tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-147292682024-03-07T01:41:58.229-08:00in a perfect world of yanciesὧν ἓν καὶ τὸ σόν, ὦ σχέτλιε, μόριον εἰς τὸ πᾶν συντείνει βλέπον ἀεί,<br> καίπερ πάνσμικρον ὄν, σὲ δὲ λέληθεν περὶ τοῦτο αὐτὸ ὡς γένεσις ἕνεκα
<br>ἐκείνου γίγνεται πᾶσα, ὅπως ᾖ τῷ τοῦ παντὸς βίῳ ὑπάρχουσα εὐδαίμων οὐσία,<br> οὐχ ἕνεκα σοῦ γιγνομένη, σὺ δ’ ἕνεκα ἐκείνου
<p align="center">Plato, <i>Laws</i> 10 (<u><a href="http://yancy9a.blogspot.com/2015/03/hungry-for-talking.html#translation">translation</a></u>)</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.comBlogger603125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-71517170241441171072015-09-08T14:41:00.002-07:002015-09-08T15:19:53.733-07:00Marmots and More!<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21037210568/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0093"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/648/21037210568_b6379f57c7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0093"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
More fun and more marmots this year as we did another week of <a href="http://www.nps.gov/olym/learn/nature/olympic-marmot-monitoring.htm" target="_blank">marmot monitoring</a> in Olympic National Park. Such a cool program.<br />
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Many of the specifics about the survey areas, campsite, etc., are the same as last year, so feel free to take a look at <a href="http://yancy9a.blogspot.com/2014/09/franklin-monitors-marmot.html">that post</a>. If you do, please join me in being amazed at how much Franklin has grown! Totally legitimate big kid now!<br />
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<hr><b>Tuesday</b><br />
We set out first thing. Well, at noon, when we were finally packed. But we were ready to monitor some marmots!<br />
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Found a nice campsite.<br />
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Turned out it rained that night. Actually it rained almost every night... But our tent kept us nice and dry, so it all worked out.<br />
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<hr><b>Wednesday</b><br />
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Did the training Wednesday. We'd seen most of it before, but it's a nice reminder. <br />
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And speaking of nice, they even did their best to get a shirt small enough for Franklin:<br />
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Not quite his size, but a nice gesture.<br />
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Now just to be clear, we took a ton of photos and videos. There are a lot in this post, but if you want a too see even more, or see them all together without all these words, here you go:<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rs3AO4u1WqU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Also all in one <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskjUJJcv" target="_blank">Flickr album</a>.<br />
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Pretty chilly the first couple of days, but we stayed warm:<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21032879489/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0036"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/578/21032879489_f28c7846bf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0036"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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Decided that cooking dinner outside in the rain was okay once but not twice, so went into Port Angeles for dinner:<br />
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And picked up some reading (and coloring) material:<br />
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<hr><b>Thursday</b><br />
Rainy and cold at our campsite. But up on Hurricane Ridge?<br />
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Yep.<br />
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A friendly ranger suggested driving over to the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-the-sol-duc-valley.htm" target="_blank">Sol Duc</a> area. And we were happy to run into one of Franklin's classmates there!<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/20598734483/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0006"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5787/20598734483_59073446e9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0006"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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Also saw some absolutely amazing salmon trying to work their way up the river:<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21214864032/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0080"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5722/21214864032_a5a02c97bc.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="IMG_0080"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
These photos and videos aren't half as amazing as seeing it live, but at least a nice reminder...<br />
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You can read a little more about the Sol Duc Salmon Cascades <a href="http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20121023/NEWS/121029981" target=_blank">here</a>.<br />
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The ranger also suggested taking a look at the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/olym/learn/nature/dam-removal-overview.htm" target="_blank">Elwah Restoration</a>. That link has great stuff by the way, including background info, interactive graphics, and live webcams.<br />
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Anyway, it was amazing to see the changes at the site of the former Glines Canyon Dam and former Lake Mills:<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/20597185414/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0014"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/653/20597185414_3149de56f7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0014"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21209494872/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0060"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/732/21209494872_367be3cf66.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0060"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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Couldn't stay away from our rainy campsite forever. Luckily Franklin was great about the whole experience:<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21193634526/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0021"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/739/21193634526_82a615c703.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0021"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21033061119/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0023"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/646/21033061119_d17b376a16.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0023"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21219889305/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0024"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5704/21219889305_5bc9563dee.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0024"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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I mean really, his willingness to happily eat his dinner while standing in the rain made the whole thing pretty fun:<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21031784010/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0029"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5650/21031784010_13f431de48.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0029"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<hr><b>Friday</b><br />
Finally the weather turned and we could look for marmots:<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/20597202764/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0043"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/564/20597202764_272fbbb1e5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0043"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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Found one pretty easily too, right off of the Wolf Creek Trail:<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21209508152/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0049"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5662/21209508152_d204e04651.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0049"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21033070639/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0046"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5816/21033070639_9ac6e69df2.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0046"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
See him?<br />
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How about here:<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21040061818/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_9119"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/710/21040061818_660fa3fcf4.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="IMG_9119"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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So cool to hike with this guy:<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21227837101/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0079"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/762/21227837101_b6581bd34b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0079"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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And we were happy to see that a dry campsite can be fun too!<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/20602612844/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0088"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/720/20602612844_cd5c24b216.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="IMG_0088"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<hr><b>Saturday</b><br />
Did some serious off trail hiking near Steeple Rock. Franklin was awesome. <br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21233055431/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0090"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/711/21233055431_8f8aae1e9e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0090"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
No marmots, but plenty of fun and beautiful scenery.<br />
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But what about Klahhane Ridge, you ask? How about four marmots sitting out in the sun! Woo!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/20597208154/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0066"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5663/20597208154_e71f32051c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0066"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<hr><b>Sunday</b><br />
One last morning in camp:<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21033082619/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0074"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/586/21033082619_f155920402.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0074"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
Can you spot the ball he'd just thrown?<br />
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Not a bad way to end a trip:<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/21193658056/in/album-72157658311973971/" title="IMG_0075"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5757/21193658056_6b1c8447bb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0075"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
Well, that's all. Hooray for Emily, hooray for Franklin, and hooray for the Olympic marmot!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-62235477364562375722015-08-03T11:38:00.000-07:002015-08-03T12:42:53.812-07:00I Don't Care if I Never Get BackWe had an awesome time at the Mariners game last weekend with Franklin and eight of his friends from daycare.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/sets/72157654138684764" title="Tod 2 Mariners Game"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3698/19900649070_488dbda1c7_z.jpg" width="560" height="300" alt="Tod 2 Mariners Game"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
(Click the arrow to see all the photos. Or take a look at the full album <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/sets/72157654138684764" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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Took a lot of planning, but I'm so glad it all worked out!<br />
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We even got to see a strange and rare <a href="http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/mariners-triple-play-hadnt-been-seen-since-1955/" target="_blank">triple play</a>. And the Mariners won with a walk-off home run in the tenth inning by Franklin (!) Gutiérrez.<br />
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Game highlights here: <br />
<iframe src='http://m.mariners.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=299330283&topic_id=8878980&width=400&height=224&property=mlb' width='400' height='224' frameborder='0'>Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe><br />
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Speaking of highlights, this summer has been so full I just can't keep up on the blog... but here are some places to look for more photos:<br />
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Flickr: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/</a><br />
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Emily's Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/emily.dominick" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/emily.dominick</a><br />
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Yancy's Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/yancy9/" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/yancy9/</a><br />
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Can't resist re-posting a little from there. Awesome running into Franklin's friend Beckham at the wading pool:<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/5yKGudxty9/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">Best place to run into friends! #splash #ilovesummer</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A video posted by Yancy Hughes Dominick (@yancy9) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-07-31T02:26:49+00:00">Jul 30, 2015 at 7:26pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
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And here's something I haven't posted anywhere else yet:<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/20075432250/" title="Pizza Lollipop!"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3794/20075432250_d806ebc714_z.jpg" width="523" height="640" alt="Pizza Lollipop!"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
Post haircut treat... pizza-flavored lollipop! (!?!?)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-90473307775404825802015-07-22T09:23:00.000-07:002015-07-22T09:23:44.982-07:00Summer CyclingNot sure if you noticed <a href="https://flic.kr/p/uJkRp1" target="_blank">this photo</a>, but the West Seattle 4th of July Children's Parade really changed Franklin's life. He's had a bike for a few months now, but was never especially interested in it... until his friend Pax rode the same kind of bike in the parade. Now this is an almost daily site in our Alaska Junction neighborhood:<br />
<iframe width="550" height="413" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BwgZ-pwJ5oo?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
In fact, here he is getting started later in the day on July 4th:<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/4vI9paxtzT/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">Happy 4th of July, happy bike ride!</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A video posted by Yancy Hughes Dominick (@yancy9) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-07-05T01:47:43+00:00">Jul 4, 2015 at 6:47pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
It's a balance bike, apparently the new cool way to learn to ride. And he really is learning—here he is just one week after the 4th, touring through the West Seattle Summerfest:<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VutZWXiecVE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
All right reader, ride on!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-6551037428932702032015-06-22T15:32:00.000-07:002015-06-22T15:32:19.169-07:00Great Start to Our Summer<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/18854255750" target="_blank" title="Hot Dogs! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3945/18854255750_cf84ddea41.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Hot Dogs!"></a><br />
Hooray—it's summer! That means time for camping, hiking... and enough free time to write a blog post!<br />
<br />
It's been a while, so let me just say that there's a lot we're skipping: Emily got a <a href="http://www.lib.washington.edu/specialcollections" target="_blank">new job</a>! Woo! And we've had all kinds of sports fun: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/uj27k2" target="_blank">mini-golf</a>, another <a href="https://flic.kr/p/u6fSMn" target="_blank">Sounders game</a>, even a super fun <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsk9SS45z" target="_blank">Mariners game</a> with some of Franklin's friends from school.<br />
<br />
But now... camping! Made sure the new tent was ready to go:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/18968702152" target="_blank" title="Well, the new tent works! Mt. Rainier here we come! #firstcampingtripoftheyear #firstweekendofsummer #thisthingbarelyfitsinourlivingroom by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3945/18968702152_e3e8a659e3.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Well, the new tent works! Mt. Rainier here we come! #firstcampingtripoftheyear #firstweekendofsummer #thisthingbarelyfitsinourlivingroom"></a><br />
<br />
Stayed in <a href="http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/ohanapecosh.htm" target="_blank">Ohanapecosh</a>, in Mt. Rainier National Park. Great area, beautiful river, and all kinds of trails:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/19041980085" target="_blank" title="Hot Springs Trail by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/436/19041980085_e13d203c74.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Hot Springs Trail"></a><br />
On the <a href="http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/ohanapecosh-hot-springs" target="_blank">Ohanapecosh Hot Springs Trail</a>.<br />
<br />
Set up camp in the <a href="http://www.recreation.gov/camping/ohanapecosh-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70945" target="_blank">Ohanapecosh campground</a>:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/19015803256" target="_blank" title="Ohanapecosh Campsite by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3717/19015803256_568d47da3f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Ohanapecosh Campsite"></a><br />
<br />
I loved how excited Franklin was about going, and about being there. "Dad, I love camping!" :)<br />
<br />
Also made a point of telling his teachers and friends at school. <br />
<br />
You know what, speaking of his school, let me also just mention that his school is the subject of a documentary that's <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1246023967/present-perfect-a-documentary-film-post-production#" target="_blank">raising money</a> for editing, etc. (trailer here: <a href="https://youtu.be/6K3H2VqQKcc" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/6K3H2VqQKcc</a>). Somehow that story made it to an <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/seattle-preschool-nursing-home-transforms-elderly-residents/story?id=31803817" target="_blank">ABC News blog post</a>, and then from there it was off. The <a href="http://www.today.com/video/a-touching-look-inside-the-preschool-that-doubles-as-nursing-home-468775491968" target="_blank">Today Show</a> even came to the school to film a segment! Very cool.<br />
