! Days 1 & 2](https://johnandkristie.com/disneyland-days-1-2/): DISNEYLAND, ANAHEIM, CA :: The first two Disneyland days began with wide eyes at the hotel window and quickly escalated into rides, characters, and nonstop discovery.
- [Marymere Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/marymere-falls-2/): MARYMERE FALLS, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: The trail to Marymere Falls crossed mossy bridges and wintery forest before reaching the frozen waterfall tucked into the trees.
- [Rialto Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/rialto-beach-2/): RIALTO BEACH, WA :: Rialto Beach was all silver sky, driftwood, and restless surf, creating a quiet winter landscape with plenty to explore and beachscape to wander.
- [Teppanyaki Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/teppanyaki-birthday/): FUJI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Fun night enjoying flaming food with the fantastic foursome!
- [Artist Point Snowshoe](https://johnandkristie.com/artist-point-snowshoe/): ARTIST POINT, MOUNT BAKER, WA :: Gorgeous and fun day in a winter wonderland!
- [Winterfest at Seattle Center](https://johnandkristie.com/winterfest-at-seattle-center/): SEATTLE CENTER, SEATTLE, WA :: Massive Monkees and wintery follies. Despite the cold temps, they couldn't resist the lure of the International Fountain.
- [Christmas 2013](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2013/): EDMONDS, WA :: Christmas 2013 brought presents, cousins, stories, and a living room happily overtaken by family.
- [Project Project](https://johnandkristie.com/project-project/): EDMONDS, WA :: Installing the projector, speaker system, and retractable acoustically transparent screen in our living room. Santa was good to me this year!
- [Green Lake Pathway of Lights](https://johnandkristie.com/green-lake-pathway-of-lights/): GREEN LAKE, SEATTLE, WA :: A winter walk along a candlelit pathway around the lake.
- [Santa 2013](https://johnandkristie.com/santa-2013/): ALDERWOOD MALL, LYNNWOOD, WA :: No tears this year!
- [Trimming the Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/trimming-the-tree-5/): EDMONDS, WA :: The kids decorated from the lowest branches up, making the tree more colorful with every carefully placed ornament.
- [Vancouver, B.C](https://johnandkristie.com/vancouver-b-c-2/): VANCOUVER, CANADA :: The kids went on their first international trip over Thanksgiving weekend. We had fun exploring the Aquarium, Yaletown, Granville Island, the German Christmas Market, and the Bloedel Conservatory.
- [Books & Trees](https://johnandkristie.com/books-trees/): WILCOX PARK, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Saturday's adventure in the library and woods.
- [Bulbs](https://johnandkristie.com/bulbs/): EDMONDS, WA :: Planted 100 daffodils, 200 crocuses, 30 hyacinths, and 50 tulips! Spring must seem nearly a lifetime away for our little helpers!
- [Autumn](https://johnandkristie.com/autumn/): EDMONDS, WA :: A quick break to enjoy the season with the kids and Sandee.
- [Imagine Children's Museum](https://johnandkristie.com/imagine-childrens-museum/): IMAGINE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, EVERETT, WA :: Love this place! Perfect activity for a stormy day.
- [Trick-or-Treating](https://johnandkristie.com/trick-or-treating/): EDMONDS, WA :: Trick-or-treating sent a tiny pirate crew through the neighborhood in search of candy and adventure.
- [Pumpkins Three Ways](https://johnandkristie.com/pumpkins-three-ways/): EDMONDS, WA :: With the pumpkins we grew in our garden, we made jack-o-lanterns, crunchy snacks, and a delicious pie.
- [Kanye West: Yeezus Tour](https://johnandkristie.com/kanye-west-yeezus-tour/): CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: Our fourth time seeing Mr. West in concert. Didn't quite get the theme of this show (a luchador on a snowy mountain meets Jesus?), but it was as always, interesting and entertaining!
- [A Walk in the Woods](https://johnandkristie.com/a-walk-in-the-woods/): YOST PARK, EDMONDS, WA :: Yost Park was perfect for a slow autumn walk, with wooden paths, fallen leaves, and plenty of small discoveries underfoot.
- [Biking with Grandma & Grandpa](https://johnandkristie.com/biking-with-grandma-grandpa/): EDMONDS, WA :: Learning to ride their balance bikes with Grandma and Grandpa!
- [Oregon Coast](https://johnandkristie.com/oregon-coast/): CANNON BEACH, OR :: Tillamook, Cape Meares, Hug Point and Cannon Beach!
- [3rd Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/3rd-birthday/): EDMONDS, WA :: The twins’ third birthday took place under the sea, complete with a floating remote controlled shark that produced an entertaining mixture of fright and delight!
- [Richmond Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/richmond-beach/): RICHMOND BEACH, SHORELINE, WA :: Richmond Beach offered stones for stacking, sand for digging, and a shoreline made for exploring.
- [The Evergreen State Fair](https://johnandkristie.com/the-evergreen-state-fair-2/): EVERGREEN STATE FAIRGROUNDS, MONROE, WA :: The Evergreen State Fair delivered rides, animals, treats, and more things to point at than two kids could possibly manage at once.
- [Camping at Mt. Rainier](https://johnandkristie.com/camping-at-mt-rainier/): MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA :: Lauren and Miranda's first camping trip!
- [Taste of Edmonds](https://johnandkristie.com/taste-of-edmonds/): EDMONDS, WA :: Taste of Edmonds combined fair food, sunshine, and a bright pink slide that was impossible to pass up.
- [Tour de Terrace](https://johnandkristie.com/tour-de-terrace/): MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, WA :: The Tour de Terrace brought face paint, spinning rides, and the kind of wide-eyed excitement only a summer fair can produce.
- [Point Defiance Park](https://johnandkristie.com/point-defiance-park/): POINT DEFIANCE PARK, TACOMA, WA :: Point Defiance offered playground stops and beach exploring with their cousin.
- [An Edmonds Kind of Fourth](https://johnandkristie.com/an-edmonds-kind-of-fourth-2/): EDMONDS, WA :: A small-town Fourth meant plenty of flags, patriotic outfits, and parade watching with Grandma.
- [Forest Park](https://johnandkristie.com/forest-park/): FOREST PARK, EVERETT, WA :: Forest Park gave us a petting zoo, playgrounds, splash pads, and a day’s worth of toddler-sized adventures.
- [Splish Splash](https://johnandkristie.com/splish-splash/): EDMONDS, WA :: A backyard splash pool, one giant inflatable giraffe, and two determined kids made part of a perfect summer day.
- [Edmonds Arts Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/edmonds-arts-festival/): EDMONDS, WA :: The Edmonds Arts Festival offered handmade treasures, colorful displays, and a few irresistible treats between the booths.
- [The Centennial Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/the-centennial-trail/): SNOHOMISH, WA :: We biked and rollerbladed with the kids from Snohomish to Machias Station.
- [Enchanted Village & Wild Waves](https://johnandkristie.com/enchanted-village-wild-waves/): WILD WAVES, FEDERAL WAY, WA :: Wild Waves paired storybook creatures with rides and waterpark fun, giving us two kinds of amusement park in one day.
- [Stella & Sawyer's 3rd Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/stella-sawyers-3rd-birthday/): TACOMA, WA :: Stella and Sawyer’s third birthday turned the backyard into a picnic, craft table, and wonderfully busy play zone.
- [Painting with Aeverie](https://johnandkristie.com/painting-with-aeverie/): EDMONDS, WA :: A fun day exploring art with brushes and bright color.
- [Backyard Fun](https://johnandkristie.com/backyard-fun/): EDMONDS, WA :: Enjoying a sunny Spring day.
- [Baking Cookies for Mommy's Day](https://johnandkristie.com/baking-cookies-for-mommys-day/): EDMONDS, WA :: The kids baked cookies for Mother’s Day, adding generous scoops, careful stirring, and a little extra sweetness for Mommy.
- [Scriber Lake & Wilcox Parks](https://johnandkristie.com/scriber-lake-wilcox-parks/): SCRIBER LAKE & WILCOX PARKS, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Sunny day to enjoy a walk in the woods and the playground.
- [First Garden](https://johnandkristie.com/first-garden/): EDMONDS, WA :: Tracking the progress of our first garden, from seed to harvest.
- [Imagine Children's Museum](https://johnandkristie.com/imagine-childrens-museum-2/): IMAGINE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, EVERETT, WA :: Imagine Children’s Museum made room for building, climbing, pretending, and interacting with absolutely everything in sight.
- [Easter 2013](https://johnandkristie.com/easter-2013/): EDMONDS, WA :: Hunting eggs (cascarones) and then smashing them on Mommy and Daddy's heads!
- [Cousins](https://johnandkristie.com/cousins/): EDMONDS, WA :: Fun with Shielle and Aunt Susan over the weekend!
- [Weekend with Grandpa & Grandma](https://johnandkristie.com/weekend-with-grandpa-grandma/): SEATTLE, WA :: Pike Place Market, The Great Wheel, Conveyor Belt Sushi, Lobsterfest, and more!
- [Oddmall Emporium of the Weird](https://johnandkristie.com/oddmall-emporium-of-the-weird/): ODDMALL EMPORIUM OF THE WEIRD PNW, MONROE, WA :: We visited the Oddmall Emporium of the Weird this weekend, and frankly it didn’t seem that weird… which probably says something about us. 😉 170+ vendors featuring handmade wares that aren’t found at your typical craft market, along with a chance for the kiddos to beat […]
- [Jack-o’-Lanterns](https://johnandkristie.com/jack-o-lanterns/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: This year’s terrifying jack-o’-lanterns! 🎃An alien symbol, a mushroom, and a bear claw. My family is weird, and I gave up long ago trying to get them to conform their carving to Halloween themes. 👻😉❤️
- [Chelan Valley Farms](https://johnandkristie.com/chelan-valley-farms/): CHELAN VALLEY FARMS, CHELAN, WA :: We picked apples (Golden Delicious and Cosmic Crisp), perused the pumpkin patch, admired the beautiful flower garden, sampled delicious cider, and munched on some local donuts and malasadas at Chelan Valley Farms. Afterward, we relaxed, played board games, made pizzas, and watched our current favorite shows (Slow Horses, Only […]
- [Beebe Springs Nature Area](https://johnandkristie.com/beebe-springs-nature-area/): BEEBE SPRINGS NATURE AREA, CHELAN, WA :: Just outside of Chelan along the Columbia River are a couple miles of trails great for walking and birding. During the summer, the kids enjoyed the small fishing pond, but today we were there to take in the gorgeous fall colors.
- [Happy Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-birthday/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Happy Birthday to the best mommy, partner, friend, teacher, provider, hero, and role model this family could ever hope for! We love you! 😘❤️🎂🎉
- [Rockefeller Center](https://johnandkristie.com/rockefeller-center/): ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK, NY :: And we finally wrapped up our fun week in NYC with an evening around Rockefeller Center, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares haunted house, the Nintendo Store, and the LEGO Store!
- [Olive Garden Times Square](https://johnandkristie.com/olive-garden-times-square/): OLIVE GARDEN, NEW YORK, NY :: One of the best moments of our NYC trip? Dining at the Manhattan Olive Garden overlooking Times Square! We’re proud OG enthusiasts, having visited dozens of locations all over the continent, and this bucket-list spot definitely lived up to the hype! Unlimited soup & salad paired with a “Tour […]
- [The Wild Robot](https://johnandkristie.com/the-wild-robot/): AMC LOEWS WOODINVILLE 12 THEATER, WOODINVILLE, WA :: It’s not often we go to the movie theaters these days, but an exception was made for a favorite bedtime story turned into a wonderful film!
- [Central Park, New York](https://johnandkristie.com/central-park-new-york/): CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK, NY :: A morning stroll through Central Park. We were hoping for more autumn colors, but with the perfect streak of sunny and warm weather we’ve had all week, we’re not complaining!
- [Upper West Side](https://johnandkristie.com/upper-west-side/): UPPER WEST SIDE, NY :: We loved the more laid back vibe of the Upper West Side. The Arthouse Hotel was our base for five days in a recently updated penthouse with two rooms and two terraces! We enjoyed all of the corner markets, shops, brownstones, proximity to Central Park, and the variety of great […]
- [Only Murders in the Building](https://johnandkristie.com/only-murders-in-the-building/): THE BELNORD UWS, NEW YORK, NY :: Any other fans of Only Murders in the Building? After our weekend in the Financial District, we transferred to the Upper West Side for the rest of our stay. First stop: The Arconia! Unfortunately, Charles, Oliver and Mabel were nowhere to be found.
- [Mercer Labs](https://johnandkristie.com/mercer-labs/): MERCER LABS, NEW YORK, NY :: Mercer Labs is a cool gallery of immersive, interactive, trippy, and techy art. Much like the Hopscotch museum we visited in San Antonio, the exhibits challenged our senses with new experiences that felt futuristic, alien, and transcendent. Not a bad way to spend a morning!
