Photo friday

Photo Friday: Seattle Library Escalator

Yellow escalator at the downtown branch of the Seattle Public Library

People look at me like I'm a little nutty when I recommend the Rem Koolhaas designed Seattle Public Library as one of the best places to check out when you're visiting Seattle with a toddler. Afterall modern architecture is hardly a mainstay toddler interest. But really, what two ...

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Photo Friday: 70's Carseat

Strolee of California Car Seat Instructions

I've been helping my mom clean out her house, and I found this old instruction sheet from the carseat I sat in when I was a child. The seat's goal was more about lifting the child up to see out the window than about safety, though I'm ...

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Photo Friday: Map Wall Mural

Tracing the map outline

Everest has been obsessed with maps lately. He literally can't walk by one without stopping to take a look. We just had his walls painted light blue, and they're looking a bit bare, so it seemed only fitting to help him create a map mural as decoration. Here ...

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Photo Friday: Colorful Treats at Seattle Deli

Sweets and more at Seattle Deli

We're lucky to live near Seattle's International District. My kids have grown up wandering the colorful Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and South East Asian produce shops with me, and while that might not make them any less finicky when it comes to eating, they think it's as fun ...

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Photo Friday: Holiday Nostalgia

Headed to the airport...

I'm feeling nostalgic for the holidays already. I'll be fully back on-board next week to tell you all about where we went!

Thanks to Hillel of Jackson Fish Market for taking this great shot and getting us to the lightrail! You should totally check out his cute app ...

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Photo Friday: Old Lahina Luau

Old Lahina Lu'au in Maui

I'm writing about Maui for Photo Friday this week in hopes of enticing you to enter to win my giveaway for a Four night stay in a one-bedroom oceanview suite at the Honua Kai Resort in Maui by making at $10 or more donation to Passports with Purpose. There ...

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This is Why We Travel

Eilan and his cousin play together on the piano that I learned music on

Eilan and his cousin have met before, but they're just now old enough to appreciate one another. Here they are, playing a noisy duet on my own childhood piano.

Hope you're having a wonderful Thanksgiving

Related Links
Tips for Thanksgiving Travel with Kids

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Photo Friday: Pacific Northwest Trash Can

Solar Trash Compactor in Portland

Here in the Pacific Northwest we like to one-up eachother in our efforts to make the city greener. Portland's definitely got the leading edge when it comes to trash cans!

Related Links
60 Things to do in Portland with Kids

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Photo Friday: Three in a row

Believe it or not, traveling solo with three kids can be manageable (if chaotic)

All in a row
Three kids on the go
And who do you think they be?
The kicker, the snacker, the noisy toy packer
Turn 'em out, knaves all three

This shot from my solo trip to SF with the three kids earlier this fall comes close to capturing the ...

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Photo Friday: Lurking

Crab hiding in a rock formation at Aulani's Menehune Bridge

For Eilan, one of the fun things at Aulani Resort in Hawaii was discovering hidden formations in non-obvious locations. I just loved this secret hermit crab peeking out from under one of the manmade lava rocks at Menehune Bridge

Related Links
The Littlest Mouse (Part 1: At Home)
Honolulu and ...

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Photo Friday: Cinnamon Sangria

Sangria at Frenchy's Cafe in Clearwater Florida

I'm kind of a sucker for Sangria on a menu. Perhaps it brings back memories of our trip to Spain with the Kids a few years ago, or maybe it's just because it's so delicious on a warm day. It feels like I've ordered Sangria in ...

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Photo Friday: Waking Up

Oh, mom, not the camera again...

I'm not usually in the room when Darya wakes up in the morning, so there's something precious about experiencing those first few moments with her when we travel. On this day, already long awake, I grabbed my camera to record that groggy look. It probably ruined the moment ...

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Photo Friday: Yo Ho Ho

Darya isn't super threatening, but she sure is cute

With a few exceptions, we normally avoid "just for kids" cruises and other activities that don't seem like they'd be as much fun for us as they are for the kids, but somehow on our trip to Florida, Darya and I found ourself on Captain Memo's Pirate ...

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Photo Friday: Oblivious

Eilan plays in the sand, oblivious to the crowds massed around him

It's amazing how kids can sometimes be tuned into the smallest detail, and other times be oblivious to everything around them. When I attended the Grand Opening Celebration for Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii a few weeks ago, Eilan was perfectly happy to play in the sand as ...

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Photo Friday: Wet Keys

Avoid getting keys/remote wet

While we were in Hawaii, Eilan and I rented a car and took a daytrip to Oahu's North Shore. Our rental car keys were tagged with a warning I'd never seen before. Clearly it's needed because the keys end up in someone's pocket in the ocean ...

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Photo Friday: Imagine Meeting You Here

Micky and Minne at Aulani's 'AMA'AMA restaurant

There's something endearing about Micky and Minnie in Hawaiian garb, isn't there?

Related Links
Honolulu and Greater Oahu with Kids (City Guide)

What is Photo Friday?

