Saturday July 28, 2007
We started the day with a 9:30AM departure to meet Tom and Kendra at I-90 Marine in Issaquah. He was there to pick up his boat, which was having an oil leak fixed. We arrived before the shop opened, so I turned Andrew loose on the exhibit boats out front. He eagerly explored the ins and outs of a beautiful catamaran fishing boat. He especially liked the sunken toilet buried deep in the hull in the living quarters.
Finally the shop opened and Tom went in to pay for the work. An employee pulled his boat around front and we hooked it to the Denali. On the way out of town, we grabbed a bite to eat, then headed south for Chehalis.
Tom, Lanna, and the girls had a reunion to attend and we had plans to check out the Chehalis Fly-In and Chehalis Days at the fairgrounds. Based on what we saw driving in (not much activity at the airport) and what Lanna said (Cat show at the fairgrounds), I was considering a change of plan. Considering our proximity and the fact that the Haksch's had not seen Mt. St. Helens from Johnston's Ridge, I suggested Mt. St. Helens. Everyone seemed to like the idea, so Tom gave us directions that met our two requirements: 1) shortcut to the mountain and 2) with a mom & pop burger joint along the way. He pointed us to Toledo and we were on our way.
After lunch, we followed the route all the way to Johnston's Ridge. We dropped George off at the front and found a place to park. It was an hour before closing, so we were in a bit of a hurry. When we arrived at the front door, George already had our passes, so we walked right in. The movie was starting in five minutes, so we hurried to the end of the line. The doors opened and we entered the dark theater and found some seats. As we waited, Andrew started to get anxious. "Will it be loud?" was his primary concern. As the lights dimmed and the movie started, Andrew's anxiety continued to build. He seemed very concerned for our safety as we watched the mountain explode and the trees get shattered on the screen. Finally, the movie ended and the crowd of tourists gasped at the next sight - which I won't reveal here. You know what I mean if you've been here before.
The next stop was the large mountain model display. Andrew was fascinated by the lights. We walked around the model to see the mud flows and blow-down zones more clearly. Andrew's anxiety level was near normal again, but he still was a little concerned. I showed him our location on the map and told him that the landslide went through Spirit lake and right up and over the ridge, as depicted by the colored lights on the model. This lead to a game of, "Am I safe here?". He would pick a spot and we'd try to determine what, if anything, would get us if we were there during the eruption.
Outside, a ranger was giving a presentation, but Andrew wanted to walk. Andrew's definition of "walking" is Daddy carries him up hills and he runs down hills. When I ask him to walk up hills, I usually get, "I'm too tired" face down on the ground response. I've been trying to prepare him for the day when he becomes too big and heavy for Daddy to carry anymore. Although I love to see him grow, I'm not looking forward to that day.
At 6:00PM, the building closed and we headed back down the road to Coldwater Lake. As is generally the case, the cloud that was blocking the crater vanished once we left the ridge. We hurried back to a good viewpoint, but the cloud magically reappeared by the time we arrived. Such is life in the mountains.
On the way home, the question of dinner was raised. I threw out a couple suggestions, including places in Centralia and Olympia. Hunger and time-to-reach-the-restaurant ruled and Country Cousins was selected.
After a fine dinner we were back on the road. We finally pulled into the driveway at 11:30PM, completing our 14 hour Southwest adventure.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Chehalis Fly-In
Friday July 27, 2007
The Chehalis Fly-In stared Friday night with a barbecue cookout. I borrowed a Cessna 172 and flew from to Renton to Chehalis after work with George and Andrew. The flight down was mostly uneventful, with the exception of Andrew repeatedly giving me the thumbs down indication. I occasionally look back and ask how he's doing and he gives me a thumbs up or down, depending on how he feels. I was not expecting to get a thumbs down. I tried to figure out what was wrong, but flying a plane in busy airspace is pretty close to a full time responsibility. Each time I asked, I got the thumbs down and an upset - but inaudible - complaint. Then I noticed he was pointing at something in the front of the plane. I finally realized that he wanted to look at the map! I gave him the map and he was thumbs up the rest of the trip.
We met Tom's family at the airport and headed for the food. We made a contribution to the Washington Pilot's Association and ate burger patties and potato salad - they were out of hamburger buns.
