Honeymoon 9.0

I've told myself that I will never skip writing about my anniversary. Yet here I am three years later and I have not written about our 9th honeymoon adventures... Soo... ANYWAY...

Nine years ago Traci and I signed a sheet of paper agreeing to live together for eternity. Since we don't enjoy staying around town for our anniversary, we made plans to visit Seattle and enjoy some camping at Fort Worden State Park. We took off on the 13th at 3 am and enjoyed a dark and quiet drive before arriving at Snoqualmie Pass where we enjoyed a cold breezy serene sunrise. It was nice to walk around Keechelus Lake and see all the scattered tree stumps. After skipping a few rocks and freezing ourselves, we continued on our journey towards the big city. Fortunately, we avoided the rush hour in Seattle, yet the frenzy of normal traffic was a challenge for our 69 year old car. From accelerating to braking, the whole fast life seemed all too much for the Plymouth to handle so we decided a trip to the aquarium would ease our nerves down. Now, the Seattle Aquarium is always a nice treat yet the outrageous $70 entree fee for a family of 4 is quite a hefty price. But how can you say "Sike!" to your excited energetic kids? How!? Regardless, both kids enjoyed the sea creatures; Ben was excited to play with two fake octopus arms and Joey was eager to run around. It was worth the price!

On Thursday, we met our good friend "Miss Heidi" at the Space Needle and were treated to a 360 view of city skyline. Her and Ben had a great time chasing each other. (Sidenote: Actually, Ben still remembers that day when he sees the Space Needle and says that he had a lot of fun.) Meanwhile Traci and I enjoyed quality time with just Joey between enjoying the view. We also had the opportunity to eat at Mod pizza at the Seattle Center. It's pretty neat seeing the pizza prepared as you order it. All in all, we had a great experience with Heidi and were left wondering, "Why don't we spend more time with her?"

That evening we met with distant Starkebaum relatives. Gordon and Mary Starkebaum live on the shores of Lake Washington and not only did they treat us to a delicious supper but also a short boat ride. Gordon has taken great interest in the Starkebaum ancestry and has even been able to locate the home in Germany where the Starkebaum's lived back in the 1800's; surprisingly, the home is still standing. He has created an amazing family tree and we were excited to fill in a few missing details. They were excited to see that we had driven a 48 Plymouth and we were excited to show them around. We will definitely make another effort to visit them in the future.

Finally, on Friday we made our way to Fort Warden to begin our camping adventures. There we met with the Deininger's for some quality time with cousins. Ben had been super excited to play with Reed at the beach and did not hesitate to clown around at any opportunity. Apparently Reed had been in this phase of striking poses when someone pointed a camera at him. I had been hoping to take a nice picture of them walking along the beach but as Reed saw the camera he began striking several poses which only added more fuel to Ben's energy. After a few seconds, they ran into each other causing Ben to fall in the water. Initially Ben got upset which made Reed realize that he had clowned a bit too much. Yet, within minutes they were happy and that is why Ben is cold and wet in the picture. Actually, that story reminds me of the following day when they were playing in the tent while the parents wrapped up eating supper. At first they played quietly yet eventually moved on to exploring the mysterious jungles of the amazon river or maybe the death defying cliffs of Mt. Everest. I'm not sure of the imaginary adventure they were traversing but our meal was interrupted when we heard a loud cry from Ben. All four parents rushed to their child and tried making sense of the situation. The end. What a cliffhanger don't you think?

Before I proceed I need to clarify that Ben considers Reed as his best friend. He prays for him, he talks about him and truly values his friendship. Currently, Ben is looking forward to Christmas (like all kids) mostly because he will get to see his cousin Reed. I'm not making this up. In fact, I'm excited that he has a cousin that lives semi close that can match his energy level. On a few instances I have caught Ben sitting quietly thinking and his first remark will be, "When can I go visit my cousin Reed. I like playing with him and all his toys." Like all humans we have our good and bad times, but as Reed apologized the honesty between the two kids was very sincere and mature.

Reed: Do you not like me?
Ben: Well, I love you Reed. I just don't like to be squeezed.
Reed: I'm sorry Ben.
Ben: It's ok.

It goes to show that I want to be more like my kids.

On Sunday we began our journey home. Although our Plymouth has several disadvantages to modern cars, there are plenty of perks that come along with driving an old car. One perk is that people are extremely nice and will strike a conversation when they see the car. Think about it? When was the last time you saw a young family traveling in a 69 year old car? There must be something wrong with us driving a car without power windows... ugh. How Barbaric. Anyhow as we waited for our ferry in Kingston, a random lady gave us a box of doughnuts just because we were driving an old car. It's hard to say no when your stomach says "Yes!" Coincidentally we rode on the Walla Walla ferry without planning it and were allowed to get the very front spot. We saw multiple people take pictures of the Plymouth and heard people talk about the car from the viewing deck. It's quite a special feeling to see others admire your own car while remaining anonymous. It's a real treat. Truth be told, the whole trip was a huge treat. Including the small moments like seeing Joey pretend to drive the Plymouth and hear his impersonation of a flat head engine. I'm extremely fortunate to have Traci by my side. Each anniversary, she spends more time with the kids than with me and honestly... I'm ok with that. She loves them and cares for them and as a Dad, what more can I ask for? I'm a truly blessed to have her in my life. I can count on her for good ol' chuckle and she is always up for an adventure. So Traci, in case you still read this blog... because I most certainly don't. Thank you for letting me be part of your life, part of your life story.

