Off The Grid....

Into the New Year

2012-01-29T10:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas came and went. It snuck up and the next thing I knew, poof, it was gone. It was fun while it lasted and I am positive Kaya had a great time.

Ready for Christmas

Lil Sunshine

New Pink Kitchen!

NERF Battle!

So far this year we have had some un-seasonably warm weather. We have taken advantage of this by going to the beach and hanging out in San Francisco. The exploratorium, wave organ, places I would not really want to visit in typical rainy cold January weather.
I actually felt guilty for enjoying a sunny warm day at the beach with our close friends Chris and Jeff. Grifter and Dasher got to run and play. Although Grifter's listening skills when off leash and around others are not great, he still got to do a ton of playing before having to be put back on his leader.

Dancing Water

The Wonders of Cornstarch

Blowing Bubbles

Big Bubble

So Many Kayas!

Peek a Boo

Social Experiment

Dancing in Color

Getting Blown Over

Windy Day By the Bay

I'm on a Boat

Wave Organ

Mama & Kaya warming up. (Photos courtesy of Chris)

Buddies Dasher & Grifter (Photos courtesy of Chris)

Come Grif! (Photos courtesy of Chris)

We also just celebrated Erin's Moms 60th Birthday. Erin went through a lot of trouble to plan a surprise party for Margie. She invited all of her closest friends and family, made her favorite desert (Creme Brûlée), and handled all decorations and reservations at a local restaurant. Erin also gathered some rather funny photos of a younger Margie that she and our close friend Chris then added funny captions to and set out on each table. Chris played chauffeur and a very pivotal role as Margie thought all that was attending dinner was Chris, Jeff, Erin, Kaya, and I. It was a fun time and I believe everyone enjoyed themselves.

Surprise!

2012 is here and I am already stressing out. February and March are going to be hectic for me. Two trade shows in a row literally. I will be gone the first half of March. Not looking forward to being away from my family.

This year it is really bringing home how much has changed in my life. Friendships I had that are either changed or no longer there. The friends I do have are more acquaintances, nothing like the friendships I had when living down south or from my younger days. To say that this saddens me would be an understatement. Thinking back to my childhood and my parents I guess they really had no close friends either. So is it important when we are older to have those types of relationships after you have children? I don't know. Erin is my best friend and I know she will always be there and Kaya is my light. But not having the friendships I had is lamentable. I don't typically care to share my feelings but for me, writing this has been very cathartic. Onward and upward from here on out.

Fun Weekend

2011-11-30T10:00:00.001-08:00

We had a busy and fun short vacation this last weekend. Starting with Thanksgiving, Silveyville Tree farm with Chaz, Devin, & Desiree, and Mario coming to visit.

Silveyville tree farm was a fun time. A large tree farm in Dixon with rides, free hot cider, and popcorn! She absolutely loves popcorn. A Santa sleigh ride and lollipops! Kaya was in heaven!

Mario arrived Friday evening for a short visit and to help shoot some family photos for our Christmas card. He brought along all of his lighting equipment and set up a great shoot for us in the backyard. I learned a lot again from him and could not be more thankful. I need to get a reflector and a assistant for future shoots!

On Sunday we headed to San Francisco to goof around in Golden Gate park. Not knowing there was a bike race of some sorts going on that completely screwed any family wanting to get into the park. After a bunch of re-routes we finally made it in. First stop was the play area and Carousel. Next was the Tea Gardens. A short walk around and then we headed to the Tonga Room in hopes of grabbing a meal. I have been wanting to check it out since it might be gone soon. Unfortunately they were only open for dinner and we were about three hours early. So off to Union square. Checked out the Christmas tree and skating rink, then had a late lunch/dinner at Cheesecake factory. In all a very fun day. Thank you again Mario for all the help and guidance!

I am really looking forward to Christmas. One of my favorite times of the year. Nothing feels better than giving that perfect gift to your loved ones.

Silveyville Tree Farm Adventure

Kaya's Holiday Photo Shoot

Golden Gate Park Adventure

I can't believe it is almost Christmas!

2011-11-22T11:43:00.001-08:00

Wow this year is almost gone. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years will come in no time. I wish I could slow time down a bit and get to enjoy my little one while she is still little. She is growing up way too fast.

Halloween has come and gone. Kaya's third birthday has come and gone. Mario is coming for a visit over Thanksgiving so I will be able to bug him some more for some tips on photography and Photoshop. I am sure he is excited!

I have been creatively blocked lately. Just don't care for any of the photos I take. Kaya's birthday was super fun but I honestly did not get one photo I liked. Feeling like a failure is no fun. Just noticed how disjointed this post is sounding. I have so many thoughts in my head at the moment it seems like I am just regurgitating everything here.

Here are some of he recent photos I have taken spanning the last couple of weeks. Of course anyone interested in seeing all that I shoot can head to my Flickr page.

Di Rosa Preserve

The Uptown

Look into my lens.

She is so beautiful!

Rancho Vichy

Fall on Fourth Ave.

Webby

Shed Lights

Baby Grifter in his sunshine nap spot.

Sunshine in her eyes.

Halloween Around the court

Doing her hair for the camera.

Tree Hugger

Big Fish Tree

Trina Barrios 7/19/22 - 10/27/11

2011-11-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

It pains me to say, we have lost our loved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, Trina Barrios. We all love you with all of our hearts and you will be greatly missed.

Trina's Obituary from the Napa Register

Tribute slideshow

Restored Photos

Hiking Kaya

2011-10-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks Kaya and I have been going on a few hikes. She really enjoys the whole process. Packing a backpack, bringing water, snacks etc. After the first hike she wanted a backpack like Dad's that she could drink out of. So on a quick trip to REI we picked up her very own pink Camelback!

Westwood Hills pre Camelback.

Westwood Hills Hike with Mama.

Timberhill Hike with new pink Camelback!

When will there be a slowdown?

2011-10-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Lately there has just been too much going on. Things are not getting done around the house. Yard looks like hell and my garage is a mess. Seems we are gone or busy every weekend. This weekend we had two birthday parties and a trip to the pumpkin patch.

My nephew Kaleb turned 8! Crazy, time is just flying by. My other nephew Jake turned 9 roughly a month earlier and my daughter Kaya will be 3 in two weeks. Kaleb's party was super fun with the whole family in attendance. Kaya's party is going to be held at the same place, a indoor bounce house play area here in town. The kids loved it.

Recently I sent my camera gear off to Canon to be cleaned and to have a couple of my lenses repaired. Turned out that everything had been damaged in one way or another which was primarily affecting the autofocus on the body and some of the lenses. Also a few of the lenses were having issues back focusing or not being able to focus on anything close. I have been playing around since getting them back and things to seem to be sorted.

Some test shots from around the house and valley.

This guy is living in our lemon tree and has set up a really nice web.

Busy at work pollinating the lantana.

Small butterflies that are all over the yard.

Pile of rubble by my storage.

Fall is here.

Aidan's Birthday party.

Swim party.

Kaleb's 8th Birthday Party!

Proud father and son.

Kaleb is 8!

My sister Beth made these delicious cupcakes. I am not very happy with this picture but was VERY happy with the cupcakes!

Stanley Lane Pumpkin Patch

We did our annual trip to the patch for some pumpkin picking and fall photo session for Kaya. Unfortunately there were so many people I was not able to get all the shots I had hoped. I thought that everything I shot was going to be garbage but I ended up with some keepers in my opinion.

We are still here, I swear!

2011-10-07T15:35:00.001-07:00

Small post just to let you know we are still alive and kicking!

Camping Sugar Pine.

4th of July Parade downtown Napa

Patriotic Girl

Napa Waterfront

Months and Months

2011-06-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

Again more time has flown by. We have been as active as possible although winter decided to stick around until just last week.

Kaya is amazing. I know every parent understands this about their child but I don't think I love anything in this world more than I love her. I would give up everything for her. Her vocabulary for a two and a half year old is astounding. You can have a conversation with her like you would any adult. I attribute this to the amount of reading we do every day. She absolutely loves to be outside. The rain we have had has been torture for her. Luckily it seems Summer has arrived and with her new park in the backyard she could not be happier!

Easter 2011

Lashes

So where is my candy cane?

Gonna git you.

I don't want to smile.

Hop! Hop!

Much Better.

1st Marine World trip of the season.

Smmmoooccchhh.

Tongues In.

Is This Almost Over?

Santa Barbara 2011

Mama and Kaya in SB.

Hi!

Memorial Day BBQ.

Friends Enjoying the Fire.

Being Silly.

Santa Cruz 2011

New Ducky!

Winner!

Ehhh Ehhh Ehhh Ehhh.

Log Jam.

Roller Coaster Face.

Flying High.

Another one down

2011-03-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

First day of the show is in the bag. Three to go!

Wanted to share some more photos from yesterday. You can always check this link to see the entire set of photos from this trip:

Just click this link for Taiwan 2011 photos.

View from my room showing traffic and Daan Park.

Took some more photos of the Modern Toilet restaurant so everyone that I told about this place last year has a better understanding of the actual interior. Very unique. Was going to take some photos of the A380 restaurant as well but they were closed. It is a airplane themed restaurant that looks exactly like the interior of an airplane and you are served by stewardesses.

Aki and I searched high and low for this place last year. Turns out it is just behind one of my favorite shopping buildings.

Have a seat.

I get the American flag seat!

More photos from the Flora expo.

Taipei 2011

2011-03-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

Back in Formosa for the bike show. There is a new expo in the city this year called the Taipei Flora Expo. There was a ton to see and the expo covers a huge area. Walked around there for almost six hours and then back to the room to rest my feet before having to stand for nine hours tomorrow at the show.

