Veteran's Day 2012

This photo was taken in January of 1989 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We used our final full day in Washington DC to visit Arlington National Cemetery. The tomb sits on a hill and from there you can see the seats of American government. A government that should be equal to their sacrifice.

The honor and reverence shown to these "unknowns" by their brothers should be echoed by each of us at every opportunity.

Let us be citizens equal to the sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

Thank you veterans - thank you.

Photo of the Day 6/25/2012 - Happy Birthday Dad

A Simple Prayer

To be for my children what I've had -  a Father like my Dad.

Happy Birthday Dad. Thank you. I love you.

Photo of the Day 6/24/12 - Happy Birthday Courtney

Gone too soon. Happy Birthday from your cousins.

Photo of the Day - 6/13/12 - Happy Birthday Alec

Now we are six. So much joy, so much personality, so much strong will all wrapped into one perfect package we can't imagine being without. Here's to you Mr. Alec - Happy Birthday.

Photo of the Day - 6/10/12 - Joy

Another picture from this past November's Thanksgiving celebration. Everyone was sitting around in the living room while the kids ran around outside and told stories, laughed, and reminisced - knowing somehow that things may not ever be quite the same.

Regardless, there was laughing and there was joy.

Photo of the Day 6/9/12 - Wedding Day

Grandma and Grandpa are waiting here for Julie and my wedding reception to either get under way or finish up - not really sure. I am so glad both were there and even though I don't remember spending a lot of time chatting with them - knowing they were there and supporting us brings me joy. 

Growing up there are so many memories of both of them - at baseball games, taking care of us kids, and surrounding us with love. Grandma and Grandpa always have meant home to me. 

Photo of the Day 6/8/12 - The Queen Mother

Grandma Boysen's 92nd Birthday is coming up - so for the next few posts we'll be having the Queen Mother Show - this is one of the ways I can secure myself as the Favorite Grandchild (taking my cue from all the Favorite Children). Pictured here are Grandma Gigi and her favorite Great-Grandchildren taken this past November at 3306.

Grandma fell yesterday and I'm told made it through today's surgery with flying colors. Our thoughts and prayers are with Grandma for a speedy recovery. We love you.

Photo of the Day - 6/7/12 - Remembering 116 in 2001

The nation was still in shock from the horror of 9/11 when the 2001 Baseball season resumed after a hiatus in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. The Mariners were on their way to a record 116 wins. I remember we bought the best seats we could (all the games sold out back then) and ended up a few rows back of the dugout. The Mariners beat the Angels and clinched the division on 9/19. Following the game, the team came out onto the field and carried the American Flag to a standing ovation. I still get goosebumps and tears thinking about how much we've all changed since that day. I remember watching every airplane during the game on approach to Sea-Tac thinking it was going to veer into the stadium - awful.

2001 was a big transition year in our little family - Ian was born, Nisqually Earthquake, working in San Francisco most of the time (got laid off and rehired in an afternoon), I turned 30, lost close family members, and incorporated SiteCrafting (even though it existed as a sole proprietorship prior). Big changes.

Photo of the Day 6/6/12 - It's a Big World

Have you ever stood at the edge of the ocean and just wondered? Today's picture captures a few small souls seeing the enormity of the world in which they live. My prayer for them is that they will embrace the challenge.

"The world is big, but so is your spirit - make a difference."

Photo of the Day 6/5/12 - Horseshoes with Great Grandma

Pretty much every summer we took a road trip from Burbank to Burley, Idaho. We'd often stop along the way to see family in Northern CA or Nevada - but we always ended up spending most of our time at "The Farm". The Farm was home to my Great Grandmother Rachel Forth and her sister Eunice Congleton. It was the Congleton Farm. For a time there were cows, other times crops, it was over a hundred acres of adventure. As long as we avoided the irrigation ditches, we could trounce around the farm gathering treasures and hunting snakes and grasshoppers. Afternoons after fishing we'd spend time on the giant lawn - playing horseshoes or croquet. Sometimes Mr. Wilson would flood the grass from the irrigation canals to water - it became the world's best natural slip and slide. Great memories of a simpler time and life on The Farm.