<br />
Anyway...<br />
<br />
Did the 3-mile loop hike up to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/silver-falls.htm" target="_blank">Silver Falls</a>:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/19036427122" target="_blank" title="Silver Falls Selfie by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3817/19036427122_de92c97585.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Silver Falls Selfie"></a><br />
I just want to add that <a href="https://www.fitbit.com/user/265QBP" target="_blank">according to my pedometer</a> I walked like eight miles on Saturday, and Franklin must have walked close to five. Quite a kid.<br />
<br />
He was pretty ready to get back to camp, though, and can you blame him?<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/18855807429" target="_blank" title="Roasting Hot Dogs by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3790/18855807429_7c8885c123.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Roasting Hot Dogs"></a><br />
(Veggie dogs, because my ethics class has pretty much ruined meat for me...)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/19041990805" target="_blank" title="Roasting Giant Marshmallows by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3940/19041990805_beac1bf19b.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Roasting Giant Marshmallows"></a><br />
<br />
Next day we enjoyed a beautiful hike on the <a href="http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/grove-of-the-patriarchs" target="_blank">Grove of the Patriarchs Trail</a>:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/19041984795" target="_blank" title="Under Trees, Grove of the Patriarchs Trail by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/509/19041984795_63327cb7cd.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Under Trees, Grove of the Patriarchs Trail"></a><br />
<br />
Fun bridge too:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/19045182701" target="_blank" title="Bridge, Grove of the Patriarchs Trail by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/350/19045182701_6781f90cb3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Bridge, Grove of the Patriarchs Trail"></a><br />
Closeup here: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/uKrLbU" target="_blank">https://flic.kr/p/uKrLbU</a>.<br />
<br />
Speaking of, there are even more pictures from the weekend trip in this album: <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskeH6A5i" target="_blank">https://flic.kr/s/aHskeH6A5i</a>. And all kinds of pictures of things I've skipped online. Other stuff on the Flickr feed: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/</a>.<br />
And of course there's also Emily's Instagram feed: <a href="https://instagram.com/emily.dominick" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/emily.dominick</a>, and Yancy's Instagram feed: <a href="https://instagram.com/yancy9/" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/yancy9/</a><br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Franklin's almost too busy to photograph:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/18854504288" target="_blank" title="Fast Franklin & Twin Douglas Firs by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/432/18854504288_741b01479e.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Fast Franklin & Twin Douglas Firs"></a><br />
<br />
Though he liked the way the steps made a little stage, so he had us sit down and tell stories for Emily:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/18419658044" target="_blank" title="Story Time by the Twin Douglas Firs by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/353/18419658044_20f4560b63.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Story Time by the Twin Douglas Firs"></a><br />
(Yes, if you're wondering, Franklin wore the same outfit both days...)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/19015749026" target="_blank" title="Beautiful Light on the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3955/19015749026_d9d82e0625.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Beautiful Light on the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail"></a><br />
<br />
Little rest before we check out the views of the mountaintop and wildflowers at <a href="http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/paradise.htm" target="_blank">Paradise</a>:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/18419476634" target="_blank" title="Sleeping by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/345/18419476634_284992954e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sleeping"></a><br />
<br />
Okay, on to the flowers and peaks:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/19015754996" target="_blank" title="Mt. Rainier June 2015 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/334/19015754996_f23ea20ce6.jpg" width="492" height="500" alt="Mt. Rainier June 2015 2"></a><br />
<br />
We didn't see any elk on this trip, but Franklin picked out this stuffed animal at the gift shop:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/18855844439" target="_blank" title="Mt. Rainier Selfie 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/548/18855844439_b76a44b1da.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Mt. Rainier Selfie 2"></a><br />
"Dad, I love my elk!"<br />
<br />
One last hike, the <a href="http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/nisqually-vista-loop-1" target="_blank">Nisqually Vista Loop</a> . Like I said, we didn't see any elk, but we did share the trail with this cutie for a minute or two:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/19045177251" target="_blank" title="Marmot! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/553/19045177251_cab57d6bf9.jpg" width="500" height="379" alt="Marmot!"></a><br />
The excellently named <a href="http://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/nature/rodents.htm#CP_JUMP_677815" target="_blank">hoary marmot</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/19042017405" target="_blank" title="Emily & Mt. Rainier by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/354/19042017405_1b45866d91.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Emily & Mt. Rainier"></a><br />
<br />
All right reader, hope your summer's off to a great start too!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/18419457174" target="_blank" title="Franklin & Emily on the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/466/18419457174_2613b190fe.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Franklin & Emily on the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-42115220392842811572015-05-17T07:59:00.000-07:002015-08-03T11:40:38.775-07:00Spring Training<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17757500521" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8686/17757500521_03cdd4a679.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
Beautiful spring weather lately; great time for getting outside.<br />
<br />
In town, Franklin has been enjoying t-ball lately:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17759649765" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8796/17759649765_8332b17aeb.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=" "></a><br />
<br />
Alas, I'm in class during his practices, but thankfully Emily's been great about photos and videos:<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/2R4m1BhyZn/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">Baseball practice!</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Emily Hughes Dominick (@emily.dominick) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-05-05T00:04:02+00:00">May 4, 2015 at 5:04pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/2j-DXpByQb/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">Tagging out at 1st</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A video posted by Emily Hughes Dominick (@emily.dominick) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-05-12T00:37:57+00:00">May 11, 2015 at 5:37pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
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Yesterday, we extended our outside fun to include a <a href="https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/barclay-lake" target="_blank">hike to Barclay Lake</a>. About four miles round trip, and Franklin must have hiked nearly half of it. Few things make me happier than watching him walk eagerly down a trail :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17754469962" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8750/17754469962_50b310e511.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
<br />
Found a pretty nice lunch spot at the lake too:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17757110715" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8819/17757110715_ab6f9d7f28.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
<br />
Hey, not to get too distracted, but do you like having a planet with stuff like this? Are you worried that all the money spent on fossil fuels might not be such a great investment? Me too! I didn't have a lot to do with the letter they're asking about, but I was happy to be interviewed on the subject for the Seattle U student paper: <a href="http://www.seattlespectator.com/2015/05/06/faculty-give-divestment-petition-an-edge/" target="_blank">take a look</a>, and let me know what you think.<br />
<br />
Anyway, where was I? Oh, right—lunch by the lake!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17134627634" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5449/17134627634_e693192829.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
Yum!<br />
<br />
Okay, we're off down the trail...<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17136782913" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5451/17136782913_2f2d337638.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
Until next time, reader.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-18208089376503963582015-04-24T10:24:00.000-07:002015-04-24T10:26:04.977-07:00This Is What We Did<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17049159397" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7621/17049159397_20eaae47ac.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=" "></a><br />
Too much fun for one family: that's how it feels sometimes!<br />
<br />
As you may know, <a href="http://wnpf.org/" target="_blank">Washington's National Park Fund</a> called and <a href="http://wnpf.org/volunteering-washingtons-national-parks-benefits/" target="_blank">interviewed Emily</a> recently about our experience <a href="http://yancy9a.blogspot.com/search?q=marmot">monitoring marmots</a> in Olympic National Park.<br />
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But did you know they also made a video? Take a look:<br />
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/124541045" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/124541045">WNPF Celebrates Volunteers</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user16551037">Clatter&Din</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>See what happens there around 2:35? Oh yeah, it's Franklin! (And us of course.) Woo!<br />
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Less important to the future health of planet, but equally fun: blue raspberry lollipop after a haircut:<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/1qrxIIxt9F/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">Yummy Sunday! #barbershoptreat</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Yancy Hughes Dominick (@yancy9) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-04-19T18:41:28+00:00">Apr 19, 2015 at 11:41am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
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Surprising amount of fun representing the Philosophy Department at a recent open house for accepted students who are considering attending Seattle U. Fun mostly because of the super helpful and enthusiastic philosophy majors who helped out:<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/1oCMfQRt6P/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">Back again, this time with industrious students to help! #ilovemyjobagain #welcometophilosophy</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Yancy Hughes Dominick (@yancy9) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-04-18T17:59:43+00:00">Apr 18, 2015 at 10:59am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
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Speaking of philosophy, Peter Singer has to be the most popular one in the US, no? I mean, <a href="http://www2.bookstore.washington.edu/_events/events_cal.taf?evmonth=04&evyear=2015&eventid=2015030609134000&pre=20150402&pst=20150418" target="_blank">this event</a> packed a whole movie theater!<br />
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Couldn't resist the photo and signed book:<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/1Uf7IVhyXU/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">#themostgoodyoucando</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Emily Hughes Dominick (@emily.dominick) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-04-11T03:54:41+00:00">Apr 10, 2015 at 8:54pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
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What else? Oh, have you seen the movie <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcosmos_%28film%29" target="_blank">Microcosmos</a>? Franklin highly recommends it:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17068811038" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7682/17068811038_4bf8fe4eb9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
I mean, it distracted him from wanting to watch sports!!<br />
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Trailer:<br />
<iframe width="560" height="420" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/76R2EKEnoJQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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All right, I have work to do. Okay okay, one more from playing in the gym at the Y during Emily's yoga class:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17049159247" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7650/17049159247_3332749fb9.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=" "></a><br />
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Sigh. I'm tired.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17049159237" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8784/17049159237_5958940797.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt=" "></a><br />
Ahh...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-71364482696237874772015-04-05T22:32:00.000-07:002015-08-03T11:40:38.779-07:00Play Ball! ... Or, I Love You Too, But Spring Is HereSo much fun with so many sports with Franklin. He's pretty committed to seasons lately, and spring is for soccer and baseball:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17046565085" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7612/17046565085_6a1d2f298d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
He also told me that he wants to go to Wrigley Field and see a Cubs baseball game. So... Grandpa Ray? Aunt Merrica?<br />
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Speaking of spring (the title of this post is one of his inexplicable but hilarious recent sayings), some delicious spring dining:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17046566055" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8732/17046566055_7ddd323f6a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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And tulips from last week's outing:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16426412363" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7654/16426412363_40923505e6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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Last week's outing being the <a href="http://www.tulipfestival.org/" target="_blank">Skagit Valley Tulip Festival</a>. We went <a href="http://yancy9a.blogspot.com/2012/04/franklins-two-new-friends-and-tulip.html">in 2012</a>; fun to return, and to see the fields in the sun! <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16773708229" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/16773708229_ffc66892cd.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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Still nice and muddy though:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16960951271" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7630/16960951271_c50b8129c9.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16933981206" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8753/16933981206_6afe4731ce.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16772234368" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8723/16772234368_fbf56117aa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16772235478" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/16772235478_3d9314daa8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16752540587" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7648/16752540587_b06a95eb21.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16339829643" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8743/16339829643_3dd2a79c0d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16933984976" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7623/16933984976_363c7176cb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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Long, full day:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16773235718" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8700/16773235718_b8f63875dd.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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Back at home, Franklin has really been enjoying watching 20-minute bits of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweetgrass_%28film%29" target="_blank">Sweetgrass</a>, one of my very favorite movies:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16424111984" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7585/16424111984_67031ae332.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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I <a href="http://yancy9a.blogspot.com/2010/03/2010-pt-two-movies.html">mentioned it here</a> back when we first saw it; such a great movie! <br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AV9iah71iPQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Also had some fun playing soccer, baseball, and a little frisbee with Jen at the beach last weekend:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16423901554" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8816/16423901554_ac8f2ce820.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17020553086" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8817/17020553086_07f4481a9f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17020554716" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7619/17020554716_ec50b9b079.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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And of course, as you may have heard, we attended our first Sounders game:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16424116094" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8752/16424116094_969dca20ce.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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Pretty fun time.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16860345189" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8726/16860345189_7e4dfc14da.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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And they won! And it was because of a beautiful 360-spin-move goal. Take a look:<br />
