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Sun Lakes Camping Trip

stephanie — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:22:26 +0000

Another successful camping trip! This time we went East to Sun Lakes State Park. It was hot and dry and gorgeous. We had a wonderful time, and Lina is fast becoming a seasoned camper.

Children’s Ride 2008

shane — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:53:10 +0000

Last Sunday while Lina played with our good friends Art & Ellen (a special treat), Stephanie and I took part in the 2008 Children’s Ride (no children allowed). It’s a fundraiser for Children’s Hospital here in Seattle–to the tune of nearly three quarters of a million bucks, including the associated fundraising and Friday night’s auction. It’s also a gathering of over 1000 motorcycles and 1300+ riders.

If you’ve never been in a tunnel with 1000 hogs, well, you really can’t imagine the sound (and feel) of it. I suppose it was like being near the front at a really (really) loud avant garde rock concert–if there is such a thing.

We didn’t spend much time at the Rock & Ride concert afterward (really, no matter how badly you want to see Marshall Tucker Band, the guy’s 60–a hard 60–so I think you’re better off renting a video–any video–and we didn’t feel like sticking around through a series of once-famous bands for the headliner…wait for it…Foghat). Instead of wasting the beautiful (hot!) day waiting to find out whether “Fool for the City” has improved with time, we headed out on our own ride through some of the less-traveled parts of three counties (we’re definitely going back to Lake Roesiger some time for a picnic with Lina) and ended up clocking 198 miles for the day by the time we wearily rolled in, showered, and I headed back out to pick up our sweet girl.

Camping!

shane — Tue, 20 May 2008 06:01:29 +0000

This past weekend was the first really warm weekend of the year here in the Pacific Northwest and we took advantage of the occasion to take Lina on her first camping trip. Even though she didn’t really know what to expect, Lina was very excited. We packed up the travel wagon and headed for Scenic Beach State Park.

The eponymous Scenic Beach

After setting up the campsite, we headed straight to the beach where we hung out and enjoyed the warm weather. Lina loved splashing around in the water with her bucket, shovel, and cups (sorry, no pics). And we got just enough wind for Lina to enjoy another activity she’d been looking forward to: kite flying. No one watching could have possibly thought it was her first time.

Then it was time to relax on the beach again.

And then back to the campsite for dinner and s’mores.

After a surprisingly comfy night (thanks to Big Agnes [our tent] and our new LuxuryCamp ThermaRests–car camping sure is different from backpacking!), Lina and her Papa made pancakes for breakfast. It was a bit cold, so of course Lily stayed in bed.

After breakfast, Lina wanted to keep cooking, so she made us some pine (er, fir) cone soup.

It didn’t take long to warm up enough for Lily, who kept an ever watchful eye out for squirrels, ravens, or other invaders. It was a great first camping trip for Lina, and for us!

White Christmas at the Ranch!

shane — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 03:31:23 +0000

We got the predicted snow showers, but it unexpectedly stuck for a while. It’s not often we get a white christmas here in Seattle, so it was a special treat!

Our stockings were hung by the chimney with care. Actually, they were hung on the chimney with hex nuts (rock climbing gear).

If you look at the tree closely, you can see the Christmas Chicken has come to roost once again, as well as “little” Snowmie (yes, there’s also a “big” Snowmie, but he’s on the piano). Lina’s cousin Blake made our tree topper as well as the star in the windows.

Happy Holidays!

stephanie — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 02:46:31 +0000

Hope yours are merry and bright.

Sinterklaas Comes Through

stephanie — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:18:21 +0000

A book, some stickers, a barrel of monkeys, and some chocolate euros. Not a bad trade for a few pieces of produce. She’s already made it clear that she’d like him to come back tomorrow.

Waiting for Sinterklaas

stephanie — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 02:15:09 +0000

This is Lina’s first year to really participate in the whole Sinterklaas thing. I grew up celebrating this holiday, and now it’s time to frighten Lina with it. She’s already made it clear that she does not want Sinterklaas to show up in her bedroom at any point tonight. We assured her that he would remain outdoors with his horse and slaves in tow. I ended up calling Auntie Tuttie to help reassure Lina, and to provide evidence that I didn’t just make the whole thing up. Lina’s still somewhat skeptical, but she did agree to fill her wooden shoe with treats for the horse just in case.

Snow Falling on Bamboo

stephanie — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 21:58:43 +0000

First snow of the season!

And So It Begins

stephanie — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 04:02:03 +0000

Java Log on the fire, luminous arctic/antarctic critters out front. Thanksgiving must be over. We haven’t started the Reindeer Room soundtrack yet, but we’re close. Very close.

It’s Lina Day!

shane — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 06:35:47 +0000

As Lina is so fond of saying, “Hiya”. See Lina’s Page for an update on our Lina Day activities. Stephanie has also updated her page with a post on this special day.