Photo of the Day 6/4/12 - A Grandson

I remember the day each of our children was born. I remember the crush of responsibility that I felt knowing that I was somebody's "Dad". It didn't really hit me until a few hours after Ian was born and I finally peeled myself away from the hospital to get a couple of Taco Bell burritos. Even though I was exhausted and starving I wanted to get back to the hospital right away to check on Julie and take care of Ian. It's been that way, every day, since that first day.

Becoming a parent is special, but I also think becoming a grandparent must be overwhelming in a different way. I'm speculating here, but my suspicion is you immediately remember the birth of the now Mother or Father. You cannot imagine how it all went so fast and you worry that even though everyone has somehow made it, the future is still uncertain and the world can be a big, scary place. For a moment though, you are at peace - like holding your child for the first time - you are holding your grandchild, your legacy - and there is pride for a job well done.

This is a special picture to me - Mom and Dad and their first Grandchild, Ian Christopher Forth.

Photo of the Day - 6/3/2012 Elba

As was tradition when taking a summer trip to Idaho, we fished the famed creeks of Elba, Idaho. There are too many stories to tell - but this is the place where I learned to love fishing. Small creeks full of wild fish with so little fishing pressure that if there were any more of them, they'd have to be smaller. We'd leave the farm in the dark, hit the Conner Creek store for beer - then fish until early afternoon, when we'd meet Great Grandma Rachel, Great Aunt Eunice, and Mom in the park at Elba. Our guide, Mr. Cecil Haycock - a man with countless stories, a love of snuff, and the patience of Job.

This may be the first year I was permitted to attend the early morning Elba trip - along with Uncle Dick (my Godfather) and his dog Sadie. I was challenged to jump an irrigation ditch one day by Dick since "Sadie could do it" - but that story is for another day. 

Thanks to Dad for sending this picture. :)

Photo of the Day 6/2/2012 - The Forth Boys (and Kate)

In August of 2002 we took a road trip to CA to visit Grandma and Grandpa Forth in Los Osos. Four generations of Forth boys (and the first girl, Kate, to be born into the family since Cousin Nancy - on the Forth side) pose with Grandpa Carl Forth. This would be the last time we were all together prior to losing Grandpa. We had a great visit to Morro Bay, Montana de Oro, and to a few different restaurants in the area. We took this picture just after breakfast before heading back to Burbank and then home to Washington.

Photo of the Day 5/29/12 - Fishing with Bears

The Brooks River in Katmai National Park is full of fish - and with fish comes bears. There is nothing quite like being close to grizzly bears to make you feel alive. You have to keep your distance and your wits about you, but for the most part, they just don't want any surprises themselves.

Photo of the Day 5/28/2010 - Memorial Day

Memorial Day 2011 - Alec wanted to make sure to hang our flag out at the beach. Thank you to all who have served and their families for your service and sacrifice.

Photo of the Day 5/24/2012 - Baby Chicks

For a brief time we had chickens. It was fun while it lasted, but it was not meant to be living on the edge of the woods. Ian was very excited the day we brought them home. Rhode Islands Reds.

Photo of the Day 5/23/12 - Spring Sledding

We ended up getting a dusting of snow in the Spring of 2004. Here's a picture of Charlotte and I getting ready to sail down the "hill" in the front of the log house. We still have the sled, I still have the hat and over-shirt, and I still love snuggling up to my little girl.

Photo of the Day 5/22/2101 - Spreading Bark

One of the rites of Spring here in the Pacific Northwest is spreading beauty bark. I've never been a big fan, though I love the smell of it once it's all spread and you come out to the deck to relax - beer in hand. In this shot, Ian (age 2) is helping me spread bark at the log house - one of the perks of having live in help. Somehow he's managed to avoid this duty the past 9 years thought. Hmmm....

Photo of the Day 5/21/2012 - Ian and Joanna

We had a great dinner following Olivia's baptism in the summer of 2003. In this shot the the new big sister and almost big brother (Charlotte would be born in a few weeks) celebrate being the oldest.

Photo of the Day 5/20/2012 - Toddlers

Here's a shot of Cousin Matt and I as toddlers. Probably taken the same time as this previous post at Grandma and Grandpa Forth's house on Virginia Street in Burbank.

Photo of the Day - Ian Kauai

In 2003, we traveled to Hawaii for 10 days on Kauai. Ian was 2 1/2 and Charlotte was just  3 months old. We used frequent flier miles to get there, so the flight times were not optimal. Depart Seattle 5AM to LAX - Fly LAX to Honolulu arrive 7:00pm, stay the night - Flight to Kauai 8:00. The return was worse - Depart Kauai 4:30 pm to Honolulu - sit in Honolulu until 12:10 AM flight to LAX, sit at LAX for 4 hours to return to Seattle.