After a short visit we were on our way back to Renton. I decided to return by a different route; both for variety and to allow George to get a closer view of Mt. Rainier. Once again, I got the thumbs down from Andrew shortly after take off. Turned out that he was upset because he didn't know what to do with the cookie bar wrapper! I took it from him and he was fine. While passing south of McChord Air Force Base, we overflew two huge C-17 cargo planes that were approaching the base. We arrived safely in Renton at sunset.
The Chehalis Fly-In stared Friday night with a barbecue cookout. I borrowed a Cessna 172 and flew from to Renton to Chehalis after work with George and Andrew. The flight down was mostly uneventful, with the exception of Andrew repeatedly giving me the thumbs down indication. I occasionally look back and ask how he's doing and he gives me a thumbs up or down, depending on how he feels. I was not expecting to get a thumbs down. I tried to figure out what was wrong, but flying a plane in busy airspace is pretty close to a full time responsibility. Each time I asked, I got the thumbs down and an upset - but inaudible - complaint. Then I noticed he was pointing at something in the front of the plane. I finally realized that he wanted to look at the map! I gave him the map and he was thumbs up the rest of the trip.
We met Tom's family at the airport and headed for the food. We made a contribution to the Washington Pilot's Association and ate burger patties and potato salad - they were out of hamburger buns.
After a short visit we were on our way back to Renton. I decided to return by a different route; both for variety and to allow George to get a closer view of Mt. Rainier. Once again, I got the thumbs down from Andrew shortly after take off. Turned out that he was upset because he didn't know what to do with the cookie bar wrapper! I took it from him and he was fine. While passing south of McChord Air Force Base, we overflew two huge C-17 cargo planes that were approaching the base. We arrived safely in Renton at sunset.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Andrew's New Toy
Monday July 23, 2007
As part of Andrew's potty practice incentive program, he can earn a point each time he sits on the potty. After 20 points, he can choose a new toy. Usually his choices include items for his wooden train set - switches, turns, engines, cars, etc. Tonight was different, though. This time he got a gift from his Nagymama - a Little Tikes garbage truck!
I know, a garbage truck - what's the big deal? Andrew has been somewhat fascinated by the garbage and recycle trucks that visit our neighborhood every week. Then, a few weeks ago we hauled some old stuff to the local transfer station, which we called the 'dump'. I let Andrew shove old stuff through the opening in the wall and into the pit as a large front loader scooped and piled it in a massive pile at the end of the building. Andrew talked about this for days!
After seeing the truck, all thoughts of bedtime evaporated. I showed him how to load and unload it and he proceeded to start collecting garbage (various small toys in the living room) and dumping it at the dump (pile next to the couch). This process repeated, with each collection being further away (in the hall, then off his shelf in his bedroom).
Finally we had to tell him it was bedtime. He parked his truck in our bathroom, read stories, and went to bed. The next morning, he came into our room and climbed on the bed. He asked me if it was time to get up and if I wanted to play with him and his new garbage truck. :)
As part of Andrew's potty practice incentive program, he can earn a point each time he sits on the potty. After 20 points, he can choose a new toy. Usually his choices include items for his wooden train set - switches, turns, engines, cars, etc. Tonight was different, though. This time he got a gift from his Nagymama - a Little Tikes garbage truck!
I know, a garbage truck - what's the big deal? Andrew has been somewhat fascinated by the garbage and recycle trucks that visit our neighborhood every week. Then, a few weeks ago we hauled some old stuff to the local transfer station, which we called the 'dump'. I let Andrew shove old stuff through the opening in the wall and into the pit as a large front loader scooped and piled it in a massive pile at the end of the building. Andrew talked about this for days!
After seeing the truck, all thoughts of bedtime evaporated. I showed him how to load and unload it and he proceeded to start collecting garbage (various small toys in the living room) and dumping it at the dump (pile next to the couch). This process repeated, with each collection being further away (in the hall, then off his shelf in his bedroom).
Finally we had to tell him it was bedtime. He parked his truck in our bathroom, read stories, and went to bed. The next morning, he came into our room and climbed on the bed. He asked me if it was time to get up and if I wanted to play with him and his new garbage truck. :)
Susan's Parents Arrive
Saturday July 21, 2007
Alaska Flight 3 arrived in Seattle about an hour late from Washington, D.C. On board were Susan's parents - George and Noemi. They will be staying with us for nearly a month!