<script height="286px" width="508px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=3ac736ba4b6a46388a674647f3d235f3&ec=VueXBjdDrcgwjsh9pcS8bJY_G20Xl7ZW"></script><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/17046571465" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7624/17046571465_3bc7f5d283.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16839153927" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7604/16839153927_b7ef6b18a5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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All right, that's more or less it. (I really need to post more often and shorten these up, huh?)<br />
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Oh, a little fun today on Instagram, which <a href="https://instagram.com/emily.dominick" target="_blank">Emily</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/yancy9/" target="_blank">I</a> recently decided to look into after hearing how much Magen enjoys it:<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/1GpjhIByZF/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">#marchmadness in April</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A video posted by Emily Hughes Dominick (@emily.dominick) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-04-05T18:49:28+00:00">Apr 5, 2015 at 11:49am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
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No Jayhawk gear in that basketball clip, shockingly, but here's Franklin's current favorite ad:<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pyvW5ZIUCf8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Over and over lately he's been saying, "Rock Chalk, baby!" :)<br />
<br />
All right, a little more Instagram:<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/1HSmE3Bycl/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">Lamb chops</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Emily Hughes Dominick (@emily.dominick) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-04-06T00:48:05+00:00">Apr 5, 2015 at 5:48pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<br />
And that's it. Cheers, reader! Hope you're having a wonderful spring!<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/1HZ1npRt6c/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">Happy day all!</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Yancy Hughes Dominick (@yancy9) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-04-06T01:51:22+00:00">Apr 5, 2015 at 6:51pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-69618328374739076872015-03-28T07:57:00.000-07:002015-04-07T08:04:51.379-07:00Hungry for TalkingLots to say, but first how about a quiet moment of anticipation with Franklin and Beckham:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16951056301" target="_blank" title="Checking out the big boys by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7617/16951056301_8545529845.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Checking out the big boys"></a><br />
Watching West Seattle High School baseball practice. (Thanks to B's mom for the great photo!)<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, just a little recap. Franklin likes my Plato mug (best gift from a student ever!), and the other day asked about Plato's books. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16743798767" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7617/16743798767_f436ef0511.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
I started reading the beginning of the Republic. He was surprisingly patient (and kept asking for more), and asked some great questions, like what is wealth, and eventually "what does justice mean"?<br />
<br />
Maybe my favorite though was when he didn't understand what Socrates meant when he said he had an appetite for conversation. I tried explaining that it meant something like being hungry for conversation, which Franklin found hilarious—kept repeating the phrase and giggling all morning :)<br />
<br />
And as for hungry, how about these nascent chopsticks skills!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16328782924" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8727/16328782924_88dd5ec441.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=" "></a><br />
<br />
Oh but speaking of Plato, less giggly scene at the <a href="http://www.agnesscott.edu/philosophy/plato-society-meeting-progam.html" target="_blank">International Plato Society</a> meeting in Atlanta. Great experience though.<br />
<br />
I have been working on book 10 of Plato's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laws_%28dialogue%29" target="_blank">Laws</a> lately, and gave a paper about that. I won't go into the details now (but maybe I'll post the handout at some point...), but I do want to share one of my favorite quotes, which mostly made it into my paper.<br />
<br />
Laws 10 is all about what to do with troublesome atheists, deists, and folks who believe gods can be bribed or bought off. Anyway, there's a great bit in response to the idea that gods don't care about us:<br />
<a name="translation"></a><br />
ὧν ἓν καὶ τὸ σόν, ὦ σχέτλιε, μόριον εἰς τὸ πᾶν συντείνει βλέπον ἀεί, καίπερ πάνσμικρον ὄν, σὲ δὲ λέληθεν περὶ τοῦτο αὐτὸ ὡς γένεσις ἕνεκα ἐκείνου γίγνεται πᾶσα, ὅπως ᾖ τῷ τοῦ παντὸς βίῳ ὑπάρχουσα εὐδαίμων οὐσία, οὐχ ἕνεκα σοῦ γιγνομένη, σὺ δ’ ἕνεκα ἐκείνου<br />
<br />
<b>Translation:</b><br />
<i>Now then, you stubborn fellow, one part of the universe is you—a mere speck that nevertheless constantly contributes to the good of the whole; but you have forgotten that nothing is created except to provide the entire universe with a happy life. You forget that creation is not for your benefit: you exist for the sake of the universe</i> (903c)<br />
<br />
Very charming, no? I can't help but also add this bit on the punishment that people like me would face if they ever moved to the city described in the Laws:<br />
<br />
<i>Consider first a complete atheist: he may have a naturally just character and be the sort of person who hates scoundrels, and because of his loathing of injustice is not tempted to commit it; he may flee the unjust and feel fondness for the just. Alternatively, besides believing that all things are ‘empty of’ gods, he may be a prey to an uncontrollable urge to experience pleasure and avoid pain, and he may have a retentive memory and be capable of shrewd insights. Both these people suffer from a common failing, atheism, but in terms of the harm they do to others the former is much less dangerous than the latter....<br />
<br />
The dissembling atheist deserves to die for his sins not just once or twice but many times, whereas the other kind needs simply admonition combined with incarceration</i> (908b-e)<br />
<br />
I mean, um, that seems fair, right? ;)<br />
<br />
What else? Had some fun with the end (alas) of basketball season:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16949853962" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8749/16949853962_3b6b5e1b36.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=" "></a><br />
<br />
Getting pretty good at the alma mater too:<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P__thp0LUrM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16951168805" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8690/16951168805_de83c31cc1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=" "></a><br />
Thanks for the photo, Wendy!<br />
<br />
As of now the big question seems to be, will Franklin ever wear another shirt, and if so, when? <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16764946689" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7600/16764946689_e69a71b79d.jpg" width="366" height="500" alt=" "></a><br />
And thanks to Emily for getting me one to wear with him!<br />
<br />
Okay, I can't resist one more Plato thing. Just saw this in the <a href="http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/15685284-12341282" target="_blank">latest issue of Phronesis</a>, a leading journal for Ancient Philosophy:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16743964537" target="_blank" title="Screenshot 2015-03-27 20.34.11 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8698/16743964537_758102af01.jpg" width="500" height="470" alt="Screenshot 2015-03-27 20.34.11"></a><br />
Check out note 14! Woo!<br />
<br />
And if you want to read (or maybe re-read?) Dominick 2010, I've <a href="https://www.academia.edu/368785/Seeing_Through_Images_The_Bottom_of_Platos_Divided_Line" target="_blank">posted it online</a>.<br />
<br />
Other big news (bigger than a footnote? maybe...) is my new role as Associate Director (!) of the Seattle U <a href="http://www.seattleu.edu/core/programs/core-honors/" target="_blank">Core Honors</a> program, but maybe I'll wait and say more once I've actually started.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-84693282213566017342015-03-08T09:09:00.001-07:002015-03-08T09:13:13.671-07:00Franklin RisesPlenty of fun to keep us busy lately.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16562138868" target="_blank" title="Franklin Falls by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8643/16562138868_a885c2cab2.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Franklin Falls"></a><br />
Before we dive right into to Nana & Papa's visit, here are a few other items:<br />
<br />
Adjunct faculty (like me! woo!) across the nation staged a <a href="http://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/seattle-university-faculty-students-join-noon-walkout-wednesday/" target="_blank">walk-out</a> last week, and reportedly ours was among the biggest in the country. Not bad!<br />
<br />
Lots of pictures online, including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/978486568837412/permalink/988805137805555/" target="_blank">one set</a> that featured one of me walking with my friend Michael:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16650105886" target="_blank" title="Walkout with Michael Ng by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8562/16650105886_8b2610ea38.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Walkout with Michael Ng"></a><br />
<br />
Sorry to hear that Leonard Nimoy died, though 83 is pretty solid. But happy that my mom found this great photo from my favorite old halloween costume:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16489910009" target="_blank" title="Spock by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8575/16489910009_14e6fe1b72.jpg" width="340" height="500" alt="Spock"></a><br />
<br />
We took Franklin to a soccer lesson/class/practice at the <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/parks/centers/hiawatha.htm" target="_blank">Hiawatha Community Center</a>:<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LlMGEuGz2nY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
He seemed pretty into it (other than being super cold running around in shorts), but this week refused to go back, so who knows...<br />
<br />
Immediately after, we went to the <a href="http://thechildrensmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Seattle Children's Museum</a> to attend a birthday party for one of Franklin's classmates. Didn't get any good pictures of her, but Franklin seemed to enjoy the museum:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16723801226" target="_blank" title="Bus Driver by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7615/16723801226_0e3fb40758.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Bus Driver"></a><br />
<br />
One of the big hits with all the kids was the <a href="http://thechildrensmuseum.org/grocery-store" target="_blank">grocery store</a>:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16723801396" target="_blank" title="Groceries! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7631/16723801396_5acfa08500.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Groceries!"></a><br />
<br />
My favorite part was the register feeling overwhelmed by all the attention:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16748617802" target="_blank" title="One Item At A Time! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/16748617802_ea468d550b.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="One Item At A Time!"></a><br />
<br />
Okay, not sure where to put these, but here are my two favorite quotes from March 2015:<br />
<br />
On a weekday morning, upon coming into our room and getting into our bed: "Dad, stay in bed for five more minutes and then take your shower."<br />
<br />
And, seemingly out of nowhere one day: "I'm <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff_Alexander" target="_blank">Cliff Alexander</a>; hold on tight."<br />
<br />
Finally, as I said, great visit from Nana & Papa:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16748517741" target="_blank" title="Reading with Nana by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8670/16748517741_d466e5cea2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Reading with Nana"></a><br />
<br />
Fun around town, and also a nice day up near Snoqualmie Pass:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16723804706" target="_blank" title="Sunny Snoqualmie Pass by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7601/16723804706_773726641d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sunny Snoqualmie Pass"></a><br />
<br />
Including a quick hike on the auspiciously named <a href="https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/franklin-falls" target="_blank">Franklin Falls Trail</a>.<br />
<br />
At the falls:<br />
<iframe width="560" height="420" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OYR1D_1lwaA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Two miles, a few hundred feet of elevation gained. Not a difficult hike, but I'm proud to report that Franklin walked the whole way!<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_sOe2-PziMU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Well, that's about it. More fun to come. Cheers, reader.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-34470371512036336912015-02-22T22:38:00.000-08:002015-02-22T22:38:45.184-08:00Did You Ever See?Cooked a pretty <a href="http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017228-moroccan-chickpeas-with-chard" target="_blank">tasty stew</a> today, but it was slower than expected... Thankfully Franklin was there to help keep Emily and Grandma in good spirits while we waited:<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a4q30Ku9npk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
Been a busy month otherwise. As you probably know we had a big party last week:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16583369101" target="_blank" title="Smile! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/16583369101_7b37f9df24.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Smile!"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16583355311" target="_blank" title="Ready to Party by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/16583355311_6a7d795748.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Ready to Party"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16359438917" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/16359438917_b8efb0c876.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=" "></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16544243372" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/16544243372_49be9c7551.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=" "></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16544243082" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8606/16544243082_837d52f08d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=" "></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16359049089" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/16359049089_f1da4c4eb6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=" "></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16359437487" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/16359437487_4dd476c872.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=" "></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16543627111" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/16543627111_857fa94253.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=" "></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16357858850" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8610/16357858850_564328f4b8.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=" "></a><br />
<br />
Many many thanks to the excellent folks at the <a href="http://www.seattleymca.org/Locations/WestSeattle/pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">West Seattle YMCA</a>. Such a great job with the party!<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Riu16eJ5cV4?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
What else? Ah, recent trip down to throw some rocks in the water (down by the bay?)...<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16433566598" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8670/16433566598_8656431870.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16433566548" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8617/16433566548_f44d9c4ec5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=" "></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16433566408" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8680/16433566408_0bd1f5e116.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=" "></a><br />
<br />
And of course this awesome present Franklin got from a daycare classmate:<br />
<iframe width="550" height="413" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ooykUXsqiJc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Okay let's read one last story, and then good night!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16434912989" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8632/16434912989_7805925b5b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-88172500354699951232015-02-06T22:10:00.000-08:002015-02-06T22:10:55.102-08:00We Laugh and We Laugh and We LaughLots of carrying on around here lately.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16454778115" target="_blank" title="Cat in the Hat in the Carrier by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8643/16454778115_1b28aca4c5.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Cat in the Hat in the Carrier"></a><br />
Get it? ;)<br />
<br />
And not just at home. Here's a glimpse of singalong at <a href="http://washington.providence.org/senior-care/mount-st-vincent/" target="_blank">Mt. St. Vincent</a>:<br />
<iframe width="520" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EWhSb3gxtXs?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
And, let's see, back at home he's been working on his jump-shot:<br />
<iframe width="520" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aKwczkz61ws?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
I'll try to get better video one of these days. Not sure if you can hear it, but when he's off screen, he's saying "I'm <a href="http://www.kuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5836" target="_blank">Frank Mason</a>." (Emily and I also represent various KU players, but the roster is always changing...)<br />
<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, highlight of 2015 so far (and honestly, one of my highlights of our nearly eight years in Seattle) was seeing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherman_Alexie" target="_blank">Sherman Alexie</a> at Seattle U this past week:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16268872257" target="_blank" title="Sherman Alexie! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/16268872257_e251f29d9a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Sherman Alexie!"></a><br />
