Jared's Blog

Trick or Treat

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:52:00 +0000

"Ok, Auntie Reese, we did all this dress-up for you, now where's the loot?"
-The Boys
"Office trick-or-treating is where the GOOD candy is at!"
-Liam
Yea Auntie! Thanks Teresa for inviting us to raid your candy stash at Merrill Lynch!
Up, up, and away! Even Superheroes should use safety restraints when in a moving vehicle.

The Best of Times

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:16:00 +0000

Birthdays are the celebration of a persons life, referring to the day they came into the world. I'm glad we had so many great birthdays to celebrate. Dad & I never lived it down, that's for sure. We had fun skiing, canoeing, hiking, flying, towing, cruising, and working together. We had a great relationship and I'm thankful for every day, whether he was yelling at me or we were yelling at the Seahawks together from the end zone; we both loved it. Happy Birthday, dad.

Going to the (Albert City) Chapel

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:13:00 +0000

"Clear skies, green grass, and Chuck Taylor's. Yup, I'm ready to get married."
-Liam

"I'm late!!!"
-Liam
"Nothing like a little pre-ceremony kiss for my future bride-to-be."
-Liam"Keeping it light; Eating chips with the flower girl. No stress."
-Liam
"Here comes my big moment."
-Liam
"I don't go anywhere without American Express... in case I need things on short notice, like an early 1900's horse-drawn carriage."
-Liam
"On second thought, I think I'll just blow bubbles."
-LiamCongratulations to Andrew & Diane!

Local Do-Gooders

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:01:00 +0000

Much to my surprise, this morning I awoke to find 2 Superheroes at my front door. Superman and Batman were out spreading justice by reverse trick-or-treating! That's right; they actually brought me candy! They are setting a new precedence for neighborhood kids everywhere!Behind every superhero is a mom, always watching out for them.

Reunited @ Azteca

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:43:00 +0000

Our family gathered from Kentucky, Canada, and Burien at one of our favorite family meeting places. Now why is it that they always give us the same table waaaaaaay in the back?? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the kids outnumber the adults 7 to 6.

Des Moines Marina

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:07:00 +0000

Toby is leading the way to the waterfront with his "shuffle run".
Firefighter boots and plenty of water. What more does a little boy need???
It's a bird; no it's a plane... (wait, I think it is a plane... yep-Alaska Airlines 737)
Father-daughter time.
Can't beat the Pacific NW weather today. Nearly 70 degrees in October. Tops down!

Finally a Table

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:31:00 +0000

We celebrated the addition of a table to our dining room by breaking it in with friends and fresh enchiladas with guacamole (made from scratch).

Our Priceless Artwork

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 08:16:00 +0000

Thanks to the talent of artist Joel Scholten, we have a new painting hanging in our entryway. I will always remember flying around the Puget Sound area with my dad, as we did here at Lake Cushman where we ate lunch with friends on a sunny afternoon in May.

Carmen & Ashley Attack the 2009 Trek Women's Triathlon

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:30:00 +0000

Triathletes: The toughest women at Normandy Park Athletic.
And they proved it to me just by getting in the water... (It's like 55 degrees outside)
Push hard. This is what you want your opponents to see as you go flying by.I've got my money on the Indian girl in the middle (after all, the one in the purple isn't even facing the right way)
Women Empowered.
Carmen - 1:22:10 (40th place, 815 competitors)
Ashley - 1:29:26 (1st ever Tri, 113th overall)

On the Field @ Husky Stadium

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 04:59:00 +0000

Never been to a Huskies game before, so I hope we put up a good fight against #3 USC.
Great seats! Thanks for the invitation Kenny & thanks to Dan for the tickets! Tough game & down to the wire right up until the final seconds!!
Little did I know we were sitting to future Husky Nick Montana, who I watched on ESPN last night. I realized who he was when I saw him stop to sign autographs and snapped this photo as he was leaving the game a few minutes before it ended.
Unbelievable! Final score Washington 16, USC 13. Fans storm the field after an unprecedented upset.
Celebration on the field at Husky Stadium. Carmen, Kenny, & I can't get enough!
2009 Husky Football. It's a new year.
Yeah, we had a good time.

88 Keys - Seattle

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:48:00 +0000

Definitely a step up from the Bullpen, but we paid for it! Happy Birthday, Jess!
Now that's what we were all waiting to see! First dancer of the night! Way to go Max!
The other guys just couldn't keep up with Brian.
Let's hear it for our entertainment of the night: Kevin the piano player! (and the bachelorette)

Softball Season

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:36:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I would not mess with this woman.
Carmen's pretty serious about her softball.
Bases juiced; Christy is waiting for a hit so she can score from 3rd.Bring in the pinch hitter! Mason is our heavy hitter: Guaranteed RBI.
Team leader in runs scored... too bad I had to reach out of the box for these pitches. Next year I'll work on patience at the plate.
2009 NCC Softball Team: 5th place season, 4th place tournament, 2nd place sportsmanship. Nice first year. Good job team!