Alaska Flight 3 arrived in Seattle about an hour late from Washington, D.C. On board were Susan's parents - George and Noemi. They will be staying with us for nearly a month!
Day Out With Thomas - 2007
Saturday July 21, 2007
Once again, Thomas the Tank Engine has returned to the Northwest. With much excitement and anticipation, we drove to Snoqualmie bright and early for our scheduled 9:45AM ride behind Thomas. We arrived at 8:45 and people were already waiting to board the 9:00 ride. Andrew and I explored the museum while Susan claimed the number two spot in line for the 9:45 ride. Inside the museum, we found a Lego train set model of Sodor Island, an HO scale layout with Thomas and Friends running about, an operating air horn system, and a bookstore full of train-related books, toys, and shirts. Outside the museum, we walked past a half dozen food vendors preparing for the lunch crowd and into a tent full of Thomas paraphernalia.
Before long Thomas returned from his first trip of the day. Andrew and I rejoined Susan in line and watched the passengers unload. Soon it was time to start boarding the train. After last years' poor seating choice, we knew exactly where we wanted to sit - thus explaining why Susan was standing in line so early. We went straight to car three and claimed three wicker seats next to a large opening in the side of a passenger/mail car - Perfect!
At 9:45 we were on our way to Snoqualmie Falls. I moved back from the gate that protects the opening and let two kids stand in front of me as we puffed along down the track. We puffed past the collection of old steam engines and boxcars and over the road crossing, then past the old station and hydro-electric building, and finally to the top of the Falls. Andrew and I walked to the end of the train and looked at the back of Thomas, then back through the train to see the river valley some 200 feet below.
All too soon, Thomas surged forward and we headed back to Snoqualmie. With the highlight complete, we searched for other things to entertain ourselves. Andrew climbed into the cabin of the museum steam engine and "drove" the train for awhile, then we moved along and rode the Speeder down the track. Finally, Andrew played in the Bouncer. By this time, I was feeling pretty hungry, so we crossed the street to the Snoqualmie Falls Candy Factory and had "Grinders", chips, and Tator Tots. We all shared an Orange Creamcicle Italian Soda, for dessert. Another nice day out with Thomas, but this time it was much more enjoyable.
Once again, Thomas the Tank Engine has returned to the Northwest. With much excitement and anticipation, we drove to Snoqualmie bright and early for our scheduled 9:45AM ride behind Thomas. We arrived at 8:45 and people were already waiting to board the 9:00 ride. Andrew and I explored the museum while Susan claimed the number two spot in line for the 9:45 ride. Inside the museum, we found a Lego train set model of Sodor Island, an HO scale layout with Thomas and Friends running about, an operating air horn system, and a bookstore full of train-related books, toys, and shirts. Outside the museum, we walked past a half dozen food vendors preparing for the lunch crowd and into a tent full of Thomas paraphernalia.
Before long Thomas returned from his first trip of the day. Andrew and I rejoined Susan in line and watched the passengers unload. Soon it was time to start boarding the train. After last years' poor seating choice, we knew exactly where we wanted to sit - thus explaining why Susan was standing in line so early. We went straight to car three and claimed three wicker seats next to a large opening in the side of a passenger/mail car - Perfect!
At 9:45 we were on our way to Snoqualmie Falls. I moved back from the gate that protects the opening and let two kids stand in front of me as we puffed along down the track. We puffed past the collection of old steam engines and boxcars and over the road crossing, then past the old station and hydro-electric building, and finally to the top of the Falls. Andrew and I walked to the end of the train and looked at the back of Thomas, then back through the train to see the river valley some 200 feet below.
All too soon, Thomas surged forward and we headed back to Snoqualmie. With the highlight complete, we searched for other things to entertain ourselves. Andrew climbed into the cabin of the museum steam engine and "drove" the train for awhile, then we moved along and rode the Speeder down the track. Finally, Andrew played in the Bouncer. By this time, I was feeling pretty hungry, so we crossed the street to the Snoqualmie Falls Candy Factory and had "Grinders", chips, and Tator Tots. We all shared an Orange Creamcicle Italian Soda, for dessert. Another nice day out with Thomas, but this time it was much more enjoyable.
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