Already missing my girls more than ever. Only Four more days.

Row upon row of scooters. This is a common scene all over the city.

Buildings just down the street from the hotel.

Amaryllis at the Flora Expo.

Great use of recycled plastic bottles at the pavilion of the future, Flora Expo.

Lady Slipper orchid.

Cardboard tubes that decorate the outside of one of the souvenir shops.

Awesome BMW scooter that I want!

DEAD......BEAT.......

2011-03-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

Yep sums me up. Christmas, New Years, Tahoe, Austin, and leaving for Taiwan on Saturday.

For those who don't know, I spend the majority of my time on my Flickr page. No Facebook (All updates on my Facebook page come from Flickr). I apologize to everyone that wanted to know what I had for breakfast or if my day was a :-) or a :-(

I am going to try and be more vigilant in updating the blog. We will see!

Just a few pics but for all the others please view my Flickr stream. That is where I post everything.

China Town and Japan Town outing.

Trip to China Town and Japan Town with Gumpa, Mama, and Kaya.

Christmas 2010

Tahoe trip to Northstar.

Warm February trip to Dillon Beach.

Photos from a quick trip to Dillon Beach during a very unusually warm February day.

Around Devita.

Austin Texas, North American Handmade Bicycle Show.

More photos from my trip to The North American Handmade Bicycle Show.

Sunny Day Play

Just like that Kaya is now 2

2010-11-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

I don't think it can be said too many times, time flies. Our daughter is now two years old and I am ready for time to slow down. I am not ready to lose my baby just yet.

As usual a lot has transpired in the months since my last post. Kaya is speaking in full sentences, has taken her first trip to Disneyland, revisited the zoo, had a great birthday party, and much more.

Recently I also surprised Erin with a complete makeover of our bedroom while she was away for work. This could not have happened without the help from my good friends Rich and Chaz. Thank you guys a ton for helping me out on such a tight schedule. I will try and get some photos of the room up in the next couple of days.

Kaya's first visit to Disneyland! Oh and she loved it!

Erin, Gumpa, and Kaya.

Kaya and Eeyore. She was really into the characters. She wanted to give each and every one a hug!

Believe it or not Kaya's favorite ride.

California Adventure.

Erin, Kaya, and Pluto. Pluto was being very interactive with Kaya while we were taking this photo. He even was playing hide and seek with her.

The family, Gumpa, Mama, Kaya, Grammy, and Grampa.

The first day in the park it was reported to be 114!

Say Cheese! She stepped right in front of me while I was taking pictures of Tiana.

Cutest child in the world!

Click this link to see many more photos from our Disneyland Trip.

Halloween, Pumpkins and Costumes.

Mischief.

Stanley Lane.

Sleeping.

Silly face.

The real Kaya Bug.

She's in the Army now.

Click this link to see more photos from Halloween.

San Francisco Zoo Trip.

So cute, three generations.

Sad.

Stink Hole.

Click this link to see more photos from the Zoo trip.

Kaya turned two years old this year. Erin put together a great party at a local gymnastics facility and made awesome cupcakes with homemade cream cheese frosting for the party. I am pretty sure Kaya had a good time!

Happy Birthday Kaya!

Look at all those presents.

Party balance.

Is this all for me?

Blow Kaya, blow!

Blow some more little girl!

After many months of deciding whether or not I would try and hop the fence at Skaggs Island I finally did and I was about nine months late. It was all bulldozed this year in January. What a shame. The possibilities that were held in all of those historic buildings. For anyone who is not familiar with the base here is a great link to learn more:

History of Skaggs Island

The way to the North entrance.

Crossing Guard.

Why three locks?

Lonely tracks.

Friends of the Napa River, River Festival.

Interbike 2010, Las Vegas.

Wings Over Wine Country and Some Old Treasures

2010-08-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we headed over to Wings Over Wine Country Air Show for Kaya's first air show. Great planes and good food. Next year though we will show up early.

I'm calling CPS.

Intruder.

Little air show girl.

1/8 Choctaw.

This one is my size!

Shiny prop.

I got the itch to scan through some older photos that I had yet to edit and found some that I really liked. Also a few that I went back and touched up that had been edited.

Captain Jake.

Blue Angels.

Flag at Stanley Lane Halloween.

Kaya and Mama Stanley Lane.

Pumpeens.

Disturbing.

Kaleb playing at Jake's graduation.

Tractor at the Napa Fair.

4th of July parade Calistoga.

San Miguel Mission New Mexico.

Sausalito.

Rear of a F-15 on Ford Island, Hawaii.

Summer

2010-08-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

So far so good. What has been going on so far this summer:

Griffen's B-Day

Kaya drained trying to move in the foam pit.

Grandma Trina's B-day

Cake anticipation.

Happy to get cake!

Cake face.

Bear River camping trip with friends and family.

Jake, direct hit!

Kaya waking up from a nap by the river.

Jake, Cari, and Kona waterfall hike.

Chaz, Devin, and Wiley waterfall hike.

Desiree and Devin cooling off in the river.

Jake having fun in the water.

Gangeen floating in the river.

Click here to see the rest of the photos from the Bear river trip.

3rd Annual Devita Neighborhood Block Party.

Party Cake.

Party girl.

The hood.

Click here to see the rest of the photos from the block party.

Hike through Muir Woods in search of the world's best grilled cheese and tomato soup as see on "The Best Thing I Ever Ate".

Jake and Kaya in search of....

Sharing.

Endor er I mean Muir Woods.

2010 Napa Town and Country Fair

Kaya's first horse ride.

Kaya and Dada eating free ice cream courtesy of Clover.

Busy Body Kaya

2010-07-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Kaya has been busy! Between swim lessons, playing on the new park equipment, and attending Griffen's 2nd birthday she has been all over the place. Up next finish swim lessons and camping!

Click me for a much higher resolution version of the above video.

Kaya & Grandma Misako chilling.

Loves her bug.

Slidin!

Playing makes you thirsty.

Irresistible smile.

Sliding maniac.

Through the shark's mouth.

Yosemite and Half Dome

2010-06-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Chaz, Desiree, Desiree's sister Crystal and myself headed out to Yosemite to attempt to tackle Half Dome. I had done my preparation. Read up on others hikes. What to bring, what not to bring. What to expect. None of it mattered. It was TOUGH! The hike up is steep, very steep. If you are not in shape it makes it that much tougher. Since I dedicate the majority of my time to being a dad and husband that does not leave much time for getting in shape.

El Capitan and The Three Sisters.

We had a plan. Wake up at 3:30am power down some cinnamon Life cereal and head out towards the park. We were staying in Oakhurst and had planned on a hour trip into the park. Little did we know that they would be doing road work on the 41 at four in the morning. The hour trip turned into two hours and had shot my plans for catching some nice light later in the hike. I was a little sour because of the setback, but we persevered.

Destination

Headed up the trail at almost exactly six in the morning. A couple of potty breaks later and we were headed up the beginning of the Mist trail. The scenery was alluring the entire way up and down. Which was a good thing. Otherwise I would not have made it a mile. The first portion of the trail was not bad. It was steep but paved. You cross the first bridge and head towards the Mist portion of the trail. Vernal falls is the culprit behind the mist. When someone suggests you bring a poncho on a hike, you really should listen. I thought I knew better. Why bring a poncho it is just mist right? Wrong! Hiking this portion of the trail was like taking a shower with the most powerful shower head imaginable. We got soaked. Chaz and I both had our SLR's out and they got soaked. This section of the trail was comprised mainly of stairs varying in height from 12" to 18" and wet! I was dying. I could also feel the start of a few small blisters at this point. Vernal Falls was amazing.

Desiree posing in front of our goal.

Vernal Falls Peek a Boo.

Beginning of the Mist Trail.

Stairs

Looking down from the top of Vernal Falls onto the Mist Trail.

Noticed this rock and made me sad to be away from E, as I was away during our 20 year anniversary.

At the top of the falls I decided to check out my heels. Sure enough already had a blister on my right foot and could feel one on the left but it had not surfaced yet. The right heel had already broke open. We are only like two miles in at this point! Six more to the top! I put some second skin on my heels laced back up and we headed off. Next set of falls was Nevada falls. From the bottom not quite as pretty as Vernal but stunning none the less. Again this section was more granite stairs. My muscles were fine, my lungs.....not fine. They were burning. Over my years riding, hiking, or playing sports this is the norm for me. I have to work through the initial burn and then I am good. That did not happen until around mile six! From the two mile to the top mark I was feeling good. At the top of Nevada falls I did another check of my heels and they were worse. Decisions decisions, power through or turn back. I decided to keep going. Another application of second skin with a outer cover of moleskin and we were off. Well almost Chaz was feeling our poor decision to chow down some deep fried ravioli from Dicheekos (Yes blatant mispelling) and had to try and get them out before we started the five miles to the top.

The look of fried ravioli regret.

Desiree heading up Nevada Falls.

Nevada Falls.

The next couple of miles were pleasant. Through Litttle Yosemite Camp ground, terrain was nice. Mostly flat with a little up and down. Was a nice break on my heals. I was doing my best to keep hydrated and it was showing, many potty breaks! After the campground you start heading back up hill, this time through the woods. It was gorgeous. Steep in some portions but no stairs! This was much easier on my already blistered heels. About a 1/4 mile from the Grand Staircase Chaz and I pulled over to take it all in. You could see Half Dome and the people on the cables. While we were stopped I heard "Dude be careful with the bong". I turn around and this guy has an enormous green glass bong. I turn around and say "bong?" To which the reply was "Yeah dude three footer, giggle giggle". I could not believe it. Apparently his goal was to make it to the top and get high, higher than he had ever been!

