Washington State Fair

A few weeks back, Tina and I decided to check out the Washington State Fair.  We heard good things about it, particularly about the scones (which didn't sound like fair food to me, but whatever), and the weather was supposed to hold up enough to allow for a rain-free time.  So we asked some people from our church if they would be interested, and we found enough people to come with.  Below is the day, chronicled in photos.

We got to help move the giant pumpkin that this guy was going to carve.  We wanted to stay and watch him carve it, but he said it generally takes him 5 hours to finish a pumpkin.  So we left.

The Zwitt boys (my pastor's sons) went on a tractor ride.  They were supposed to pose for a photo before they got to ride the tractors, but I don't think they really understood what was going on.  Or wanted to.

There were lots of animals, as you'd expect from a state fair.

I finally get to try a scone.  This is probably my favorite photo from the day.  Partly because I am about to eat this scone, and partly because Moses is hanging out with me.

A group photo at the end of a long, but fun, day.  :)

Summer 2013

Summer has come and gone here in Seattle, and 2013 was an eventful one for Tina and me.  We didn't take nearly enough photos, but of the ones we were able to capture, there were a few that are worth showing.  So here goes...

Jen and Trudy came to visit again.  :)  We took them to Vancouver and stopped by Granville Island.  In my opinion, it's a nicer version of Pike Place.

Our good friends Carol and Jez got married in sunny SoCal.  Tina was in the wedding, and we got to see friends from NC, which is always pleasant.

My family came to visit, and we spent a dinner atop the Space Needle, with a nice panoramic view of the city.  We could spot our apartment complex!  Among other things, of course.  And the food was better than I thought it would be, especially considering it's such a touristy thing to do.

I took my family to Spray Falls near Mt. Rainier for a day trip.  It's hard to get to, but well worth it.

Tina and I went to Olympic National Park for our anniversary weekend.  Here she is dancing in a field of white flowers.  4 years of marriage... Time has flown.

I went to Hotlanta for a week to celebrate my boy Clement's wedding.  This is proof that we actually had a bachelor party in a cabin in the mountains.  This was the only photo I took all week.  Well, besides Instagram photos.  It was fun seeing these guyz again.

Our church had a retreat near Ocean Shores, WA.  It was a... cozy place.  But the fact that it was right by the ocean was super nice.  I enjoyed the time spent there.

Tina and I spent Labor Day weekend driving around Oregon.  I wanted to go see Crater Lake, so we took our time getting down there, stopping in Portland, Mt. Hood, and Eugene over 4 days.  I finally got some Voodoo Doughnuts, too.  I personally think it's a little overrated, but still tasty.  Thanks to Gloria Louie for her wide-angle lens, which made this selfie possible.

Long Time No Post

Apologies for the lack of posting, but to be honest, there hasn't been a whole lot to post, since winters in Seattle aren't particularly conducive to lots of activities.  But to fill you in on what has happened since last fall...


For Christmas, Tina and I went back to North Carolina to visit family and friends.

Dinner with the families.

Fun times with friends.

Fast forward to March 2013, and Tina and I are back in California..

We first visited Veronica and Kevin in San Jose, where they graciously hosted us and took us around to all of their favorite places to eat, including this ice cream / custard shop called Willow Glen.

We then drove down the coast, seeing many beautiful sights including this one.  It was nice to be able to just hop out of the car and walk around along the coastline.

We spent a night in Joshua Tree National Park, where we set up a tent in the middle of park.  We had to hike a little ways to get out here, but it was worth it.

Tina then went to Carol's bridal shower in the LA area.

Fast forward another month or two...

The cherry blossoms at the University of Washington were in bloom, so Tina and I go check them out.

Tina celebrates her birthday with friends at Mediterranean Kitchen in Bellevue. 

Tina and I go hiking up Mt. Si, which is an intense hike, but it's worth it for the great views at the top.

Tina's mom comes to visit us in Seattle.  We are only able to spend a day with her, but we take her to a few parks, including Gasworks.

We are excited for the summer, because a lot of things are happening - visits, traveling, weddings, the sun.  Hopefully we'll be able to keep you all in the loop as they happen.  :)