- [DUMBO, Brooklyn](https://johnandkristie.com/dumbo-brooklyn/): DUMBO, BROOKLYN, NY :: After crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, we enjoyed exploring the DUMBO neighborhood. Of course we checked out Washington Street, one of the most beautiful in the world according to Traveler magazine. Also grabbed a snack at Peas & Pickles, wandered through the Time Out Market, and took in the sun and the […]
- [Brooklyn Bridge](https://johnandkristie.com/brooklyn-bridge/): BROOKLYN BRIDGE, NEW YORK, NY :: Exploring The Seaport and walking across The Brooklyn Bridge! We loved the hyperrealistic swimmer sculptures by Carol Feuerman and the super detailed cookies at Funny Face Bakery. And of course the views from the mile-long Brooklyn Bridge are incredible!
- [Financial District, Manhattan](https://johnandkristie.com/financial-district-manhattan/): FINANCIAL DISTRICT, NEW YORK, NY :: In NYC for a week, working and sightseeing! Stayed at Gild Hall in the Financial District over the weekend and checked out a few attractions, including Wall Street, Stone Street, the 9/11 Memorial, Calatrava’s Oculus, a bunch of animal sculptures, Trinity Church, and a cool kitten named Zeus at […]
- [VR Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/vr-birthday/): THE VILLAGE AT TOTEM LAKE, KIRKLAND, WA :: Next on the twins’ 14th birthday celebration agenda was a virtual reality Squid Games competition at Sandbox VR with their best friends! Followed by some Serious Pie, shopping, cake, gifts, crafts, and one Night Ultimate Werewolf back at home!
- [Big Air Auburn](https://johnandkristie.com/big-air-auburn/): BIG AIR AUBURN, AUBURN, WA :: The twins’ 14th birthday celebration continued with their cousin at Big Air and the former Auburn Super Mall, followed by dinner with their grandparents, aunt, and uncle at Jack’s BBQ!
- [14th Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/14th-birthday/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The twins celebrated their 14th birthday over the weekend, starting with a few gifts, board games, and cake at home!
- [8th Grade](https://johnandkristie.com/8th-grade/): SKYVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL, BOTHELL, WA :: First day of 8th grade!
- [YMCA Camp Orkila](https://johnandkristie.com/ymca-camp-orkila/): YMCA CAMP ORKILA, EASTSOUND, WA :: We sent our teenage babies to Camp Orkila on Orcas Island, their first overnight summer camp. They dreaded going all year, but we insisted it would be a good experience for them to develop their independence, meet some new friends, and have some fun out in nature. Kristie has […]
- [First Ren Faire](https://johnandkristie.com/first-ren-faire/): WASHINGTON MIDSUMMER RENAISSANCE FAIRE, SNOHOMISH, WA :: First Ren Faire! The twins spent months planning and crafting their tiefling costumes – horns, tails, and outfits all pieced together from cardboard, hot glue, paint, and thrift shop finds. So glad we joined in the role-play fun, as nearly everyone was dressed up, and we would’ve felt […]
- [Terwilliger Hot Springs](https://johnandkristie.com/terwilliger-hot-springs/): TERWILLIGER HOT SPRINGS, BLUE RIVER, OR :: On the way to Terwilliger Hot Springs from Bend, I enjoyed twisting through the beautiful unburnt areas of the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests. However, I sure enough came across another recent wildfire area, which wasn’t surprising as much of Central Oregon has burned recently. What was unexpected […]
- [Crater Lake National Park](https://johnandkristie.com/crater-lake-national-park/): CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK, OR :: My first time visiting Crater Lake National Park, and I was blown away! Sure, it’s a lake in a volcano, but I was not expecting it to be so big and so blue! The caldera is about six miles in diameter, and the deep blue hue is due to […]
- [Alvord Hot Springs](https://johnandkristie.com/alvord-hot-springs/): ALVORD HOT SPRINGS, FIELDS, OR :: Alvord Desert is a very large dry lake bed – about eight miles wide and 70 miles long! It’s where Jessi Combs tragically died setting the female land speed record of 522 mph in 2019. It’s also the site of a natural hot spring and camp, featuring military container […]
- [Owyhee River Wilderness](https://johnandkristie.com/owyhee-river-wilderness/): OWYHEE RIVER WILDERNESS, OWYHEE, ID :: After a weekend in Bend, I drove over to a place that sounds like Hawaii, but is spelled Owyhee. Millions of people have been to the former, but only a tiny fraction have been to or even heard of the latter. Owyhee is in Oregon’s southeastern high desert, and […]
- [Bend](https://johnandkristie.com/bend/): BEND, OR :: Bend: Bantering and bonding with bosom buddies in breweries, Blockbuster, and boutiques with boardgames, bikes, books, burritos, and birria amongst all the bougie backpackers! 😉
- [The Castle Museum](https://johnandkristie.com/the-castle-museum/): BURGHOTEL "AUF SCHÖNBURG", OBERWESEL, GERMANY :: Our final day was spent at our castle-hotel exploring the onsite tower museum and enjoying their delicious made-from-scratch meals. Thus concludes our European vacation! Iceland, Switzerland, and Deutschland – three lands in three weeks! It was an amazing adventure, an opportunity to connect and learn more about these parts […]
- [Gutenberg-Museum Mainz](https://johnandkristie.com/gutenberg-museum-mainz/): GUTENBERG-MUSEUM MAINZ, MAINZ, GERMANY :: Gutenberg’s movable-type printing press is arguably one of mankind’s greatest inventions, credited with bringing about The Renaissance and an explosion of literacy, knowledge, and liberty. We checked out the extensive museum dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, filled with various printing presses and notable examples of manuscripts and books from around the […]
- [Mainz, Germany](https://johnandkristie.com/mainz-germany/): MAINZ, GERMANY :: We checked out market day in Mainz. It was about an hour away from our castle-hotel, and the largest city we visited during our three weeks in Europe. With a population just over 200,000 people, it’s twice as populous as Reykjavik, the second largest city we toured! We had fun perusing the […]
- [Secret Garden at the Castle](https://johnandkristie.com/secret-garden-at-the-castle/): BURGHOTEL "AUF SCHÖNBURG", OBERWESEL, GERMANY :: A secret garden surrounded our castle-hotel. It’s so secret, we only discovered the entrance on our third visit! Using the second key to our room, we unlocked a gate behind the castle that revealed a path through several forested acres including a cave, ponds, lookouts, a chapel, treehouse, libraries, […]
- [Drosselgasse Rüdesheim](https://johnandkristie.com/drosselgasse-rudesheim/): DROSSELGASSE RÜDESHEIM, RÜDESHEIM AM RHEIN, GERMANY :: Rüdesheim is one of the top wine producing regions in Germany, and it also includes a famous alleyway called Drosselgasse, which is filled with picturesque shops, taverns, and exposed timber-frame buildings. While roaming through the vineyards, we also saw the large statue of Germania, commemorating the founding of […]
- [Burghotel "Auf Schönburg"](https://johnandkristie.com/burghotel-auf-schonburg/): BURGHOTEL "AUF SCHÖNBURG", OBERWESEL, GERMANY :: We have returned for a third time to our favorite castle overlooking the Rhine, Schloss Schönburg in Oberwesel. The town was once a powerful city-state, and is the oldest, largest and best preserved fortification along the UNESCO World Heritage portion of the Middle Rhine, stretching 65km between Bingen and […]
- [Europa-Park](https://johnandkristie.com/europa-park/): EUROPA-PARK, RUST, GERMANY :: We love Europa-Park! It’s Germany’s largest theme park, and the most visited seasonal theme park in the world. No one beats Disney’s and Universal’s theming, but Europa-Park is a close third. We love that much of the park actually feels like a park with beautiful forests, rivers and lakes throughout. It’s […]
- [Rulantica](https://johnandkristie.com/rulantica/): RULANTICA, RUST, GERMANY :: We enjoyed two days at the Rulantica water park! With over 50 slides and attractions spread over the area of six football fields, indoors and out, there’s a ton to do! And since we were last there two years ago, they’ve added several new slides and areas to the spa. Our […]
- [Hotel Krønasår](https://johnandkristie.com/hotel-kronasar/): HOTEL KRØNASÅR, RUST, GERMANY :: After “roughing” it through Iceland and Switzerland for two weeks, it was time to relax and indulge in the comforts of our favorite theme park hotel, The Krønasår! It’s the newest of the six Europa-Park hotels, and is designed to be an alternate reality Scandavian museum-hotel with plenty of authentic […]
- [Grindelwald, Switzerland](https://johnandkristie.com/grindelwald-switzerland/): GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND :: Sometimes our most memorable travel moments are unplanned. When fleeting from one tourist hot spot to another, we fill ourselves with precious moments of joy and awe, but we often miss something deeper. That’s why we attempt to immerse ourselves in our destinations by taking a break from the attractions, and simply […]
- [Glacier Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/glacier-canyon/): GLACIER CANYON -GRINDLEWALD, UNTERSEEN, SWITZERLAND :: We explored an impressively deep glacial canyon that was recently featured on the Amazing Race. In that episode, the teams did the gigantic swing through the canyon and had to bounce around on the net spanning over the raging river. We just chose to do the latter, which was […]
- [Pfingstegg](https://johnandkristie.com/pfingstegg/): PFINGSTEGG, GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND :: Pfingstegg is a cool little park on the side of the mountain with a fun alpine slide and forest swing coaster. It also has a playground and restaurant, and is on a trail heading up to a couple more high altitude huts and the Ischmeer Glacier. Access to Pfingstegg is via […]
- [Schynige Platte](https://johnandkristie.com/schynige-platte/): SCHYNIGE PLATTE, WILDERSWIL, SWITZERLAND :: Schynige Platte is one of the best trails in the Bernese Oberland! Unfortunately, it requires riding the slowest cog train in the world to get to it, but it was well worth it! We did the four mile loop along the 8000’ high ridge overlooking Interlaken, Lake Thun, and Lake […]
- [Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven](https://johnandkristie.com/lindt-swiss-chocolate-heaven/): LINDT SWISS CHOCOLATE HEAVEN JUNGFRAUJOCH, INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND :: Before leaving Jungfraujoch, we of course had to stop at the world’s highest chocolate store, Lindt’s Chocolate Heaven!
- [Jungfrau](https://johnandkristie.com/jungfrau/): JUNGFRAU – TOP OF EUROPE, INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND :: Some photos from “The Top of Europe” at Jungfraujoch overlooking the Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps. Had some fun in the snow, but at 11,000+ feet, breathing is noticeably harder!
- [Ice Palace Jungfraujoch](https://johnandkristie.com/ice-palace-jungfraujoch/): ICE PALACE, JUNGFRAUJOCH, SWITZERLAND :: Also at Jungfraujoch are a small network of caves carved into the glacier! Since 1934, the Ice Palace has hosted visitors in a chilly 26°F museum of tunnels and ice sculptures. We were surprised that even the floor is pure ice!
- [Alpine Sensation](https://johnandkristie.com/alpine-sensation/): ALPINE SENSATION, JUNGFRAUJOCH, SWITZERLAND :: We took a train to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station at 11,332 feet! Built over 112 years ago on a well-financed whim, it is a wildly wondrous example of Swiss fortitude and engineering. Today it hosts an array of experiences for tourists like us, including the Alpine Sensation, a giant […]
- [Karaoke Gondola](https://johnandkristie.com/karaoke-gondola/): MÄNNLICHEN, GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND :: The Swiss gondolas are amazing, but there are a few that take the fun to another level! On our way back from Lauterbrunnen, we rode the Royal Ride from Wengen to Männlichen. This gondola lets you ride on top in the open air! And then from Männlichen to Grindelwald, we waited […]
- [Lauterbrunnen AKA Rivendell](https://johnandkristie.com/lauterbrunnen-aka-rivendell/): LAUTERBRUNNEN, SWITZERLAND :: A young J.R.R. Tolkien visited the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and it inspired his vision for Rivendell, one of the last Elven homes in Middle Earth. We didn’t see any Elves, but our fellowship enjoyed our magical time in the valley.