Way too happy with two miles still to go.

Spring Gold, my best guess.

Break before heading to the Grand Staircase.

Now the last few hurdles. The Grand Staircase, walk up a steep granite slab, and the cables. The stairs put the almighty hurt on me. Chaz was soldiering on. My heels were on fire and I was afraid to see the damage. After making it to the top of the staircase I sat briefly. Upon standing and pushing off to start up the granite I felt a tear on my left heel. I knew it was not good. Walked over to a nice spot to sit down and told Chaz to go on ahead, I really needed to assess the situation. Upon inspection my heels were cooked! Left heel had a massive blister that covered the entire heel and was headed under my foot. Right heel had big open blister. Another application of second skin and moleskin and I was on my way. I wanted to make it to the top but the furthest I made it was to the Sub Dome and the base of the cables. The pain was bad and I made the decision it was in my heels best interest to not attempt the steep cable portion and risk further damage. I decided to head back down.

Lonely at the Top.

Chaz heading up the Grand Staircase.

Amazing troop of Amish ladies.

Half Dome and the Cables.

What a view.

The granite.

My Snoopy good luck talisman, Thank you Chris!

On my way back down I ran into Desiree and her sister. We decided to all head back down and wait for Chaz. Luckily he made it and took some photos and video at the top.
When Chaz met back up we started the long trek back down. It was lovely, downhill was putting zero pressure on my heels I flew down to the first restroom. The Brown's had a date at the Superbowl and I did not want them to be late! We decided to take the longer John Muir route down. An extra mile and a half but the downhill was supposed to be better than going back down the stairs of the Nevada and Vernal Falls.

Top of Nevada Falls.

Liberty Cap and Nevada Falls.

On the John Muir Trail.

After passing the Nevada falls I felt new blisters forming now on my toes! I really thought I had broken in my boots but to my chagrin I had not. Chaz and I were both hurting on the way down. He had barely taken any breaks and made it to the top so he was hurting. We stuck it out made it back to the car where I gleefully kicked my boots off and we headed to the hotel room.
In all a very fun trip. Thank you very much Chaz and Desiree with putting up with my crude sense of humor and for being the chauffeur! Very much looking forward to the next adventure.

Typical

2010-05-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Just plain typical of me. Another two months, poof. I swear I wish I could be better about updating more.

Mamala Bay Golf Course, yes the water is that blue!

Over the last couple of months a lot has happened. Primarily Erin and I had a vacation to Hawaii. In almost 20 years together we had never been on a real vacation. Three days here and there but never more than a week. So this was very special as we also never had a real Honeymoon.

We were very fortunate to share the experience with good friends Chris and Jeff. They both had been to Oahu before and served as amazing tour guides and chauffeurs! We golfed, hiked, swam in the ocean, had some truly wonderful meals, went sight seeing on several military bases, and got to really relax. I did miss Kaya terribly but I knew she was in the best of hands with Grammy.

Hickham AFB.

Aoki's Shave Ice, super yum!

Erin enjoying her shave ice.

Cheese!

Waikiki and Diamond Head.

USS Arizona from the top secret viewing area. Chris and Jeff stumbled upon this spot.

Outside the Flight Museum on Ford Island.

Byodo In temple door.

Smile you are on vacation!

Byodo In Temple.

Kaya sure is busy.

One of the only sunsets I was able to capture, but it was worth it.

Click here to see many more photos from the Hawaii trip.

Chaz and Desiree also finally got a Burley trailer for baby Devin so we have tried to take advantage of the few days that we have had sun the past two months. We have ridden out at Buchli Station, The River Trail, and our standard Downtown / Yogurt loop.

The bug exploring Buchli.

We also made it to Drakes Bay for Kaya's first real beach trip. She had been to Santa Cruz but she did not get a chance to get wet on that trip. This time we were ready. She was apprehensive at first and even cried a little when the cold water rolled over her feet but she soon took to it like a duck to water. The Kuhn's were in full effect as well with baby Devin.

Looking directly into the sun I noticed the reflection adjusted to 1/400th for my shutter and snapped this one. I really like the silhouette.

Can't get me wet!

Woah.

My little beach girl.

Beautiful Reflection.

Aged this one, I like the way it came out.

Limestone rock formation.

Click here to see many more photos from Drake's Bay.

So far great start to the summer. We had to cancel our camping trip last weekend because of weather but are heading up in July. Plus I am heading up Half Dome in June. A lot more to look forward to this summer!

Danshui and Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf

2010-03-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

Today we took the MRT all the way out to Danshui. This is a small fishing village at the northern end of Taiwan. Small compared to Taipei but there are still a lot of people. From the MRT station we walked all the way to Tamsui Fisherman's wharf. This is a really cool area with a cool pedestrian bridge and lots to see. Then we headed over to the beach and strolled along for a few miles then all the way back to the MRT station. Very close to ten miles of walking. Both Aki and my feet were killing us so we headed back towards the 101 grabbed a bite to eat and did a little shopping.

First day of the show tomorrow, not looking forward to standing around for nine hours and I miss my girls.

One Day Down...

2010-03-15T06:42:00.000-07:00

So I arrived early this morning in Taipei. Got to the hotel around 7. Luckily Aki had a room over the weekend so I was able to crash with him until we could check into our other room.

Didn't do a whole lot today but we investigated the scene at the Daan Park pretty thoroughly. We saw lots of local wildlife. Even saw my first live reptile. Some type of lizard that resembled a small iguana. We both tried to catch him but it was mid day and he was plenty warm and extremely fast. We chased him up a tree and Aki tried to jump up and grab him but just knocked him to the ground. After that I chased him around which apparently angered him and he jumped at me a couple of times, almost tearing into my man parts.

After that we ventured back on the MRT and returned to Ximen for a little robot hunting and to find the restaurant, The Modern Toilet. Where you sit on toilets and eat out of them! We finally found it but it must of been too early as there was no one eating so I purchased a few souvenirs and we left.

Aki made the mistake of trusting Mos Burger which turned out to be a big mistake. But I think he is ready for some chicken uterus and rooster testicles. So we will search that out for his next meal!

Catch-up.....Again!

2010-03-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

Again I find myself behind on posting. Even my best intentions can't overcome my laziness!

We have been having a fun year so far. When it stops raining we get out and ride our bikes. Now that Jeff has a sweet new ride both he and Chris have been joining us as well. Has made for some really fun trips. Plus I get to introduce everyone to the great amount of bike paths and trails Napa now has to offer. With even more on the horizon!

Vallejo to Benicia ride.

Kaya and I at the Napa River out at Kennedy.

Silly bug.

Cuckoo little stick girl.

In a couple of weeks I will be heading back to Taiwan. Aki again is joining me so at least I will have some company while there. We had a blast last year and hope to check out some more cool sites this year. Then back home for a couple of weeks and then off to Hawaii! I can't wait for that one, my only hesitation is being away from our little girl for eight days. That is going to be very hard but I know she will be in the best of hands with Grammy.

February was also the month we bid farewell to our faithful VW Jetta. It was a great car and served us well. Spacious, great power, beautiful interior, but it was time to move on. With the help of an old friend (Thank you Aaron!) we got a great deal on a new Honda Accord Crosstour AWD. I love, love, love this car. I know it is not everyone's cup of tea but who cares! I love it! The first road trip was down to Santa Cruz. Unfortunately they were having a Chowder contest on the boardwalk and it was beyond packed. So we headed out to the pier had a great lunch and headed home. Kaya did a ton of walking a was a champ during the whole trip.

With fingers crossed another milestone for myself will happen this year as well. The completion of the online store for my job. I will finally be able to sell stuff to people who want it! What a concept!

Here a few miscellaneous photos as well as a few from our trip to the zoo that I did not post last time.

Kaya the little heartbreaker.

Beautiful colors.

Breakfast at Cutting's Wharf.

I will eat your Face.

How do I get out of here?

Stop taking pictures of ME!

Awwww Sunshine..

Eerie.

Common give us a hug!

Tahoe Vacation

2010-01-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

This last weekend we made it up to Tahoe for a short (desperately needed) vacation. This was another weekend of firsts. It was Kaya and Grifter's first time in the snow. Erin found a rad cabin that was in the perfect spot about five minutes from Heavenly. We got lots of snow and I got two great days of snow boarding in.
Kaya had a blast in the snow. Although she did not care for me putting her bare feet in the snow when we arrived, she came to love snowballs and trying to walk on snowy roads.
Grifter and his pal Wiley had a blast as well. They took to the snow like they grew up in it.

Thanks Chaz, Desiree, Devin, Kenny, and Kara for the great time! Looking forward to the next adventure!

The Drive Up.

Grifter the Snow Dog

Icicles.

Now that took a huge set to jump into the snow after being in the hot tub.

The Haps

2010-01-09T09:40:00.000-08:00

Wow a new year. Kaya got to have her first real Christmas (I don't count last year as she was just a little lump then). She was really into opening gifts. So much so that if you did not pay attention she would definitely get into your stash as well! It was so exciting for Erin and I to see how excited she got over all the new toys she got from everyone (Thank you everyone, family & friends for making it so special for her!).

Ready to open.

Playing with her toys.

Kaya all dressed up for Erin's 4th annual Devita Drive Holiday open house.

Kaya and Aunty Leona.

Grifter sporting his winter clothes.