A Pile of Metal

By now you are probably well aware that American Automobiles practically run in our veins. Up until now, we have been fortunate to act as we don't have any responsibilities. Yet as time keeps advancing, we find ourselves needing to invest and prepare ourselves in our kids future. In no way am I placing blame on my kids for needing to depart with my hobbies because at the end of the day, a car is simply a pile of metal that is neatly arranged. However, it's interesting how a pile of metal can just about become an extension of our family. Seven years ago we purchase our 1979 Cherokee Chief as newly weds and it has been a blast owning that car. We have visited Seattle, Portland, Bend, Astoria, Wallowa Lake and even camped in the car on couple occasions. Let's be honest, miles-per-gallon was not a priority when we purchased it. The Chief is a great example that driving should not be about making good time but having a good time.

A couple of years ago we factory ordered a 2014 Jeep Patriot Sport. It too has been a great car that has gone above and beyond our expectations. We have visited my hometown of Venice, Yosemite National Park and it has displayed amazing traction control when driven on the sandy coast of Long Beach, WA. Not only has it provide us with ample ground clearance on multiple gravel roads, but also the peace of my mind that it would get us to our destination and back home. Yet we bought these cars knowing that one day we will have to depart and head our own separates way. So I wipe that single tear and sit here pondering what other pile of metals will cross our path in our journey of life. Who knows? Perhaps a minivan?... Aaahh, nope.

First Drive

Once again, I really need to update my blog.

Father's Day Car Show (Dayton, WA)

I grew up with a delicate relationship with my dad. When he was home, I was in a constant state of awareness and avoided him due to the fear of being punished. I can recall having little desire to head home at the end of the school day because of the likelihood of being lectured or disciplined. Not to say that I was the perfect kid. Looking back, there were many occasions when I did deserved to be punished for my actions yet while growing up I never saw things from my dad's perspective. At the same time I can recall getting in trouble for insignificant things that don't really matter. My shirt always had to be tucked in, I had to wear a necktie all sabbath long (Sunrise to Sunset) and I couldn't make friends at school because of the likelihood that they would be of bad influence. I feared my dad. Rarely did I see him as a friend and on a few occasions wondered if he even liked me. Back in the summer of 97, my mom packed up her bags and moved us to Seattle so my brother, sister and I could have a better education. My dad stayed in California for a few more months yet I can recall a tremendous feeling of relaxation and calmness knowing that he was far away.

There's a song by Mike & The Mechanics titled, "The Living Years." Each time I hear it on the radio it really hits home and makes me wonder what caused the relationship with my dad to wither away. It's easy to sit here and blame him for his mistakes and who I am today. Yet at the same time that would just continue the same resentments that he too had towards his dad. Abandoned by both his parents by the age of 14 and forced to become responsible for his 4 younger siblings. It's without a doubt there was a certain level displeasure towards his parents and childhood each time he reminisced on the past. It was that animosity and bitterness towards his parents that he carried towards my siblings and I when he got after us. Often the punishments were simply the results of him having a long day at work.

When I left home and attended college, I began to realize how much I needed my dad's help and support. Each time we talked on the phone he blamed me for things that were out of my control, never the less, I put up with him because I needed him and truly missed him. The closer I got to him, the more he reopened the wounds yet I kept believing that he would want me back. Finally it was before Ben was born that I made my last effort to communicate with him. I wanted to personally tell him that he was to become a grandparent and perhaps there would be a glimpse of excitement on the other end of the line. He wasn't. In fact it was the last time he mentioned how I didn't exist to him just to get a reaction from me. He didn't get my reaction.

I don't hold any grudge or hatred towards my dad. What good would that do me? In fact, I realize how important a dad's role is because of the little presence he had in my early years. Ben has brought an indescribable happiness to my life and it's unfortunate that my dad is missing out. I wonder if Ben will take for granted how much I want to be part of his life and support him as he grows up. I know I'm guilty of taking things for granted until they are gone... Take electricity for an example. On the other hand, I recognize that a terrific wife, a great kid, a place to call home and a running car are all things that many people don't ever get to enjoy. What I have is special. So what is Father's Day all about? Well personally it's about spending time with my family, the people I care about the most. Because after all, what kind of dad will I be remembered by Ben? A dad who didn't want to be bother or will he see how all I wanted to do is visit national parks and car shows with Traci and him by my side.