Disneyland

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:17:00 +0000

July 4th weekend we jumped on a plane and headed to Disneyland. I don't think Liam was aware of exactly what he was about to see. He was more interested in picking his nose at this point... Pretty soon he was high-fiving Pluto & other Disney characters...and bumping cars with mommy...
and driving through Toon Town with grandma...and running wild through the water park in A Bug's Land.
Of course daddy found a fire engine.
Mommy loved the rides and sunshine at California Adventure & Disney.
Grandma got lots of love from Liam.
Of course our favorite place at the park was Radiator Springs.
We got to meet the real, live Mater & Lightning McQueen. Liam was beside himself!
Mom & I tried to buy Mater for our tow truck museum, but they refused to sell him.We're glad Liam had so much fun meeting all his favorite characters.
In the end, we braved the heavy crowds for hours and hours for one big payoff:
Fireworks over the Disneyland Castle. It was worth it!

Bathroom Remodel

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:43:00 +0000

I spent all day putting this tile up and I'm afraid that if I let go, it might fall apart. Obviously, I have very little confidence in my work.
Project to date: New sheet rock, new shower pan, new plumbing, new paint, new outlet, new tile. To be continued...

Lost in Iceland

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 05:39:00 +0000

Carmen is all decked out with her new winter wear, which is perfect for a sunny day on the North Atlantic.
We decided to hop a boat at Reykjavik's Old Harbour and look for whales. Poor little Liam puked and passed out.
The whales were swimming all around us, but all we ever saw were their backsides. For all we know we may have been surrounded by divers with fins on their backs.
Kenny! (You know, Southpark... nevermind.)
Later, we found ourselves at Pingvalla, where the North American & European tectonic plates are separating and this part of Iceland is steadily sinking.In case you wondered what the Icelandic language looks like. (Actually very similar to native Viking)
"Hey daddy, the map doesn't go this far North. I'm pretty sure we're lost."
-Liam"Hey daddy! I found a compass. Now we can navigate back toward civilization."
-Liam
Woa! Geyser! Lookout Liam!
...and gigantic glacial waterfalls. This place is a geologic anomaly!
One thing there's no shortage of around here; volcanic rock. Let's hope there's not an active volcano around the corner ready to blow.
Just a little steam heating the natural hot spring; no lava yet. This looks like a good place for a relaxing massage.
Even Liam had fun at the Blue Lagoon!
And daddy got a massage from an Icelander named Elsa.
I think Liam's seen enough for one weekend. He's ready to load up on a bus and head for the Keflavik International Airport.
Baffin Island, Canada. (Just East of Greenland)
Finally home! Beautiful Mt. Rainier & the City of Bellevue (my employer), which reminds me: I work tomorrow!

Exploring Reykjavik, Iceland

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 06:33:00 +0000

Liam's ready for a trip! Can anyone guess where?
Iceland Air decided to add a non-stop to Seattle 2 weeks ago, so we decided to check em out!
Greenland looks a little cold... I hope we don´t have to make a pit stop.
Our first glimpse of Iceland!
Wow! It´s actually really nice here. It feels like A/C compared to 103 degrees inside our house in Seattle.
Liam found a Viking ship!Daddy found Viking Beer.
Good thing the Polar Bears are friendly.
Looks like the locals are playful.
I have not seen one single tow truck since we´ve been here.
Although I´m pretty sure they don´t need tow trucks.
The weather is amazing. In the summer, the sunset lasts about 4 hours, then the sun takes 4 hours to rise... there is no night time.
Thanks to this house, the U.S.A and Soviet Union decided not to blow each other into a million pieces. Yay Iceland!
Carmen found "The Main Shopping Street" in Reykjavik.
...and I found a brew made from pure Icelandic water.
Liam loves water.
Who would have guessed we would be swimming way up here in the North Atlantic?! They keep the water at 84 degrees year round, so Liam had fun learning how to swim.

Westin's Camping Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:12:00 +0000

"Clean glacier water, fresh air, plenty of sticks and lots of places to poop. I like camping!"
-Westin the Westie Tarrier
"Woa! That water is cold!"
-Westin
"I'm not so sure I'm an 'outdoor' dog."
-Westin"If you think I'm going out there, you're crazy."
-Westin"Life jacket: check. Ok Kenny, don't let go until I bark."
-Westin
"Wait... I didn't say go!"
-Westin"I'm not so sure I'm ready for this."
-Westin
"I think I can! I think I can!"
-Westin
"Swimming? No problem. Doggy paddle instincts."
-Westin
"Brrr..."
-Westin
"Now that's what I'm talking about. You two paddle. I'll keep watch."
-Westin
"Uh... how deep is it out here?"
-Westin
"I think I'll stay right here where it's safe."
-Westin
"Humans... I don't try to understand them."
-Westin
"I had a great time on Mt. Rainier with my new family, but I think I've racked up plenty of mosquito bites to take back home to West Seattle."
-Westin