New years was a blast as well. Dusty came up and we had brought in the New Year Rock Band style. Kuhntown was in full effect and we all had a great time. Even Aunt Cari and Jake got in on the action, mouth breathing and all!
We also had a few more firsts for Kaya. She walked for the first time on Erin's birthday and had her first trip to both the zoo and the aquarium (Steinheart that is, her 1st aquarium visit was actually in New Mexico).

Valley People.

Kaya and Mama having a good time.

Playing underwater style.

Touching a Starfish.

Sand Dollars.

Living roof.

Aquarium donors.

Break time.

SF Zoo Day.

Kaya kissing Mama before riding the carousel.

Ready to see some animals!

Wow she is calm!

Kaya's 1st carousel ride, she loved it!

Finally downloaded the rest of the New Mexico images. I like this one.

So far this year is shaping up to be a good one. Tahoe in a couple of weeks then Hawaii in April. Thank you again Erin, you pulled off possibly the biggest surprise you have ever given me and I love you more than ever!

This was from the first Snowboard trip of the season. Chaz and I tearing it up.

Kaya's holiday photo shoot.

2009-12-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

So Sunday I finally got around to helping Erin get a photo of Kaya for our holiday card. We had a nice overcast sky so the pictures turned out great. I had the bright idea of blowing a huge pile of leaves together and then putting Kaya in the center. At first she was not happy to say the least. But after a while (With a little help from Erin tapping me on the head with a lemon) we were able to get some good smiles from her.

These are a few pictures from last Thursday. Kaya and I were driving around on a really cool foggy morning. Made for some neat photos.

Last but not least a few photos of the last full moon.

Fence project finished!

2009-12-08T20:36:00.001-08:00

I have been busy helping my parents over the last few weeks. Their old fence needed to be replaced after 30 years. It was completely rotted and falling down. So I built them a new one!

I am not giving up on this blog!

2009-11-19T10:30:00.000-08:00

I think since the advent of Facebook more and more people have stopped using blogs. It is just so much easier to post a status update than it is to sit down and do a blog post. Well I will not give up on this blog! Sure I have a Facebook page but I could care less about letting people know what I had for breakfast and I do not need to be enabled by my Facebook friends.
Again though I have let almost two months slip between posts. Kaya has since turned one. We had our first Halloween together. She got sick for the first time (still getting over it). She is oh so close to walking. Of course we love her more and more as the days and months go by. Being a parent truly is the most rewarding thing I have ever encountered.

Here are some pics from the last few months.

Kaya the Dragon.

I love Pumpkin!

Silly Face.

Sunshine.

Corn = Yum!

Ooh a Pumpkin.

Kaya and the Stolen Pumpkin.

Kaya in the pumpkin trailer.

Stanley Lane.

The Patch.

Sunflower.

Pumpkin Bucket.

This is what happens in almost two months!

2009-09-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

Kaya is getting big, she can crawl, she can sit up, she can make us a little crazy (But we still love her!), she loves playing with her toys now (which makes it a bunch more exciting when we are at the store and she sees something she likes!), she travels well (Planes, trains, boats, cars, you name it), she still never took a bottle or binky but she drinks from a sippy cup and from a straw, and she is almost a year old!

Things have been hectic to say the least. Luckily things will start slowing down again now that I am finished with Interbike.

Pictures here we go:

Kaya and Mama at the second annual Devita neighborhood block party. (Our street rules!)

Downtown car show, sweet grill.

Sunset at Napa airport.

Jeff was nice enough to invite me out to Travis for a tour of a KC-10 and the surrounding area. View from the Tower.

Air frames all lined up.

Riverfront at Night (Friends of the River fireworks display.)

Riverfront at dusk.

Chris and Jeff hanging out.

Kaya and Night-vision McQueen (Minus his night-vision goggles).

Kaya's O Face.

Kaya preparing to make a run up the Sandia Tramway in New Mexico.

View from the parking lot at the tram.

Cool old lift chairs at the top of Sandia Peak.

We were in Sante Fe around noon so the sun was very bright. Tried bringing it down a notch here. Kaya and Mama in front of the old Laredo Church.

Kaya pointing to Dada.

My beautiful little girl.

Downtown Sante Fe during a festival, picked one of these for my Mom's b-day.

Beatiful New Mexico.

Old Town Albuquerque.

More Camping!

2009-08-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

Headed back to Bear River for another quick camping trip. This time Grifter came along. We left him home last time because we were not quite sure how Kaya was going to react to camping. If she was going to be freaked out then having Grifter and Kaya freaking out could potentially be a little stressful. But she was a champ last time so now Grifter gets to go whenever we go!

We had absolutely perfect weather this time. Not hot and not cold. River was a little low and not flowing as fast as it normally does (we typically come a little earlier than August) but it was still deep enough to tube down. Apart from one bad night (Kaya did not want to sleep) it was a great trip. Lots of good food and Erin even beat me at Horse Balls.

View from the campsite.

Quite possibly the cutest baby in the history of babies.

I have TEETH!

Cool snake I caught at the rivers edge. Not sure if it was a Garter. I have never seen a Garter snake with this red of a belly.

Give me that snake Mama.

Grifter cutting loose.

Cardinal Monkey Flower.

Moth Mullein. This was a crazy little flower that would not open in the sun. Only in the early morning or evening.

More pictures to come!

Completely Forgot About the 4th.

2009-07-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

I spaced it on the last posting. I meant to post my pics from the 4th and completely forgot.

On the 3rd we headed over to the Kuhn's for the Silverado Country Club fireworks (which sucked) and some grubbin BBQ. Then on the 4th we rolled to the parade in Calistoga with Desiree, Chaz, Chris, and Jeff. After the parade off for some golf at Eagle vines. Then rounded out the night downtown Napa for the fireworks (which rocked!).

Kaya's first 4th and she seemed to really enjoy all the festivities.

Smile Bug during the parade.

Mama and the Bug.

Serious Bug.

The Mad Hatter.

Old Timey rear ends.

Fast Midget.

Hogs, year two.

Trigger the face eating horse.

Third street bridge shenanigans.

For anyone interested in my technique on the following firework shots. All bulb exposures with a remote release. During the exposure I would cover the lens and uncover it to capture more than one firework. I really liked the way these came out.

Thutdwathudwa...

2009-07-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

Tried my best to spell the sound Kaya is making all the time with her tongue. I think it is close.

Another fun weekend behind us and one ahead. So far great summer.

This is Kaya's new ride. Well not so new, she has had it for about a month or so now. She LOVES riding in it. Sunday we went on the longest ride to date. We headed to Yountville with Kenny and Jake to check out the car show. We met up with the Kuhns and Chaz rode with us as well. Kaya did wonderful. We stopped one time and she started to fuss a bit but then stopped as we started riding again. She did almost 11 miles! She went home with Erin in the truck because it was getting a bit hot.

The car show was great. Lots of sweet cars. Desiree's brother Brandon even ended up winning best of show and people's choice awards.

Show Winner! Brandon in back.

Cool exhaust.

Sweet Willys. Although getting closer to the paint revealed a less than stellar paint job.

Old timey fast.

Before we left on our adventure Sunday we had an impromptu baby shoot by the lemon cucumber. Kaya and Grif were playing so well.

Kaya and her Dog Dog.

Dog Dog kisses.

Erin's soon to be winning prize lemon cucumbers.

And last but not least a little video I shot of Kaya today. I swear I think she is going to skip crawling and go straight to walking.

Fun, Fun, and more Fun!

2009-07-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you to our family and friends for keeping us busy over the last couple of weekends. Baseball game, golf outings, camping, bike riding, the list goes on and on!

Kaya's first Giant's game. Thank you Desiree and Chaz for taking us!

Camping at Sugar Pine.

Mea Culpa! Mea Culpa!

2009-06-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

Only two months between posts, not bad but definitely furthering my deadbeat status.

I am not going to say I have been busy. Everyone gets busy. One of my biggest pet peeves is someone telling me they are busy. EVERYONE is busy unless you are leaching off the government and sit around the house all day long eating bon bons Peggy Bundy style.

I have just been LAZY!

Kaya is growing like crazy, in height, weight, and awareness. Both Erin and I have decided to go ahead and keep her. I can't say it enough she loves being outside. Whether on a hike or now in her new trailer, being towed behind dad.
She is babbling now, even says Da Da and Ma Ma. It is really cute to hear her singing and cooing. My new favorite sound!

So here are some photos from the last two months. Some have seen these on Flickr already but some don't know how to get to Flickr (Chris you know who you are!). Enjoy!

And some of my Artsy photos:

Walking with the Boss

2009-04-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

Went walking with Kaya and Grifter today. Over to Connolly Ranch and then we planned on heading down Thompson Avenue to Old Sonoma and then home. But a little ways down Thompson I noticed an entrance to Westwood Hills. I was under the impression that dogs were not allowed in Westwood Hills but the sign posted said as long as the dog was on a leash under 8' long it was allowed. So we headed through the park. Kaya loves being outdoors. Her head was swinging back and forth, it is like she cannot take it all in fast enough. I started the GPS function on my phone too late but at least I got some of the walk. Total was over four miles.

iMapMyRide Apr 16, 2009 11:54 AM
Find more Walks in Napa, California

Miscellaneous Goodies

2009-04-04T21:30:00.000-07:00

Some stuff I am finally getting around to editing. Although hurriedly.

Kaya has found her Tongue and loves to show it off!

Hey You....Look at my Tongue!

Kaya trying her best to catch Momma's tongue.

Sweetie baby playing with her woobee.

Baby Kaya hanging out.

Went out last week with Allen up to Timber hill for a little mid day photo fun.

Weed.

Graffiti up on Timber Hill.

Forsythia in my back yard.

Another shot of the Forsythia.