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Photo Friday: Aloha Sunshine

Eilan, Everest and Darya practice their hula moves on a lawn overlooking Waikiki Beach

In a few days, Eilan and I will fly to Oahu to be part of the grand opening celebration for Disney's Aulani resort. The last time he was in Hawaii, Eilan wasn't old enough to fully join in the fun, so I'm really looking forward to sharing ...

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Photo Friday: Sunset

Sunset view from our room at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida

Some photographers feel that you must have a novel angle for every photo. How else are you going to distinguish yourself from the masses? I'm not so sure though. When I go through my travel photos, a great view or a particularly pretty sunset always makes me pause, take ...

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Photo Friday: Handpainted Coconuts

Handpainted coconuts for sale at the Honua Kai Maui hotel

Come on, tell me these handpainted coconuts don't make you smile!

Related Links
Maui with Kids (City Guide)
Oahu with Kids (City Guide)

What is Photo Friday?

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  • The focus of ...

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Photo Friday: Don't be Afraid to Get Your Toes Wet

Darya tentatively tries out the zero-depth entry pool at the Sandpearl Resort

There's something funny about the way a four year old understands "getting wet." Everest's Pre-K teacher used to tell me that the kids would splash in huge deep puddles if they had their rainboots on - as if the rainboots would protect them all the way up to their ...

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Photo Friday: Baby's first In-N-Out

Everest reaches for an In-N-Out Burger

Whenever we head to California, we make a stop at In-N-Out. For the kids, that u-turn logo has become an iconic part of our visit. They also love the sticker puzzles that are free for young kids so much that when my parents visit, they beg for stickers from "turnabout ...

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Photo Friday: Shipping

View of the shipping corridor from Alki Beach in Seattle

Working waterfront doesn't sound as idyllic as an isolated beach, but with kids in tow, an active shipping corridor is a view that everyone can sit still and enjoy. Here's a shot I just love from Alki Beach in Seattle

Related Links
Things to do in Seattle With ...

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Photo Friday: Maps

Trying to make sense of the London Tube Map

I must have 50 pictures of Everest studying various maps on our travels. It must be so disorienting as a kid to fly to a new place and have no idea where anything is or how things work, and yet our kids are so determined to make sense of it ...

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Photo Friday: Exotic Fruit

Here's your chance to try rambutan and other exotic fruits. Ask a shopkeeper for instructions on how to open and serve each fruit.

Am I the only person who obsesses about exotic fruits that would be hard to find where I live in Seattle? It's hard not to love a display like this one with Rambutan and Mangosteen at very reasonable prices.

Related Links
Honolulu's Chinatown
Oahu with Kids

What is ...

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Photo Friday: Koi and Kids

Darya checks out the koi at the International Market Place in Honolulu

You'd never know that this shot was taken inside the tchotchke filled International Marketplace in Waikiki. If you work your way past the racks of shell lei, pineapple barrettes and refrigerator magnets you'll find a shady center courtyard, a koi pond, and the trunk of the huge banyan ...

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Photo Friday: Istanbul Stairway

Stairs to our Istanbul Apartment

My heart skipped a beat every time the kids walked up the open, curving stairway to our vacation rental in Istanbul, but somehow we all made it home in one piece.

Related Links
Bereket Apartments Vacation Rental
Istanbul with Kids

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Photo Friday: A Blogger's Daughter

Darya (age 18 months) on the computer

Mammas, don't let your babies grow up to be bloggers...

Related Links
A Blogger's Son
A Blogger's Son: Part II

What is Photo Friday?

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  • The focus of the ...

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Photo Of The Day: Alfresco Dining in Paris

Everest and Daddy enjoy lunch at the Georges Restaurant on top of Pompidou Centre

One of my favorite tricks for eating in a nicer restaurant with kids in tow is to find someplace with outdoor dining. The kids still need to behave appropriately, but the ambient noise does a better job of covering their voices. Here we are in Georges, on top of Pompidou ...

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Photo Friday: Nothing to do

Got some sidewalk chalk (and some hand wipes) in your purse or daypack? You've got enough entertainment for the longest line at any attraction.


Related Links
My Favorite Travel Toys
My Favorite Toys for Outdoor Play

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Photo Friday: What's inside?

Vancouver's Iconic "Telus World of Science" building

If you've ever been to Vancouver, you've probably wondered what's inside this iconic dome.

If you've gone to Vancouver with kids, though, you probably know - it's Science World, Vancouver's science museum. Like most science museums, it's loaded with hands on exhibits, but what ...

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Photo Friday: San Francisco on Horseback

Darya hangs on tight on the Carousel at Yerba Buena in San Francisco

My kids have yet to meet a carousel they didn't love, and since they're usually inexpensive and fun they've been on carousels around the world. I just love the sense of motion in this shot from the Carousel in Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco.

Related Links ...

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Photo Friday: Dim Sum

Dim Sum in Vancouver, BC

Is there anything prettier than fresh Dim Sum?

P.S. We're building the first crowd-sourced guide to Vancouver for the iPhone (just in time for the TBEX Travel Bloggers Conference). There are special incentives for bloggers to participate, and we hope you'll join us! get more info here ...