One of my book clubs very recently read <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lone_Ranger_and_Tonto_Fistfight_in_Heaven" target="_blank">The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven</a>, which is excellent. <br />
<br />
Been years since I've seen it, but this great movie is based on one of the stories:<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yzWut5-pGmg?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
But all that aside, so many excellent, challenging, and hilarious comments. Great experience.<br />
<br />
Just the comments about the Seahawks alone were worth the day. He said that even though he knew the <a href="http://www.thenation.com/blog/196697/conspiracy-theory-surrounding-seahawks-last-play" target="_blank">conspiracy theories</a> about the end of the Super Bowl weren't true, he approved of them because the myth was better than reality. Especially because Marshawn Lynch refuses to perform and entertain all the white people who think football players—and especially black players—are supposed to act a certain way. Yes.<br />
<br />
But as if that weren't enough, he followed it by asserting that given the rates of brain trauma and eventual dementia, when we watch professional football we're watching poor people and black people kill themselves for our entertainment. Yes and yes.<br />
<br />
And then of course he said that he watched the Super Bowl, all the while dipping his tortilla chips in medium-hot hypocrisy. Yes and yes and yes.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, so, yeah, we had fun watching the Super Bowl too (at least until that last play):<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16267085548" target="_blank" title="Paperhawks by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8563/16267085548_da26c5483f.jpg" width="500" height="398" alt="Paperhawks"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16453034291" target="_blank" title="Casual Seahawks by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8657/16453034291_1456d4d1df.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Casual Seahawks"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16454778575" target="_blank" title="Go Hawks! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7388/16454778575_b70d45cece.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Go Hawks!"></a><br />
<br />
I even got Emily to wear a Seahawks t-shirt!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15834709043" target="_blank" title="Even Emily says "Go Hawks!" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/15834709043_cee16db083.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Even Emily says "Go Hawks!""></a><br />
<br />
What else? Good times at story time lately:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16268871767" target="_blank" title="Story Time by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/16268871767_839268edd9.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Story Time"></a><br />
<br />
And great food, like this vegetable soup and apple pie, made with apples, pinto beans, kale, carrots, and delicata squash, all from the farmers market:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16198592010" target="_blank" title="Fresh Veggie Soup by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8617/16198592010_4a45254239.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Fresh Veggie Soup"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15763552474" target="_blank" title="Pie! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8610/15763552474_51609b5623.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Pie!"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16200096067" target="_blank" title="Yes, Pie by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8613/16200096067_fc803e84eb.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Yes, Pie"></a><br />
Delicious!<br />
<br />
You should come over for dinner some time, reader!<br />
<br />
Until then, cheers.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-21920483642630467872015-01-24T21:49:00.000-08:002015-01-25T11:40:07.491-08:00I Want to Be Big Like You, Okay?Title's a recent favorite Franklin quote. Happening pretty quick too, though maybe not from his perspective...<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16358905381" target="_blank" title="Hello! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/16358905381_01f5388879.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Hello!"></a><br />
<br />
Just a few bits of the last couple weeks:<br />
<br />
Playing at his favorite park, <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=456" target="_blank">Hiawatha</a>:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16358177445" title="Hiawatha Kick by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/16358177445_89e09911e3.jpg" width="500" height="344" alt="Hiawatha Kick"></a><br />
Hard to spot with all the action, but note that as he's kicking the soccer ball he's also holding a tennis ball, ready to throw it :)<br />
<br />
Snack break:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16170817320" target="_blank" title="Hiawatha Snack by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8587/16170817320_beb523ba95.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="Hiawatha Snack"></a><br />
<br />
Followed, as you may have heard, by a tasty dinner at Circa:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16357300422" target="_blank" title="Dinner at Circa by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/16357300422_8fd7fcaa9b.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Dinner at Circa"></a><br />
Tasty, and diaper-free! Exciting times!<br />
<br />
Calmer moment at home last week:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16063676987" target="_blank" title="Matching Towers by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8636/16063676987_a061d0bcf9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Matching Towers"></a><br />
He's really into matching lately, so here he's trying to replicate the block towers on the box—glad we hung unto the box long enough for him to enjoy it on this level!<br />
<br />
Less calm moment at daycare last week, as he and his classmates invited us (and Grandma, per Franklin's request) to a potluck and a play:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16172290867" target="_blank" title="Play and Potluck by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/16172290867_dba3d22411.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Play and Potluck"></a><br />
<br />
Goldilocks, with the kids trading off parts. Franklin ended up in a lead role, but as you'll see he missed a cue:<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7EOckN4zNfw?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Or was he hamming it up for the crowd? Hmm...<br />
<br />
Lest this end up being Franklin's blog, here's a bit from a couple of weeks ago:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16259493592" target="_blank" title="Pre-Concert by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7469/16259493592_b492153715.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Pre-Concert"></a><br />
Cocktails at <a href="http://www.vitosseattle.com/" target="_blank">Vito's</a> (cool place!) before hearing some <a href="http://www.earlymusicguild.org/tickets/past-events/twelfthnightcelebration/" target="_blank">Baroque music at Town Hall</a>.<br />
<br />
Fun night, and I saw my first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theorbo" target="_blank">theorbo</a>, so that's cool:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16260330615" target="_blank" title="Theorbo by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7557/16260330615_7ce87d819a.jpg" width="500" height="363" alt="Theorbo"></a><br />
<br />
Otherwise, well, as you probably know the Seahawks are in the Super Bowl, and Franklin is excited:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15738216053" target="_blank" title="Seahawks! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/15738216053_5962e446d0.jpg" width="479" height="500" alt="Seahawks!"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16170814330" target="_blank" title="Russell Wilson Jersey by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8630/16170814330_ccf4522bbd.jpg" width="464" height="500" alt="Russell Wilson Jersey"></a><br />
<br />
<iframe width="480" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/93JkEqdtI70?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
And the Jayhawks are looking great lately too. Fun time watching them <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=400585808" target="_blank">beat Texas</a> today with Wendy and Roman and the rest of the Seattle KU alumni crew:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16172298187" target="_blank" title="Cheering for KU with Roman by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7418/16172298187_d08809d354.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cheering for KU with Roman"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16356437971" target="_blank" title="Go Jayhawks! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8609/16356437971_240ce2aa28.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Go Jayhawks!"></a><br />
Rock Chalk, dear reader.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-33797769226059015042015-01-11T22:24:00.000-08:002015-01-11T22:33:08.321-08:00Awards Season BuzzNow that <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/pages/movies/awardsseason/" target="_blank">awards season</a> is in full swing, here'a quick word on some of our 2014 favorites.<br />
<br />
I was thrilled to see that Gina Rodriguez won a Golden Globe for <a href="target="_blank">Jane the Virgin</a>. Great show:<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bgDz0s7xw8A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Having trouble finding good links, since in many cases the rave reviews—like the <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/11/03/maine-miami" target="_blank">one in the New Yorker</a>—came in articles about more than one show, which doesn't seem quite fair... But, well, I guess that's what the awards are making up for :)<br />
<br />
And no harm in noting that the average from 21 "top critics" on Rotten Tomatoes is, yes, a not so shabby <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/jane-the-virgin/s01/reviews/?type=top_critics" target="_blank">100%</a>.<br />
<br />
In many ways it's quite different, but my other 2014 favorite is <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/23/arts/television/amazons-mozart-in-the-jungle-with-backstage-drama.html" target="_blank">Mozart in the Jungle</a>, which shares a kind of dreamy a-bit-more-than-realist tone. <br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QixpBQcGAqc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Such a great show. We already watched the whole season (in barely a week), and I'm already looking forward to re-watching it, the sooner the better!<br />
<br />
We recently read a pile of lists of the best albums of 2014, and picked up a few, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_%28Taylor_Swift_album%29" target="_blank">all</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singles_(Future_Islands_album)" target="_blank">quite</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_the_Dream" target="_blank">good</a>. Hands down, though, my favorite is the New Pornographers:<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EhhtSXk1c70" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Haven't seen quite as many movies as we'd have liked, but recently saw a couple of solid entries. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/17/movies/birdman-stars-michael-keaton-and-emma-stone.html" target="_blank">Birdman</a>:<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uJfLoE6hanc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Very good. Not my favorite ever, but definitely worth seeing.<br />
<br />
And the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/28/movies/the-imitation-game-stars-benedict-cumberbatch.html" target="_blank">Imitation Game</a>:<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/S5CjKEFb-sM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
A movie about a computer scientist and philosopher? Named after a section of a <a href="http://mind.oxfordjournals.org/content/LIX/236/433.full.pdf+html" target="_blank">philosophy paper</a> he wrote? Yes. Doesn't hurt that the cast is great and the story is incredible either.<br />
<br />
Almost as fun as the movie was returning home and reading the 1950 paper about whether machines can think. Good stuff. And free online: <a href="http://mind.oxfordjournals.org/content/LIX/236/433.full.pdf" target="_blank">http://mind.oxfordjournals.org/content/LIX/236/433.full.pdf</a>.<br />
<br />
Also fun at first was the cryptic crossword referenced in the movie (<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/world-war-two/11151478/Could-you-have-been-a-codebreaker-at-Bletchley-Park.html" target="_blank">solve it</a> in 12 minutes or less and come help the British crack the German <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enigma_machine" target="_blank">enigma</a> code!). Fun at first, until I realized that there was no way I was going to solve it any time soon...<br />
<br />
Well, that's about all for now. Meanwhile the award for best Halloween costume of 2013 (yes, 2013) goes to... the bee! Franklin spotted it after his bath tonight and insisted on wearing it for a while:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15637921994" title="Costume Renaissance by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8612/15637921994_338fce260c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Costume Renaissance"></a><br />
Cheers, and congratulations to all the nominees!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-30773625471468688172014-12-31T20:30:00.000-08:002014-12-31T20:31:14.003-08:00Happy 2015!Not Times Square or the Space Needle, but I'll take it. Happy New Year!<br />
<iframe width="500" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eeidVG6xnRI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Popped some poppers, popped some corn:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15974073728" title="New Years Eve Popcorn by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8583/15974073728_4a23a7de77.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="New Years Eve Popcorn"></a><br />
<br />
Good chance for slo-mo, no?<br />
<iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/66K0djQf5CE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nNBAXEGMotQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15975745917" title="See You in 2015! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7473/15975745917_95bce2cca3.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="See You in 2015!"></a><br />
That's it. See you in 2015!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-17931899345589089122014-12-29T13:41:00.000-08:002014-12-29T14:24:39.487-08:00It covered everything as far as he could see<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16132962911" target="_blank" title="Snow! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7550/16132962911_cc9580dba5.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Snow!"></a><br />
Thanks to Emily B. and Pete for a great weekend in a snow-covered cabin!<br />
<br />
(And a belated thanks to Ezra Jack Keats for the <a href="http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/the-snowy-day/" target="=blank">amazing book</a> that I'm quoting in the title of this post.)<br />
<br />
I was glad that Franklin's snowsuit (which was pretty roomy <a href="http://yancy9a.blogspot.com/2014/02/snow-play-area.html">last year</a>) fits perfectly this year. He was pretty happy too:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15949103557" target="_blank" title="Snowsuit! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8680/15949103557_cd7cf1904e.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Snowsuit!"></a><br />
<br />
What? A river, with rocks for throwing? Yes, someone had a fun weekend.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16134115322" target="_blank" title="Middle Fork Teanaway River by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8609/16134115322_667a1f30ec.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Middle Fork Teanaway River"></a><br />
In the Teanaway River Valley. Read about it here: <a href="http://www.friendsoftheteanaway.org/" target="_blank">friendsoftheteanaway.org</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16109075096" target="_blank" title="Walk In the Snow by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7536/16109075096_6937a71566.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Walk In the Snow"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15512530694" target="_blank" title="Pete, Emily, Franklin, and Emily by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8675/15512530694_66d2e0d6f9.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Pete, Emily, Franklin, and Emily"></a><br />
Pete, Emily, Franklin, and Emily, looking for ice to crunch through.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15515134743" target="_blank" title="Crunch Crunch! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7476/15515134743_26457811d4.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Crunch Crunch!"></a><br />
<br />
And just like magic (just like a picture book?), it was snowing when we woke up Saturday morning:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15948785299" target="_blank" title="Throwing Snow with Pete by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7481/15948785299_efef9d2bae.jpg" width="500" height="408" alt="Throwing Snow with Pete"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16132963761" target="_blank" title="Snow Men by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7466/16132963761_d790f79732.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Snow Men"></a><br />
<br />
Of course, the only thing he liked wearing more than the snowsuit was the KU jersey he got in his stocking on Christmas morning.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15512534874" target="_blank" title="Kansas Jersey, Day 4 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7514/15512534874_e2e7914a2b.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Kansas Jersey, Day 4"></a><br />
In his stocking Christmas morning, and on him for the next four days straight :)<br />
<br />
The only time he wasn't having fun at the cabin was when he remembered that we didn't bring the dinosaur puzzle that he got for Christmas. This is within five minutes of returning home:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16132965141" target="_blank" title="Dinosaur Puzzle by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7550/16132965141_c7a782ff61.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Dinosaur Puzzle"></a><br />
Thanks Magen, Dave, Braxton, Amelia, and Evan!<br />
<br />
Oh, and if you want to brush up on dinosaur names, here's the online <a href="http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/677/media_document/dev_1/4715_000421_DinosaurFloorPuzzle_Legend_EN_v01.pdf?1310509955" target="_blank">Picture Legend</a>.<br />
<br />
Speaking of Christmas presents and whatnot, here's a quick look back at the holiday:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15948772359" target="_blank" title="Molasses, Butter, Sugar by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7525/15948772359_27dee26f39.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Molasses, Butter, Sugar"></a><br />
<br />