Taiwan High Speed Train. Aki and I rode this to Tainan, almost all the way to the southern end of Taiwan.

High speed train power.

Busy bright corner, Taipei.

Goodbye Lucca Girl..

2009-03-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

Lucca you will be missed. Thank you for being patient with Grifter laying all over your beds and stealing your toys. He did not mean to bury them in your yard, he just wanted to play hide and seek with you.
We will miss your protective bark and the love you had for your family. Rest in peace, we all love you.

Quickie Sunday Hike

2009-03-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday Kenny called and asked if we wanted to go for a quick hike just off the side of the road up in Rutherford. I have been wanting to try Kaya's new hike backpack so it seemed a good of a time as any. We did not see a whole lot of wildlife surprisingly. But it was fun!

Me and the Bug!

Back from Taiwan

2009-03-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

As I get older the jet lag from traveling overseas keeps getting worse! I have not gone to sleep earlier than 3am since I have been back. I had a great time in Taiwan this year. Good business and fun wise. It is awesome watching your close friends eat street food when you are too much of a wuss to try! Thank you again Aki for hanging in there with me and my strange eating habits. So who wants to go next year? Pictures in no particular order, I am a bit faded sorry!

View North from the top of the 101. It was crazy how on every side of the 101 I got different weather in the shots.

Aki tearing up his grilled yummy street cuttlefish.

The view from the vendor that served Aki his mouth watering cuttlefish morsels.

Mystery food.

Crazy Shilin night market action.

More Shilin action.

Yummy cuttlesfish. Who would not want to eat a creature that has eight limbs PLUS two tentacles, all of which come out of their head and whose tentacles are “furnished with denticulated suckers, with which they secure their prey.” That’s right — “denticulated”, as in, “toothlike”.

Snuck a photo of this guy in the Night Market. I did not want him to see in case he thought I was stealing his soul.

Fresh trucker hat.

Lots of clothing that specialized in using the F Bomb.

Bridge on the way to the Miramar shopping center.

This one was such a disappointment for me. I want to learn how to shoot night shots better than this. Although to my credit we were on a moving ferris wheel and this was shot at 0.4 Exposure and 400 iso. I tried bumping the iso up and increasing the exposure but the shots came out way noisy.

Aki and the 101 Wind Damper. We almost had to wrastle with some ole folks to get this picture.

Flowers in the courtyard at the CKS Memorial.

Pot of nasty smelling eggs. You find these in every convenience store. 7 Eleven, Hi Life, and the like.

Almost Through It

2009-03-18T04:29:00.000-07:00

Man I am ready to come home. If I were not working I might be more inclined to want to stay.

Anyhoo this year Aki made the trip with me to good ole Taipei. First couple of days I got to hang out with him and share my intimate knowledge of the island of Formosa. We rode the HSR (Bullet Train), checked out the 101, and did a lot of escalator riding. After Taiwan Aki is heading over to Japan for nine days to check out the scene there.

Until I am home here are some pictures from the trip so far.

PS. I miss and love you Erin and Kaya! Daddy will be home soon!

Photos from Aki:

Hail + Motorcycling = Ouch

2009-03-04T17:20:00.000-08:00

I ran out to drop off some packages today when the rain broke, so I decided to take the moto. Grabbed my Camera as well because there was some great overcast grey light. Went back on Old Sonoma snapped a few shots and noticed a huge dark cloud moving closer and closer so I put the gear away and started heading back. Once I hit Congress Valley I was getting pelted by pea size hail going 40 or 45 on my bike. It hurts!

Sunday Erin had some friends over for a class reunion meeting. Kaya had a major melt down which is very out of the ordinary. But we made it through without harming her!

Desiree, Richele and Griffen, Erin and Kaya, and Melissa. The Napa High Class of 93 Reunion squad.

What is Next?

2009-02-28T19:33:00.001-08:00

I am done with Kitchen hole project finally! Barring a little paint touch up it is finished. I think it came out pretty good. Erin, Margie, and I have all put the new bar to good use already. After bring the home computer back in from the office we can now get on the internet without having to look at our tiny iPhone screens.
Today I layed down some more plywood up in my attic and straigtned up a bit up there. I would really like to finish the attic one of these days. It would not make a liveable space but it would make a great storage / child cage for when Kaya is bad.
Next on the list a few much smaller projects. Turning the old built in Ironing board into a spice / storage cabinet, installing a water line to the fridge so we can make ice, and making sure Kaya does not drown the house with her drool.

Friday Erin and I drove over to Walnut Creek to visit with Wendy and Kai. It was my first time meeting Kai. He was born almost a month after Kaya. He is super cute. His eyes are gigantic. I tried to take a few photos of him but low light and fast baby again. Time to change to six shot bursts.

Look at those eyes. I had a bunch more photos of him smiling but they were all a little too blurry.

Baby Bug and Mama.

Other than that not much else going on. Kaya, Grifter, and I went on a walk today. I figured it was so warm and the rain looked like it was still a ways off so better take advantage. A real test is ahead for Margie and Erin. I am off to Taiwan in a couple of weeks, we'll see how it goes!

I swear I will be good for you Grandma when Daddy is in Taipei!

75% On the Kitchen .1% on Life

2009-02-19T16:45:00.000-08:00

Almost done in the Kitchen. Paint is finished. Just have to finish up on the bar top and trim. I am also planning on throwing up crown in the living room. This will hide my horrible paint cut lines!

Looking into the living/dining room.

The flash made the brown look kind of weird. I swear it looks better in person. Pay no attention to the horrible paint job. I did get a few straight lines though, I was proud of myself!

A couple of weeks ago Erin and I made it out for a little Hike on the river trail with Kaya. She did great. Got a little cranky on the walk back (Thanks to a dirty diaper and a hungry gut). But after a quick change and a short feeding we were good to go. I can't wait to take my little girl hiking, camping, riding. She is amazing.

Kaya did not want to give Daddy a cute face.

This was as much as she was going to give me.

Ha Ha, got you Bug!

Fun with photo merge. South Napa, East to West.

Tower.

Troll Hideout.

Mustard.

Mo Mustard.

Even Mo Mustard.

Make a Wish!

Photo abuse. Pretty little bird.

Erin goes back to work tomorrow, I think things are going to get really interesting really quickly.

Projects

2009-02-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

For some time now Erin has really been wanting to punch through the kitchen wall into the living room. She says when she is in the kitchen she feels like she is in a cave. I have been putting this off for some time. Well just about a month ago we were fortunate enough to get a free piece of granite from a friend (Thank you Micki!) and this set things in motion. Last weekend I started demo on the wall. Wow what a mess. Mark came and helped me finish demo and frame on Saturday. Electrical went in Tuesday and on Wednesday we had sheetrocked. We are almost there. Should only be another week or so and she will be all done!
Also I have been working on putting together my new frankenbike. I am not into skin tight shorts so this is one that is definitely not for that crowd. I think it came out nice. Reused a Mountain Cycle frame that I had a Sturmey 8 speed on and had some new wheels built and voila, new bike! I have yet to ride it though as Kaya said I can't until I have a trailer to put her in!

Updates

2009-01-28T15:41:00.000-08:00

Can't say we have been up to much. Going to start a few home projects soon. Taking care of Kaya and trying to get her to take a bottle before Erin goes back to work. That is about it! Some pictures from the past few weeks.

Rich and I snuck away a week or so ago and did a short hike up Westwood.

Fence bordering the happy face palace on top of Westwood Hills.

Similar picture subjected to some heavy abuse of curves in Photoshop.

My big baby Dog Grif. Poor guy is getting over a urinary infection. He had lost over eight pounds as a result. He has already gained five so I am a little less stressed.

Waiting for Margie on her birthday at Benihana. I know what everyone is thinking, "Margie late?"

We had a great dinner. Kaya slept for almost two hours in the Hana! Thank you for Dinner Margie and Mark!

Nandina Domestica. Like all other plant life, Erin hates this. We have two of them in our yard.

Capturing a fast moving baby with low light and a slow shutter is truly a gift. One I do not possess!

She was being so cute. We were having a fun time playing. Then quiet, then a steady stream of puke.

To all my friends on the other side, I swear it gets cold here too!

Still Kicking

2009-01-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the deadbeatedness over the last month or so. I wanted to drop some new posts but I had so much baby crap on my hands I did not want to touch the keyboard.
Wow time is just flying. Everyone said it would and boy it sure is. Kaya is two months old, almost 11 pounds, and 24" tall! She has good days and she seems to think she needs to throw a bad one in there every once in a while. No matter how many times I tell her it is not necessary she says it is helping to build my character.
Christmas came and went. New Years was over in a flash and here we are, 2009. I thought by now everyone would have there own space car, that teaches me for watching cartoons and reading too many comics. This year is going to be great. Kaya will be ready to go hiking with Daddy (Now that she has her own backpack to ride in). She becomes more and more aware by the day. Milestones are being met and she is becoming more beautiful by the day.

Feel free to download any of the below photos. Just click on the photo and once you are on the Flickr website choose any size and then hit the download button. Let me know if you have any questions! Enjoy and Happy New Year everyone!

My new favorite Kaya picture.

I am lucky.

Crusty Kaya on the world's coolest sheets (Thank you Chris!).

Cutee girl Kaya.

Erin and Kaya, Taylor's B-Day Party.

Sleepy tummy time.

Kaya's first wagon, thank you Stacy!

Rose from a flower arrangement that Grandma Margie brought over.

We actually waited until the 20th to open our gifts this year!

Christmas Cookies.

A sad day is coming. Kimono My House will be closing on February 2nd.

My baby.