- [Männlichen-Kleine Scheidegg](https://johnandkristie.com/mannlichen-kleine-scheidegg/): MÄNNLICHEN-KLEINE SCHEIDEGG, GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND :: The 5km trail from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is one of the most popular in the Jungfrau region, and for good reason! The in-your-face views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, along with Grindelwald far down in the valley make this a must do! We also enjoyed the occasional dairy […]
- [Männlichen Royal Walk](https://johnandkristie.com/mannlichen-royal-walk/): MÄNNLICHEN ROYAL WALK, WENGEN, SWITZERLAND :: Our first destination in Switzerland was Männlichen for The Royal Walk. Not sure why it’s called that, but the views up this steep trail are fit for royalty! You can see the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, along with Wengen and the entire Lauterbrunnen valley. There’s also a giant […]
- [Hotel Bodmi](https://johnandkristie.com/hotel-bodmi/): HOTEL BODMI, GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND :: Our trip to Iceland was great, but it was just the layover stop to Switzerland! (Icelandair lets you extend their layovers for up to seven days – and they are an Alaska Airlines partner!) When we were in Switzerland two years ago, we rented a van. This time we relied […]
- [Grindavik](https://johnandkristie.com/grindavik/): GRINDAVIK, ICELAND :: Before leaving the area, we stopped by the lava field that flowed through a few weeks ago, cutting off the main road to Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon. Grindavik is pretty much completely evacuated, and they’ve created a new gravel road to the Blue Lagoon, but the volcano is expected to remain […]
- [Blue Lagoon, Iceland](https://johnandkristie.com/blue-lagoon-iceland/): BLUE LAGOON, GRINDAVÍK, ICELAND :: Our last day in Iceland was spent driving back to Keflavik from Vik, catching up on laundry, and relaxing in the Blue Lagoon! The kiddos enjoyed it for a few minutes and endured another 90 minutes for the parents. They were happy again when they got their free cup of […]
- [Vík í Mýrdal](https://johnandkristie.com/vik-i-myrdal/): VÍK Í MÝRDAL, ICELAND :: In Vik, we stayed at the Black Beach Suites for a couple nights. It was a good midpoint between Reykjavik and Jokulsarlon along the south coast, close to the basalt formations at Reynisfjara, and home to the famous black crust pizza – which is well worth the hype!
- [Jökulsárlón](https://johnandkristie.com/jokulsarlon/): JÖKULSÁRLÓN, SKAFTAFELL, ICELAND :: Jokulsarlon is a large glacial lagoon filled with icebergs calving from Vatnajokull, Europe’s second largest glacier. We were astounded by its surreal beauty, as well as the fact that my mom has been too terrified to step onto a boat for almost 60 years, but today she jumped onto a high-speed […]
- [Diamond Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/diamond-beach/): DIAMOND BEACH, JÖKULSÁRLÓN, ICELAND :: Diamond Beach! This is an area where glacial icebergs from Jökulsárlón float out to sea, get battered and broken up by the waves, and deposit on the contrasting black sand. Usually the “diamonds” are clear, but today we lucked out with the remnants of an big old blue berg.
- [Puffins](https://johnandkristie.com/puffins/): DYRHÓLAEY, ICELAND :: We drove up the big rock on the Dyrholaey Peninsula, hoping to see a few puffins. We were surprised and very pleased to see hundreds of them flapping about the cliffs! Our little birder was in heaven! The rest of us were so charmed by the cute puffins that we completely forgot […]
- [Skógafoss](https://johnandkristie.com/skogafoss/): SKÓGAFOSS, VÍK, ICELAND :: Of course one cannot tour the Southern Ring Road without being drawn into the magnificent sight of Iceland’s most famous waterfall, Skogafoss!
- [Seljalandsfoss](https://johnandkristie.com/seljalandsfoss/): SELJALANDSFOSS, HVOLSVÖLLUR, ICELAND :: We kicked off our tour of Southern Iceland at Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui. Two awesome waterfalls with a short trail connecting each other. The first you can walk behind, and the second is within a cavern. Both are guaranteed to drench.
- [Ærslabelgir](https://johnandkristie.com/aerslabelgir/): ICELAND :: Driving from site to site in Iceland can be exhilarating, but frankly also exhausting. Iceland is not a small island! Fortunately there are many opportunities to stop for a break from the road, including to see wild horses, peruse local shops, and stretch your legs at dozens and dozens of colorful trampolines scattered […]
- [Geysir](https://johnandkristie.com/geysir/): GEYSIR GEOTHERMAL AREA, GEYSIR, ICELAND :: Another thing we get from Iceland is the word for geyser. When Vikings discovered this natural phenomenon here 800 years ago, they called it Geysir, which means “to gush or rage.” This one does so every ten minutes!
- [Gullfoss Waterfall](https://johnandkristie.com/gullfoss-waterfall/): GULLFOSS WATERFALL, LAUGARVATN, ICELAND :: The second stop on our way around the Golden Circle was Gullfoss, the largest waterfall in Europe. Only Kristie, Lauren and I decided to get up and close to its impressive cascades, so powerful they form “waterrises” on the opposite side. We got drenched, but it was worth it!
- [Þingvellir](https://johnandkristie.com/thingvellir/): ÞINGVELLIR – THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK, ÞINGVELLIR, ICELAND :: Today we drove the Golden Circle, starting with a hike through Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and geological significance. Thingvellir was an important site for early Viking settlers. It’s where they gathered for their annual Althing. It is also the only […]
- [Reykjavík, Iceland](https://johnandkristie.com/reykjavik-iceland/): REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND :: We kicked off my sabbatical in Reykjavik! The grandparents didn’t survive the jet lag, but Kristie and the kiddos pressed on after our long red eye, knowing how rare sunshine and warmth is in Iceland. Here are some moments from our first few hours touring this fun and vibrant city! We loved […]
- [59er Diner](https://johnandkristie.com/59er-diner/): 59ER DINER, LEAVENWORTH, WA :: It’s always sad leaving Chelan, but we have fun along the way searching for bighorns and stopping midway for shakes at the 59er Diner!
- [Grilling in Chelan](https://johnandkristie.com/grilling-in-chelan/): CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: Good times and good eats!
- [S’mores](https://johnandkristie.com/smores/): CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: S’mores every night in Chelan! Along with games, fishing, and swinging together on the porch.
- [Chelan Lookout](https://johnandkristie.com/chelan-lookout/): CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: Summertime in Chelan! Splashing around in the pool and the lake at The Lookout!
- [Marymoor Park Birding](https://johnandkristie.com/marymoor-park-birding/): MARYMOOR PARK, REDMOND, WA :: Got up at 5:30 on Saturday to shoot some birds and bunnies with my favorite little birder buddy at Marymoor Park’s Audubon trails.
- [Rattlesnake Ledge](https://johnandkristie.com/rattlesnake-ledge-2/): RATTLESNAKE LEDGE, NORTH BEND, WA :: Starting summer vacation a couple days early with a hike up to Rattlesnake Ledge.
- [The Fremont Solstice Parade](https://johnandkristie.com/the-fremont-solstice-parade/): FREMONT FAIR, SEATTLE, WA :: The Fremont Solstice Parade!
- [Fremont Fair](https://johnandkristie.com/fremont-fair/): FREMONT FAIR, SEATTLE, WA :: We love visiting our favorite Seattle neighborhood to celebrate the summer solstice!
- [End of 7th Grade](https://johnandkristie.com/end-of-7th-grade/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Just a week of 7th grade to go, and the kiddos have been busy with celebrations and recitals. Both were inducted into Honor Society, and Lauren received her second Soaring Eagle award! At their recital, Miranda played “Somebody to Love” by Queen, and Lauren played “What About Us” by Pink. Lauren […]
- [Sarah McLachlan with Feist](https://johnandkristie.com/sarah-mclachlan-with-feist/): CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE WINERY, WOODINVILLE, WA :: Sarah McLachlan and Feist kicked off the “Summer” Concert Series at Chateau Ste Michelle! A little chilly, but at least it didn’t rain. The music was great, the lawn chairs comfy, and a pair of eagles circled overhead. Nice night in Woodinville!
- [Happy Mother's Day](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-mothers-day/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Happy Mothers Day to our real-life Care Bear (full of love and hugs) and Momma Bear (a fierce protector and provider)! We love you!
- [The Aurora](https://johnandkristie.com/the-aurora/): BIG ROCK PARK, DUVALL, WA :: The Aurora! We drove out to a stargazing event in Duvall to get the darkest skies and saw some faint curtains and pillars, but it really lit up by the time we got back home. Nice pinks and purples right above our house!
- [Horse Lake Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/horse-lake-trail/): 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 to Snake Bite junction. Pretty green hills dotted with a few nice patches of wildflowers, and some meadow larks and kestrels for our birder.
- [DRUM TAO](https://johnandkristie.com/drum-tao/): BENEROYA HALL, SEATTLE, WA :: Fun night at Beneroya Hall watching DRUM TAO perform acrobatics and taiko! The ensemble is celebrating their 30th anniversary and concluded their North American tour in Seattle.
- [Earth Day in Chelan](https://johnandkristie.com/earth-day-in-chelan/): CHELAN, WA :: We had a great weekend in Chelan! Celebrated Earth Day at Riverwalk Park, shopped the downtown Sidewalk Sale, Miranda caught their first three rainbow trout at the Lookout Marina, went on several walks, played some pickle ball, enjoyed some local good eats and treats, and grilled up a feast back @bighornandbluebell!
- [A few more from Hopscotch](https://johnandkristie.com/a-few-more-from-hopscotch/): HOPSCOTCH SAN ANTONIO, SAN ANTONIO, TX :: A few more from Hopscotch. The LED matrix was a trip! Like being in an Interstellar black hole tesseract or a journey through the 2001 Space Odyssey monolith!
- [Hopscotch San Antonio](https://johnandkristie.com/hopscotch-san-antonio/): HOPSCOTCH SAN ANTONIO, SAN ANTONIO, TX :: Our last stop in San Antonio was Hopscotch, an amazing immersive art museum! I could’ve spent all day here!
- [Mitchell Lake Audubon Center](https://johnandkristie.com/mitchell-lake-audubon-center/): MITCHELL LAKE AUDUBON CENTER, SAN ANTONIO, TX :: Every time we travel somewhere, we try to find a park for our little birder to add new “lifers,” which in birder jargon means, “a first time sighting for a birder.” It’s kinda like Pokémon, but in real life. And instead of a Poké ball, they capture […]
- [Natural Bridge Caverns](https://johnandkristie.com/natural-bridge-caverns/): NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS, SAN ANTONIO, TX :: Today we descended 180 feet into a network of caves containing impressive formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, columns, curtains, soda straws, pools, domes, and fried eggs.
- [Lavaca, San Antonio](https://johnandkristie.com/lavaca-san-antonio/): LAVACA, SAN ANTONIO, TX :: Almost a year in advance of the eclipse, we managed to reserve a 113 year-old house with a pool in the Lavaca Historic District of Southtown. It’s a beautiful neighborhood, mixed with colorful well-kept homes, local businesses, and public art on every corner. We enjoyed walking through the area every […]
- [Historic Market Square](https://johnandkristie.com/historic-market-square/): HISTORIC MARKET SQUARE, SAN ANTONIO, TX :: A quick visit to Historic Market Square in downtown San Antonio. Several festive restaurants, bars, and bakeries among many dozens of colorful shops, packed to the ceiling and mostly selling the same things. Couldn’t leave without some aqua frescas and fresh churros!
- [La Villita San Antonio](https://johnandkristie.com/la-villita-san-antonio/): LA VILLITA SAN ANTONIO, SAN ANTONIO, TX :: La Vallita is a historical district in downtown San Antonio with many original buildings that are more than 200 years old. Today the neighborhood is filled with artisan shops and restaurants reflecting the cultural mix of its original inhabitants.
- [The San Antonio River Walk](https://johnandkristie.com/the-san-antonio-river-walk/): THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK, SAN ANTONIO, TX :: We’ve really enjoyed downtown San Antonio! The Riverwalk is fun to explore, and The Alamo is a fascinating chapter in history. We visited day and night, and would suggest both for completely different experiences!
- [Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo](https://johnandkristie.com/animal-world-snake-farm-zoo/): ANIMAL WORLD & SNAKE FARM ZOO, NEW BRAUNFELS, TX :: In addition to the capybara and fennec fox encounters, we really enjoyed the rest of this small zoo. Great staff, animals and enclosures.
- [Fennec Fox](https://johnandkristie.com/fennec-fox/): ANIMAL WORLD & SNAKE FARM ZOO, NEW BRAUNFELS, TX :: Peak Life Moment: Snuggling with a precious fennec fox!
- [The Capybara Experience](https://johnandkristie.com/the-capybara-experience/): SNAKE FARM ANIMAL WORLD, SAN MARCOS, TX :: The Capybara Experience! The kids enjoying quality time with their favorite, adorable, enormous, semi-aquatic rodents!
- [Our First Rodeo](https://johnandkristie.com/our-first-rodeo/): BULVERDE, TX :: When in Texas! 🤠 We’re in San Antonio for Spring Break primarily for the eclipse, but also to enjoy the unique experiences of The Lone Star State – including our first rodeo! We had a lot of fun at a special NASA/Eclipse-themed version of the Tejas Rodeo!
- [Six Flags Fiesta Texas](https://johnandkristie.com/six-flags-fiesta-texas/): SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS, SAN ANTONIO, TX :: Kristie has been to Magic Mountain, but it was the first Six Flags experience for the twins and me! As expected, the rides were fun, but the food was way too expensive! Today we also learned that the Six Flags name refers to the six flags that […]
- [2024 Solar Eclipse](https://johnandkristie.com/2024-solar-eclipse/): 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 bunch of fun with our fellow eclipse hunters at a nearly 100 year-old peach orchard, Das Peach Haus in Fredericksburg, TX!
