I haven’t been able to update the website as much as I should lately, but there’s been a great reason for this. I’ve been busy with some “real life” stuff. My youngest child, Xavier, was baptized on Saturday. While this didn’t take a lot of time out of my life (though the dinner afterwards added some grey hair to my head), it was the arrival of our old and great friend Marianne that took up time.
Marianne lives in Boston, and we just don’t get to see her as much as we would like. Not only did she come out to Seattle for the baptism, she also acted as Godmother, which she did for our other children a few years ago. My wife and I were determined to not simply sit on the couch this time while Marianne was in town, so a few activities were planned. First up was her arrival last Tuesday evening.
Since she arrived late enough, we couldn’t do much of anything. Wednesday I started the day with some oral surgery. That went well enough, but that threw me for most of the day. We did go out for Mexican food for dinner, which wound up helping my recovery, both having some food in my stomach as well as a couple of tasty margaritas. While I was home trying to get work done and deal with the pain in my head, Marianne, my wife and two of my kids went to Archie McPhee’s, a local store that has all sorts of great oddities and novelties. A few items and trinkets were purchased, mostly for my oldest son who is at college.
That evening I had a meeting at my church, so we couldn’t go out and du much, so we spent the evening talking and having a few laughs after I returned. Thursday, however, was different.
During the week my 7 year old August was having Aikido Camp during the mornings. A little planning and coordination later, and a nearly full day’s worth of activities were planned. After he got home and lunch was had by all, a trip downtown to the historic Pioneer Square district was in order. Last year I went on the Underground Tour with Mike and Michelle for the first time, and this seemed like a great activity to do with Marianne. Marianne, August and myself went on the tour and it was highly enjoyable, much more informative than previously (last year the guide we had couldn’t finish a story) and while the tour wasn’t nearly as fun, I felt like I actually learned a bit about Seattle’s history.
After the tour we went to Uwajimaya, which is another Seattle local shop that is an institution. Now there are 4 locations, but the flagship store is still a destination. I wound up picking up the Japanese import of the Ponyo soundtrack. After a snack and some shopping, it was time to head over to watch the Seattle Mariners take on the Boston Red Sox.
Friday was another busy day, where after lunch we went down to the Seattle Aquarium.
Saturday was the day of the baptism, which included a rehearsal in the morning, in-laws arriving in the afternoon, mass and the baptism in the afternoon/early evening, then a dinner with all involved. 16 people at our local Indian restaurant. Thankfully we’re semi-regulars there, and the owner likes us. My 3 year old Ciárán in particular was a major handful running around and being loud. It was difficult to maintain a lid on the other kids, help entertain the other members of the dinner party and keep Ciárán in his seat. It all worked out, but it was difficult.
The in-laws returned for Sunday brunch, where they took us (my family and Marianne) to Anthony’s Home Port. It is a nice place on the water, and the kids enjoy it. They have a decent spread, bringing coffee cake and fresh fruit to the table in addition to the regular food order. This is particularly nice with small kids who sometimes need TO EAT RIGHT NOW OR THEY WILL EXPLODE.
Later on Sunday, I stayed home and attempted to recover from the cold that was developing. I felt like crap, and Ciárán was down for nap. Laura took Marianne along with August and Déla to one of our local parks that is attached to a beach along the Puget Sound. It’s a great park (Carkeek Park for those interested) with a rather cool playground. When they all returned, Marianne made a great pizza for dinner with figs, caramelized onions and gorgonzola cheese. Tasty.
Monday we went to Mount Rainier, which was quite fun, though played havoc with my sinuses. The altitude messed with sinus pressure, which in turn put pressure on my jaw where I had oral surgery the week previous. After having lived in Washington State for 30 years, it’s hard to believe that I haven’t been to this iconic location before.
Sadly, that was Marianne’s last day on her trip out. She returned home to Boston the next morning and life went back to “normal” – well, as much as that means, and then only for one day. Even this one day was crazy as we began packing for the next trip, to the Olympic Peninsula.