A few more from Seattle . . .

Anja and "Uncle Mark" chat it up on the way back from the hot dog joint. Green Lake is in the background.

We had a great time visiting with many friends in Seattle and the surrounding areas. A BIG THANKS to everyone for being such wonderful hosts throughout our stay. We continue to appreciate the many wonderful characteristics of the Pacific Northwest . . . ocean to mountains within just a few miles, tasty fruits and vegetables, and the warmth of the people. Some say there's lots of rain there but we don't believe them . . . we'll have to visit in a month other than August to catch a glimpse of that! Enjoy a few more photos!

Here I am with Eric Meyer, Tacoma's City Manager (ha ha--well third in command in Tacoma's city offices). He's one of our friends from the Peace Corps. Doesn't he look good in a suit? A far cry from wearing the same clothes day in and day out in Kyrgyzstan!

The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium--a must visit! I'd never been to a zoo and aquarium with such a varied landscape and great view! They had Lemurs too!

Anja loved running with the Beluga whales as they swam by.

BRAVE mama came this close to take a picture, and almost touched it to show Anja how courageous she was. The zoo keeper said that I couldn't touch it---I was sooo disappointed!

The Minnesotans (Mark, his sister Jamie, Erik, Anja and I) went to Zayda Buddy's, a fun restaurant in Seattle that boasts tator tot hot dish! We introduced Adam to it a few days later. As you can see, they even serve Premium Grain Belt beer, a Minnesota favorite.