- [Happy Easter](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-easter-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Happy Easter!!
- [Funko HQ](https://johnandkristie.com/funko-hq/): FUNKO, EVERETT, WA :: We had some business up in Everett this morning, so we stopped by Funko HQ to see the latest toys. The kids adopted some ninja turtles, and Lauren created a Pop figurine of herself!
- [Emerald City Comic Con](https://johnandkristie.com/emerald-city-comic-con-3/): EMERALD CITY COMIC CON, SEATTLE, WA :: Emerald City Comic Con!
- [Hanalei Bay, Kauai Hawaii](https://johnandkristie.com/hanalei-bay-kauai-hawaii/): HANALEI BAY, KAUAI, HANALEI, HI :: We think we were pretty lucky with the weather during our trip. When it rained, it quickly passed, and always resulted in some stunning rainbows. Our last day on Hanalei Beach was no exception. The kids boogie boarded and built sand castles while the parents relaxed on lounge chairs, […]
- [Kayak Hanalei](https://johnandkristie.com/kayak-hanalei/): KAYAK HANALEI, HANALEI, HI :: The kids paddle boarded the beautiful Hanalei River while the water-averse and balance-challenged dad watched from the banks.
- [Kileaua Point National Wildife Refuge Lighthouse](https://johnandkristie.com/kileaua-point-national-wildife-refuge-lighthouse/): KILEAUA POINT NATIONAL WILDIFE REFUGE LIGHTHOUSE, KILAUEA, HI :: Our young birder is having a blast observing a bunch of new species on the island. We also got a reservation at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge to see some unique sea birds, including the Laysan Albatross, Red-Footed Booby, Great Frigatebird, Red-Tailed Tropicbird, and of course […]
- [Eating Kauai](https://johnandkristie.com/eating-kauai/): KAUA'I, HI :: There’s no shortage of fun and yummy food across the island! Uncle’s Shave Ice, Da Crack, Holy Grail Donuts, Wishing Well Shave Ice, Federico’s Fresh Mex, Kalypso, and of course SPAM musubi from any random store were a few of our favorite local grindz.
- [Westin Princeville, Kauai](https://johnandkristie.com/westin-princeville-kauai/): WESTIN PRINCEVILLE, KAUAI, KALIHIWAI, HI :: The second half of our Kauai vacation was in the North Shore area of Princeville and Hanalei.
- [Maha'Ulepu Heritage Trail](https://johnandkristie.com/mahaulepu-heritage-trail/): MAHA'ULEPU HERITAGE TRAIL, POIPU, HI :: Got in a decent amount of steps and some stunning coastal scenery by hiking from Shipwreck Beach in front of our hotel to the Makauwahi Cave via the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail.
- [Koke'e State Park](https://johnandkristie.com/kokee-state-park/): KOKE'E STATE PARK, KEKAHA, HI :: Drove up the ridge to see the Kalalau Valley from the top, and hike the muddy Canyon Trail to Waimea Falls. Rained the entire drive up, but cleared up beautifully with a rainbow as we reached the lookout!
- [Birthday at The Keg](https://johnandkristie.com/birthday-at-the-keg/): THE KEG, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Birthday dinner at The Keg, where I enjoyed my ribeye steak in peace, but had to fight for a piece of my cake! 😄
- [Christmas 2016](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2016/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Matching pajamas, presents by the tree, and plenty of time together gave Christmas the cozy vibes we love!
- [Photos with Santa](https://johnandkristie.com/photos-with-santa/): ALDERWOOD MALL, LYNNWOOD, WA :: We dressed up for the annual Santa photo and came away with a polished portrait, along with candid moments that were even better.
- [Twin Devotion](https://johnandkristie.com/twin-devotion/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Miranda wasn't feeling great, so Lauren drew these cute and happy coloring pages to cheer them up.
- [Enchant Christmas Light Maze](https://johnandkristie.com/enchant-christmas-light-maze/): OLYMPIC VILLAGE, VANCOUVER, CANADA :: Enchant surrounded us with tunnels of light, glittering sculptures, and a maze that made Vancouver feel like a walk-through snow globe.
- [Capilano Canyon Lights](https://johnandkristie.com/capilano-canyon-lights/): CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE, NORTH VANCOUVER, CANADA :: Capilano’s bridges and forest became a glowing winter world, with thousands of lights reflected through the canyon.
- [Thanksgiving in Vancouver, BC](https://johnandkristie.com/thanksgiving-in-vancouver-bc/): VANCOUVER, CANADA :: We spent Thanksgiving exploring Vancouver’s waterfront, public art, and rainy streets, bundled up and happy to wander.
- [Grandpa English & Uncle Mike](https://johnandkristie.com/grandpa-english-uncle-mike/): PIKE PLACE MARKET, SEATTLE, WA :: A Seattle visit with Grandpa and Uncle Mike naturally led to Pike Place Market, where there was plenty to see, sample, and photograph.
- [Happy Birthday, Grandpa](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-birthday-grandpa/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Grandpa’s birthday gathered everyone around the table for dinner, gifts, and the sort of family evening worth remembering.
- [Cocoa Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/cocoa-beach/): COCOA BEACH, FL :: Cocoa Beach gave the kids miles of sand, warm surf, and all the room they needed to race the waves.
- [Trimming the Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/trimming-the-tree-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: A couple weeks early this year.
- [Gatorland](https://johnandkristie.com/gatorland/): GATORLAND, ORLANDO, FL :: Gatorland delivered giant reptiles, fun photo opps, and a wonderfully over-the-top slice of old Florida.
- [Hollywood Studios](https://johnandkristie.com/hollywood-studios/): DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS, BAY LAKE, FL :: Hollywood Studios mixed stage spectacle, movie magic, and larger-than-life characters into one packed Disney day.
- [Magic Kingdom](https://johnandkristie.com/magic-kingdom/): MAGIC KINGDOM, BAY LAKE, FL :: We felt very lucky to have lunch with the princesses inside Cinderella Castle. It was a special part of the day, but meeting Merida was an even bigger highlight for our own wild redhead, Lauren!
- [Animal Kingdom](https://johnandkristie.com/animal-kingdom-2/): DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM, BAY LAKE, FL :: We had a fun day exploring Animal Kingdom, with plenty of rides and entertainment along the way. The yeti ride was an easy favorite, and repeat floats on the river ride kept us cool and refreshed! We also loved the Festival of the Lion King, with its music, […]
- [Epcot](https://johnandkristie.com/epcot/): EPCOT, BAY LAKE, FL :: We spent the day traveling from country to country without ever leaving the park. Each stop around World Showcase had something different to see, and we enjoyed wandering through the pavilions, taking in the details and seeing what was waiting around the next corner.
- [Happy Birthday, Kristie](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-birthday-kristie-4/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Mommy’s birthday came with an enormous cake, bright gifts, and two eager helpers determined to make the celebration special.
- [First Light](https://johnandkristie.com/first-light/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Snuck in some telescope time before bed tonight! We observed a convenient and familiar object. Felt like we were floating in space next to it!
- [Fellow Tooth Fairies](https://johnandkristie.com/fellow-tooth-fairies/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Fellow Tooth Fairies, what is the going rate these days for a lower central incisor?
- [Lego Dragons](https://johnandkristie.com/lego-dragons/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Loving their Lego dragons! They built the red and blue ones entirely on their own.
- [Salmon Search](https://johnandkristie.com/salmon-search/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: We didn't find any salmon, but we still enjoyed an adventurous walk on a beautiful autumn day.
- [6th Birthday Party](https://johnandkristie.com/6th-birthday-party/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The space-themed sixth-birthday celebration filled the house with friends, crafts, treats, and just enough star sparkle to reach every surface.
- [Six](https://johnandkristie.com/six/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Happy 6th Birthday to Lauren and Miranda!
- [Kindergarten](https://johnandkristie.com/kindergarten/): CANYON CREEK ELEMENTARY, BOTHELL, WA :: Kindergarten began at the bus stop, with new backpacks, a yellow school bus, and two brave kids ready for a much bigger world.
- [The Museum of Flight](https://johnandkristie.com/the-museum-of-flight/): THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT, SEATTLE, WA :: The Museum of Flight let the kids climb, explore, and get wonderfully close to aircraft from every era.
- [Bubble Machine](https://johnandkristie.com/bubble-machine/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: A bubble machine is worth every cent!
- [Sunday Sushi](https://johnandkristie.com/sunday-sushi/): SUSHI HANA, BOTHELL, WA :: Sunday Sushi!
- [The Upside Down](https://johnandkristie.com/the-upside-down/): GRASS LAWN PARK, REDMOND, WA :: The Upside Down @learninglandscape
- [Seafair Air Show](https://johnandkristie.com/seafair-air-show/): LAKE WASHINGTON, WA :: First Seafair for the kiddos. Hydroplane races and fun activities along the shore, but the Blue Angels were the highlight.
- [Kauai](https://johnandkristie.com/kauai/): KAUAI, HI :: Our fun and relaxing getaway to The Garden Island!
- [Hot Tub: Foam Monster](https://johnandkristie.com/hot-tub-foam-monster/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The day started innocently enough… until the foam monster attacked the hot tub!
- [Beardslee Pub Bike Ride](https://johnandkristie.com/beardslee-pub-bike-ride/): BEARDSLEE PUBLIC HOUSE, BOTHELL, WA :: Brew with my buddies at Beardslee Pub after biking around Bothell.
- [Lily Marsh to Osprey Point](https://johnandkristie.com/lily-marsh-to-osprey-point/): LILY MARSH, PONDEROSA STATE PARK, ID :: Taking in the scenery around McCall, Idaho via this beautiful hike through prairie, ponds, and Ponderosa, peaking with a picturesque panorama.
- [Whitewater Rafting on the Salmon River](https://johnandkristie.com/whitewater-rafting-on-the-salmon-river/): SALMON RIVER, ID :: Apparently there's no age restriction for rafting in Idaho! Glad our five-year-olds could join us one their first whitewater adventure!
- [McCall Cabin](https://johnandkristie.com/mccall-cabin/): MCCALL, ID :: We loved our stay in this perfect little cabin for Jacob & Tara's wedding.
- [Wild Horses Monument](https://johnandkristie.com/wild-horses-monument/): WILD HORSE MONUMENT, VANTAGE, WA :: The climb up to and among the Wild Horses sculptures opened onto huge Columbia River views and a landscape that felt almost otherworldly.
- [Tara & Jacob's Wedding](https://johnandkristie.com/tara-jacobs-wedding/): MCCALL, ID :: We had a wonderful time celebrating the marriage of Tara & Jacob! #rhoadesgotschwager
- [4th of July in Bothell](https://johnandkristie.com/4th-of-july-in-bothell/): BOTHELL, WA :: Bothell’s Fourth filled downtown with bikes, flags, parade crowds, and the easy fun of a community celebration.
- [Remlinger Farm](https://johnandkristie.com/remlinger-farm/): REMLINGER FARMS, CARNATION, WA :: Remlinger Farm offered a full day of rides, animals, and farm-themed fun!
- [U-Pick Raspberries](https://johnandkristie.com/u-pick-raspberries/): SNOHOMISH, WA :: We picked raspberries straight from the vines, though plenty disappeared before they ever reached the containers.
- [The Hydra](https://johnandkristie.com/the-hydra/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The Hydra #hydrangea
- [Lunch at The Woodshop](https://johnandkristie.com/lunch-at-the-woodshop/): THE WOODSHOP, MCMENAMINS ANDERSON SCHOOL, BOTHELL, WA :: Lunch at The Woodshop!
- [Cannon Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/cannon-beach-3/): CANNON BEACH, OR :: Kites, castles, sunsets, volcanoes, and puffins!
- [Water Balloon Fight](https://johnandkristie.com/water-balloon-fight/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Grateful for awesome neighbors, sunny days, and easy-to-fill water balloons!
- [Inn at Cannon Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/inn-at-cannon-beach/): INN AT CANNON BEACH, CANNON BEACH, OR :: Bunnies everywhere!
- [Tillamook & Cape Mears Lighthouse](https://johnandkristie.com/tillamook-cape-mears-lighthouse/): CAPE MEARES & TILLAMOOK, OR :: A coastal Oregon day took us from Tillamook to Cape Meares, with lighthouse views, forest stops, and no shortage of dairy-themed silliness.
- [Bike Wash](https://johnandkristie.com/bike-wash/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: At the bike wash.
- [Wetlands Field Trip with Hawkeye](https://johnandkristie.com/wetlands-field-trip-with-hawkeye/): NORTH CREEK COUNTY PARK, WA :: A wetlands field trip turned the park into an outdoor classroom, with Hawkeye keeping a circle of young naturalists completely absorbed.
- [Summer Soccer Camp](https://johnandkristie.com/summer-soccer-camp/): CANYON PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL, BOTHELL, WA :: It's official. We are now Soccer Parents.