Working on gingerbread cookies, mostly as a gift for Franklin's teachers at daycare:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16109065716" target="_blank" title="Flour, Ginger, Baking Soda, Nutmeg by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7548/16109065716_5510886dc7.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Flour, Ginger, Baking Soda, Nutmeg"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16109066586" target="_blank" title="Frosting! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7536/16109066586_3e4906220f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Frosting!"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16134856985" target="_blank" title="Decorating the Cookies by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7476/16134856985_b4fb39503d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Decorating the Cookies"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16134857545" target="_blank" title="Frosted by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8599/16134857545_b4145fdebd.jpg" width="500" height="482" alt="Frosted"></a><br />
<br />
Mostly:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16134858305" title="Franklin's Cookie by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7463/16134858305_8451b353f9.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Franklin's Cookie"></a><br />
<br />
And then it was Christmas morning:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15515127273" target="_blank" title="Snowman Pancakes by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7479/15515127273_d8dc37d569.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Snowman Pancakes"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15947552970" target="_blank" title="Opening the Forklift by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7554/15947552970_f008c32cd4.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Opening the Forklift"></a><br />
One of his favorite presents, a <a href="http://www.playmobil.us/on/demandware.store/Sites-US-Site/en_US/Product-Show?pid=5257" target="_blank">forklift</a> from Nana & Papa.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16134860615" target="_blank" title="Christmas Morning by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7479/16134860615_8e811c3d5d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Christmas Morning"></a><br />
<br />
And for dinner, eye round roast, Moroccan Sweet Potatoes, deviled eggs, and more!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15512527654" target="_blank" title="Eye Round Roast, Moroccan Sweet Potatoes, Deviled Eggs by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7502/15512527654_70b3e21f3d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Eye Round Roast, Moroccan Sweet Potatoes, Deviled Eggs"></a><br />
<br />
Hey, so did anyone happen to read that New York Times piece about <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/25/opinion/religion-without-god.html?_r=0" target="_blank">Religion Without God</a>? It hit almost exactly how I had been feeling, especially this bit:<br />
<br />
<i>... two anthropologists, Caroline Humphrey and James Laidlaw, go so far as to argue that ritual isn’t about expressing religious commitment at all, but about doing something in a way that marks the moment as different from the everyday and forces you to see it as important. Their point is that performing a ritual focuses your attention on some moment and deems it worthy of respect.</i><br />
<br />
I had in fact been considering asking Emily to bring us to mass on Christmas, but couldn't quite get there. And the logistics were tricky...<br />
<br />
Anyway, we settled on singing some carols together, just to make the point a little clearer:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16134861315" target="_blank" title="Christmas Carols by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7547/16134861315_e3c69c1576.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Christmas Carols"></a><br />
<br />
I hope you won't mind one more quote from <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/25/opinion/religion-without-god.html?_r=0" target="_blank">that article</a>:<br />
<br />
<i>Atheists trust in human relations, not supernatural ones, and humans are not so good at delivering the world as it should be. Perhaps that is why we are moved by Christmas carols, which conjure up the world as it can be and not the world we know.<br />
<br />
May the spirit of Christmas be with you, however you understand what that means.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15948780909" target="_blank" title="Merry Christmas! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7549/15948780909_efa8539cea.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Merry Christmas!"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-34795506565499944462014-12-22T11:36:00.001-08:002014-12-22T11:36:12.107-08:00A Cheery Grin Will Get You In<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15893391488" target="_blank" title="At Myrtle Reservoir Park by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8615/15893391488_f71f558959.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="At Myrtle Reservoir Park"></a><br />
I think Franklin is basically guaranteed admission to Santa Claus' party, at least according to these lyrics:<br />
<iframe width="480" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/v0sn0QEMSfo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
For whatever reason, that seems to be Franklin's favorite Christmas song... He heard it on one of our CD's, but it's not one I know very well, so I'm happy to have that video to help out!<br />
<br />
Meanwhile our holiday festivities will take place under some great new decorations:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15458823224" target="_blank" title="Kuta Family Painting by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/15458823224_94fd18e151_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Kuta Family Painting"></a><br />
Santa & reindeer from Grandma Christine, plus super cool painting of Grandma Christine (third from right) with the rest of the Kuta family: <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15459316274" target="_blank" title="Kuta Family Painting Closeup by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8651/15459316274_940bb8ffb3.jpg" width="500" height="402" alt="Kuta Family Painting Closeup"></a><br />
Franklin's Great Aunt Pauline, Great Uncle Al, Grandma C., Great Grandpa & Great Grandma Kuta, Great Aunt Dorothy in her <a href="http://www.crsisterschicago.org/" target="_blank">Sisters of the Resurrection</a> habit, and cousins (once removed) Alex and Louis in front. <br />
<br />
Great painting, and great idea to hang it there, Emily!<br />
<br />
And in front of that painting, we will toast and celebrate and listen to even more Christmas music. A little incongruous but here are a couple of my current favorites:<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iPJBFYuUWvY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/PLCxbXfyXCo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Also heard some nice music last week on Alki Beach during the <a href="http://www.argosycruises.com/dining-cruises/christmas-ship-festival/" target="_blank">Christmas Ship Festival</a>. No sound, but here are a couple of photos:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16080831495" target="_blank" title="Christmas Ship Approaches by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7499/16080831495_58b5125ebb.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Christmas Ship Approaches"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16055032746" target="_blank" title="Christmas Ship by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8639/16055032746_139009548c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Christmas Ship"></a><br />
<br />
And now, at last, I'm on holiday break. So, let's see... how about story time at the downtown library?<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15895066657" target="_blank" title="Library Story Time by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7461/15895066657_181e452926.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Library Story Time"></a><br />
<br />
Franklin was really into the puzzles afterward:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15893549740" target="_blank" title="Puzzles at the Library by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7497/15893549740_7fac988db9.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="Puzzles at the Library"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15895068767" target="_blank" title="Very Hungry Puzzle by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7579/15895068767_ed5c8b15f7.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Very Hungry Puzzle"></a><br />
I'm pretty sure he did this by himself. But can't be positive: he was really in the zone, and when I came over to see he said, "no, you go away!" :)<br />
<br />
Also time to do some complicated cooking! Like this delicious <a href="http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015960-winter-vegetable-curry" target="_blank">Winter Vegetable Curry</a> from the Times:<br />
<a href="http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015960-winter-vegetable-curry" target="_blank" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirE272hb0ftjKZDiF87Inf97t4IfzoA22GDRA3xuAGfTjblY4R4DXLZbVLuH5VgxfCRTnxfZ5vYycnvUToSHsseKbR0YLpFdkD452XzzaIcH6qkQBANdsXPn8iINvQZ4iAXOHVJQ/s400/wintervegetablecurry.jpg" /></a><br />
<i>Photo: Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times</i><br />
<br />
Even time, as you probably heard, to join Franklin's class from the <a href="http://washington.providence.org/senior-care/mount-st-vincent/services/child-care/" target="_blank">Intergenerational Learning Center</a> on their first field trip!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16080124332" target="_blank" title="On the Bus by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7475/16080124332_fc5ced4ee3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="On the Bus"></a><br />
<br />
Bus ride!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15893544950" target="_blank" title="On the Bus with Anson by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8636/15893544950_67e0e4cc76.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="On the Bus with Anson"></a><br />
<br />
To a park!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/16055036726" target="_blank" title="Pax at Myrtle Reservoir Park by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7541/16055036726_d9271d1481.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Pax at Myrtle Reservoir Park"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=4463" target="_blank">Myrtle Reservoir Park</a>. Definitely have to go back there soon!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15895069407" target="_blank" title="On the Ropes by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7535/15895069407_4429c1acd9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="On the Ropes"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15458525314" target="_blank" title="Climbing at Myrtle Reservoir Park by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7503/15458525314_0deb01fa38.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Climbing at Myrtle Reservoir Park"></a><br />
All right, I'd better go wrap presents! Have a great holiday, reader!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-26328325087926889402014-12-10T22:27:00.000-08:002014-12-11T19:30:47.691-08:00Please Put a Penny in the Old Man's HatJust in time for the most wonderful time, this year's school photos:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15989950761" target="_blank" title="2014 School Photo by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8677/15989950761_e14f89c27d.jpg" width="326" height="500" alt="2014 School Photo"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15804550648" target="_blank" title="ILC Class 2014 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7499/15804550648_b6838f6dcb.jpg" width="500" height="338" alt="ILC Class 2014"></a><br />
Warms my heart.<br />
<br />
Speaking of which, it's also that time of year when I try to take stock of what we've been doing with our money and whether any of it's been well spent...<br />
<br />
So, here's the latest breakdown:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15804649438" target="_blank" title="2014 Giving Distribution by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7473/15804649438_36678362a8.jpg" width="500" height="222" alt="2014 Giving Distribution"></a><br />
More going toward <a href="http://www.oxfamamerica.org/" target="_blank">those most in need</a> and less toward <a href="http://kexp.org/" target="_blank">music</a> and <a href="http://www.npca.org/" target="_blank">whatnot</a>. And yes, if you're tracking it from the <a href="http://yancy9a.blogspot.com/2013/12/yet-what-i-can-i-give.html">last</a> couple of <a href="http://yancy9a.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-joy-of-living-is-in-giving.html">years</a>, that's partly on account of Peter Singer and his damned compelling reasoning. Not only that, but some friends hosted a book club meeting a couple months ago about his book <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Life_You_Can_Save" target="_blank">The Life You Can Save</a>, which really only made things clearer...<br />
<br />
Anyway, I kind of struggle with what to say in this kind of blog post.<br />
<br />
I mean, I want to make this somehow more than an annual ritual of congratulation and flagellation, but it's hard to get past those superficial moments. Yes, I am proud of the fact that we are giving away this much of our income. And yes, I am disappointed when I do the math and see that we spent more on vacations in 2014 than we did on helping others...<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15806305237" target="_blank" title="2014 Giving Percentage by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7497/15806305237_5800b18c51.jpg" width="500" height="224" alt="2014 Giving Percentage"></a><br />
To put that another way, although I can pat myself on the back because we give to the King County United Way at the <a href="http://www.uwkc.org/ways-to-give/leadership-giving/" target="_blank">"Leadership" level</a>, we're still not even close to giving 5% of our income.<br />
<br />
Also not even close to the recommendation from the <a href="http://www.thelifeyoucansave.org/" target="_blank">Life You Can Save website</a>...<br />
<br />
Well, damn it. Here's a commitment to up our United Way and Oxfam giving in 2015. 5% or bust! Damn it!<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, where are we spending money on ourselves? Let me count the ways ;)<br />
<br />
How about: Had some fun watching KU come back and win against Florida last weekend:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15804569768" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7582/15804569768_22d9e11db3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=" "></a><br />
(And how about that win at Georgetown <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=400585733" target="_blank">yesterday</a>?)<br />
<br />
And a little holiday fun at the West Seattle Farmers Market:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15966188866" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8665/15966188866_2e41f852b8.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=" "></a><br />
Horse-drawn carriage? <a href="http://wsjunction.org/events/hometown-holidays-mule-drawn-carriage-rides-3/" target="_blank">Mule-drawn carriage</a>? Whatever—it was charming and they had jingling bells on...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15804570478" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7470/15804570478_cf3c4ffd64.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=" "></a><br />
Hope you're feeling that holiday spirit, reader! More soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-56680336456956602014-12-04T20:22:00.000-08:002014-12-05T08:07:11.414-08:00Just your average, restful weekend with Franklin...<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15937857071" target="_blank" title="Hat & Scarf by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8624/15937857071_13099cb361.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Hat & Scarf"></a><br />
But seriously, who wouldn't want to spend a long weekend with that guy? <br />
(Pictured there in the hat Emily made & the scarf I made!)<br />
(<a href="http://www.soundersfc.com/" style="color:#00FF00" target="_blank">Sounders</a> colors, by the way, at Franklin's request...)<br />
<br />
So, okay, Wednesday before Thanksgiving it was volleyball, UW vs. Stanford:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15914011666" target="_blank" title="UW Volleyball by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8642/15914011666_d5f7dbfd08.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="UW Volleyball"></a><br />
<br />
Souvenirs too:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15914011676" target="_blank" title="Volleyball for Franklin by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8578/15914011676_f10e59fe60.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Volleyball for Franklin"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15937852421" target="_blank" title="At the UW Volleyball Game by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8681/15937852421_6b58119383.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="At the UW Volleyball Game"></a><br />
Thanks for suggesting it, Pete!<br />
<br />
Back home, we were all about the pumpkin pie:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15752528690" target="_blank" title="Pumpkin by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7529/15752528690_2668d26cdc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Pumpkin"></a><br />
Butternut squash to be specific, but pumpkin's pumpkin, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin#Taxonomy" target="_blank">right</a>?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15320188163" target="_blank" title="Pie Crust by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7570/15320188163_8c3bc19908.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Pie Crust"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15752376478" target="_blank" title="Pie Crust 3 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7567/15752376478_64eba348dd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Pie Crust 3"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15753773359" target="_blank" title="Stirring in the Spices by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7577/15753773359_5312236f28.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Stirring in the Spices"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15320189523" target="_blank" title="Pumpkin Pie! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7530/15320189523_6392035fe8.jpg" width="500" height="376" alt="Pumpkin Pie!"></a><br />
He was so into it he ate it for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving. Rightly so!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15939811145" target="_blank" title="Carving the Turkey 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7464/15939811145_e33257bdd2.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Carving the Turkey 2"></a><br />
<br />
Small party, but it was great to spend the holiday with family & friends:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15752378858" target="_blank" title="Thanksgiving 2014 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7501/15752378858_f7dbcf4648.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Thanksgiving 2014"></a><br />
<br />
And I'm also grateful that we had the chance to talk on Skype with even more family (not pictured, alas).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15320191593" target="_blank" title="Happy Thanksgiving! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7543/15320191593_624d5271e9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Happy Thanksgiving!"></a><br />
<br />
This video was actually from a few days before the holiday, but what the heck, I'll include it here too:<br />
<iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5U0D_gAPBks" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Rain came in on Friday, but luckily we found out that our <a href="http://www.seattleymca.org/Locations/WestSeattle/pages/Home.aspx" target="_blank">local YMCA</a> does a kids' gym setup most days. Awesome:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15914016306" target="_blank" title="At the Y (3) by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7562/15914016306_0cc4790aea.jpg" width="500" height="376" alt="At the Y (3)"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15937856531" target="_blank" title="At the Y (3) by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7550/15937856531_28746a72a6.jpg" width="500" height="376" alt="At the Y (3)"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15320192593" target="_blank" title="At the Y (2) by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7550/15320192593_deece88a38.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="At the Y (2)"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15320192643" target="_blank" title="At the Y by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7508/15320192643_461014685d.jpg" width="500" height="376" alt="At the Y"></a><br />
<br />
Saturday, at long last, we took Franklin to see his first movie:<br />
<iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/retX8Wj7JdM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
He loved the popcorn and pink lemonade. And did laugh a couple times at the movie (including that bit in that trailer with the crunchy snacks...).<br />
<br />
Sunday we got our tree:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15752534540" target="_blank" title="Decorating the Tree by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7489/15752534540_7396e1f4d8.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Decorating the Tree"></a><br />
<br />
I worked on the scarf pictured up top:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15752381388" target="_blank" title="Sitting and Knitting by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8597/15752381388_8383aa103d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Sitting and Knitting"></a><br />
<br />
We finished the leftovers:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15942263242" target="_blank" title="Last of the Cranberries by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8616/15942263242_0f5f548b59.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Last of the Cranberries"></a><br />
And then, finally, we relaxed... and got ready for Monday. Well, there you have it. More soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-80933604850877936692014-11-18T10:28:00.000-08:002014-11-18T10:45:56.238-08:00Towering Over Your Head<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15784161126" target="_blank" title="Tower Building by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5607/15784161126_902e62b0d4.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Tower Building"></a><br />
Experiments in building, courtesy of Emily and Franklin.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15807827095" target="_blank" title="Tower! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7572/15807827095_47b02036f0.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Tower!"></a><br />
<br />
Not only that, but here's a new coat:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15188381813" target="_blank" title="New Coat by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5605/15188381813_95624cc859.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="New Coat"></a><br />
<br />
Or, as I like to think of it, definitive proof that dad's can't tell big kids what they should wear...<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15188379853" target="_blank" title="New Coat (back) by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5616/15188379853_111f2bd791.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="New Coat (back)"></a><br />
Still, what a cutie!<br />
<br />
Just wore that jacket to his first dentist appointment by the way. Amazing visit. Not because his teeth look good—given how much we focus on brushing I was expecting that. No, the shock was that he didn't even come close to crying the whole time. Only rough patch was when part of the balloon sword they gave him popped... But then he popped the rest with his teeth, laughed, and we were back in business :)<br />
<br />
What else? Trip out to Olympic National Park a few days ago. Lovely couple of nights in a cabin at <a href="http://www.thekalalochlodge.com/" target="_blank">Kalaloch Lodge</a>.<br />
<br />
Nice beach outside too:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15612452698" target="_blank" title="Sandcastles at Kalaloch by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7565/15612452698_7b3672a284.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sandcastles at Kalaloch"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15795987301" target="_blank" title="Kalaloch Beach by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7464/15795987301_5e51ef4401.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Kalaloch Beach"></a><br />
<br />
Drove up to the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-the-hoh.htm" target="_blank">Hoh Rain Forest</a>. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15799429842" target="_blank" title="Hall of Mosses 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5609/15799429842_02be4e63d9.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Hall of Mosses 2"></a><br />
Such a great spot. Man I love living out here.<br />
<br />
More pictures over <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/sets/72157649300075662/" target="_blank">on Flickr</a> by the way.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15799430962" target="_blank" title="Hiking in the Hoh by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5612/15799430962_2c76c85645.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Hiking in the Hoh"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15612038549" target="_blank" title="Logs by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7509/15612038549_c1b882a4b3.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Logs"></a><br />
<br />
Grandma with the world's largest Sitka Spruce:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15613028680" target="_blank" title="World's Largest Sitka Spruce by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7507/15613028680_9dee9a86a5_c.jpg" width="466" height="800" alt="World's Largest Sitka Spruce"></a><br />
Bigger version of the photo <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15613028680/sizes/k/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nps.gov/olym/naturescience/roosevelt-elk.htm" target=_blank">Roosevelt Elk</a> too:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15613029330" target="_blank" title="Elk by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7463/15613029330_e8e371e43d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Elk"></a><br />
<br />
And a chance to hang out and throw a few rocks at <a href="http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-kalaloch-and-ruby-beach.htm" target="_blank">Ruby Beach</a>:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15774177386" target="_blank" title="Ruby Beach by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5607/15774177386_65a3554a20.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Ruby Beach"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15613029980" target="_blank" title="Franklin on Ruby Beach by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7526/15613029980_096b67b51e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Franklin on Ruby Beach"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15797867895" target="_blank" title="Throwing Rocks at Ruby Beach by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7520/15797867895_10cde50087.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Throwing Rocks at Ruby Beach"></a><br />
<br />
<iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xkvdLxc-Sc4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15612042619" target="_blank" title="Rocks at Ruby Beach by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7537/15612042619_bba2e82611.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Rocks at Ruby Beach"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15178426493" target="_blank" title="Ruby Beach With Grandma by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8420/15178426493_98bf30c4a4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Ruby Beach With Grandma"></a><br />
<br />
Only real downside was the amazingly efficient wood stove in the cabin. Chilly night + Yancy having too much fun with the fire meant that before we knew it, the room was like 80˚ and we were panicking because we thought Franklin had a fever... Anyway, took off the fleece pajamas, opened a window, and soon all was well again.<br />
<br />
On the way home the next day we stopped for lunch at <a href="http://www.olympicnationalparks.com/accommodations/lake-crescent-resort.aspx" target="_blank">Lake Crescent Lodge</a>. Food was pretty good, scenery was great; but most exciting of all was the stuffed Olympic Marmot (sound <a href="http://yancy9a.blogspot.com/search?q=marmot">familiar</a>?) for sale in the gift shop:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15799437252" target="_blank" title="Olympic Marmot! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7482/15799437252_e9405b4bf6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Olympic Marmot!"></a><br />
Oh yeah!<br />
<br />
Also took a nice little walk over to Madison Falls:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15612706877" target="_blank" title="Madison Falls by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7481/15612706877_169a623ec6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Madison Falls"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15774196716" target="_blank" title="Madison Falls 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8628/15774196716_6ae7f3c0ed.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Madison Falls 2"></a><br />
<br />
<iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VnzhOFHb824" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Finally, didn't get great pictures but I'm glad we finally got to take a look at some of the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/olym/naturescience/elwha-ecosystem-restoration.htm" target="_blank">Elwha restoration</a> project.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15818829222" title="Elwha by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7505/15818829222_3edb8888d4.jpg" width="447" height="500" alt="Elwha"></a><br />
Very cool. Can't wait to go back. <br />
Cheers, reader.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-33995511643485919482014-10-25T21:10:00.000-07:002014-10-25T22:48:02.414-07:00You Clean Up NiceBusy fall, but let's just take a quick break to admire how nice Franklin looks in autumnal hues:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15006674743" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5614/15006674743_24b025b26e.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=" "></a><br />
I can't decide—would that look better cropped? Like this:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15008005054" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15008005054_8d9255e781.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
<br />
Anyway...<br />
<br />
Some of this is out there already, but what's fall without homemade apple pie?<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15511749016" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3933/15511749016_417f84b6ac.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=" "></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15348818259" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3942/15348818259_a5c7891554.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=" "></a><br />
<br />
And Halloween of course:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15006674083" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5600/15006674083_55a9a07b06.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=" "></a><br />
For weeks he's been saying he wanted to be a crocodile. Living the dream.<br />
<br />
(Though I should add that on the day before the costume arrived he said he'd rather be a Spiderman Bee, so...)<br />
<br />
But speaking of cleaning up well, have you seen this new series on PBS, <a href="http://video.pbs.org/program/how-we-got-now/" target="_blank">How We Got To Now</a>?<br />
<iframe width="500" height="370" src="http://video.pbs.org/viralplayer/2365323203" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" seamless></iframe><br />
By far the best thing I've seen on TV in weeks (years?). That bit about raising Chicago up on jacks to install sewers? Amazing. Very cool show.<br />
<br />
Emily's in Arizona on a mothers/daughters/aunts/cousins trip, so I just might indulge in another episode tonight as my reward for a day full of hard work and serious fun with Franklin.<br />
<br />
What did we do? Main event was getting a pumpkin up at our friends' little farm north of the city. Sadly I didn't get a chance to take many pictures, and I so far have no record of the pumpkin itself, but the shot up top features one of the main fun prizes they hid in a pile of hay for the kids. And here are a couple from their tree house play apparatus:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15441245630" target="_blank" title="Untitled by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3945/15441245630_a2a9b0901f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15603140476" target="_blank" title=" by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3933/15603140476_fdd1fdec38.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=" "></a><br />
Cheers, reader. Hope you're having a wonderful October!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-6144462905494881362014-09-25T21:36:00.000-07:002014-09-25T21:36:15.030-07:00I Was Happy To See ItCan't believe I haven't posted here in three weeks! Oops!<br />
<br />
So, okay, where did we leave off? <a href="http://yancy9a.blogspot.com/2014/09/franklin-monitors-marmot.html">Marmots</a>? Okay, here's Franklin reminiscing about part of the trip:<br />
<iframe width="100%" height="450" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/169375005&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true"></iframe><br />
Just for the record, the whole "I was angry to see it" thing seems to be his idea of a joke. And I think it's pretty cool that he now is apparently old enough to tell jokes :)<br />
<br />
What else... Oh, this might have actually been filmed before the marmot trip. I forgot about it, but maybe it's still worth a look:<br />
<iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/i4qzs3cD1_M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
At home, Franklin and I have switched to staying home together on Thursdays. Today was an excellent mix of books, dinosaurs, lunch with Pete, and even a nice nap. No photos, but here's one from a couple weeks ago:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15331093316" target="_blank" title="Train Fun 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2946/15331093316_9fc0a51dcc.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Train Fun 2"></a><br />
<br />
Beautiful end to the summer, as I'm sure you know:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15167609187" target="_blank" title="It's Still Summer! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/15167609187_03ea807081.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="It's Still Summer!"></a><br />
<br />
What else? Ah, Franklin's really coming along in the kitchen. Helped us make stuffed pasta a few days ago, cookies with Emily recently, and here they are working on the chicken curry recipe from the cookbook his daycare class put together:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15331101176" target="_blank" title="Making Chicken Curry by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15331101176_6a67f92e93.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Making Chicken Curry"></a><br />
<br />
Can't always eat at home of course:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15353826672" target="_blank" title="Seattle Fish Co. Dinner by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2944/15353826672_a6e989d30c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Seattle Fish Co. Dinner"></a><br />
<br />
Also some nice outings, including some cross-country racing at the Sundodger Invitational:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15350961371" target="_blank" title="Sundodger Invitational 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2948/15350961371_03e7e5d13d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sundodger Invitational 2"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15331118616" target="_blank" title="Sundodger Invitational by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3907/15331118616_4707dce840.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sundodger Invitational"></a><br />
<br />
And a cool <a href="http://kexp.org/" target="_blank">KEXP</a> mid-day show at the Triple Door. I'm wasn't sure <a href="http://templestheband.com/" target="_blank">Temples</a> was his kind of thing, but he was pretty transfixed at the show. Lighting was low and dad was distracted, so no good photos from there. <br />
<br />
Did give us a good excuse to meet up with Grandma and take the water taxi though:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15167610429" target="_blank" title="Water Taxi by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/15167610429_92f1524072.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Water Taxi"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15167580518" target="_blank" title="Water Taxi Panorama by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3835/15167580518_63752ae3a0.jpg" width="500" height="151" alt="Water Taxi Panorama"></a><br />
<br />
Also still enjoying the new neighborhood, including all the toys waiting to be used at Ercolini Park:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15167791628" target="_blank" title="Trike by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3912/15167791628_fbba731443.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Trike"></a><br />
<br />
And of course the beach. Monday was the last day of summer, so I felt like I should get Franklin from daycare early and head over there. He seemed okay with the idea:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15167606779" target="_blank" title="Fun at Alki by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2948/15167606779_f441486848.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Fun at Alki"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15167665170" target="_blank" title="Last Day of Summer! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3854/15167665170_21480def04.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Last Day of Summer!"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15167843907" target="_blank" title="Sand Castles by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2945/15167843907_1042f7cf74.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sand Castles"></a><br />
<br />
Even convinced Emily to come over after work: <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15167789158" target="_blank" title="After the Beach by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2943/15167789158_3afeca79ea.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="After the Beach"></a><br />
Pretty solid end to a pretty solid summer.<br />
<br />
And here's sunrise on the first day of fall:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15354169575" target="_blank" title="Autumn Sunrise by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3875/15354169575_91e9d1148f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Autumn Sunrise"></a><br />