Backyard Daisy shot with new close up lens on the 100mm Macro.

This Salamander appears on the same spot of the patio quite often.

Christmas time Lucca Dog.

Christmas girls.

Kaleb ready to tear into his gifts.

Jake, Christmas grin.

Yaya and Kaya.

I Love The L!

2008-12-11T13:01:00.000-08:00

After saving for a bit I just received my latest lens. A 70-200 F/2.8L IS USM. This is a big boy of a lens. Fast, bright, sharp, just amazing lens. Here are a few samples.

Grif's favorite ball.

Our big Japanese Maple finally getting ready to drop its leaves.

Our Christmas tree, this is not with the new lens. Idea borrowed from a friend on Flickr. Thanks Cali Bug!

Life As We Know It

2008-12-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

Oh who knew how much work having a baby is (95% of the population I assume!)? Kaya is developing into a little person right before our eyes. It is so amazing to see her becoming aware of us. Making eye contact and following our eyes. I live to see this little girl laugh, giggle, and smile.
Erin is doing an amazing job on little rest and constant feedings. Right now the only way to calm Kaya when she is being really fussy is to feed her. But I think we are doing a good job. I have changed what seems to be a bazillion diapers. I have been pee'd on and almost poo'd on. But I still love our little Kaya Bug!

Stop Blowin on Me!

Sorry my Baby is the cutest.

Found You Mama.

Always Looking Up!

Four generations, Great Grandma Misako, Grandpa Lloyd, Mama, and Kaya.

Four generations, Great Grandma Misako, Grandpa Lloyd, Mama, and Kaya.

Coming home from Grandma Margie's the other day I had to stop and try to get this picture. The sun was casting such a great warm color.

This was taken at the same time as the above picture but I used the fastest shutter my lens allowed, 1/8000 of a second! I thought it looked cool with the rays of the sun.

Birdie the Fatty.

Mexican Sage in front of Rancho Vichy.

Almost Three Weeks, Moving Forward!

2008-11-22T21:19:00.000-08:00

Wow, Kaya is almost three weeks old. Crazy.

She slept in her crib for the first time last night and has started to take a binky. This is huge for Erin as she has been sleeping with Kaya in the recliner. It seems we have created a cuddle bug. She loves being held.

For over a week now Kaya's Grandma Margie has been coming to the house and lending a huge helping hand. She stays for hours at a time, soothing Kaya and helping us with our chores. This has been so big for us and we cannot thank you enough Margie! Also Aunt Sara bought Kaya a lifesaver for us. A swing! Kaya loves her swing. It really calms her down and she loves swinging for hours at a time. This is great for Erin and I. Giving us a chance to do things like bathe!

Not too much else going on. I have been taking pictures but I do not have the time to edit, so please forgive me for the drought!

By clicking on all the pictures below you will be magically whisked away to Flickr. There if you would like to download the original size click "All Sizes" just above the photo and choose "Original".

Introducing Kaya Paige Prosser!

2008-11-06T16:29:00.000-08:00

So what was supposed to be a routine doctor visit at 9:45am on Tuesday turned into the birth of our beautiful baby daughter, Kaya Paige Prosser. Erin was set to just be hooked up to the fetal heart beat monitor in Napa for a checkup and she had some unusual blood pressure readings. The doctor thought it would be best to be safe and set us up for an appointment that same day in Vallejo. She said just in case bring your baby bag.
We got to Vallejo around 1:00pm and Erin was on the fetal heartbeat monitor again but this time for three hours. At 4:00pm a midwife came in and said that they would be admitting us and we should expect to have the baby. Well she was right, after a late night epidural Kaya was born on November 5th at 8:54am. She measured 21" long and weighed 8lbs 13ozs!

Thank you Lloyd for being there and getting me something to eat! Thank you Margie for being there for Erin and I. Thank you Mom and Dad for the drink and Doughnuts! Thank you Chris for coming to see us and taking care of everything at home for us! Thank you Heather, Ronin, and Logan for the support! Thank you Cari and Jake for hanging out and meeting your new little family member! Thank you Beth for bringing us our true celebration meal, Sonic Style!

We are very lucky to have family like all of you!

Click here to get large pictures.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-02T18:43:00.000-08:00

Well still no baby to Erin's dismay. But we had a fun time carving pumpkins and handing out candy.

Erin decided to carve her pumpkin into the form of the owl that took a dump on my face and I decided to carve a ladybug for our baby girl. Both came out very nice. My pumpkin was actually home grown by my parents just for the kids (Jake, Kaleb, and our yet to have arrived on the scene baby girl). It was a little small and I did not think my Shrek hands would fit inside to be able to gut and carve it, but it all came together into one cute little ladybug.

Jake and Kaleb both stopped by for a visit to show off their awesome costumes. Jake was a F-117 Pilot and Kaleb was a Hotdog! Great costumes that had me wishing I was a kid again.

Can't wait till next year when we get to have our first Halloween with our little girl!

Click here to go directly to the large photos.

Stanly Lane

2008-10-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

Update: I added the remaining photos I took to the Flickr set. Enjoy!

Yesterday we took a short trip over to Stanly Lane with Chris and Jeff to gather some pumpkins for Halloween. I did not pick any because I am hoping the baby comes, so I am thinking there would be no time for me to carve a pumpkin this year. Erin picked one up just in case (Thank you Chris!).
We were fortunate to have some really good hazy light that made for some very interesting pictures. I am really happy that my camera made it back before the baby came!
Until next time, hopefully the next post will have something to do with Erin giving birth!

Big pics click me (Some of these are best seen at large size).

Kaleb is Five!

2008-10-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th birthday Kaleb!

Click me for large pictures.

Some of My Favorite Photos from our Flickr.

2008-10-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

A small collection of some of my favorite photos from our Flickr.

To see larger versions of the above click here.

Baby Girl K's New Room!

2008-10-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

So this week Erin and I have checked everything off the getting prepared list. Bottle warmer, bottles, bouncy chair, etc. I also have been putting some of the finishing touches on our little girl's room. Last Monday was our 6th wedding anniversary and I wanted to give Erin a little surprise. So I painted a bunch of ladybugs on the wall. She really liked them so I have been slowly adding more and plan to add at least 10 or 12 more around the room. I am far, far, from having any talent with a paint brush so painting four of these takes me about an hour and a half (I could use some help Shelly!). Just a little more work and I am there!
I also hand made her name out of pine and stained, sanded, and distressed the letters. They came out very cool. We decided to make our own letters because the letters Erin had found were unfortunately not flat bottomed and would not sit quite right on the shelf. No biggie as I had a blast making these for my little girl. Hopefully she will get a kick out of them when she is a little older as well.

Remember baby you have to wait until my camera is back!

Spider Food

2008-10-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Last night coming back in from taking Grif out to pee noticed this little spider eating up by the porch light.

The Office is 99.1% Complete!

2008-10-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

So close. Some patching, a little paint, and hang a few more things and we are done! Erin's craft center is complete. Bike rack complete. Robot home complete. What a feeling of accomplishment!

"You know, I'm kind of a big Deal"

2008-10-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

Boy this year is zooming. Interbike went off without a hitch. Rich and I kicked butt. This year instead of Industry parties and bro time, we settled for less is better. All these years and Rich had never been to the top of the Stratosphere. What kind of friend am I? So we rolled on over and made our way to the top. They have two crazy new rides at the top. One is a roller coaster on a straight track. It rolls you out over the edge of the building like you are shooting right off the side. I thought Rich was going to pass out. Luckily he did not scream like a little girl (although he may of soiled his shorts!). It was a crazy sensation. It really felt like you were going to fall. Then it tips you back a little and then over the edge again, only this time the track extends so you go faster and fall a little further. Wild!

View from the top of the Stratosphere.

The other new ride was a fun one as well. It was a spin type ride, only thing is it swings you out over the edge of the building and you spin over the parking lot below. This one started making me a little woozy. I was glad when it stopped. Fun, but I do not think I need to do it again.
Last was the big shot at the very top. I love this ride. For anyone that has yet to ride it and has been to Disneyland's California Adventure, it is the same as the Maliboomer.
Rich and I also checked out the car collection that was in our Hotel. There were some very interesting, very rare cars and there were a lot of Camaros. Not 60s or even 70s Camaros, but the nasty 80s Camaro. There were also a lot of cars that Rich vowed if he ever wins the lottery he is going to purchase them and blow them up. He apparently is very angry with old timey cars.

I can't remember the name of this car but there are only three of them and it is worth well over three million!

Prototype Porsche, only three of these made as well. Notice the Minor grill.

Sweet Cadillac!

I can't remember the name of this either but we both thought it was sweet. Only three wheels and a V-Twin mounted right in the front, crazy!

On the night before we headed home we hooked up with Aki and Todd (former boss from TP) for some go-kart racing. We headed to a new joint that has electric cars. I was a little skeptical about the speed but after the first race my worries were put to rest. These karts are fast and the power comes on and stays on. So you can really rail the corners. Freaking Aki had me by a little more than a tenth of a second for fastest lap (but I was consistently faster suckaz!) so he won both races as they determine the winner by whoever has the fast lap. I will beat you next year Aki.

Aki you got me, by tenths of a second, but you got me.

The demo went by relatively quickly and I cannot say it enough, we kicked butt. Set up was fast and tear down was faster. Till next year!

Rich was really pumped about the Guerrilla mask I gave him the night before.

I liked the way this one came out.

I started my Jedi training this year as well.