- [Problem Solving](https://johnandkristie.com/problem-solving/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Problem solving: a ball stuck in a tree and some pool noodles.
- [Spring in the Backyard](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-in-the-backyard/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Had fun with the kids planting flowers, kicking the soccer ball, preparing the hot tub, and just goofing around.
- [Wallace Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/wallace-falls/): WALLACE FALLS STATE PARK, GOLD BAR, WA :: The trail to Wallace Falls followed rushing water through thick forest before revealing the falls in one dramatic drop after another.
- [Lightsaber Battle](https://johnandkristie.com/lightsaber-battle/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: After watching The Force Awakens last night, the kids were inspired to resume their Jedi training in the garage.
- [Happy Easter](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-easter-7/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Bright baskets, painted eggs, and a little spring sunshine made Easter morning feel properly festive.
- [Spring in the New House](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-in-the-new-house/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Spring arrived at the new house with fresh flowers, an egg-coloring table, and plenty of room for new traditions.
- [Sony a7RII](https://johnandkristie.com/sony-a7rii/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The Sony a7R II is replacing my Canon 5D. My new mirrorless kit will include the Sony 55mm f/1.8, Sony 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3, and my old favorite Canon 14mm f/2.8L II with the Metabones adapter.
- [Camera Eulogy](https://johnandkristie.com/camera-eulogy/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: I'm sad my camera of seven years has died. Its last three shots were of a grey whale breaching off the coast of Maui. High winds and rough water drenched everything on our boat, and the camera succumbed to the salt water. I think it lived a pretty decent life […]
- [Colorful Bird](https://johnandkristie.com/colorful-bird/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Oh. Ma. Caw.
- [Pixel art with the kids](https://johnandkristie.com/pixel-art-with-the-kids/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Pixel art with the kids!
- [Bubbles](https://johnandkristie.com/bubbles-2/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Bubbles
- [Black Rock](https://johnandkristie.com/black-rock/): BLACK ROCK, HI :: We spent a relaxing day at the beach near Black Rock, where the kids were happy playing in the sand and enjoying the water. It was a simple day by the ocean and a nice chance for everyone to slow down.
- [Drums of the Pacific Luau](https://johnandkristie.com/drums-of-the-pacific-luau-2/): DRUMS OF THE PACIFIC LUAU, HYATT REGENCY MAUI, HI :: The Drums of the Pacific paired dinner with vivid costumes, music, and a performance that carried the evening from sunset into torchlight.
- [Maui Ocean Center](https://johnandkristie.com/maui-ocean-center/): MAUI OCEAN CENTER, MAALAEA, HI :: At the Maui Ocean Center, glowing tanks and schools of tropical fish made it feel as though we were walking beneath the reef.
- [Road to Hana: Black Sand Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/road-to-hana-black-sand-beach/): WAIANAPANAPA STATE PARK, HANA, HI :: The Road to Hana led us through lava tubes and dense tropical forest before opening onto the striking black sand at Waiʻānapanapa.
- [Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/pipiwai-trail-waimoku-falls-2/): WAIMOKU FALLS, HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, HI :: The Pipiwai Trail took us through lush jungle, past a giant banyan tree, and into a dense bamboo forest, where the tall stalks surrounded the path and knocked together in the breeze. Every part of the trail felt different, with plenty to see along the way. At the […]
- [Hyatt Residence Club Kaanapali Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/hyatt-residence-club-kaanapali-beach/): HYATT RESIDENCE CLUB, KAANAPALI, HI :: Kāʻanapali offered an easy mix of pool time, ocean views, and a balcony that made staying in feel almost as good as going out.
- [Maui Whale Watching](https://johnandkristie.com/maui-whale-watching/): MAUI, HI :: We watched whales surface against the Maui mountains, then slipped into the clear water for a closer look below the waves.
- [Stone Town, Zanzibar](https://johnandkristie.com/stone-town-zanzibar/): STONE TOWN, ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA :: Throw Back Thursday! I'm not sure why it took more than four years to finally post these photos, but I'm glad I finally did. On the last day of our safari in 2011, we discovered Stone Town's exotic markets, learned its rich history, and explored its enchanting maze of narrow […]
- [Catching Snowflakes](https://johnandkristie.com/catching-snowflakes/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Fun catching the falling snow!
- [New Year's in Bellingham](https://johnandkristie.com/new-years-in-bellingham/): BELLINGHAM, WA :: An overnight getaway with Kristie to start 2016 relaxed and energized!
- [Christmas 2015](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-2015/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Christmas brought family together around the tree for stories, presents, and the comfortable rhythm of familiar traditions.
- [That's a Wrap](https://johnandkristie.com/thats-a-wrap/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Next level wrapping! Our niece will never guess her presents. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
- [Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival](https://johnandkristie.com/leavenworth-christmas-lighting-festival/): LEAVENWORTH, WA :: Leavenworth was buried in snow and glowing with Christmas lights, making it the perfect setting for sledding, cocoa, and a very festive walk through town.
- [Santa](https://johnandkristie.com/santa/): ALDERWOOD MALL, LYNNWOOD, WA :: The Santa visit produced bright smiles, matching holiday outfits, and a few quiet wishes shared at close range.
- [Mayan Ruins of Tulum](https://johnandkristie.com/mayan-ruins-of-tulum/): TULUM RUINS, TULUM, MEXICO :: Our last day of adventures in Mexico!
- [Turtles at Akumal Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/turtles-at-akumal-beach/): AKUMAL BEACH, MEXICO :: Had fun swimming with turtles and snorkeling with the kids for the first time!
- [Ahau Tulum](https://johnandkristie.com/ahau-tulum/): AHAU TULUM, TULUM, MEXICO :: Four days relaxing in paradise to celebrate Kristie's 40th birthday, our 14th anniversary, the purchase of our new home, and the sale of our old home! So happy and grateful!
- [Trimming the Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/trimming-the-tree-3/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: The ornaments went up one careful branch at a time, with the kids taking their decorating duties very seriously.
- [Ik Kil Cenote](https://johnandkristie.com/ik-kil-cenote/): IK KIL CENOTE, MEXICO :: Ik Kil felt like a secret world below ground, with clear blue water, hanging vines, and sunlight spilling in from above.
- [Chichen Itza](https://johnandkristie.com/chichen-itza/): CHICHÉN ITZÁ, MEXICO :: We walked beneath the enormous stone geometry of Chichén Itzá, finding carved details and ancient stories everywhere we looked.
- [The Lodge at Chichen Itza](https://johnandkristie.com/the-lodge-at-chichen-itza/): THE LODGE AT CHICHÉN ITZÁ, MEXICO :: Our first two days in Mexico were spent in a jungle resort just steps away from Chichen Itza.
- [Frozen on Ice](https://johnandkristie.com/frozen-on-ice/): ANGEL OF THE WINDS ARENA, EVERETT, WA :: Frozen on Ice turned the arena into Arendelle, complete with dazzling costumes, dramatic lighting, and enough spectacle to keep everyone spellbound.
- [Texan Halloween](https://johnandkristie.com/texan-halloween/): DALLAS ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDEN, DALLAS, TX :: The arboretum supplied pumpkins, carriages, and plenty of Texas-sized scenery for a wonderfully Texan-themed Halloween.
- [Medieval Times](https://johnandkristie.com/medieval-times/): MEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER & TOURNAMENT, DALLAS, TX :: Dinner came with knights, horses, cheering sections, and just enough theatrical danger to make eating with our hands feel completely reasonable.
- [Perot Museum of Nature and Science](https://johnandkristie.com/perot-museum-of-nature-and-science/): PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE, DALLAS, TX :: Science! We spent the day exploring space, dinosaurs, earthquakes, robotics, gemstones and so much more. With hands-on exhibits throughout the museum, there was always something new to try or learn. We even tried to outrun a cheetah! It wasn't even close… It was a fun way […]
- [Ft. Worth Stockyards](https://johnandkristie.com/ft-worth-stockyards/): FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS, FORT WORTH, TX :: A wild west history lesson for the kids.
- [Klyde Warren Park](https://johnandkristie.com/klyde-warren-park/): KLYDE WARREN PARK, DALLAS, TX :: The kids enjoying a very cool park in downtown Dallas.
- [Gaylord Texan Resort](https://johnandkristie.com/gaylord-texan-resort/): GAYLORD TEXAN RESORT, GRAPEVINE, TX :: Kicking off our vacation with four days of fun and family at this distinctly Texan landmark.
- [Lummi Cabin](https://johnandkristie.com/lummi-cabin/): BELLINGHAM, WA :: The kids and I enjoyed a fun weekend in Bellingham with our friends.
- [Blood Moon](https://johnandkristie.com/blood-moon/): COLLEGE PLACE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Fun night chasing the Blood Moon with the kids, wishing on shooting stars, climbing trees in the dark, and even an owl or two! 😉
- [Magical 5th Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/magical-5th-birthday/): EDMONDS, WA :: With many of their great friends and Xakary the Magician!
- [Empire of the Sun](https://johnandkristie.com/empire-of-the-sun/): MARYMOOR PARK, REDMOND, WA :: "Loving every minute 'cause you make me feel so alive!" – Empire of the Sun with St. Lucia at Marymoor Park!
- [Shielle's 6th Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/shielles-6th-birthday/): SOUTH HILL MALL, PUYALLUP, WA :: Shielle’s birthday was a whirl of giant slides, bright inflatables, and kids happily bouncing themselves breathless.
- [Seattle Boating](https://johnandkristie.com/seattle-boating/): UNION BAY SEATTLE, SEATTLE, WA :: A sunny outing from Lake Washington to Union Bay gave the kids their first taste of life on a boat and a new appreciation for the view from the water. Also a great spot for napping, it seems!
- [7C's Swim School](https://johnandkristie.com/7cs-swim-school/): WOODMOOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BOTHELL, WA :: Twin swim lessons at 7C's Swim School! There's a Pisces joke in here somewhere…
- [Horsin' Around](https://johnandkristie.com/horsin-around/): ARLINGTON, WA :: Sandee's birthday at the Rhodes River Ranch!
- [Hair Salon](https://johnandkristie.com/hair-salon/): EDMONDS, WA :: They take this very seriously.
- [Grandma & Grandpa Playdate](https://johnandkristie.com/grandma-grandpa-playdate/): EDMONDS, WA :: A playdate with Grandma and Grandpa filled the backyard with climbing, swinging, and the sort of attention only grandparents provide.
- [First Passports](https://johnandkristie.com/first-passports/): EDMONDS, WA :: Cleared to travel! @statedept
- [An Edmonds Kind of 4th](https://johnandkristie.com/an-edmonds-kind-of-4th/): EDMONDS, WA :: Edmonds celebrates the Fourth with a traditional parade rolling straight through town.
- [Empire of the Sun at Red Rocks](https://johnandkristie.com/empire-of-the-sun-at-red-rocks/): RED ROCKS PARK AND AMPHITHEATRE, CO :: Last stop of our Colorado vacation: Empire of the Sun at Red Rocks! Second time seeing one of my favorite bands, but our first concert at the legendary amphitheatre. We lucked out with seats right in front of the sound booth, so the sound was absolutely perfect, and the band did not disappoint. Such an amazing show in an incredible setting! Lauren is also a big fan and loved it. Charlie… not so much. Fortunately, Red Rocks provided some alternate entertainment when Charlie spotted a pair of peregrine falcons nesting in the iconic cliffs, […]
- [Golden, Colorado](https://johnandkristie.com/golden-colorado/): GOLDEN, CO :: Another fun stop in Golden! We grabbed lunch at the historic Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse, in a building where Colorado’s territorial legislature once met, then wandered through the shops downtown, including the Golden Curiosity Shop. We also visited the Colorado School of Mines’ surprisingly impressive Museum of Earth Science. Thousands of unreal minerals, gems, fossils and meteorites are on display, including glowing minerals and even a moon rock collected during Apollo 17. Literally one of Golden’s hidden gems!
- [Morrison Natural History Museum](https://johnandkristie.com/morrison-natural-history-museum/): MORRISON, CO :: Not another dinosaur museum! Yes, another dinosaur museum. The Morrison Natural History Museum may be small, but it packs in an impressive collection, a fantastic guided tour, and some real hands-on paleontology. Morrison is actually where some of the first major dinosaur discoveries of were made, and the famous Morrison Formation, one of North America’s richest sources of Jurassic fossils, takes its name from this little Colorado town. We learned all kinds of fascinating things, got up close with fossils and research happening right there at the museum, and even got to dig away at our own fossil […]
- [Garden of the Gods](https://johnandkristie.com/garden-of-the-gods/): COLORADO SPRINGS, CO :: On our way back to Denver from Colorado Springs, we made a quick stop at Garden of the Gods. The dense clouds finally broke just enough for the late afternoon sun to send some dramatic god rays down onto the towering red rocks. Appropriate for a place called the Garden of the Gods! Unfortunately, my family does not share my enthusiasm for giant monolithic red rocks hundreds of millions of years in the making sticking dramatically out of the landscape, so it was a very scenic stop, but a very short stop…
- [Falconry at The Broadmoor](https://johnandkristie.com/falconry-at-the-broadmoor/): COLORADO SPRINGS, CO :: Our Colorado adventure continued with a falconry experience at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs! We got an up-close introduction to several incredible raptors, learned about the centuries-old art of falconry (The Sport of Kings), and watched these powerful birds demonstrate their speed, precision, and hunting instincts. A highlight was getting to wear the glove and have a raptor fly right to our hands. Pretty amazing to feel the weight and power of one of these birds from just inches away. Of course, Charlie was loving every minute of it!