So, not a bad start. Cheers!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-54401980314565675682014-09-03T14:33:00.000-07:002014-09-03T14:47:55.867-07:00Franklin Monitors a Marmot<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14927110260" target="_blank" title="Marmot Monitors by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/14927110260_61cf596547.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Marmot Monitors"></a><br />
Great to see our little man making a contribution to science already. And don't worry, his name is on the official <a href="https://flic.kr/p/oK549R" target="_blank">data sheets</a> that we completed for this year's <a href="http://www.nps.gov/olym/naturescience/olympic-marmot-monitoring.htm" target="_blank">Olympic Marmot Monitoring Project</a>!<br />
<br />
In that photo up above he's holding the GPS unit that we used to mark the marmots; kind of rough that first day getting him to share it with people who could actually use it, but once we settled into a routine the trip was pretty awesome.<br />
<br />
Lots of pictures in this post, by the way, but there's even more in this album: <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsk2g2tEm" target="_blank">https://flic.kr/s/aHsk2g2tEm</a>.<br />
<br />
Took the <a href="http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/ScheduleDetailByRoute.aspx?route=f-s" target="_blank">ferry to Southworth</a> from right here in West Seattle:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14927187698" target="_blank" title="Southworth Ferry 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3884/14927187698_9d34037c00.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Southworth Ferry 2"></a><br />
Unexpected bonus of moving over here: access to the Olympics without going through downtown or driving to Tacoma!<br />
<br />
Our first stop was <a href="http://www.pencol.edu/" target="_blank">Peninsula College</a> in Port Angeles, where some folks from the National Park Service explained the program and prepped us on the equipment. There was also a pretty fun lecture on marmot ecology:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15110755021" target="_blank" title="Marmot Ecology Lecture by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5562/15110755021_9dbf10a330.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Marmot Ecology Lecture"></a><br />
Paying careful attention to the marmot slides or to the granola bar: you decide.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14927190258" target="_blank" title="Marmot Ecology Lecture 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5554/14927190258_6e817a73b7.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Marmot Ecology Lecture 2"></a><br />
<br />
Then we set up camp at the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm" target="_blank">Heart O' the Hills Campground</a>:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14927107060" target="_blank" title="Setting Up Camp 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5579/14927107060_9c9331dd49.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Setting Up Camp 2"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15113387422" target="_blank" title="Campfire! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5557/15113387422_cb5eb4a0a7.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Campfire!"></a><br />
Campfire and tent: probably Franklin's two favorite things from the whole six-day trip :)<br />
<br />
Next morning we set out to start our surveying:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15090769026" target="_blank" title="Surveying Above the Visitors Center by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3870/15090769026_193c28a297.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Surveying Above the Visitors Center"></a><br />
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Because some of our areas were right near the Visitors Center, we had to pull back on the off-trail hiking (at the, ahem, suggestion of a ranger), but we didn't let that slow us down:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15113763535" target="_blank" title="Heading Down the Trail by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5557/15113763535_7840631e54.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Heading Down the Trail"></a><br />
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Other things, however, did slow us down some:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15113764545" target="_blank" title="And Done by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5581/15113764545_355506f6f6.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="And Done"></a><br />
I mean, he is just two years old, and just barely out of the toddler demographic...<br />
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Luckily we had a carrier, so we carried on looking, this time along the Wolf Creek Trail:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14927112690" target="_blank" title="Surveying along the Wolf Creek Trail by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3882/14927112690_bf44b269c6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Surveying along the Wolf Creek Trail"></a><br />
<br />
Speaking of trail names, here's a little map I made if you want to take a look:<br />
<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=213798770666148945053.000502207bd16459ea48e&num=200&start=37&t=p&ll=47.971881,-123.485126&spn=0.040224,0.072956&z=13&output=embed"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=213798770666148945053.000502207bd16459ea48e&num=200&start=37&t=p&ll=47.971881,-123.485126&spn=0.040224,0.072956&z=13&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">2014 Marmot Polys</a> in a larger map</small><br />
I uploaded the Park Service's map data for our survey areas, and also marked the marmots that we logged on our data sheets.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile while we were doing things like looking at maps, Franklin got ahold of Emily's phone:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14927078569" target="_blank" title="Franklin's Got Mom's Phone by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3884/14927078569_c32d6e4b7d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Franklin's Got Mom's Phone"></a><br />
Getting better with photos, I'd say.<br />
<br />
Alas, even the thrills of outdoor photography aren't always enough...<br />
<iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8IGVE0LH6Z0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Is it unkind to post that? I guess I just want to show that although Franklin often smiles, he doesn't quite always smile...<br />
<br />
But few things can restore smiles as quickly as settings like this:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15110766871" target="_blank" title="Olympics by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3912/15110766871_cf63d2b26b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Olympics"></a><br />
<br />
And after a hard day's work looking for marmots, zoop! Asleep in the tent:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14927202928" target="_blank" title="Asleep in the Tent by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3894/14927202928_1edcbd0b33.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Asleep in the Tent"></a><br />
<br />
Next day we hit Steeple Rock, the furthest of our areas, which involved driving down an exciting (one word for it) one-lane dirt road through the mountains. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15090777796" target="_blank" title="Surveying at Steeple Rock by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/15090777796_7afc1b7305.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Surveying at Steeple Rock"></a><br />
Didn't see any marmots there, but it's a beautiful area.<br />
<br />
No one around, so we went back to the classic off-trail approach, at least for a decent chunk of the unit:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15113772055" target="_blank" title="Surveying at Steeple Rock 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/15113772055_a4c8399cd4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Surveying at Steeple Rock 2"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14927219167" target="_blank" title="Surveying at Steeple Rock 3 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3889/14927219167_2d15dbd5a1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Surveying at Steeple Rock 3"></a><br />
Can you see me up there? If not, try a bigger version <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14927219167/sizes/l/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Plus blooming Fireweed:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15110771891" target="_blank" title="Fireweed by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3883/15110771891_b5a92ea1fe.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Fireweed"></a><br />
<br />
Did I say the tent and fire were Franklin's favorite? Well, the Visitors Center should probably be on the list too. Warming up with some pb&j:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15113774815" target="_blank" title="Visitors Center Snack by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/15113774815_391e92f105.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Visitors Center Snack"></a><br />
<br />
Lot of weather came in that day, so we took the afternoon off.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15113775785" target="_blank" title="Fog at the Visitors Center by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3899/15113775785_f6105e5caf.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Fog at the Visitors Center"></a><br />
<br />
Luckily the weather was great down by our campsite, so we took a walk along the Heart of the Forest Trail:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14927209098" target="_blank" title="Heart of the Forest Trail by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3888/14927209098_5eb8c19ceb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Heart of the Forest Trail"></a><br />
Just did a mile, but I'm happy to report that Franklin hiked that entire mile! Impressive kid!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15113403772" target="_blank" title="Heart of the Forest Trail 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3841/15113403772_9b34bc8b71.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Heart of the Forest Trail 2"></a><br />
<br />
Saturday was our last full day, and what a full day it was! Started out sneaking off-trail through some trees to get below the Visitors Center:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14927094299" target="_blank" title="Off-Trail by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3889/14927094299_c5dfa45fc0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Off-Trail"></a><br />
<br />
Took a little break to walk up Hurricane Hill. Nice chance to watch some marmots without worrying about surveying them, since it wasn't our area. Also nice chance to enjoy other parts of the scene, as Emily's photo here shows:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15113409652" target="_blank" title="Droplets by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5585/15113409652_d3167a75ed.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Droplets"></a><br />
<br />
On our way back down, we decided to take a peek at a unit we'd surveyed a couple days earlier. We saw a lot of evidence of marmots the first time (occupied burrows, digging, etc.), but no actual animals. But when we checked back on Saturday? <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15131644422" target="_blank" title="36M1 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5551/15131644422_e138bd61a5.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="36M1"></a><br />
Woo!<br />
<br />
Great photos, Emily!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14927135330" target="_blank" title="Marmot Profile by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3855/14927135330_4f177a356b.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Marmot Profile"></a><br />
<br />
Then we did our last few units, along the <a href="http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-angeles" target="_blank">Mount Angeles ridge trail</a> up north of the Visitors Center. We'd seen a marmot in the first of these units a couple days earlier, but this time we hit the jackpot—five marmots on one slope, including a pup!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14927103559" target="_blank" title="Marmot Selfie! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3847/14927103559_e435cc7d97.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Marmot Selfie!"></a><br />
Had to get the selfie of course. And for the record, even the ranger who we ran into on day one was excited to hear about all of the marmots we spotted here.<br />
<br />
Also spotted some more nice views, including all the way to Canada, which you can't quite see in this photo, but it's there I swear!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15090800296" target="_blank" title="You Can See All the Way to Canada! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5557/15090800296_f0196ec5da.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="You Can See All the Way to Canada!"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15113422312" target="_blank" title="Rainbow Selfie by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3923/15113422312_6e765818f6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Rainbow Selfie"></a><br />
<br />
Heading back up the trail:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14927145570" target="_blank" title="On the Trail by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5578/14927145570_6d571635fd.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="On the Trail"></a><br />
<br />
And then, one final bonus: when we got back to the Visitors Center, Franklin told us he was happy to see it. And we were happy to see this beautiful scene right next to the building:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15113798605" target="_blank" title="Visitors Center Marmot by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/15113798605_2d09fe353c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Visitors Center Marmot"></a><br />
Right next to the building where we hadn't seen any sign of marmots in all our sneaking that morning, and yet now, what did we see not 100 yards from the building?<br />
<br />
Here's a closeup:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15113426542" target="_blank" title="39M1 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5552/15113426542_ceaea934a4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="39M1"></a><br />
Woo!<br />
<br />
So glad we did the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/olym/naturescience/olympic-marmot-monitoring.htm" target="_blank">Olympic Marmot Monitoring Project</a> again this year, and so happy to share the experience with Franklin.<br />
<br />
After that, well, we had one more snack at the Visitors Center, enjoyed one more evening by the campfire, then the next morning we packed up and set out home.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15110799051" target="_blank" title="Tent by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3888/15110799051_cbf98e2f24.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Tent"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/15113801285" target="_blank" title="Tent 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3886/15113801285_88988f497c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Tent 2"></a><br />
Can't wait for next year!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-50630442917880555792014-08-18T13:32:00.000-07:002014-08-18T13:32:35.516-07:00Our Distinguished VisitorGlad Merrica made the trip all the way from <a href="http://tanzania.usembassy.gov/index.html" target="_blank">Tanzania</a>!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14957151491" target="_blank" title="Looking for Clams by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3897/14957151491_8ae4953bd8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Looking for Clams"></a><br />
I think nearly all of this has already shown up on Facebook, but here are a few photos from Merrica's visit:<br />
<br />
Mariners game:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuk8UJI4ia6eSFAqA9D-vQQ3isZg7j83_gE1MSDgZE7ggCKZ5nfEtpQNHS2C24j0rHeyUEzmou-8DyFd5yY2utMWdVCnG6Xb3DvwWkLReaZ21YCiUDAqZa8Uxr6rXRBy1QgAohrQ/s1600/10606122_10152220134376143_1629719511963610291_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuk8UJI4ia6eSFAqA9D-vQQ3isZg7j83_gE1MSDgZE7ggCKZ5nfEtpQNHS2C24j0rHeyUEzmou-8DyFd5yY2utMWdVCnG6Xb3DvwWkLReaZ21YCiUDAqZa8Uxr6rXRBy1QgAohrQ/s400/10606122_10152220134376143_1629719511963610291_n.jpg" /></a><br />
Pretty serious stuff.<br />
<br />
Sunny cheap seats, but not a bad view:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzfiTbPB3rGjAdkWkAAr5Q3Fn3DqBo38LvwnMZp9gh-iUhk1qPibC3sD-hJvuu17AEkWQ7FjccfeLr0-lnhyfEj1DWcLYMPfr-V8BzITyl4RfJP_FEdcWpy3FUa6c68646pG1KQ/s1600/10254023_10152220134341143_5860626476145966123_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzfiTbPB3rGjAdkWkAAr5Q3Fn3DqBo38LvwnMZp9gh-iUhk1qPibC3sD-hJvuu17AEkWQ7FjccfeLr0-lnhyfEj1DWcLYMPfr-V8BzITyl4RfJP_FEdcWpy3FUa6c68646pG1KQ/s400/10254023_10152220134341143_5860626476145966123_n.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Day at the beach:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBEwjTQ4WHpM7ODPj6z_PYS72FxGkKPwIyPjBSl7q8prsbtDf9ZCvdo8Cpc-C0_V3xAi1IoWdvGFQIRWjWsiYs_KR-bQdGDFWbjc9DRlrMNFmqZ2-QNiOl-cl1OvHi7RzOCTmkA/s1600/10603606_10152223431326143_3572664731744634286_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBEwjTQ4WHpM7ODPj6z_PYS72FxGkKPwIyPjBSl7q8prsbtDf9ZCvdo8Cpc-C0_V3xAi1IoWdvGFQIRWjWsiYs_KR-bQdGDFWbjc9DRlrMNFmqZ2-QNiOl-cl1OvHi7RzOCTmkA/s400/10603606_10152223431326143_3572664731744634286_n.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYz2dDbXxBZqn9bIhBEiRhUfAYwj3VlLWk80t6Qhm3SRKoNp-OmHm_g-9HlziJSyehS45EjLtr42rn7CBoTx8ItsNo8GBos_U309hny0awVjZzr-169cdopqGcnyTuSBgeSmLF3Q/s1600/10352747_10152223431446143_1296102827795422168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYz2dDbXxBZqn9bIhBEiRhUfAYwj3VlLWk80t6Qhm3SRKoNp-OmHm_g-9HlziJSyehS45EjLtr42rn7CBoTx8ItsNo8GBos_U309hny0awVjZzr-169cdopqGcnyTuSBgeSmLF3Q/s400/10352747_10152223431446143_1296102827795422168_n.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATMWhb0RVM4N0twmHz_U_2_5OOwjIZrL1gpGuHwcP5bwmDU2uT5XhEG0D9fD5oCPGVq28ZeKH2H6_SxwgRLbpWvd9KSa0icLMiVPJ3M5MnuPtmKN0q7AE7GggMLhQZ5KV4Q4M2A/s1600/10404478_10152223431601143_4850742869379595304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATMWhb0RVM4N0twmHz_U_2_5OOwjIZrL1gpGuHwcP5bwmDU2uT5XhEG0D9fD5oCPGVq28ZeKH2H6_SxwgRLbpWvd9KSa0icLMiVPJ3M5MnuPtmKN0q7AE7GggMLhQZ5KV4Q4M2A/s400/10404478_10152223431601143_4850742869379595304_n.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VljE_b-Ekh3D9dgxAsQ3g4Xugtj_XzqmG2evwLru6EVGVaXGABdJogP1jVCla95kMfQI9S0pGFzgwC0__TdkppuXoUFSMDuHZXqpMlFvRdybFY7cPS6Gdv1zfN3YK5dcez_U6w/s1600/10458332_10152223431556143_9086688545320705352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VljE_b-Ekh3D9dgxAsQ3g4Xugtj_XzqmG2evwLru6EVGVaXGABdJogP1jVCla95kMfQI9S0pGFzgwC0__TdkppuXoUFSMDuHZXqpMlFvRdybFY7cPS6Gdv1zfN3YK5dcez_U6w/s400/10458332_10152223431556143_9086688545320705352_n.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxY75W-TDnAi64pyShYnoIoTgrwdDgWGlzXTXD-bAQsdxTWPq341DES6hAmf4L19MDEBsl_-laYgsr3I9yDhGqvDexu5Jk2sOfJyE0qzG5Q6uE_vprdn0tkIcYGpRDTURwsQJyJA/s1600/10580130_10152223431761143_7855976938649407590_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxY75W-TDnAi64pyShYnoIoTgrwdDgWGlzXTXD-bAQsdxTWPq341DES6hAmf4L19MDEBsl_-laYgsr3I9yDhGqvDexu5Jk2sOfJyE0qzG5Q6uE_vprdn0tkIcYGpRDTURwsQJyJA/s400/10580130_10152223431761143_7855976938649407590_n.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Pretty tiring when all's said and done:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9y5mR7YBu6kiO-k6qZfV3Y4ErADGyvXvCohyPvPBBRycEy1VSSSTlQMLKJCtEmUGyiBP3Jqm_dLA40g9sBE-0SC9tVndJkguXRvQISGJbK9kieWl8iyR2c9AKXmEMqLXzQVx8og/s1600/10486460_10152223431891143_7134535009866158558_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9y5mR7YBu6kiO-k6qZfV3Y4ErADGyvXvCohyPvPBBRycEy1VSSSTlQMLKJCtEmUGyiBP3Jqm_dLA40g9sBE-0SC9tVndJkguXRvQISGJbK9kieWl8iyR2c9AKXmEMqLXzQVx8og/s400/10486460_10152223431891143_7134535009866158558_n.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Took the ferry to Vashon Island:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14937255156" target="_blank" title="on the Vashon Island Ferry by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3868/14937255156_48c9122e82.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="on the Vashon Island Ferry"></a><br />
