memorialium

Every memorial day since I can remember
I've visited the cemetary with my dad
in memory of my two grandfathers
who served in the Royal Canadian Air force in WW11
and also became dedicated United States citizens.

This year we added a trip to the Western side of this lovely state as a little nuclear family to see what Seattle and its environs had to offer us.

1. A lot of rain. But lovely all the same.

 little Ethan found a berry.

and proceeded to pose exactly like this

for five successive pictures.

:)

2. A pass through Forks, Washington (but we saw no vampires. nor wolves. nor particularly angsty pre-teen "dark romance" fanatics. thank the heavens.)

3. An authentic shop near Pike Street (Seattle) that eased some Middle Eastern homesickness and major falafel cravings.

I was so excited!

4. Rhodedendrons! Everywhere!! This beauty is the state flower of Washington, and we visited a rhodey park that housed bushels of rare and exotic species (brands? versions? breeds?).

5. A breathtaking skyline,

some quality time with my silly parents and brother,

the greenest, freshest, loveliest city I know,

and a much needed holiday.

Ethan told everyone in the elevator that we were going up

the "Empire Space Needle."

love, clouds, and the best chowder you'll ever consume,

banana