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Photo Friday: Night Light

Lantern at Vij's Restaurant in Vancouver, Canada

I'm a sucker for architectural design, and I just loved this lantern at Vij's in Vancouver. PS besides great lighting, the restaurant is easily my favorite Indian restaurant anywhere.

Related Links
Vancouver, Canada With Kids
Vij's Rangoli Review

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Photo Friday: Art Car

Art Car at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center in Whistler, Canada

I loved this art car at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. It's covered in mats woven out of Cedar using traditional native techniques.

Related Links
Whistler, Canada With Kids

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Photo Friday: Hot and Cold

Pool at the Four Seasons Resort in Whistler BC

Is there anything more luxurious than a hot tub in the snow?

Related Links
Whistler, Canada With Kids

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Photo Friday: Intense Concentration

Darya digs into the Fondue at the Fairmont Chateau Resort in Whistler, BC

I love the focused look on Darya's face as she digs into her very first fondue

Related Links
Whistler, Canada With Kids

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Photo Friday: A Blogger's Son

Everest "admires" the typewriters at SFMOMA

Everest had never encountered a real life typewriter until we saw them in the Museum of Modern Art at San Francisco (SFMOMA). The expression on his face seems fitting for a blogger's son, right?

Related Links
San Francisco With Kids

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Photo Friday: The Main Attraction

Eilan explores the entrance to an exhibit at SFMOMA

These beaded curtains hung at the entrance to an exhibit at San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). The kids couldn't wait to go in - after all, an entrance like that could only conceal magic. Everest was willing to explore the collection with me, but Eilan quickly figured ...

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Photo Of The Day: If It's Monday, It Must Be Paris

Jaded and bored at 6 months

According to my notes, we took this picture of 6-month old Everest at Notre Dame in Paris. Poor baby looks jaded and bored already - where could we possibly take him for an encore?

Related Links
Paris With Kids

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Photo Friday: Mom This One is For You

Darya asks for a posed shot at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, WA

This is the sort of vacation picture my mom would have absolutely made us line up for as kids. It's right at the front entrance, it has the name of the attraction, it's well lit, and there's even a convenient place for the kids to perch. By ...

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Photo Friday: Sunshine and warmth

Everest returns from the beach at the Honua Kai Resort on Maui

I know that sunshine and warmth like this are only a plane ride away, but today, one of Seattle's rare snow days, this feels a world away.

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Wintertime Magic

"Holiday" Candy Apples in Marceline’s Confectionary in Downtown Disney

Is there anyone out there who wouldn't want one of these pretty candy apples? They're a whole fantasy unto themselves

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Princess Diana Memorial Playground, London England

Captain Hook's Pirate Ship

Last week I posted a picture of a Pirate Ship in the Princess Diana Memorial Playground in London, England. Here it is again

Believe it or not, we spent almost an entire day at this playground! Our transit home from Istanbul had been unexpectedly suspended due to an ash cloud ...

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Photo Friday: Beached Ship

Captain Hook's Pirate Ship

One of the side effects of traveling with young kids is that you get to know playgrounds all over the world. Here's one of my favorites - can anyone guess where we spent a warm sunny day climbing on a pirate ship? I'll post the answer and more pictures ...

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Photo Friday: A Winter Dream

View from Sea Life Park on Oahu

Last week as we drove to school, Everest piped up in the back seat "Rain, Rain, Rain, mommy I'm tired of rain when will it be summertime?" Not for for a while, I said, but we do have spring break coming up, where would you like to go? That ...

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Photo Friday: Paris Playground

Everest hangs out in a Paris Playground

I just love this picture of Everest's first trip to a playground. We're in Paris, and at 6 months old, he's way too young to do much, but he loves watching the bigger kids play, and it's fun for us to chat with local parents.

Related ...

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Photo Friday: Vancouver Dim Sum

Dimsum in Vancouver

The completion for "best dim sum in Vancouver" is fierce, and everyone has an opinion about where to go. Your kids won't care, though, and whether they're picky (like mine) or up for anything, the trays and carts full of fresh dim sum are fun to choose from ...

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Photo Friday: Dennis The Menace Train Now and Then

Everest at Dennis the Menace Park in Monterey

Last December we took a family trip to Monterey. I was born in the area, so the trip was a fun opportunity to take my kids to do the things I enjoyed when I was there age. Highest on my list of priorities was a visit to climb on the ...

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Photo Friday: Love at First Sight

Eilan meets Duffy (Mickey's Stuffy)

When we're out and about, Eilan and I sometimes go on a "bear hunt" looking for bears in everyday places. We're never successful, so imagine both of our surprise when we showed up at Disneyland and met Duffy, Disneyland's newest character! (Duffy is Mickey's Stuffy)

Related ...

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Photo Friday: Evil Eye Charms (nazar boncu?u)

Candies adorned with amulets to ward off the evil eye in Turkey

Charms to ward off the Evil Eye seem to be available in every shop in Istanbul. You see them hanging in windows, dangling near the cash register and adorning jewlery. Still, one of my favorite uses is these small candy boxes, meant to be handed out to announce the arrival ...

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