And the photo up top documents a little of our day there.<br />
<br />
Wouldn't be a visit from Merrica if there wasn't food involved:<br />
<br />
Watermelon:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ88zLH_AuluQ6mAnZ_oFA71ItW1vbNJjihkKu2JAo-QjElPWja-LQxZgPzgytQyssVSDStILWbMAI6w65j5Svg4jWhCVzhjublBcb5HYGA6Hiex0LvyygtumAzT0f08HkFP9jow/s1600/10599322_10152227895241143_6761322748386788610_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ88zLH_AuluQ6mAnZ_oFA71ItW1vbNJjihkKu2JAo-QjElPWja-LQxZgPzgytQyssVSDStILWbMAI6w65j5Svg4jWhCVzhjublBcb5HYGA6Hiex0LvyygtumAzT0f08HkFP9jow/s400/10599322_10152227895241143_6761322748386788610_n.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Ramen:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14937260146" target="_blank" title="Ramen by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3882/14937260146_0a745e0590.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="Ramen"></a><br />
So much more was eaten, but it looks like that's it for photos...<br />
<br />
Good visit all told. Come again soon!<br />
<br />
And while Merrica moves on to Montana and the rest of her vacation, we're trying to make the most of these last few weeks of summer, with a little help from our new ride:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14773717837" target="_blank" title="Riding at Lincoln Park by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3884/14773717837_4e748bcbe2.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="Riding at Lincoln Park"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14960262865" target="_blank" title="New Bike Seat! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3839/14960262865_2d6c5f7dc2.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="New Bike Seat!"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14959911082" target="_blank" title="Bike Seat! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3893/14959911082_18f27cf5ca.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Bike Seat!"></a><br />
<br />
Bonus flip flop shot:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14773570339" target="_blank" title="Flip Flops! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3846/14773570339_a11a2e06cd.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Flip Flops!"></a><br />
Okay, summer won't last forever so I'd better go enjoy it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-20128409056870587882014-08-11T14:26:00.000-07:002014-08-11T14:26:49.970-07:00Our Indiana Family Vacation<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14844821952" title="Linton Mini Golf by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3844/14844821952_b98497a1c0.jpg" width="500" height="405" alt="Linton Mini Golf"></a><br />
Of course by the time Franklin warmed up to the game, his cousins were on the 17th hole... But trust me, he loved it.<br />
<br />
Main event was the 90th birthday of Franklin's great-grandpa Frank:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHI-GA3Sge-iCTSsmUxMDRMCj4_QxRYsW_erIvRO2yq7qkOiyyw4DwqdLhiw0xq1ckFVAa4BFtoA8t8RI4F9GHrts5nuSJxbX2EZVmfCnWhf-IsfL3g3Dx5Q8qVJiMgsLJfOTfg/s1600/10499450_10203762333915625_8588926309277111681_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHI-GA3Sge-iCTSsmUxMDRMCj4_QxRYsW_erIvRO2yq7qkOiyyw4DwqdLhiw0xq1ckFVAa4BFtoA8t8RI4F9GHrts5nuSJxbX2EZVmfCnWhf-IsfL3g3Dx5Q8qVJiMgsLJfOTfg/s320/10499450_10203762333915625_8588926309277111681_o.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Thanks to John Armantrout for these photos from the party by the way!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOKsN3C5aW4JkFaM-42BBadyBUPEtuk3sFASFIHHnHz-_n2vD4eeNahnk84iNURK68rWITfJwp-6PJcB48uLEQAQXOxLMMcHdimGq3jqSSv_F_z252dtJcTUZiVMtyA17eFcpzg/s1600/1888957_10203762333155606_1530567525205169040_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOKsN3C5aW4JkFaM-42BBadyBUPEtuk3sFASFIHHnHz-_n2vD4eeNahnk84iNURK68rWITfJwp-6PJcB48uLEQAQXOxLMMcHdimGq3jqSSv_F_z252dtJcTUZiVMtyA17eFcpzg/s320/1888957_10203762333155606_1530567525205169040_o.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_5fIfZsswFdSGDKRfI95kuuY5pq8IqAqCndzhERrtXXYotLSZnJE5bEVusKNNAaO9C8sJzYgE6-P1zan6p9R0haytHqVkT3XdF9SdhonAYCBSXodqc32g35624VjtuHLf0cUiA/s1600/10496238_10203762323755371_1238317623217913210_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_5fIfZsswFdSGDKRfI95kuuY5pq8IqAqCndzhERrtXXYotLSZnJE5bEVusKNNAaO9C8sJzYgE6-P1zan6p9R0haytHqVkT3XdF9SdhonAYCBSXodqc32g35624VjtuHLf0cUiA/s320/10496238_10203762323755371_1238317623217913210_o.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Plus one classic Franklin image:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEics-5jJKo7Mn1DRPf6F9vOsX7TvnPVPd-pFfxFnbRKuYxmvroM3yZwKxbAeRXVOoT-luiP_MWowfvnLJ4F4tx0fBowWrV4q8hHRNg3HJFNQwC-wBC0ed6KxSF9x6FSIePm4-BwGw/s1600/10560282_10203762355436163_7394555332988797894_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEics-5jJKo7Mn1DRPf6F9vOsX7TvnPVPd-pFfxFnbRKuYxmvroM3yZwKxbAeRXVOoT-luiP_MWowfvnLJ4F4tx0fBowWrV4q8hHRNg3HJFNQwC-wBC0ed6KxSF9x6FSIePm4-BwGw/s320/10560282_10203762355436163_7394555332988797894_o.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
And then there's the other side of Franklin, pictured here bonding with a distant relation, Matthew, who clearly knows the way to our man's heart:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14845155065" title="Pitching to Matthew by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5594/14845155065_346afd0001.jpg" width="500" height="363" alt="Pitching to Matthew"></a><br />
<br />
After things quieted down a bit we played the aforementioned mini golf:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14658471330" title="Putt! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5590/14658471330_2db32fd6ce.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Putt!"></a><br />
Didn't actually use this club—insisted on having one like the bigger kids of course :)<br />
<br />
Also had a nice day trip to the charming and historic <a href="http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2968.htm" target="_blank">Spring Mill State Park</a>. Didn't get any photos, alas, but we did take home some fresh stone-ground corn meal, so now we all know what the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=goodnight+moon+mush&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=3i7pU52kAqTziQKv4IAg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg&biw=1200&bih=627" target="_blank">"mush"</a> in Good Night Moon tastes like. (Answer: not bad, if served with maple syrup.)<br />
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Great to see Franklin bond with his cousins:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14658522279" title="Amelia, Franklin, Braxton by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3908/14658522279_79238bef08.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Amelia, Franklin, Braxton"></a><br />
<br />
And of course with Papa's tractor.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14842082171" title="Tractor 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5587/14842082171_069e5d0ff2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Tractor 2"></a><br />
He preferred the littler one: guess it seemed like a better fit for him?<br />
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Hope to see everyone again soon! <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14658550688" title="Tractor by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3845/14658550688_15ddd6a582.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Tractor"></a><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14729268.post-17576985155539260102014-07-26T10:16:00.000-07:002014-09-07T11:37:48.354-07:00CA 14 Pt 2: Yosemite!<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14722156492" target="_blank" title="Franklin & Emily at Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3875/14722156492_0aabb05d1b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Franklin & Emily at Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park"></a><br />
Glad we finally got to see <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm" target="_blank">Yosemite National Park</a>! And on it's <a href="http://www.nps.gov/featurecontent/yose/anniversary/index.html" target="_blank">150th birthday</a> no less!<br />
<br />
Had a nice stay at the <a href="http://www.yosemitepark.com/wawona-hotel.aspx" target="_blank">Wawona Hotel</a> (good find, Emily!). <br />
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Bit of a drive over from Oakland, though at least we had a nice break in Modesto with Dave and Diana. By the time we were about an hour from the hotel, though, Franklin started saying things like "That's a hike." And then "There's a spot! We can park there!" So, yeah, he was definitely ready to get out of the car...<br />
<br />
Was he actually ready to hike? Well, yes and no:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14699445446" target="_blank" title="Hike? by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2913/14699445446_63861c63c5.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Hike?"></a><br />
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We all cheered up considerably the next morning, though, when we came out of the tunnel and saw this:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14720061604" target="_blank" title="Family at Yosemite by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/14720061604_06086b5c3a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Family at Yosemite"></a><br />
At the aptly named <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/scenic-vistas-tunnel-view.htm" target="_blank">Tunnel View</a>. (Also pictured up top.) Beautiful.<br />
<br />
Then it was on to Yosemite Valley:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14535797908" target="_blank" title="Lower Yosemite Falls by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5574/14535797908_ba7901e297.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Lower Yosemite Falls"></a><br />
Did the pleasant little <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/lowerfalltrail.htm" target="_blank">Lower Yosemite Fall Trail</a>. Not bad to look at either.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14720063494" target="_blank" title="Lower Yosemite Falls 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2913/14720063494_1a45b886c8.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="Lower Yosemite Falls 2"></a><br />
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It's a big, busy valley, but luckily it has its own <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/valleyshuttle.pdf" target="_blank">bus system</a>, so we hopped on a shuttle and started up the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/vernalnevadatrail.htm" target="_blank">Vernal Fall Trail</a>:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14535789660" target="_blank" title="Hats Off! by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3850/14535789660_1645fd1637.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Hats Off!"></a><br />
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Not much more than a mile, but here's our GPS record if you're curious: <a href="http://runkeeper.com/user/12439866/activity/397595266" target="_blank">http://runkeeper.com/user/12439866/activity/397595266</a>.<br />
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Of course since it was steep and there was a scary drop-off on one side, Franklin wanted to hike this one. We let him do about twenty yards—the twenty yards where there's a wall on the side:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14535791210" target="_blank" title="Hiking to Vernal Fall 3 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14535791210_cd57dc5e3c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Hiking to Vernal Fall 3"></a><br />
And then we promptly stowed him in our fancy new, lightweight, easy-to-fold (yeah I like it, so what?) <a href="http://www.boba.com/store/boba-air/" target="_blank">BobaAir</a> carrier.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14535801438" target="_blank" title="Rock by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3882/14535801438_735217f786.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Rock"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14720072784" target="_blank" title="Vernal Fall 3 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3903/14720072784_c44c5bc9c9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Vernal Fall 3"></a><br />
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For better or worse, that didn't stop him from taking over the photography for a few minutes:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14535813479" target="_blank" title="Franklin Taking Pictures by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3850/14535813479_9d371f66d3.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Franklin Taking Pictures"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14742338933" target="_blank" title="Franklin Photography 3 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3906/14742338933_9f37b6e2ed.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Franklin Photography 3"></a><br />
A budding talent? Such evocative images...<br />
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Next morning, we hopped back on a shuttle bus to go and see the big trees:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14535821719" target="_blank" title="Yosemite Valley Shuttle by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2935/14535821719_809bb12443.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Yosemite Valley Shuttle"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14719286521" target="_blank" title="Hiking Mariposa Grove by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3910/14719286521_b86dc4c3ce.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Hiking Mariposa Grove"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mg.htm" target="_blank">The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias</a>. When Emily and I did our <a href="http://yancy9a.blogspot.com/2011/06/down-coast-ii-damnation-never-looked-so.html">trip</a> to the <a href="http://yancy9a.blogspot.com/2011/06/down-coast-iii-giants-zigzags-and.html">redwoods</a> a few summers ago, we saw the tall Coastal Redwoods. Cool to also see a few of these giants now too.<br />
<br />
<br />
Did a bit more hiking this time: <br />
<a href="http://runkeeper.com/user/12439866/activity/398453847" target="_blank" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOHlEgDbKjDjwgGYjNZ3npwjgpa2CME3bEnx9C6ASHonZZXULkyVWg_Ow7rg80-SyMGzfaRZJWaPIHeAxXKBSh2nEXj8hSAs3_Sd_g6eEfqTwqvnolyeO7PGWUEq151IQ4ksitg/s400/Screenshot+2014-07-23+12.27.09.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14535801950" target="_blank" title="Roots by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3920/14535801950_a38da22be1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Roots"></a><br />
<br />
Water break:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14719288991" target="_blank" title="Water Break by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/14719288991_4193e46028.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Water Break"></a><br />
<br />
And Franklin took a few more photos:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14722173712" target="_blank" title="Mom's Foot by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2915/14722173712_5320b9edbe.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Mom's Foot"></a><br />
<br />
And then I took one:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14535805170" target="_blank" title="Grizzly Selfie by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2911/14535805170_3e05487b72.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Grizzly Selfie"></a><br />
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And then it was his turn again:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14722175332" target="_blank" title="Franklin's Turn Next by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3899/14722175332_3b528f70e1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Franklin's Turn Next"></a><br />
<br />
<iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ID39OikfjXM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Luckily Emily had her phone back in time to see this deer walk by:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14535826838" target="_blank" title="Deer 2 by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3909/14535826838_4b9a18d598.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Deer 2"></a><br />
<br />
Love these big trees:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14536041467" target="_blank" title="Big Tree by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14536041467_7a8b8a0c46.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Big Tree"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14699484376" target="_blank" title="Big Tree, Small Pinecone by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/14699484376_000d6f4287.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Big Tree, Small Pinecone"></a><br />
<br />
What really blows my mind is this bit from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoiadendron_giganteum#Description" target="_blank">Wikipedia description</a>: "The seed cones are 4–7 centimetres (1.6–2.8 in) long... each cone has 30–50 spirally arranged scales, with several seeds on each scale, giving an average of 230 seeds per cone."<br />
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In other words, there are over 200 potential giant sequoias in Franklin's hand in that picture! Wild!<br />
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Oh, you can't see his hand? Try the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14699484376/sizes/o/" target="_blank">full size version</a>, or take a look at this close-up:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14547799787" target="_blank" title="Big Tree, Small Pinecone Closeup by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5595/14547799787_e15c139637.jpg" width="500" height="489" alt="Big Tree, Small Pinecone Closeup"></a><br />
Huzzah!<br />
<br />
Well, that was our last full day. Did one more quick hike on the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bridalveilfalltrail.htm" target="_blank">Bridal Veil Fall Trail</a>, took one more look at Tunnel View, and ended the day with some <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/pizza-plus-ripon" target="_blank">delicious pizza</a> on the way back to Oakland.<br />
<br />
I think nearly all of them made the blog, but here's the link to all our photos just in case you want more: <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsjZWV5iB" target="_blank">https://flic.kr/s/aHsjZWV5iB</a>.<br />
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Cheers to a great vacation!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/yancy9a/14722189852" target="_blank" title="Yosemite National Park by yancy9, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3849/14722189852_70fc22b097.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Yosemite National Park"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280053661380045494noreply@blogger.com2