Summer Solstice

This year, the summer solstice fell on the same day as father's day. Other than the many kind wishes from my children, my wife, and others, the only thing I wanted was a picture with my girls. We went to an overlook of downtown Spokane and picked bachelor buttons. 

Blast from the Past

This old picture reminded me of the sweet-faced boy who is my son. Dakota has been a blessing in my life since before he was born, and he has always guided my spirit toward true north. Missing you today. 

Choosing a Tree

We went to the Christmas tree lot near our house, and Whitney announced with all the sweetness of a fifteen year old daughter, "Daddy, it's your turn to pick the tree this year." 

"Okay," I said, "That sounds good to me," so then I inspected all the different trees and carefully weighed my options. I decided to bypass the grand fir. They have that rich, Christmas tree smell, but they tend to dry out faster. The nordman fir tends to stay green longer, but the girls don't like the needles because they look "weird." 

While I was still searching for the perfect tree, Whitney revised her announcement and said, "Uh dad, I like this one." 

"But I thought you said it was my turn to pick the tree," I said. 

"But I like this one," she said. Apparently that settled the issue. Who's tree do you think we bought? I think everyone knows the answer: Whitney's tree is now standing in our living room, the lights shining softly in all different colors. I love that tree and I love this memory of my daughters. 

Painting

My daughter and I attended a painting class with Van Gogh and Merlot. We have attended these sessions before, but this was the first time in quite a while. Of course, we always have the chance to paint at home, but it was important for me to create a positive memory with my daughter. My kids are growing up, so I want to cherish these moments. 

unexʷ ckʷinč

Earlier today, I posted several pictures of my daughter wearing a Robin Hood costume and holding a homemade bow. I called the bow ckʷnčeyeʔ - a pretend bow; however, after I posted those pictures, McKenna went back outside and shot an arrow about 50 feet across the yard. We were both totally surprised. It may not be as strong as a hardwood bow, but it turned out to be the real thing after all - unexʷ ckʷinč. 

ckʷnčeyeʔ

McKenna spent her birthday money this year to buy a Robin Hood costume for Halloween. Not long after, she said with a sparkle in her eye, "Dad, I want you to make a bow and arrow for my costume." Using an old piece of birch wood ply board, we cut a four-foot stave. Then we sanded it, filed notches in both ends, and attached a long string. McKenna was so happy that she literally skipped.  

In the Spokane language, a bow is called ckʷinč. The suffix -eyeʔ makes something false or pretend, so the word ckʷnčeyeʔ would be a pretend bow or a toy bow.  This is what my daughter and I created today. It will be a special memory for years to come. 

McKenna makes a beautiful Robin Hood.

Mother & Daughter

Mother & daughter on a lunch date at Tomato Street. 

Wonka

Yesterday afternoon, I got to see my beautiful daughter perform in CYT Spokane's Willy Wonka. It was also great to see my niece and nephew perform in the show.  

Whitney performed a tap dance

as one of the Oompa Loompas.

Whitney in the basement of the Bing

trying to avoid my picture. 

She finally gave me a smile.

London the Squirrel.

Charlie Bucket and his grandparents. 

I loved this book when I was a kid. 

Willy Wonka.

Charlie's grandparents.

Ethan as Mr. Bucket.

Ethan in the basement of the Bing.

kn səcqisx

This is freaking awesome!!! These children recited Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech in the Colville-Okanagan language. They held my attention to the very end, and now I want to do a Spokane version: čn ep sqeys...

kʷtunt lemlmtš Salish School of Spokane!!! unexʷ qʷamqʷmt!

3 Blind Mice

This picture was taken in the green room at the Bing Crosby Theater when Whitney played one of the three blind mice in Shrek the Musical. 

Friendship

The major portion of our Montana trip was to visit friends, and for my daughter and I to share a positive bonding experience. I'm so grateful for these amazing connections. And of course, I threatened promised to post these pictures on my blog. 

This is dedicated to Mikey and Dru. I'm filled with gratitude for your friendship.  

Whitney and I near Hot Springs, MT. 

The scenery is amazing. 

Three swans on the river. 

We stayed at the Symes Hotel in Hot Springs, MT. 

Sweet Sixteen

My little girl turned sixteen and celebrated tonight with family. On her special day, it is hard for me to imagine how time has flown. She's still my little girl, and yet she is almost grown up. These birthdays are getting bitter-sweet for me. 

McKenna

It is a rare event when McKenna allows me to take a picture of her, so I just had to share these pictures from our outing today at Gonzaga. She is such a pretty girl; I just don't understand why she is so difficult to photograph. 

Dry Falls

As the sun fell below the horizon, we watched the last light descend over Dry Falls. My daughter asked me to pose for this picture with her. 

Dakota. 

Rhonda and I overlooking Dry Falls. 

McKenna finally let me take one picture. 

Mom

My mom celebrated her birthday at a small family gathering, mostly with her children and grandchildren. But we're all scattered, so not everyone got to be present. Even so, it was a happy occasion, enjoyed by all. 

My mom and her mom. 

Mom, grandma, and Whitney. 

Grandma Alice. 

Grandma Alice and my daughter Whitney represent the oldest and the youngest of my direct lineage, separated by seventy-three years.