I finally finished working up Marla’s pictures from July (only three months late!) You’ll find shots from the end of our trip in Seattle, a good number of swimming/water pictures and general child-like craziness in this set.
The final stop on my short European jaunt was to Salzburg, Austria. I was unsure what to expect, with my only real exposure to Austria being from The Sound of Music. After spending a couple of days there it now rates among the places I definitely want to visit again.
One of my favorite buildings in Berlin was the Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral). It was right across the river from our ultra-modern hotel and I like the juxtaposition of the old and the new. Surprisingly the cathedral is only 100 years old, finished right at the turn of the century.
The last time I was in Germany was the summer before The Wall came down. The city was divided with the few border crossings guarded by scary-looking guys in heavy wool trench coats, carrying machine guns and flanked by German Shepherds. This year I visited under more friendly circumstances.
We were taking a relaxing walk in the canyon across the street (O’Neill Regional Park) Saturday night when we spotted a snake slithering through the bushes.
Being the fine father that I am I wanted to responsibly show my children the beauty of nature. I remember thinking about It being important to teach them to appreciate wildlife…
Normally when one sibling dumps a bucket of water on the other’s head there’s going to be trouble. This time around, though, both parents and children were in a good mood and the water on the head only served to further lighten the mood during our visit with the Rogans
Our friends Karen and Charlie Worcester had their bouncing baby girl just a few weeks before we arrived in Seattle. Emma, as always, enjoyed meeting a new baby. The highlight of the visit, though? Not the new baby but rather Charlie’s impressive collection of ancient Matchbox cars.
We took our summer vacation this year in sunny Seattle with Grandma and Grandpa Mandel. The weather was glorious throughout the entire trip so Emma and Henry had a great time in Grandpa’s huge backyard. We went to Kirkland for the 4th of July, first playing at the lake and later watching the parade.
It’s been a few years since we had any water sprinkler antics here at home. It’s a cherished memory from childhood for me and I was glad when Emma tried it for the first time two years ago.
Yes, sir, the passage of an entire month captured forevermore on “film.” What evidence would society have of this great month were it not for the diligent efforts of my wife and children? Society, you owe us – big time!