- [Denver Adventures](https://johnandkristie.com/denver-adventures/): DENVER, CO :: A few more random adventures in and around Denver. We wandered historic Larimer Square, won some stuffies at the Claw Den arcade, got lost browsing Colorado’s largest antique store, and sampled plenty of local eats along the way. Our Airbnb near Green Mountain was a pretty great home base too, perched above the city with views of Denver and a network of trails right outside the door. We even managed some walks between Colorado’s evening monsoon storms.
- [RiNo Art District](https://johnandkristie.com/rino-art-district/): DENVER, CO :: We ventured into Denver’s RiNo Art District to wander the alleys and check out the vibrant street art. RiNo grew out of an old industrial neighborhood, where artists began moving into abandoned warehouses in the ’80s, eventually turning the area into a huge outdoor gallery. We were especially looking forward to a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mural we’d seen online… only to discover it had been painted over by a sushi restaurant. A little disappointing, but apparently very common. The murals here are constantly changing, so what you see today may be completely different the next time you […]
- [Denver Museum of Nature & Science](https://johnandkristie.com/denver-museum-of-nature-science/): DENVER, CO :: Another stop on our Colorado adventure was the Denver Museum of Nature & Science! We came for the dinosaurs, but also had fun exploring the impressive wildlife dioramas, Space Odyssey, and ancient Egyptian mummies. The museum has an incredible collection of more than 4 million specimens and art – so much to see!
- [Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge](https://johnandkristie.com/rocky-mountain-arsenal-national-wildlife-refuge/): COMMERCE CITY, CO :: Next stop: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge! We started at the visitor center and learned about the site’s fascinating transformation from a WWII chemical weapons facility and later space-program manufacturing site into a massive wildlife refuge after one of the country’s largest environmental cleanup projects. I was especially excited about the recovery of the once nearly extinct black-footed ferret, which has been reintroduced here. No actual ferret sighting for us, unfortunately, unless you count some suspiciously wiggling bedding. Then we headed out safari-style, driving the many-mile wildlife loop through the refuge in search of its current […]
- [Bluff Lake Nature Center](https://johnandkristie.com/bluff-lake-nature-center/): DENVER, CO :: Next up, a wildlife walk around Bluff Lake Nature Center in Denver! We barely got started before hearing a pack of coyotes calling nearby, followed by our first of many prairie dog encounters. From there, it felt like something new was around every corner: egrets, cormorants, a heron, turtles, a surprisingly large bullsnake, a young buck, wild turkeys, and even a couple hawks overhead. Amazing how much wildlife is tucked into this little pocket of nature on the edge of the city. It was a hot one, but worth the sweat!
- [Dinosaur Ridge](https://johnandkristie.com/dinosaur-ridge/): MORRISON, CO :: Kicked off our Colorado vacation with a visit to Dinosaur Ridge to see the famous dinosaur tracks and fossils. Charlie was in heaven! The ridge is home to more than 300 fossilized tracks and is ranked by paleontologists as the #1 dinosaur tracksite in America. Even cooler, it’s where the world’s first Stegosaurus fossils were discovered back in 1876! We had a great tour with a couple of fun and knowledgeable guides, getting an up-close look at tracks left behind around 100 million years ago. Such a cool experience, and the perfect way to kick off our Colorado […]
- [Driving School](https://johnandkristie.com/driving-school/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Amid our crazy busy summer schedule, both teens are in driving school, and we’ve added “nervous parent driving instructor” to our list of jobs! So far, no insurance claims. Knock on wood!
- [Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire](https://johnandkristie.com/washington-midsummer-renaissance-faire/): SNOHOMISH, WA :: A fun day at the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire! Great people watching, fun character interactions, unique merchants, trinket trading, a murder of crows, a hilarious Tiny Girl Big Show, and up-close time with the raptors. Always a great excuse to step into another world for the day!
- [Washington Business Week](https://johnandkristie.com/washington-business-week-2/): UNIVERSITY OF PUGET SOUND, TACOMA, WA :: Dropping Lauren and Charlie off at the University of Puget Sound for Washington Business Week – an amazing week of hands-on business simulation and learning. Kristie’s also volunteering, giving back to a program she’s been a part of herself since high school. Proud of all three of them!
- [Athens & the Acropolis](https://johnandkristie.com/athens-the-acropolis/): ACROPOLIS, ATHENS, GREECE :: One final post from an unforgettable trip through Amsterdam, Santorini, and Athens. Standing at the Acropolis and the Parthenon was an amazing way to finish it all off – an incredible reminder of an ancient civilization whose influence still reaches into so much of the world today. Throughout the trip we loved the adventure, the people, the cats, the food, and the learning along the way. Grateful for the memories and already wondering where the next trip will take us!
- [Cats of Athens](https://johnandkristie.com/cats-of-athens/): ATHENS, GREECE :: The cats of Athens (Cathens?) quickly won us over too. They seemed to be everywhere – lounging under cafe tables, stretching out on ancient stone, or casually weaving through the crowds like they owned the city. Like Santorini, many are community cats cared for by locals who leave out food, water, and even little shelters. And like in Amsterdam, we kept hearing and spotting bright green ring-necked parakeets flying between the trees. This time I finally got a video of them from our balcony!
- [Athens](https://johnandkristie.com/athens/): ATHENS, GREECE :: Athens was our next and final destination! Our penthouse Airbnb on the edge of Monastiraki and Plaka had an amazing view of the Acropolis, plus an entrance that opened into a tiny alley filled with picturesque cafe tables, friendly locals, and what very likely were the best gyros and souvlaki in the city (Suvla!). We loved wandering the incredibly walkable neighborhoods packed with markets, restaurants, ancient ruins, buskers, and tons of people through the entire day and late into the evening. Even with the crowded streets, the city was always remarkably clean, welcoming and full of life.
- [Oia Spa Day & Awards Dinner](https://johnandkristie.com/oia-spa-day-awards-dinner/): OIA, SANTORINI, GREECE :: Wrapping up our wonderful time in Santorini with a relaxing spa day to recover from the hike, a fun awards dinner, and a couple more unreal sunsets over the caldera.
- [Fira to Oia Caldera Hike](https://johnandkristie.com/fira-to-oia-caldera-hike/): FIRA, SANTORINI, GREECE :: Our most adventurous day in Santorini was hiking from Fira to Oia along the rim of the caldera. Seven miles of red and black volcanic rock, winding paths through little villages, and nonstop views of the Aegean. At times the exposed cliffs and slippery volcanic rock made the hike feel pretty treacherous, especially in the heat, so we were very thankful for the little cafes along the way to refill our water and take a break. Tough hike, but absolutely worth it for the unique and stunning scenery!
- [Cats of Santorini](https://johnandkristie.com/cats-of-santorini/): OIA, SANTORINI, GREECE :: The cats of Santorini are everywhere, lounging in the sun, wandering the alleyways, and posing like they own the island. One of the coolest things is how much the local community seems to care for them. We saw food and water stations tucked around town, and many of the cats looked healthy, relaxed, and very used to making friends with visitors. Definitely one of the highlights of Santorini!
- [Oia, Santorini, Greece](https://johnandkristie.com/oia-santorini-greece/): OIA, SANTORINI, GREECE :: We had fun exploring the winding pedestrian alleyways of Oia, filled with whitewashed buildings, little shops tucked into every corner, iconic windmills, and beautiful blue-domed churches around every turn. Our driver told us there are more than 580 of the little Greek Orthodox churches for the 18,000 year-round inhabitants of the island.
- [Canaves Oia Suites Santorini](https://johnandkristie.com/canaves-oia-suites-santorini/): CANAVES OIA SUITES SANTORINI, OÍA, GREECE :: First day in Santorini and we get the hype! Flew in from Amsterdam and arrived at the beautiful Canaves Oia Suites, where we’ll be spending the next five days. The resort and views are unreal! Bright white buildings stacked cliffside above the dazzling blue caldera. We settled in, explored the town, and then ended the day with an incredible sunset from our private balcony.
- [STRAAT Museum](https://johnandkristie.com/straat-museum/): STRAAT, AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS :: One last post from our amazing first trip to Amsterdam! We loved it! Our final stop was STRAAT Museum, over at the old NDSM shipyard. Getting there was half the fun! During our trip we used the amazing trams, buses, subways, and taxis. And today we added the free ferry! The museum itself was super cool. Massive panels of bold, striking street art! Such a fun way to end the trip.
- [Rijksmuseum](https://johnandkristie.com/rijksmuseum/): RIJKSMUSEUM, AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS :: Our last day in Amsterdam was rainy, so that meant it was a museum and sauna day! Started at the Rijksmuseum, which is an impressive building and collection of Dutch national treasures. We focused on Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and then got sucked into the insanely detailed ship models. So much more to see, but we wanted to visit the street art museum next!
- [Amsterdam at Night](https://johnandkristie.com/amsterdam-at-night/): DE WALLEN – THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT, AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS :: Amsterdam at night! Walked through De Wallen (no photos allowed) and along the canals with the pretty lit bridges. Felt totally safe… just had to dodge a few bikes as usual along the way!
- [Lindengracht & Noordermarkt](https://johnandkristie.com/lindengracht-noordermarkt/): MARKT LINDENGRACHT, AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS :: We spent the morning wandering through Lindengracht Market and right next door at Noordermarkt. Two adjacent markets in the amazing Jordaan neighborhood. Fresh food, vintage finds, local goods, and a lot of great people-watching!
- [Zaanse Schans](https://johnandkristie.com/zaanse-schans/): ZAANSE SCHANS – AMSTERDAM, ZAANDAM, NETHERLANDS :: We made the trip out to Zaanse Schans for a classic Dutch experience: windmills, clogs, and those iconic green timber houses. It was packed like we expected, but worth it to get a slice of Dutch history and culture.
- [Eating Amsterdam](https://johnandkristie.com/eating-amsterdam/): AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS :: We tried to eat our way through Amsterdam one Dutch snack at a time, but realized we are not built like food bloggers. Not sure how they do it! I gave it a solid run though: herring, bitterballen, kibbeling, Gouda, stroopwafels, amazing Chinese in the RLD – but I officially tapped out before Dutch fries and a rijsttafel could happen!
- [Amsterdam’s Tiny Cars](https://johnandkristie.com/amsterdam-s-tiny-cars/): AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS :: We can’t stop noticing the tiny cars all over Amsterdam. I think they’re called brommobielen, and they totally make sense here in the city. Small streets, tight turns, short trips, basically no parking… and these little things just squeeze in anywhere. A lot of them are shorter in length and/or height than a bike! Kind of funny, kind of genius.
- [Amsterdam Canal Tour](https://johnandkristie.com/amsterdam-canal-tour/): THOSE DAM BOAT GUYS, AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS :: The canal tour with Those Dam Boat Guys was a highlight of our first day. Just eight of us on a smaller boat, so we could slip into smaller canals the bigger tour boats can’t reach and saw the city from a totally different angle. Captain Mark kept it fun and informative, guiding us under leaning buildings (including the oldest one from 1569), past Rembrandt’s old home, and the Dutch West Indies Company, a Dukes of Hazzard themed houseboat, and even the bridge that Rebecca fell off in Ted Lasso. Best surprise was watching […]
- [Arriving in Amsterdam](https://johnandkristie.com/arriving-in-amsterdam/): AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS :: Landed in sunny Amsterdam after a 10-hour flight and powered through the entire day to beat the jet lag. We fell in love with the countless canals, the beautiful buildings, and the energy of the city! After an entertaining and informative boat tour, we finally retired to our amazing Airbnb.
- [Spring Break at Cannon Beach](https://johnandkristie.com/spring-break-at-cannon-beach/): CANNON BEACH, OR :: Kicking off Spring Break with a few days of stunning nature, sunshine, and shopping at Cannon Beach!
- [femtanyl at Neumos](https://johnandkristie.com/femtanyl-at-neumos/): NEUMOS, SEATTLE, WA :: Having a teen has its perks, especially when it means getting pulled into music scenes I’d never find on my own. Last night it was femtanyl at Neumos, with Charlie meeting up with friends and me taking in the show from the mezzanine. High energy, fast, distorted, and super impressive! A late night, but well worth it!