Hard to complain about going to Hawaii, and I'm really not, the travel was indeed a journey - the time on Kauai was awesome. We stayed at a new (at the time) Marriott vacation property on Poipu that looked right out onto the water. (Thanks Pat!).

Would love to go back.

Photo of the Day 5/18/2012 - Georgia Visit

Sorry for the missing posts. I've been busy and didn't have time to check the scheduled posts in the new version of Blogger (no, SiteCrafting did not build this blog) - and they didn't work. So, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

This is Ian's first visit to Georgia. We arrived pretty late in the evening and were on our way to the Virgin Islands for work (remember that post?). Anyway, Mom and Dad let Ian climb into their kitchen cupboards and empty all the pots, pans, bowls, etc. all over the floor. In this picture, Ian looks ready to haul off and whack Grandpa - which he didn't do.

We had a great time in Georgia, even though it was too short - we need to go back.

Photo of the Day - Worn Out

This is what three kids look like after Day 8 in Florida. This shot was taken on our way back to the house after a fun day at Disneyworld. We were in Florida for a Forth Family Reunion in 2010.

Photo of the Day 5/14/12 - Lunch at Aunt Francie's

Long summer days, parties, or just an hour or two of conversation,  you were always welcome at Aunt Fran's house. I'm sure you still would be, though the distance makes visits much less frequent.

There was a more formal dining area (probably where the photographer was standing), this kitchen nook was where lunch and conversation was shared.

Manny takes time out to smile at the camera, while Mom, Dad, Aunt Fran and probably Dina share the news of the world.

Photo of the Day 5/13/12 - Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all Mom's out there, including my beautiful wife, Julie. This photo was taken 11 years ago - the day a mother was born.

Photo of the Day 5/12/12 - Pat and Colby

These two guys are separated only by a few months in age. I think this shot was taken toward the end of their high school days - judging by Patrick's shirt. Both are now grown men and fantastic husbands and fathers.

Photo of the Day - 5/11/12 SiteCrafting: The Early Days

In early 2002 I took Mom and Dad over to the first SiteCrafting office at 7th and St. Helens. It was a small two room office that we sub-leased from a chain smoking attorney. It had a bathroom straight out of Silence of the Lambs, not to mention the refinishing studio that was below us and fumes would waft into our office and cause headaches and bad decisions. It was here that the love of Arnold Palmer Golf was born. We were in this office only about a year and a half, but we have great memories and in some ways things were much less complicated.

One of the best things about this office was my office, which had these beautiful old photos of Tacoma decoupaged into the walls, not in a cheesy way - it was classy, so it probably wasn't decoupage.

Photo of the Day 5/10/12 - Paintings

Grandma Gigi's paintings hold a special place in all of our hearts. The den, the house, all were decorated with her work. I remember sitting in on painting classes after school when I'd walk over from Bret Harte. I even painted a couple of pictures with her help. A few years back I started trying to make the time to paint - but time is not something I have laying around. It is a choice, however, how we spend our time.

Before heading back to Washington on trip south, Grandma left Julie and I select a picture each from her studio collection. These pictures are hung in a place of honor in our house and carry with them memories of the house, of Grandma, and of growing up.

Photo of the Day - 5/9/2012 Mother's Day Baseball

Gonzaga graduation is held on Mother's Day each year - by design. We also happened to have a baseball game against Oregon State - which would be my last competitive game. Both Mom and Grandma Jo were in town for graduation and were able to accompany me onto the field for the pre-game festivities.

Photo of the Day - Sandals and Socks Guys

There are several people who have helped me along in life - but on the short list is Ed Knaggs. Coach Knaggs was my high school coach, eventually my coaching peer, and my friend. He joined the John Burroughs Indians after Coach Haney left and inspired us to be the best. During our run we reached State regionals, had dynamic starting pitching and offense and ran our high school program like we were a college. He used his connections to get scouts to our games and ultimately helped me to get a scholarship at Loyola Marymount. When that did not work out, he went to bat for me at Gonzaga and brought me to Washington. In the summers, I coached with him in Wenatchee, WA. We travelled around in a big non-airconditioned bus (he made me get a commercial license), I was at the field from daybreak to midnight and earned my keep mowing the fields, pitching batting practice and coaching first base. We spent three summers together in Wenatchee and there were many memories. Time and distance has separated us, but I would not have had the options I had were it not for Coach Knaggs.