Aquabats and Rancid

2008-10-06T11:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you Cari for letting me take Jake to his first concert! Anyone who is not listening to the Aquabats sucks! Next time I am bringing my camera into the concert with me so I do not have to use the suck ass camera in my iPhone. Thank you Rich and Vida also for the great company! Beth and Stefan, Kaleb is next! Maybe February? Reverand Horton Heat is playing in Petaluma.

Where to begin?

2008-10-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

Man o man have we been busy. Really busy. Not the typical what everyone says is busy busy. But really busy. It has been a whirlwind since August and I apologize for not returning phone calls, e-mails, etc. Updating the blog, e-mailing, and general computer dorkery just have not taken precedence to everything else.
Going back to August a ton has happened. I had a birthday, Erin and I both won a few ribbons in the local Fair, we finished the office/shed, we finished the baby's room, and I slept. September brought me to Vegas for a tradeshow that I had been preparing for over the last four or five months and Erin's baby shower. Now the countdown has begun for the next installment in our lives. The arrival of our baby girl.
I could write a ton but I will just post some photos from the last couple of months.
Thank you a ton to Chris for being such a great friend to us, throwing Erin a beautiful baby shower, and providing me with a veritable butt load of krispy treats and other goodies for my road trip. Thank you Rich for being there for me another year at the show, this is huge to me as I do not know if I honestly trust anyone else enough to get the job done the way you do. This year we did awesome and amazingly it went smoother with just the two of us.
I am going to post a few more things over the this weekend. Just wanted to actually get an update in before the end of the year!

Jake goofing around at my b-day at Kennedy Park.

Erin at her Shower.

Beth and Erin in front of Angele.

Dad showing me how much money he wants to give me.

Mom and Dad in front of Angele.

Sara, Trina, and Margie in front of Angele.

Chris and Erin just before we headed off for shaved ice!

Kaleb having fun during Jake's b-day party.

Kenny and Jake at Jake's b-day.

1st Annual Devita Block Party

2008-08-11T19:09:00.001-07:00

Saturday was a first on our block. Thanks to the coordination skills of Sandra, Kelly, Elizabeth, and Erin, our neighborhood experienced its first block party. Of course it could not of happened without help from the rest of the neighbors as well. We are extremely fortunate and I think in the minority to be living on one of the nicest streets in all of Northern Callifornia! Thank you to everyone for such a fun time!

Click me to go straight to the photos.

I apologize for the so so photos!

Papa's 73rd B-day

2008-08-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my Dad turned 73! We all got together and shared some great cake (Hint-This would be a great cake to have at another birthday just around the corner) and I had a great water gun fight with Jake and Kaleb. Couldn't ask for a better time!

Click me to see remainder of pictures.

Swiss Independence Day

2008-08-06T12:14:00.001-07:00

Thank you Nicky and Haydn for hosting Swiss Independance day and a great time!

Wings over the Valley

2008-08-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

Saturday was an amazingly fun day. Thanks to Chris and Jeff I got to go up with Jeff in the Great Lakes biplane for a fun little flight. Jeff flew us out over to Fairfield and up to Vacaville. Once there he performed a couple of barrel rolls and a full loop. If I had more money I would certainly have a new hobby! Thank you again Jeff and Chris for thinking of us!

It is definitely a girl!

2008-08-02T21:58:00.001-07:00

So after Erin's doctor appointment on Monday we were a bit concerned. No problem just that two doctors had now cast doubt that the baby may not be a girl. We wanted to be positive of the sex so we can move forward with decorating the baby's room and so we can start buying baby stuff!
So Erin made an appointment to have a 4d scan done. We were very fortunate to be able to take my Mom, Dad, and Erin's Mom with us. It was something else. Just amazing to see our little girl squirming around. I teared up quite a few times but was able to hold back the water works. I am just so happy that we are going to be parents! I can't wait to see you baby girl!

Bosstones and Dropkick Murphys!

2008-07-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday Rich and I made our way up to Clear Lake to check out the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and The Dropkick Murphys. The Bosstones have not toured for close to five years as Dicky Barrett was busy with the Jimmy Kimmel Show as well as the Mighty Mighty Morning Show. We did catch them on one of their last performances at the Fillmore and I was stoked to be able to see them again. Dicky is a great frontman and puts on a great show. It is one of the few times in life you will see me dance.

Got to love the plaid.

See those shades Dicky is wearing? He tosses them into the crowd, I am watching, they hit me. I watch them fall to the ground and then the guy next to me picks them up! I am a dumbass.

Unfortunately they were not headlining so the set was a lot shorter than I expected. Dropkick Murphys were headlining. After a couple of small incidents at the beginning and middle of the show, they got into a groove and put on a hell of a show. Tons of energy and they topped of the night with the ever popular "Kiss me I'm Shitfaced"!

During "Kiss me I am Shitfaced" a ton of women jumped up on stage.

Sorry for the so so photos. I had to use my iPhone because Rich told me not to bring my camera ;-)

Phallus Hadriani

2008-07-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

So we are doing some work on the shed and I notice this nasty thing poking up from underneath. I run and grab my camera and snap a few photos. Then examine it a bit closer. This thing stinks!
Turns out it is called a Stinkhorn. This variety is the Phallus Hadriani. Apparently named by a French Mycologiocal pioneer with a sense of humor. They start out as an egg and spring to life overnight, sometimes they grow as big as 10" in a couple of hours.
When I first saw them I thought they were some remains of an animal Grif got a hold of. Thank goodness it was just a mushroom!

Cause and Effect

2008-07-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

Cause.

Effect.

Weeks ago when the fire started up above Wild Horse Valley Road I was out and about riding around on my moto. It was getting dark around 8:30 or so and I was behind my house on Buhman avenue when I noticed the fire. Since I have yet to master the intricacies of shooting photos at night, my fire picture is not great. But you can tell how bad it was.
Fast forward to last week and again I was chasing the sunset for some photos. I was trying to find a spot high up on Dry Creek road as the sun was setting. I got way up there and nature called. I bolted for home but not before grabbing a great picture on lower Dry Creek just before Alston.

Barrios Family Vineyard

2008-07-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

Photos from the vineyard. Mark and Grandma are doing a great job!

Starting the weekend right.

2008-07-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you Ronin, Jakob, Chris, Nicky, Haydn, Julian, Spot, and of course Erin, for such a great start to the weekend!

Yo Gabba Gabba

2008-07-10T17:53:00.000-07:00

If you are a fan of the Aquabats and are not afraid of the brain melting powers of your television set you have to check out Yo Gabba Gabba on Nickelodeon.

Recently

2008-07-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

Erin and I have been busy the last couple of weeks. Concerts, Golf, Holiday, and of course thinking of when the baby gets here. What are we doing in the baby's room, ladybugs or polka dots? What colors are appropriate? Should the baby have a pink teddy bear with bloody claws and blood all over its face? You know important stuff.
Two Fridays ago we were fortunate to have been gifted tickets to Love Janis by our neighbor Sandy. It was a really amazing show. Great music and you really get to learn who Janis Joplin really was. The entirety of the show were all actual letters that she wrote home and interviews she had done. The singer portraying Janis, Mary Bridgett Davies, is an amazing blues singer. Spot on voice, she really blew it out of the water. She is actually touring right now with Big Brother and the Holding Company. Thank you again Sandy!
On this Friday we traveled to Calistoga with Cari, Jake, Chris, and Jeff. I love hanging out with Jake. He is one of the brightest stars in my life. We had a great time, Taking pictures of Mustangs and Novas. This was our first time at the parade and we had a blast!

Cute Dalmatian.

Ha Ha you didn't get cherry!

Bunch of suckas.

Aunty Erin and Bojakamo.

Hogs.

Snake charmer.

Click me to see the remainder of our 4th of July photos. I will be posting more as I edit them.

Saturday we played golf with Chris and Jeff in San Leandro at Monarch Bay. Beautiful links style golf course on the bay. Not so beautiful ball gobbling grass. I am amazed at how much energy Erin still has. She played all but one hole. Our baby is going to be invincible!

Terrific follow through!

Again beautiful follow through!

Perfect day to be outside.

Whose purse do I need to hold?

The baby is really starting to move about. During the concert she was all over the place Erin said. Just the other night Erin started feeling her kick on the outside. She put my had close but by the time I was there she had settled down. The wait over the next three months is going to kill me!

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

Thank you Napa Yamaha!

2008-07-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you for saving me $1000 by sending me to another dealer because of your crazy prices. Thank you also to Rich for finding me the sweet real deal.

If anyone in Napa is seriously considering buying a Motorcycle or scooter go somewhere other than Napa Yamaha if you want to save some cash.

Sugar Pine

2008-06-27T17:35:00.001-07:00

This week Erin and I escaped to Auburn to camp at Sugar Pine reservoir. Probably not the best week (Because all of California is on fire at the moment) but we had made the plans some time ago and the space was already reserved.

Sugar Pine reservoir with fire looming just behind.

First day at dusk. Got some decent photos before the smoke really settled the next day.

Second day smoke got worse but made for some really interesting sunsets and sunrises.

Wide reflection.

Watery reflection.

Sugar Pine is one of my favorite spots to camp. There is just so much to do if you like being outdoors. Swim, hike, bike, ride your motorcycle on or off road, and just relax. I bring allot of gear so I can do as much as possible. This year I got to ride my motorcycle both on and off road as I have recently purchased an enduro style bike that allows me the freedom to do both. What a great feeling to ride out of camp on the road right to the trails. It is a truly amazing feeling that many would not understand.
Erin and I had a great time as usual. I did not row her around the lake like last time but I did swim us both from one side to the other using our tubes. I also attempted to swim to the other side until I got pretty freaked out when I got about 3/4 of the way across and it got really dark because it was so deep. I had to stop and turn around. Actually ended up swimming back on my back, that is how bad I lost it.
Grifter also earned his water wings this trip. Mark's sisters Carol, Jane, and I all went on an early morning hike around the lake with the dogs. Jane brought her youngest pup Millie. She is a cutee and Grif's girlfriend. When we reached the other side of the lake we let them off leash to play in the water. Now Grif has never really swam before. He will get in the water and play but I have only witnessed him swim for about 15 seconds prior to this day. He did not swim on our first stop but a little later in the day Grif braved the lake and swam out to me a bunch of times. I was so proud. The next day he swam all by himself as Erin watched as if to say "I can do it!"