- [Emerald City Comic Con](https://johnandkristie.com/emerald-city-comic-con-2/): EMERALD CITY COMIC CON, SEATTLE, WA :: Emerald City Comicon was packed(!!!), but full of nice people and fun moments. Charlie got tons of love for their Rise of the TMNT Donatello cosplay, and the Gravity Falls panel with Alex Hirsch and Kristen Schaal was a highlight.
- [Downtown Palm Springs](https://johnandkristie.com/downtown-palm-springs/): DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS, CA :: Our last night in Palm Springs was a relaxed stroll through downtown for dinner and some sightseeing. We checked out the walk of fame, a bunch of fun sculptures, and of course Marilyn Monroe before calling it a night. Thankful for the week of sunshine, warmth and fun family adventures!
- [Cabazon Dinosaurs](https://johnandkristie.com/cabazon-dinosaurs/): CABAZON DINOSAURS, CABAZON, CA :: Quick trip to the Cabazon Dinosaurs for Charlie, our resident dino superfan. These giant colorful statues have been attracting drivers (and Pee Wee Herman) for decades. We went up inside the brontosaurus tail to peruse the gift shop, then absolutely had to stop for lunch at the In-N-Out nearby.
- [Escape Room Palm Springs](https://johnandkristie.com/escape-room-palm-springs/): ESCAPE ROOM PALM SPRINGS, PALM SPRINGS, CA :: Escape Room Palm Springs was a fun stop for us. We did the Bank Heist first. Breaking into the manager’s office, sneaking through the back alley, then trying to get into the vault while dodging lasers was thrilling and challenging! We managed to steal 11 out of 12 of the safe deposit boxes. Then we switched gears with Traitor Among Us, which is basically Among Us in real life. Running around the ship fixing stations while a secret traitor goes on a sabotage and murdering spree was chaotic and hilarious!
- [Heart Rock](https://johnandkristie.com/heart-rock/): HEART ROCK, JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, CA :: Heart Rock is just a short walk from Arch Rock and was a great way to wrap up our day at Joshua Tree. On the drive back, we got a “kick” out of a street name.
- [Arch Rock](https://johnandkristie.com/arch-rock/): ARCH ROCK, JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, CA :: Late afternoon at Arch Rock in Joshua Tree. We explored the arch, then kept going into the rugged terrain behind it – a little known area most people miss. Quick hike, great views, and plenty of fun scrambling around!
- [Hall of Horrors at Joshua Tree](https://johnandkristie.com/hall-of-horrors-at-joshua-tree/): JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, PINTO WYE, CA :: First stop in Joshua Tree National Park was the Hall of Horrors – a pair of slots that are extremely narrow and rightfully earn their name. They took a little scrambling to find and get into it, but the adventure was absolutely worth it.
- [Pioneertown](https://johnandkristie.com/pioneertown/): PIONEERTOWN, CA :: Pioneertown was supposed to be a quick pit stop on our way to Joshua Tree, but we ended up spending a couple hours there. This quirky little Old West movie-set town feels both frozen in time and very alive: cool shops, dusty streets, and boardwalks. The highlight was Pappy & Harriet’s – an amazing restaurant and legendary concert venue rolled into one. Charlie was digging all the concert posters for the bands that had played there.
- [Andreas Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/andreas-canyon/): ANDREAS CANYON, PALM SPRINGS, CA :: We hiked through Andreas Canyon yesterday and I’m still not over it. Weaving in and out of the palm grove cathedral beside the steep, rocky canyon was truly awesome. Not sure I believe in energy vortexes, but this is one of those places that could change my opinion!
- [Tahquitz Canyon](https://johnandkristie.com/tahquitz-canyon/): TAHQUITZ FALLS, PALM SPRINGS, CA :: A morning up Tahquitz Canyon under a brilliant blue sky, towering stone carved by cascading falls, and tiny Costa’s Hummingbirds shimmering with rare purple fringe (matching Charlie’s purple bangs)!
- [Birthday Dinner at Mr. Lyons](https://johnandkristie.com/birthday-dinner-at-mr-lyons/): MR. LYONS, PALM SPRINGS, CA :: Birthday Beef Wellington at Mr. Lyons! What a treat!
- [A Palm Springs Birthday](https://johnandkristie.com/a-palm-springs-birthday/): PALM SPRINGS, CA :: Celebrating my midlife birthday with midcentury modern style in sunny Palm Springs!
- [Merry Christmas from Chelan](https://johnandkristie.com/merry-christmas-from-chelan/): BIGHORN & BLUEBELL, CHELAN, WA :: Merry Christmas from Chelan!
- [Holiday Lights at Tulalip](https://johnandkristie.com/holiday-lights-at-tulalip/): TULALIP RESORT CASINO, TULALIP, WA :: Tonight we caught a welcome break in the deluge of rain and headed to the Holiday Lights at Tulalip. It was a full-on spectacle of over 9 million lights, providing plenty of moments that made us stop and smile (and take way too many photos)! A fun night out together enjoying the season.
- [Happy Thanksgiving](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-thanksgiving/): SOUTH HILL, WA :: Happy Thanksgiving from Grandma & Grandpa’s house! So thankful for a full table, great food, and cousins laughing and playing together. Hope your day is filled with family, friends, and lots of yummy things to eat!
- [Happy Halloween](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-halloween/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Happy Halloween! This year our teenage twins skipped jack-o’-lanterns and trick-or-treating, but still had a blast dressing up for the school costume carnival and friends’ parties.
- [Hosmers Grove Birding](https://johnandkristie.com/hosmers-grove-birding/): HOSMERS GROVE, HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK, KULA, HI :: We wrapped up our Maui trip high on Haleakala, hunting for the increasingly elusive ʻIʻiwi in Hosmer Grove (elevation 7000’). Charlie was thrilled to catch several of them through the camera, but the photos don’t do justice to their rich vermilion plumage, traditionally important in Hawaiian featherwork. When not sighting the ʻIʻiwi, we enjoyed the eucalyptus scented trail and the volcano’s dynamic weather – fog, rain, sun, repeat.
- [Surf & Stars](https://johnandkristie.com/surf-stars/): KAANAPALI ALII, LAHAINA, HI :: Today we caught a rainbow at breakfast, some waves at lunch, sunset at dinner, and the Milky Way for dessert!
- [Black Rock, Maui](https://johnandkristie.com/black-rock-maui/): BLACK ROCK, MAUI, KAANAPALI, HI :: An amazing morning snorkeling with turtles at Black Rock, just a short walk away from our vacation rental. The water was warm and clear while we watched the honu graze among hundreds of colorful fish.
- [Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls](https://johnandkristie.com/pipiwai-trail-waimoku-falls/): PIPIWAI TRAIL & WAIMOKU FALLS, HALEAKALA NP, KULA, HI :: From the giant banyan to the cathedral of bamboo and the towering Waimoku Falls – the Pipiwai Trail was pure Maui magic!
- [Road to Hana](https://johnandkristie.com/road-to-hana/): ROAD TO HANA, HAIKU, HI :: We once again survived the Road to Hana, the Hawaiian Rollercoaster! 65 miles, 620 curves and 59 single-lane bridges – twice! Waterfalls, tropical vistas, rainbow eucalyptus, food trucks, the black sand beach at WaiÊ»anapanapa, and the Pipiwai trail to Waimoku Falls made every mile worth it!
- [Hawaii Five-Oh](https://johnandkristie.com/hawaii-five-oh/): KAANAPALI ALII, LAHAINA, HI :: Hawaii Five-Oh! Arrived in Maui last night to celebrate Kristie’s big birthday! Here’s to her and kicking off the next 50 years in paradise! 🌺🌴🐬❤️ From exploring the craft market and food trucks at South Maui Gardens to strolling the Kamaole Beaches, our first full day in Maui was a perfect way to celebrate Kristie’s birthday and ease into paradise. We wandered the shops at Whaler Village, enjoyed Kaanapali’s beach walk, and ended the night with a gorgeous sunset dinner cruise before gifts and cake back at our vacation rental.
- [The Twins Turn 15](https://johnandkristie.com/the-twins-turn-15/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Our twins are officially FIFTEEN today! They celebrated with their friends, sharing many laughs, exchanging thoughtful gifts, and playing fun games throughout the day. We are so proud of them and excited for the year ahead!
- [Swifts Night Out](https://johnandkristie.com/swifts-night-out/): WAGNER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, MONROE, WA :: Last night we joined a big crowd of fellow “Swifties” at the old Wagner Elementary in Monroe for Swifts Night Out! Hundreds of migrating Vaux’s Swifts swirled overhead before funneling into the school’s old brick chimney to roost. A hungry Merlin dove in to disrupt the ritual, but the swifts regrouped and poured inside in a mesmerizing spiral. It was exciting to hear the crowd cheer and jeer as nature’s spectacle played out! At one point, Kristie got a little too excited, and we had to make sure she was okay. 😂 Charlie also […]
- [First Day of High School](https://johnandkristie.com/first-day-of-high-school/): INNOVATION LAB HIGH SCHOOL, BOTHELL, WA :: The twins are still our babies, but according to the school district, they’re officially high schoolers starting today!
- [Chelan & Leavenworth](https://johnandkristie.com/chelan-leavenworth/): BIGHORN & BLUEBELL, CHELAN, WA :: We enjoyed the last weekend of summer vacation in Chelan and Leavenworth – relaxing, walking, birding, swimming, gaming, and soaking up family time. Charlie also adopted a stuffed border collie and decked him out in full emo rocker gear, complete with “Dog Martens.”
- [Universal Studios](https://johnandkristie.com/universal-studios/): UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD, UNIVERSAL CITY, CA :: Wrapped up our last two days in SoCal celebrating cousin Shielle’s birthday at Universal Studios. Highlights included exploring Super Mario World, walking through Hogwarts, battling with Transformers, braving The Mummy, splashing through Jurassic Park, and of course, the classic Studio Tour. So many laughs, thrills, and great memories with the family!
- [Six Flags Magic Mountain](https://johnandkristie.com/six-flags-magic-mountain/): SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN, VALENCIA, CA :: Two wild days at Six Flags Magic Mountain! The coasters? Absolutely insane. The heat? Also insane. But it was all worth the sweat!
- [Bakersfield National Cemetery](https://johnandkristie.com/bakersfield-national-cemetery/): BAKERSFIELD NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARVIN, CA :: Today we laughed and reminisced with Grandma Carol, sharing lunch and stories along with a couple games of Clue. Then we visited Grandpa Doug at Bakersfield National Cemetery to spend a quiet moment honoring him.
- [Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County](https://johnandkristie.com/natural-history-museum-of-los-angeles-county/): NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, LOS ANGELES, CA :: Charlie’s love for birds runs deep… all the way back to the dinosaurs! So we had to kick off our SoCal trip with a stop at the LA County Museum of Natural History.
- [Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire](https://johnandkristie.com/washington-midsummer-renaissance-faire-2/): WASHINGTON MIDSUMMER RENAISSANCE FAIRE, SNOHOMISH, WA :: Had an epic time at the opening day of the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Fair! Charlie’s Kenku outfit was a huge hit, complete with a crow mask that I 3D printed. Charlie added the eyes and feathers and totally brought it to life! Most everyone was dressed up and super friendly, trading lots of trinkets and fun medieval vibe. We caught equestrian stunts, knife throwing, sword swallowing, and grabbed lunch from a feast-worthy lineup of food vendors!
- [Blueberry Hills](https://johnandkristie.com/blueberry-hills/): BLUEBERRY HILLS, MANSON, WA :: Big family breakfast at Blueberry Hills – and it did not disappoint! Known for their hearty, homemade food in a cozy homestead, this Lake Chelan gem lived up to the hype. Even with a long line out the door, we were seated and served quickly, and every bite was worth the wait.
- [Summer in Chelan](https://johnandkristie.com/summer-in-chelan/): BIGHORN & BLUEBELL, CHELAN, WA :: Kicked off summer with a few days in Chelan. Sunshine, games, relaxing, catching up, and s’mores with sunsets. Grateful for the time together!
- [Boating Lake Chelan](https://johnandkristie.com/boating-lake-chelan/): CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: Summertime fun with the fam on Lake Chelan! The weather and water were perfect for a day of boating and tubing!
- [My Chemical Romance at T-Mobile Park](https://johnandkristie.com/my-chemical-romance-at-t-mobile-park/): T-MOBILE PARK, SEATTLE, WA :: Last night’s My Chemical Romance concert in Seattle was a blast! We were mostly there as the parent chaperones, but it was so fun watching our twins soak it all in – especially Charlie, who absolutely lit up throughout the show. The energy was wild, the crowd was all in, the sunset stunning, and the whole fascist rock opera vibe was everything you’d hope for from The Black Parade. Such a great night!