In this shot, we are preparing for a rowboat trip out on Lake Wenatchee during a rare day off. Judging by the looks of that boat, we're braver than we thought. We're sporting our sandals and socks - (my friends at PEMCO would be proud, just watch).

Photo of the Day - 5/7/2012 Trunk Bay

Quite possibly  the greatest 10 days of "work" ever. During the late summer of 2002, I was hired to consult the Virgin Islands (USVI) on the use of web technologies in education. Julie and Ian spent 10 days on St. John at the Westin, while I "worked" on St. Thomas and St. John helping the education system begin to implement web technologies. My day started taking a 45 minute ferry ride over to St. Thomas where I worked the better part of the day and then took a return trip each afternoon (no later than 2:00pm) back to St. John. We spent time touring both St. Thomas and St. John including trips to Drake's Seat, Trunk Bay, Coral Bay, Annaberg, Caneel Bay, etc. etc.

In this shot, Julie and I are framed against the background of the only "underwater" US National Park - Trunk Bay.

Photo of the Day 5/6/2012 - The Flag

This Photo of the Day photo was submitted by Cousin Dawn. In this shot, her father, Uncle Steve is planting the flag to mark base camp for the Boysen Family Reunion. Looking through all the reunion photos, the flag makes its way into many of them. Thanks so much for sharing this special memory Dawn.

Hint: If anyone else has special photos to contribute, send them over.

Photo of the Day 4/5/2012 - Gentlemen Start Your Engines

No, this is not Indianapolis. These professionals took time from their busy schedules to race in the Cordova Classic. Brian, Timothy and Tim Paul took every hairpin turn in time, a harmonious dance of talent and speed.

Photo of the Day 4/4/2012 - The Log House

One of the crazier things we've ever done - but aren't they they most fun? We first saw this house on 12/31/1999 - yep that's right, New Year's Eve - right before Y2K. We made an offer that was accepted on my birthday January 5, 2000. We did not have time to sell our home in Puyallup, so we managed to convince the bank we could swing the two mortgages since we were planning on renting our Puyallup house. Doing so allowed us to skip the two contingencies in front of us and jump to the head of the line.

Many wonderful memories were made in this house. All three of our kids came home from the hospital after their births to this house - even though Alec only lived here for about a week. From 19 1/2 foot Christmas trees (no exaggeration), to bats, to salmon in the creek out back, this was home for 6 1/2 marvelous years. More photos to come...

Photo of the Day 5/3/2012 - Pacific Science Center

In February of 2006 we met the Boysen family at the Pacific Science Center at Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle) for a day of exploration, butterfly gardens, and eventually dinner back at their place. In this shot, Cousins Tom and Olivia work with Ian to construct a yellow jacket puzzle.

Photo of the Day - 5/2/2012 - Trip to Church

This has got to be one of my first trips ever to St. Finbar in Burbank, CA. I'm not sure if it was a baptism or just a regular Sunday. Grandma and Grandpa Forth as well as Great Grandmother Rachel Forth are giving me plenty of attention.

I was recently at St. Finbar for a Memorial Mass for Cousin Dane. The doors are the same as are the steps and facade. Many memories of altar serving, First Communion, and Confirmation with Cousin John as sponsor.

Interior view from Cousin Dane's Memorial

Photo of the Day - 5/1/12 - May Pole Dance

The third graders at St. Michael perform a May Pole Dance the first Friday in May. This year Charlotte will be performing, but this shot is of Ian and his dance partner from 2010.

Photo of the Day - 4/30/2012 - Champ's Swimming Ppol

I've mentioned previously that I learned to swim in this pool and have many happy memories on Lima Street. In this shot, Dad and Uncle Steve are undoubtedly solving many of the issues of the day, along with serving as life guards. You can see the wet spots where kids had gone in and out of the pool.

I wonder whose footprints those are?