Losing My Dad & Brother 1 Year Ago

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:10:00 +0000

It's been 1 year to the day that I lost my dad and brother after a sudden, unexpected airplane crash.
The uncertainty began when I received a phone call while working at the fire station. I left work to be with my family as soon as I had some facts. Soon after I was making the announcement to my family that Mark and Brian had officially died. We visited the crash site the following morning, then started preparations for the memorial service. One year later the healing has begun and we remember Mark and Brian for who they were and how they lived their lives.
Mark was adventurous.
Brian was funny.Dad took both of his boys hunting.
We spent time together as a family.He spent time alone with his wife.
We went to Seahawks games together and screamed until our throats were hoarse.
He took us flying... all the time.Brian was a great dad.
He loved his family.He even managed to smile after a motorcycle accident broke his leg and put him in the hospital next to his pregnant wife.
Brian had 2 young boys who will always remember him.
I remember going fishing with my dad...
And hanging out with my brother in Arizona...
I remember that our family vacations were always fun, no matter how quirky they seemed at times.
That final flight on July 24th, 2008 was not the end of their story. It was the beginning of their eternal life in Heaven. I can hardly wait to see them again.

I'm on a Boat - Lake Chelan

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:51:00 +0000

After I finished my meetings at the WSCFF Convention, Carmen & Liam met me at Lake Chelan for some fun in the sun!
They drove more than 150 miles to hang out with me, so we rented a boat!
Wait a minute... if Carmen is taking the picture and I'm on the tube, who's driving?!
Liam!

Engaged... 8,000 Miles Apart

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:50:00 +0000

We were happy to have Diane & Andrew stay with us for a week in Seattle. Diane was a bridesmaid in our wedding.
Diane is from Iowa & Andrew lives in Uganda, where the couple met for the first time. He just arrived in the U.S. for the first time less than a month ago.
They have been engaged to be married for more than 6 months and are finally together in the United States. The wedding date has been set for October 2009.

Edwin's Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:33:00 +0000

Looks like it's time for Edwin to get married and join the club.
Uh oh. The bride is sick.
Well someone is getting married today...
cause we already planned the photo shoot...and we're having a party...with a live Mariachi Band!Who knew the father of the bride moonlights as a singer?!
Here's to the Bride & Groom, Edwin & Myra! (Who is apparently feeling better now)
And to the best man & maid of honor: Cris & Kristin!Now for some traditional Mexican wedding games!
And a little cash for the honeymoon.
Time to dance the night away!
Wait a minute... isn't it past your bed time?

Iowa Day 6 - MSP to SEA

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:11:00 +0000

After a week of good 'ol Dutch traditions, countless tulips, a new nephew, some Pizza Ranch pizza, & NASCAR, we finally drove 3 hours to Minneapolis for our outbound flight to Seattle, but this time we had company.We brought along our good friends Diane & Andrew.
Carmen made sure we had time to stop at the Mall of America and Liam wanted to ride the rides all day.
Shopping and playing were cut short so we would make our flight and at last we arrived in Seattle; with house guests! We love visitors! (hint, hint)

Iowa Day 5 - NASCAR

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 19:00:00 +0000

"Ladies & Gentlemen; Welcome to Iowa Speedway..."
-Pizza Ranch Spokesman
...the track Rusty Wallace built.Line to meet Kyle Busch: about 2 hours.
So much for waiting in line. VIP passes work better, so we met him at his trailer.
Trackside; in the pits.
Victory Lane: Knew I could do it!
After party with The King: Richard Petty
Pizza with Kyle. (He actually did win a race today.)
PizzaRanchRacing.com

Iowa Day 4 - Iowa Speedway

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 05:13:00 +0000

Ahhh... nothing like the smell of the racetrack in the morning... cars out of their trailers and into the garages to be tuned up for opening day 2009.
Thanks to my brother-in-law Jon and Pizza Ranch's sponsorship of Iowa Speedway, we've got all access passes... ...and an ORV!Today was the unveiling of the all new Pizza Ranch Victory Lane!So far it's a hit, and so is the new victory lane tradition; a Pizza Ranch Pizza for the winner.
If I'm lucky, maybe I'll get Pizza Ranch's newest sponsored driver: Kyle Bush! Check out the updates at PizzaRanchRacing.com

Iowa Day 3 - Tulip Festival

noreply@blogger.com (jaredstorer) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:36:00 +0000

My sister-in-law Liz & newly adopted baby David fully dressed in traditional Dutch clothing for the Tulip Festival.There just aren't many places where you can find people willing to wash the streets by hand these days.Sometimes it's nice just being a spectator.
Liam... asleep... again...
What a great family photo!
"What are you guys DOING?! This is my dad's truck!"
-Random kid on the bumper of the fire engine
Liam's first ride. We were a little worried about him going alone at first, but once it started moving he was soooooooooo excited! He could have ridden the airplanes all day long.
Liam showing off daddy's firefighter coin to David.
"I sure picked a great mommy!"
-David
To top off the fun for the day, grandma took us out for Pizza Ranch!