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Taylor Swift at Century Link Field – Seattle, WA – August 8, 2015
August 8, 2015 was a very exciting day, because I got to see TAYLOR SWIFT in concert (The 1989 World Tour). She was born in 1989. I graduated high school in 1989!
She really put on a great show!!
First, my sister (Karin) and niece (Ashley) drove up from Oregon the day before. I researched our public transportation options, to avoid the chaos of driving into the city with thousands of other people. The ST (Sound Transit) Express Bus ended up being the way to go!
On the ST Express Bus – August 8, 2015
We hopped on bus #512 in Lynnwood, then we got off within walking distance of the downtown Seattle Veggie Grill (at 1427 4th Avenue). We met Karin’s friend (and others) at the restaurant.
Outside the Veggie Grill in downtown Seattle
I ordered the (vegan) ‘Crab’ Cake, “Kale Style.” (Look at that tiny bit of tartar sauce. Of course I had to ask for more than that!) For dessert, I had a piece of carrot cake…yum!
‘Crab’ Cake, Kale Style (vegan) – Veggie Grill
From the Veggie Grill, we walked ~1 mile to Century Link Field. I picked up a double short soy latte at a Starbucks along the way. (Coffee = a hug in a mug!)
Before we joined the procession of people entering the stadium, we figured out where we’d need to catch our bus home. My niece and sister saw Taylor Swift in Portland for her Red Tour 2013. Hence– the red signs in this picture…
My niece, me & my sister
Look at all those tour busses…
Taylor Swift tour busses
Taylor Swift – The 1989 World Tour
We arrived plenty early. I actually had a seat in a different section than Karin and Ashley, because I’d decided that I wanted to go to the concert after Karin had already purchased their tickets. As it turned out, though, I was able to stay with them next to/within their seats for the whole concert. It was nice to be able to stay together.
Entering the stadium
Inside Century Link Field
Where we sat – Section 131, Row Z
There were 2 opening acts for the Seattle show: Shawn Mendes and Vance Joy. Both were excellent. The night of the show was actually Shawn’s 17th birthday. (During Taylor’s show, she had all of us sing Happy Birthday to him.)
Sean Mendes was opening act #1
Vance Joy was opening act #2
While it was still light out, I really enjoyed watching plane after plane after plane flying by overhead. And by the way– the weather was perfect: not too hot, and not too bright. (I don’t like heat and I’m a shade seeker!)
I should have taken a picture of an airplane going by, but I didn’t!
Karin & Ashley
When Taylor’s performance started, the wrist bands that everyone got upon entering the stadium started lighting up. Somehow they were coordinated during each song. Different bands lit up at different times and each band lit up in all different colors. It made for a fantastic light show.
Taylor Swift is known for really emotionally connecting with her fans and she didn’t disappoint us. In Seattle, she brought a surprise guest– Russell Wilson– (know him?) on stage. She also performed a song with another secret guest, Fetty Wap.
Ashley & Elisa
Here a few more pics:
Taylor Swift in Seattle – August 8, 2015
Taylor Swift in Seattle – August 8, 2015
After the show, we very quickly caught our bus and we were back on the road without any hassle. When we got home, the house was quiet, as (baby) Todd successfully went to bed for the 2nd time without me. It was a good night for everyone!
Todd’s first 4th of July – 2015
Isn’t it cool how having a baby changes so many things for the better? For example…
I usually detest the 4th of July. Where we live, it sounds like a war zone on the 4th. It’s beyond excessive. Every year our yard turns into a mess of hundreds of little pieces of firework debris. (I don’t know about you, but my mood is awesome when I have to clean up someone else’s litter.)
It really bothers me to think about all the scared animals, too. And of course, fire is always a legitimate concern. (A house just a couple blocks from us did burn down due to fireworks several years ago.)
For the above reasons, we usually try to leave town for the holiday. But this year, we needed to stay. I was dreading the day. It was bad enough before we had Todd, but having Todd meant we really needed a game plan this year.
My goal was to get away for as much of the evening as possible. A quick search led me to a great plan:
We’d spend the evening in La Conner, where there was a free music event at the La Conner Marina from 6-10 PM, and then a fireworks display over the Swinomish Channel at 10 PM. (Here’s the link.) We’d get back home with just a little more noise to endure.
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So here’s how the evening unfolded…
We arrived in La Conner around 6 PM, and it was easy to find parking. If you’ve never been there, La Conner is a super cute town. We took a walk south along the Channel Boardwalk first.
Todd & Eric next to the Swinomish Channel
Eric & Todd
Todd & Elisa
Along the Boardwalk
Swinomish Channel
Next, we ate our picnic dinner back at the car. Eric and I had sandwiches made with thick pieces of homemade marinated tofu, guacamole, romaine lettuce leaves, and a smear of Just Mayo. We let Todd stretch his legs a bit. He wanted to taste some rocks.
Picnic at the car
Then, we retrieved our chairs and headed north along the Boardwalk.
La Conner Channel Lodge
Boat dock
When we located the music venue, Eric was excited to hear/see a Hammond B-3 organ. Unfortunately, the opening act (Terry Nelson and Friends) was over literally just moments after we got there. He was bummed that we missed out. Eric chatted with the musician as they were packing up.
Meanwhile, I met his spouse (Kathleen), who turned out to be a former labor/delivery nurse and a friend of my friend and therapist colleague, Stany. Small world! (Although it’s not too surprising since I have longstanding ties to this area through my work as an Occupational Therapist).
Naturally, Todd was thrilled to get out of the stroller.
Todd
Happy 4th!
Todd & Eric
Todd
At about 8:30 PM, electric six-string violinist Geoffrey Castle took the stage. Here’s a short video clip of his opening number as well as Todd getting a little excited about it. The music was excellent.
It was a little quieter behind the stage, so Eric took Todd back there to explore.
Todd walking
Growing up so fast
Todd loved that dog, there. He couldn’t get enough of trying to touch him. The dog was really nice.
Todd with Eric and his doggy friend
Todd loves dogs
Then, Eric took Todd for a walk to help him focus on something else for a while. Todd was fixated on the dog!
More exploring
After the music ended and it got dark, we moved our chairs to watch the fireworks.
Todd & Eric getting ready to watch the fireworks
Fireworks over the Swinomish
Fireworks show – July 4, 2015
At about 10:30 PM, Todd got sleepy after having a bottle in his seat. After the fireworks were over, Todd didn’t wake up when Eric loaded him into his car seat. He slept until we got home at midnight.
Sleepy Todd
At home, Todd cried for a while since he woke up grumpy once we got home. Nothing I could do was helping to settle him but he finally was back asleep just before 1 AM. I fell asleep shortly after 1 AM. I slept until 8 AM the next morning, when Todd woke up.
A walk around the yard on July 5th showed all the evidence of what we missed. But, all in all, we did have a fun first 4th of July as a family.
Freeheel Vegan 