Photo of the Day 4/29/2012 - Packed In

Following our trip to California in the summer of 1996, Andy rode back to our home in Puyallup, WA in the backseat of our jeep. It is about 1100 miles and he was back there with no AC, hardly any room to move, but we did give him that bottle of water. I think the promise of meeting Julie's Uncle Art in Grants Pass gave him something to look forward to, although we did not get to see him on this particular trip. During Andy's visit we hit the zoo, Snoqualmie Falls, Mount Rainier and all the usual sites.

Thanks for being such a good sport.

Photo of the Day 4/28/2012 - Happy Anniversary

SiteCrafting met at the Pierce County courthouse in April of 2006 to witness the marriage of our co-workers Andy and Sarah. Today is their Anniversary. The I was a witness, even though the judge initially thought I was the one getting married due to my tie (he must know I rarely wear ties and get married even less often). Mike, who also shares a birthday with their Anniversary was married last night in Walla Walla, WA. The circle continues.

Here's to many more happy years to the happy couple and their two beautiful daughters. We miss you guys.



BONUS PIC! Mount Rainier Hiking

Photo of the Day 4/27/2012 - Skip

An all around great guy. I wonder if that Dodger hat still fits?

I'm not sure when or where this was taken, maybe my folks house in Georgia. Stephen is now in Southern California working alongside family at Optimus Construction. It has been great to see him on the last few trips down.

Thought this picture of a cute little boy would remind us what a great man Stephen has become.

Photo of the Day - 4/26/2012 The Arrival

There are a series of photos that will start showing up from the Boysen Family Reunion in 1997 (correct me if I'm wrong). I had pondered just posting a gallery of the images, but then some of the good shots just get lost along with the others. There are a few previous reunion posts here and here

Many of us out of towners stayed at the Super 8 I believe in Carpinteria.  This candid shot shows the arrival of family and friends from far and wide.  The parking lot was transformed into a reception area as everyone anticipated the time we would all be spending together.

Photo of the Day - Cricket

When it was finally time to grow up and get a real job. I traded my iguana for a kitten in Wenatchee, WA. The pet store owner wanted a shop iguana and I had recently gotten engaged and was moving to Western WA to start my job teaching at St. Charles Borromeo. I wanted a pet to keep me company and wasn't able to have a dog, so I got a cat who acted more like a dog. She was loyal, dedicated to me and pretty much liked no one else (sorry Mom). She tolerated Julie, Darby and eventually the kids, but I was her human.

We lost her too early after she had a run in with an Easter lily and was poisoned.

If you look close at my Gonzaga hat, you can see it signed by Steve Garvey - along with several other motivational symbols, quotes designed to get me through an inning.

Special points for anyone who can guess where her name "Cricket" came from.

Photo of the Day - 4/24/2012 Swing!

This is great shot of Dad at a small park in Northern Georgia (maybe even Tennessee). We stopped in this park after a drive for a nice picnic by a creek (watch out for cottonmouths). Dad took a few minutes from the driving duties to hop on a swing.

My Dad loves swings - even when I was little he would push me, but he always found his way onto one as well. I need to swing more with my kids. :)

Photo of the Day 4/23/2012 - Field of Dreams

This really is a "Field of Dreams". I suppose it is because it doesn't exist anymore. 

The baseball field I raked, tarped, mowed and nurtured is now the McCarthy Athletic Center. No more 21 Outs, running from foul line to foul line, and shut out baseball. Don't get me wrong, progress in this case is good - Go Zags!

Photo of the Day 4/22/2012 - Kern River

I'm guessing this is from a trip to the Kern River. Regardless, I love rivers.

If I'm staying anywhere near a river I wake up early or stay up late to just listen to it. There is nothing better than the first night staying near a river - the anticipation of the first cast. There is a peace that is found on the water that doesn't exist anywhere else.

I've fished many days in my life where I've left without getting a single bite. I can honestly say I've never had a bad day on a river.

Photo of the Day 4/21/2012 - MG B

It was a head turner, a dream car, and "chick magnet". All true, unless you were paying for the repairs. In that case it was a nightmare headache, all rolled into an irresistible package. Grandpa Cy would work on it, but every time he did he managed to have a bag of leftover parts. Jeff and I drove it to Loyola Marymount only to be stranded in in Hollywood. It overheated, its windshield wipers flew off intermittently, the top worked "most of the time",  in other words, it was perfect.

I loved this car and I will always remember the day I saw it "For Sale". Even more present is the memory of the day that my Dad said, "Let's go get it".