San Francisco!

Paint the Crab at Joe's Crab Shack!


We took a drive to Alamo, Cali (just a couple exits from where we were staying). This is my Grandparents old house. I used to spend a couple of weeks every summer here! I wish I could have taken the family to the back and showed them the pool and golf course. Ahh great memories.


Lombard Street!!! Fun to drive down, not so fun going up the 90 degree hill up to it. I was driving and started having a panic attack that the van would flip over backwards. Apparently since moving away from Seattle I have developed major anxiety with steep hills.



Our windy sail out to Alcatraz! The picture on the left was all we were able to see of the Golden Gate Bridge the whole two days we were there.



Here we are all in some sort of confinement. I was kind of thinking Solitary Confinement didn't sound to bad for a Mommy every once in a while.

A few other pictures from the Rock. Love the one of Mike and the kids in this "thing" at the prison. Mike had to take his picture next to some criminal for his brother. (Im sure there's a personal joke in there someplace). And we found this pretty garden that used to be where the guards' families lived. Cant imagine raising my kids on Alcatraz.


Waiting on the cable car! We didn't actually ride one, but could climb all over one in the queue for our boat ride.


This is how we role!

We will be getting another stroller for Disney and...just to save us from all the whining. Yes our oldest are almost 5 & 6...but if it brings a little peace...then so be it!

Well, its 7:30 am on the first morning of a day in Disneyland...time to go wake the wee ones...You may be able to hear their screams of excitement where ever you are in the country.

The Red Wood Forest

On our way into the forest we stopped off at this lighthouse. Notice the span of water we had to cross to get over the the light house island. Apparently we got there after the tide started to come in from both sides of us.

Here we are on our trail tour and lift ride thru the trees...it was beautiful.

Okay, and you have to stop off and see Paul Bunyon and his Blue Ox Babe. So a funny little Ty story to go along with this picture of Emery under Babe. Ty was standing under him and he pointed to the back of babe's body and asked daddy, "what is that hanging there daddy?" Mike, in his Mike way simply stated..."Those are his Balls son." And then Ty in is sweet little innocent voice said "You mean these daddy?" as he cupped his own. Oh, Men!

Mike's favorite thing to do thus far was driving through the trees...it was a tight squeeze in the mini.

The view from the top of our cable ride up. And Ted, we took this one for you.

Happy 4th!

From Coos Bay....apparently the armpit of the Oregon Coast. But the hotel is fabulous, dinner was delicious and the sand dunes, well...I'm pretty sure God knew we would all need recreation here on earth...and he created these just for fun!! Because they rock! No pun intended...you know because sand is made from tiny rocks. Okay, it's late and Im sounding rediculous. I'll just leave you with pictures.

And we're off!

House Cleaned - check
Car Cleaned - check
Clothes packed - check
Lawn Mowed - check
House sitter has keys- check
(yes our house will be well guarded!)
Tons of Road trip snacks purchased - check
Itinerary printed - check
5 Old Navy Flag shirts purchased - check
Excited children (all 5 of us) - check

So here's a funny story. Mike has been getting lots of advice from his co-workers on how to do a Disney Vacation properly. One co-worker told him to avoid Pizza Planet restaurant in the "Toy Story" part of the park. Mike quickly asked..."does it have a rocket on the top of it like in the movie?" "well, yes" Mike then proceeds to tell this man "are you kidding, Ty has been asking me to take him to Pizza Planet ever since he saw Toy Story for the first time...there's no getting around eating there". So sure enough... Mike brought home a Disney map and the very first thing Ty spotted....The Rocket. "Hey dad, what's this rocket?" PIZZA PLANET HERE WE COME!

Sport's Photography....

....it aint my thang! And well, neither is actually playing the sport. Although I do have to admit that playing "Chicago style" softball is pretty fun. And humorous for all those watching me play.

Anyway, a few families have been getting together for the last couple of weeks to play softball at a park near by. It's been a fun time to just hang out, talk and let the kids play...and us old farts get some exercise. (right after we eat a fudgesicle). hm...how do you spell that?

Mike talking trash to someone...as little Michael watches in the background. And then taking a nap in the outfield...


Katie up to bat....and not sure what is happening in the second picture...except Kristie looks like she may be scoring a run on Cam.


Okay...now on to the cute pictures.





Brothers...


Sisters....with Tressa coming into home!





Noah & Ty, with his first hit. He was so shocked...he just stood there smiling...but didn't run.


The babies of the bunch!

Still Alive...just busy

Hi there,

Just checking in quickly to let those concerned (misty ;) that I am still alive. I've just been busy this week getting things with the biz squared away before we leave next week on vacation! Yeah!

However, I took a trip yesterday to Portland to observe and soak up some knowledge about wedding photography from my good friends Scott & Sue who are pro's at it and have been for years. Wow...lot's to learn, but so much fun! Here are a few of the images I shot (thanks Scott & Sue for letting me tag along, You guys are awesome!!!!)

Oh, and i dont have these on my Photography Blog because I still havent decided 100% if I will add Wedding Photography to my biz yet. Although Scott & Sue said "too late, you already have." :).