Here Come the Contezacs, or, Rather, There Came the Contezacs

This morning, Mike's youngest brother, Marc, left for the Navy. While Mike and I were conversing and hypothesizing on the experiences Marc will have over the next eight years, I thought about Marc's visit out here. Mike Jr. and Joan (Mike's parents) and Marc spent several days with us in June, and it sure was nice to show them the city we've grown so fond of. We had a lot of fun, and it's time we share that with you. As you'll see below, however, Marc is not as photogenic as someone like me, so he's not in any of the pictures you'll find here. Trust me, he really was here. Really.

Some of the places we went to are places we've written about and posted photos of a gazillion times on this blog. With that in mind, I don't think I need to elaborate on everything. For example, this first photo is on the boardwalk, which a good number of you have been on. :)



So, I don't need to write a novel about the boardwalk, but I do think it's worth noting how adorable Mike Jr. and Joan are holding hands. I'm guessing, Joan, that you are blushing now. Good. I intended as much. Love you. :)

Of course, we went to Whatcom Falls, too. This view is from above the ol' swimmin' hole.


I think it was on the Contezacs' second day here that we really packed it in. We spent the morning exploring Teddy Bear Cove at low tide, and then we drove up to Mount Baker to take in some epic views during the afternoon. If you've been keeping up, you know that we only discovered Teddy Bear Cove a few months ago. It was exciting to show it to company, which we hadn't yet had the opportunity to do. The pictures below should also help to give you readers a better idea of how totally awesome it really is. I don't think we had any starfish pics to post in our earlier Teddy Bear Cove blog. Now you know; I wasn't lying...

Teddy Bear Cove:

On the drive up to Mount Baker, we stopped at Nooksack Falls. I just Googled "Nooksack Falls" so that I could tell you how big they are, and I found out the water drops 88 feet. Though, with the powerful melt from the mountains, the strength of the falls makes them look much bigger. In my research, I also learned that Nooksack Falls was featured in a film called The Deer Hunter. This sounds like a lame film, but I'm not hip anymore, and it may be award-winning. I have no idea. Anyways, if you've seen The Deer Hunter, maybe you'll recognize the images below. Now, keep in mind, this quick Google search led me to Wikipedia, which means all of the info I gave you may or may not be accurate.

Nooksack Falls:

Though that photo doesn't give you a good picture of the full length of the falls, it does allow for you to see the adventurous side of Mike Jr. See that little red dot near the top of the falls? That's Mike Jr., exploring the restricted area marked with numerous danger signs warning tourists to keep out. But, little does Washington know, Minnesotans don't read signs.



The bright snow in the photo inhibits the ability to distinguish it, but Mount Shuksan is behind us. These few photos are all on our afternoon on Baker.

Mike's parents have an even better version of this photo on their camera. In theirs, Mike and I are both in this old tree, and we're hugging. Get it? Tree huggers! Ba dum bum.




On the way back down from the mountains, we stopped at the Northfork Brewery, Pizzeria, Beer Shrine, and Wedding Chapel. We checked out all but the last part. The beer was really good, the pizza was really good, and the beer shrine, well, take a peek...

It's the first time we'd seen anything with the Leine's name on it in over a year. So, yeah, we like the beer shrine, too.

The following day, we crossed the border and went to The Greater Vancouver Zoo in British Columbia. Including our wait time (or lack thereof) at the border, it only took 30 minutes each way to drive there and back. So, any of y'all who might be planning future visits, bring your passport.

The zoo was pretty good. It was less showy architecturally than most of the zoos I've been to in America. I guess I kind of liked knowing, though, that our entrance fees are working to maintain the health and interest of the animals. I'd rather have my money enhance the animals' experiences at the zoo than my own. What really sold me on the place, though, was the shows they had. We watched a lion feeding and their birds of prey show, both of which were better than any zoo shows I've ever seen. We've got videos that I'll try and post next.




We spent the Contezacs' last day here bumming round B'ham a bit more and just enjoying each other's company. Mike, Joan, and Marc, we are so glad you came. Thank you. And, Marc, best of luck in the Navy. We will think of you often. If you are able to access the internet, maybe you can read this post if ever you are missing your family, as I'm sure they will miss you every day.