- [Pilchuck Audubon Photo Contest](https://johnandkristie.com/pilchuck-audubon-photo-contest/): EDMONDS, WA :: Charlie submitted these photos to the Pilchuck Audubon Society photography contest! If you have a moment, please vote for your three favorites – it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 🐦📸🥰 https://pollunit.com/polls/pas_birdathon_photo_contest_2025_youth
- [Puget Sound Bird Fest](https://johnandkristie.com/puget-sound-bird-fest/): PILCHUCK AUDUBON SOCIETY, SNOHOMISH, WA :: If you’re a birder (or immediately related to one), the Puget Sound Bird Fest was the place to be this weekend! We dissected owl pellets, tested our bird IQ, got to know some cool people and organizations, and joined a guided walk on the Centennial Trail where Charlie got five lifers (first spotting), including the flame colored Western Tanager!
- [Happy Mother’s Day](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-mother-s-day/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: We are so grateful for your smiles, laughter, warmth, care, kindness, patience, intelligence, wisdom, energy, hard-work, and heart! You are the perfect role model for our kiddos, beautiful inside and out. We love you!
- [Washington State PTA Reflections](https://johnandkristie.com/washington-state-pta-reflections/): LYNNWOOD EVENT CENTER, LYNNWOOD, WA :: We’re proud of Lauren’s achievement in the Washington State PTA Reflections Program! Her video submission, “Accepting Imperfection,” was celebrated at the Lynnwood Event Center alongside dozens of other creative and inspiring student works across several categories.
- [Roche Harbor](https://johnandkristie.com/roche-harbor/): ROCHE HARBOR, WA :: Roche Harbor
- [Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm](https://johnandkristie.com/krystal-acres-alpaca-farm/): KRYSTAL ACRES ALPACA FARM, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: A beautiful day for visiting alpacas at Krystal Acres and tossing a frisbee next to the ocean at San Juan County Park!
- [San Juan Safari](https://johnandkristie.com/san-juan-safari/): SAN JUAN ISLAND, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: San Juan Safari! 🦊We didn’t see as many foxes as we have in years past. We hope they’re doing okay! Most of the wildlife photos in this post were shot by the kiddos. I was just happy to be the guide and driver this trip!
- [Lime Kiln Lighthouse](https://johnandkristie.com/lime-kiln-lighthouse/): LIME KILN POINT STATE PARK, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA :: Lime Kiln Lighthouse
- [Happy Easter](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-easter/): FRIDAY HARBOR, SAN JUAN ISLAND, WA :: Happy Easter!
- [San Juan Island Spring Break](https://johnandkristie.com/san-juan-island-spring-break/): FRIDAY HARBOR, SAN JUAN ISLAND, WA :: San Juan Island, our favorite Spring Break destination!
- [Princess Mononoke in IMAX](https://johnandkristie.com/princess-mononoke-in-imax/): AMC LOWES ALDERWOOD MALL, LYNNWOOD, WA :: Enjoying the 4K restoration of Princess Mononoke on IMAX! Also having some fun with the trending Studio Ghibli renders via ChatGPT.
- [Emerald City Comic Con](https://johnandkristie.com/emerald-city-comic-con/): EMERALD CITY COMIC CON, SEATTLE, WA :: Had a great time at Emerald City Comic Con! Kristie went as Donatello and Charlie was Dipper from Gravity Falls – both got a ton of callouts and even some fun swaps. Always love how friendly and welcoming the ECCC crowd is! Such a fun day with fellow fans!
- [Snow Day](https://johnandkristie.com/snow-day/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Snow Day!
- [3D-Printed Cookie Cutters](https://johnandkristie.com/3d-printed-cookie-cutters/): NORTH CREEK, WA :: Kristie and the kids wanted to decorate cookies over the weekend, so I printed some custom cookie cutters using CookieCAD and our BambuLab 3D printer. Mushrooms, favorite cartoon characters from the 80s, and some characters from a video game called Cookie Run: Kingdom. They turned out great, and we’re looking forward to experimenting with other designs soon!
- [Renaissance Puzzle](https://johnandkristie.com/renaissance-puzzle/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Our family gifted us a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle of our photo at the Washington Midsummer Renfaire. We finally finished it today! It was the perfect context for a fun and challenging puzzle, containing many details and patterns, along with the dreaded gravel which took forever to piece together. Thank you for the great gift, @sjbrown80, @jenkinsfam78, and @moonableplays!
- [Birthday at Rare Society](https://johnandkristie.com/birthday-at-rare-society/): RARE SOCIETY MILL CREEK, MILL CREEK, WA :: I’m a pretty lucky guy! Feeling very loved and grateful on my birthday!
- [Xunantunich Mayan Ruins](https://johnandkristie.com/xunantunich-mayan-ruins/): XUNANTUNICH MAYAN RUINS, SAN IGNACIO, BELIZE :: Today we took our trusty 4Runner within a mile of the Guatemalan border to explore the ancient Mayan city of Xunantunich, believed to have been built around 700 AD. Part of the adventure was just getting there, as we had to drive 30 minutes down the mountain and then use a hand-powered ferry to cross the Mopan River. Once there, we had fun climbing the temples and enjoying the views, imagining a day in the life of the impressive Mayans – and also wondering a thousand years from now, what will people think of […]
- [Tubing the Macal River](https://johnandkristie.com/tubing-the-macal-river/): BLACK ROCK LODGE, SAN IGNACIO, BELIZE :: Tubing the Macal River! A 45 minute hike up the river and then a 15 minute float back over some mild rapids and a little waterfall. Rinse and repeat!
- [Belize Birds](https://johnandkristie.com/belize-birds/): BLACK ROCK LODGE, BELIZE :: The vibrant birds (along with a few other creatures) we spotted in Belize!
- [Birding at Black Rock Lodge](https://johnandkristie.com/birding-at-black-rock-lodge/): BLACK ROCK LODGE, SAN IGNACIO, BELIZE :: Black Rock Lodge is the #1 birding hotspot in Belize, according to eBird and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We did a couple early morning bird walking tours with the expert guides, and our little birder’s journal was filled with dozens of new species! When we weren’t spotting any birds, we were just glad to soak in the jungle scenery. I’ll share some bird photos in the next post.
- [Black Rock Lodge](https://johnandkristie.com/black-rock-lodge/): BLACK ROCK LODGE, SAN IGNACIO, BELIZE :: Black Rock Lodge was our base in the Cayo District. We love immersing ourselves in the lush jungle, especially within the sounds of birds, insects and monkeys – especially the howler monkeys! We heard them several times throughout the day (and in the middle of the night). Loudest land animal on earth!
- [Di Bruwry](https://johnandkristie.com/di-bruwry/): DI BRUWRY, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE :: We hopped over to the mainland to continue the second half of our vacation in Belize. After landing, we stopped at the Belikin Brewery for a great lunch, and then drove two hours across the country (Belize is less than 70 miles wide) to Black Rock Lodge, our home deep in the jungle for the next four days.
- [Flooding in San Pedro](https://johnandkristie.com/flooding-in-san-pedro/): SAN PEDRO, BELIZE :: Not every day in paradise is sunny, but we tried to make the most of it! With rain jackets on, we set off for an ‘adventure,’ tackling flooded streets in our golf cart. Belize’s infamous speed bumps? One hidden underwater shattered the windshield (which the rental company definitely noticed and charged us for). On top of this, the engine flooded and stalled. After pushing the cart through traffic a few dozen feet, it finally restarted. We stopped by a gas station to refuel and survey the damage. We had set off intending to try a new restaurant. […]
- [Ambergris Caye Parasailing](https://johnandkristie.com/ambergris-caye-parasailing/): BELIZE PARASAIL PLUS, SAN PEDRO, BELIZE :: Parasailing over Ambergris Caye on a stunning day! Soaring like a bird high above the colorful seascape was incredible – so peaceful and breathtaking. We spotted manta rays, a Portuguese Man-of-War, and even got a refreshing dip before landing back on the boat!
- [New Year’s Eve in Belize](https://johnandkristie.com/new-year-s-eve-in-belize/): RAIN RESTAURANT & ROOFTOP TERRACE, SAN PEDRO, BELIZE :: Our final dinner of 2024 was celebrated at Rain, a rooftop restaurant overlooking the island, just steps from our rental. The food was amazing, but we’ll never forget the epic cloudscape and stunning sunset! The night got even more exciting when a helicopter landed nearby, bringing the whole restaurant to its feet, wondering who the celebrity guest might be (Kristie had her hopes set on Leo from his nearby private island!). It was the perfect way to reflect on the year, feel grateful, and celebrate the moments that make life special. We […]
- [Secret Beach, Belize](https://johnandkristie.com/secret-beach-belize/): SECRET BEACH, AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE :: Our favorite beach in Belize is Secret Beach, which is anything but secret! We bounced around at the new aqua park and enjoyed swimming in the shallow warm water.
- [San Pedro, Belize](https://johnandkristie.com/san-pedro-belize/): SAN PEDRO, BELIZE :: One of our favorite things about Ambergris Caye is how easy and fun it is to get around by golf cart! We love winding our way over the bumpy gravel roads and narrow streets of San Pedro. We perused the many shops and enjoyed Central Park lit up for the holidays.
- [Happy New Year’s Eve from Belize](https://johnandkristie.com/happy-new-year-s-eve-from-belize/): GRAND CARIBE, SAN PEDRO, BELIZE :: Happy New Year’s Eve from Belize! We’re wrapping up 2024 with sunshine and family fun on Ambergris Caye!
- [Merry Christmas](https://johnandkristie.com/merry-christmas/): NORTH CREEK, BOTHELL, WA :: Merry Christmas! Wishing everyone health and happiness! 🎄🎁☃️
- [Christmas Eve](https://johnandkristie.com/christmas-eve/): EDMONDS, WA :: A wild Christmas Eve with the English’s! We ventured deep into the untamed woods of Edmonds to visit Grandma English and Uncle David, where we enjoyed fun gifts, treats and stories, and listened for the local coyotes, bobcats, deer, and large barred owls that frequent her property.
- [Snowboard Lessons](https://johnandkristie.com/snowboard-lessons/): ECHO VALLEY SKI AREA, MANSON, WA :: The kiddos had their first snowboarding lessons at Echo Valley, a small ski area just 15 mins from Chelan. 90 minutes of 1:1 instruction to learn the basics.
- [Cousin Crew Christmas in Chelan](https://johnandkristie.com/cousin-crew-christmas-in-chelan/): BIGHORN & BLUEBELL, CHELAN, WA :: Cousin Crew Christmas in Chelan! Lots of fun, family, gifts, games, food, cookie decorating, hot tubbing, and some snow to ring in the holidays!

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- [Home 15](https://johnandkristie.com/home-15/): User Interface Designer & Developer I’m a developer from the UK who writes about technology & startups. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence. My Services Improve SEO Ranking Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Search Engine Optimization Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Web Design & Development Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. WordPress Blog & Magazine Syron Theme WordPress Blog & Magazine Syron Theme WordPress Blog & Magazine Syron Theme WordPress Blog & Magazine Syron Theme […]
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- [Home 05](https://johnandkristie.com/home-05/): Jessica SmithCreative Web Designer Web Designer Seo Marketing Graphic Design Phone: +49 241 241 E-mail: demo@rivaxstudio.com skype: rivaxstudio Location: Dieter Wellhausen, Berlin Experience 15 years of experience Creative & Curious Person who has a lot of Experience With many years in web development, I acquired extensive experience working on projects across multiple industries and technologies. Let me show you my best creations. My Services Web Design & Development Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Improve SEO Ranking Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do ut labore et dolore […]
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- [Home 06](https://johnandkristie.com/home-06/): User Interface Designer & Developer I’m a software engineer specializing in scalable web apps. Explore my blog, project portfolio and online resume. Expert in: SEO Optimized Modern Design High Performance Unlimited Color Powerful Options Modern UI/UX Drag & Drop Elementor Page Builder Custom Typography SEO Optimized Modern Design High Performance Unlimited Color Powerful Options Modern UI/UX Drag & Drop Elementor Page Builder Custom Typography My Services Digital Marketing Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. 54% App Development Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. 48% Web Development Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. 92% Seo Optimizations […]
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- [Home 17](https://johnandkristie.com/home-17/): Jessica SmithCreative Web Designer Hey , I’m Jessica Smith I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now. My Skills Web Designer Seo Marketing Graphic Design HTML CSS Node js WordPress Angular React HTML CSS Node js WordPress Angular React My Services Graphics Design Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus. App Development Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, […]
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- [About Us](https://johnandkristie.com/about/): 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 […]
- [Home 02](https://johnandkristie.com/home-02/): Designing Website Bring Your Brand Into the Digital Landscape. A Decade of Experience Turning Brands into Digital Leaders. LifestyleTrending The Benefits Of Traveling With A Second Language By Jessica Smith December 18, 2024 EntertainmentTravel Healthy Cooking Made Easy With Nutritious Recipes By Jessica Smith December 12, 2024 InspirationMusic Shaping Tomorrow’s Landscape Of Intelligent Machines By Jessica Smith December 6, 2024 Categories Travel 9 Posts Music 4 Posts Gadget 3 Posts Entertainment 2 Posts Inspiration 5 Posts Hidden Ways To Save Money That You Might Be Missing By Jessica Smith September 4, 2024 There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum […]
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