Grifter and Millie playing chase. I think Millie is like a sports car and Grif is like a truck. He just can't turn like Millie.

Millie pooped out after getting chased by Grifter.

This year was a smaller group, Margie, Mark, Carol, Jane, Erin, and myself. Another of Mark's sisters made it for a day but the smoke from all the fires was really bad the day she came up so she left a day earlier than planned. We did enjoy many good camping dinners, breakfasts, and memorable moments though that made the trip well worth it. To see the remainder of the photos that I have finished up just click this paragraph to be whisked away to a slideshow on our Flickr page. Enjoy!

North fork of the American River just outside Colfax.

My bike. I rode over a hundred miles through twisties and sweet offroad trails.

Iowa Hill, just five miles outside Sugar Pine. If you are ever up there I highly recommend stopping in the general store if you like history.

Cows on Foster

2008-06-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

Fore some reason I have that dumb Duran Duran song "Girls on Film" stuck in my head but my version replaces that with "Cows on Foster"!

Big bright moon illusion.

2008-06-18T23:49:00.000-07:00

Wow.

Moon was especially bright tonight, this is what it looks like apparently when the moon hugs the horizon. It only appears large to the human eye.

Eight point star lens. Funky, even with moon ghost image.

It's a ....................................

2008-06-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After what has seemed to be an eternity we finally know what the sex is. I am amazed and in shock and November can not get here soon enough. I am ready to be a Dad.

Our little girl.

A little friend

2008-06-13T15:35:00.000-07:00

Last night just as we were finishing up watching a TV show I noticed a little bug sitting on the screen. We just finished so I did not bother him. This morning I noticed he had moved into the kitchen. I moved him out the backdoor so he did not have to meet an untimely fate and he was kind enough to let me take a few pictures before he flew away.

Hanging out.

I thought this was a cool pic. It did not turn out that great but I thought it was cool that his shadow is visible through the leaf.

Hiking with Grif

2008-06-12T11:26:00.001-07:00

Last week Grif and I went for a little hike up in Timberhill Park over in Browns Valley. It is a nice location, one of those spots I do not think a lot of people know about. Usually on our hikes we do not run into anyone. So it is a great opportunity to walk Grif off leash and make him follow my commands. Plus I just love being with my dog.
The hike was great, a little hot, but we had a good time. Saw some wildlife and took over 300 photos. Of which I got maybe 10 decent looking ones! Aside from a tick in his ear and a foxtail in his eye I think Grif had a great time.

Click me to see the rest of the photos!

Panorama of Napa with Mt. Diablo in background.

Take the picture already!

On our hike down we spotted some Turkey Vultures and I did my best to capture them in flight.

Just after takeoff soaring with the wind.

Movement.

Ithuriel's Spear, Lily family.

Around Devita.

2008-06-11T14:06:00.001-07:00

While we wait to find out the sex of the baby, I have been taking some photos. For those in the family that are not Gen X'ers click me. Enjoy!

Erin and Grifter oh so Cuddly.

Spider Lilly.

Glowy Geranium.

Under Exposed Hydrangea 1

Under Exposed Hydrangea 2

For Mariah.

Perspective 1.

Perspective 2.

Grifter Smack.

My Big Dog

2008-06-04T23:14:00.000-07:00

I love my dog.

Disneyland!

2008-06-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we had some great news. Erin's dad Lloyd really wanted to go to Disneyland before all the schools were out. So Erin threw together a trip including our airline tickets, Disneyland hotel package, and rental car and a week later we were off!
Anyone who really knows me, knows my love of Disneyland food. From Chieftain Chicken Skewers to Corndogs from the Corndog Castle, I love Disneyland food. I could not wait to get there. The idea of my fingers being sticky with polynesian BBQ sauce was almost too much to handle.

View from the plane.

How pretty, I think my baby is making her glow.

We stayed at what is now the Paradise Pier but used to be the Pan Pacific. We have stayed here before and since the complete overhaul of Disneyland, California Adventure, and the addition of Downtown Disney, it is now in a very good location. We were only a short walk away from the monorail or the front gates.
We got in Wednesday and were starving. Erin ordered us up some room service and we prepared for the coming day of food euphoria.

Erin getting ready to order my super good room service hamburger.

Our first day in the park Lloyd and I tried to ride as many of the big rides as possible. Erin was excluded because she is carrying my spawn in her belly. We got almost all the big rides in. Whether by just waiting in line the old fashioned way or by using the fast pass system. We had a bit of luck also just as I was putting the finishing touches on some chicken sticks. A Disneyland cast member came up and gave us a special pass for the Billy Hill and the Hillbillies show at the Golden Horseshoe. It entitled us to front row seating. It was actually a great show. Four guys playing guitars, stand up bass, mandolin, and fiddles. Real bluegrass, what could be betted!

Shot from the hotel.

Nemo submarine ride, Mar Mar Mar Mar.

Star Tours.

Erin Loves me this much.

Cat statue outside the Haunted Mansion.

Erin and her Dad waiting for me to stop talking about chicken sticks.

Later in the evening Lloyd treated us to Steakhouse 55 (Used to be Granville's) at the Disneyland hotel. Dinner was great and we had a good time reminiscing about how the Disneyland hotel used to be.
Second day in the park all three of us were dragging a bit. We woke up late and headed to the park by 9 am. We sauntered around both parks but did not ride as many rides. I got to take my mid day nap (Erin says I am an old man because of this!) and we headed out again. We caught the firework show over Cinderella's Castle and then headed to Downtown Disney. Our longtime friend Mario just happens to live close by so he scuttled over and met up with us. We got some yummy fried mozzarella and really good coffee from the Naples restaurant in Downtown Disney. After finally finding out the Madonna secret and catching up with Mario, Erin and I headed back to the hotel to prepare for an extra early morning.

Erin in front of Grizzly Falls.

Apprentice Mickey telling me to go the other way because the Montsers Inc ride sucks.

Small falls right at the bottom of the Tarzan treehouse (Shot with a slow shutter to blend the water.).

Hippo getting ready to eat me just before getting shot by the boat pilot.

How fitting, our babies first shirt.

Disney firework display.

More fireworks.

Aaaaannnnnnd more fireworks.

Last day in the park we met up with one of my best friends, Dusty, at 7 am. We were up and ready at just after 6 am! We were able to ride everything we wanted before the park opened to the remainder of the public. Erin was OK'd by me to ride the kid rides (Sorry no Tower of Terror this time) and Dusty and I rode pretty much everything else. Our trip on Splash Mountain was one to remember. I was worried I was going to get soaked, as this is typically the case. Plus I was carrying my new camera and did not want to annihilate it after owning it for only a couple of weeks. We made it through the whole ride right up to the big drop, I was barely wet. Down the big drop, I do not get wet. Then as we hit the trough at the bottom of the hill, it was like someone dumped buckets of water down on us. We all got soaked! I could not believe it.

Erin's attempt at becoming the Queen of Camelot.

Dusty's attempt at becoming the King of Camelot.

Lloyd's attempt at becoming the King of Camelot.

And last but not least my try and the result? We all failed, what a bunch of losers!

Disney does not condone the act of dancing on any rides.

Lloyd kicking back on the Frontierland Express.

What a sucker!

The Cheeto plant.

After finishing up the remainder of the day with dinner at the Story Teller Cafe we went back to the Monorail to try and finally ride it. The first couple of tries did not go so well. Both times we would get close to the fron of the line just to be told the roide was not working. Well unfortunately we never got to ride as it happened again. Got to the front and bam, ride is broken. Erin was bummed. But not quite as bummed as Lloyd not getting his mega sized piece of Chocolate cake from the Golden Horseshoe!
We had a great time and none of it would not of been possible without Erin's dad. Thank you so much Lloyd for the fun time, we cannot wait to go back once the baby is big enough!

Of course there are a ton more photos and a slideshow just click me!

Memorial Day 2008

2008-05-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

Today Papa and Yaya had a BBQ for everyone for Memorial Day. I think Yaya got a deal on hotdog and hamburger buns and wanted to make good use of them. We had a great time.
The boys had a fun time playing tether ball with Papa and chasing bubbles. I had a great time playing with the new camera and hanging out with our family.

Kaleb being cute for the camera.

Jake and Papa playing tether ball (Notice Papa still has his Smirnoff Ice in his hands, that is talent!).

Papa kicking back.

Kaleb putting the finishing touches on a hotdog.

A bunch of Dorks.

Foxglove (Papa loves his Foxglove, he has planted it everywhere in the yard!).

New camera test photos

2008-05-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

I moved on up to the land of DSLR's today. Erin and I returned our recently purchased HD video camera back to Costco and I begged Erin to get the new camera. My original plan was to sell two of my other cameras before purchasing but the deal was so tempting. I still have no clue how to use this thing but here are a few sample shots so far.

Grifter Dog looking handsome as ever.

Fly on my Melon African Daisies.

More African daisies.

Spoon daisies.

Grif protecting the yard.

Dog statue hanging in Chris's backyard tree.