Photo:
The publisher’s two daughters watch as Pike Place staff rescues Mom’s credit card. Photo courtesy of Alayne Sulkin
In my family, we’re not hikers or bikers or skiers but we can chow down on local fare alongside the best of the Northwest’s fleece-wearing foodies. And the one spot that never disappoints? Pike Place Market.
We’ve been there hundreds of times, but I’ll never forget our first visit. Two words: Sensory overload. Gorgeous flowers, fresh fruit, perfect piroshky. And also, crowds. As any Seattleite well knows, Pike Place is often crawling with people, particularly in the summer.
I know first-hand how overwhelming a place the Market can be. Take the photo to the right. That’s my youngest, Maya, looking on as a Pike Place staffer deconstructs the famous Rachel the Pig piggy bank. Why? Because Maya had decided Miss Piggy needed a loan; she dropped my credit card into the slot on the pig’s back — hence the extraction. It drew more attention than the famous fish-throwers nearby. (I probably could have used a tip or two about parenting in public that day).
Still, as crazy as the Market can be, it’s a perfect spot to take your family this summer — whether or not you have visitors in town. Not only is Pike Place expanding, it’s home to countless stalls and shops that’ll keep kids of all ages (including any family outing-adverse teens) busy for hours on end. Trust us; we’ve been there, done that and got the photos of Rachel to prove it.
On the other side of the city this issue, we explore a West Seattle child care center that, to us, just makes good sense. The Intergenerational Learning Center, a day program for young children, is nestled in the heart of Providence Mount St. Vincent, a care community for older adults. The result? Priceless moments and plenty of adorable photos.
This story particularly speaks to me. My kids have been raised among older family friends including the 97-year-old inspiration who is Dr. Aaron Bernstein. A father of four, grandfather of 10 and a newly minted great-grandfather, Dr. Bernstein lights up when surrounded by family. With his love of life and magic that fills a room, he sets the standard of fathers to be celebrated (psst — Father’s Day is June 18).
Also on our Cool Dad radar: Seattle dad Jama’l Chukueke. Not only did the father of a 2-year-old recently start a new gig at the University of Washington Bothell, he works with Families of Color Seattle (FOCS) while also running a podcast, Diversity Dad. “Obviously,” he tells us, “you gotta work until your eyes bleed.”
What better expression to signal the end of the school year, right? With that, I wish you a Happy Father’s Day, a sunny start to a new season and a not-too-exhausting summer break.
