Goodnight Senator

Most nights it's a minor battle to get the lil guy down. Battle might be a bit strong, he just likes to hear a story or two and we're happy to oblige. A couple books in and the eyes start to heavy. Soon enough he's out.

On this particular evening, he was just about down. Then out of the blue, he pops out of bed and heads into G's office. He grabs the little flag she keeps on her desk...jumps up on the "launching pad" (which is the dresser he stands on when I fly him into bed) and puts on a performance. We have never heard him utter a single word of this before. We were so stunned we grabbed the camera and asked him to do it again. I guess we know how the day begins at preschool.

Little things in life

Sometimes the little things in life make me laugh. Alright...most things make me laugh but you know what I mean. It's monday morning and I'm headed to work. As I climb into my car to drive into town I see the remnants of Caden's weekend on display in our garage. A couple dirty boots and a worn out hat resting on a roping dummy. Not sure why...but it makes me laugh.

Sleeping on...not with

Caden's a funny lil guy. Loves to sleep but only if he knows nobody is getting away. He'll do whatever it takes to to make sure he sleeps on one of us, not really with us. He does come from a line of leaners. I leaned on anyone near me as a kid.

Kids will be kids

Reminds me of an old Peanuts comic. Lucy won't let Linus play with her toys but she will let him play with a rubber band. She later takes it away, though: "I didn't mean for you to have THAT much fun with it!" No matter what you do, kids will find a way to have some fun. Maybe us adults should follow suit.

First Aztec Game

Caden's first Aztec Football game. Clearly he's a student of the game.

Hola Argentina

Our good friend Malena, along with Marcos and his daughter, returned for a visit from Argentina. We spent a fantastic, long day on the ranch reliving the old days and making new memories. Sure is good to see old friends.

Marina Day

Another day on the docks with Mary and Jason and their boat. This time joined by TJ and his wee daughter Kimiya. She made a fine firstmate for Captain Cade.

Aztec Football Family Day

We stopped in to check on our fine Aztecs. Caden made an appearance with the crew team, the tennis team and the golf team.

Yosemite

Made our first trip to Yosemite. We met up with Terry and cousin Charlie, Granny and Grandad, Kris, Trev and cousins Skylar, Ben and Emily. Reminded me of growing up way back when. I was able to confirm my hunch...Yosemite is still beautiful.

Yosemite Falls

We all took the hike up to lower Yosemite falls. Great views of both falls. For late summer there was a crazy amount of water running through Yosemite. Felt like Spring.



Can't really tell from this pic but it felt more like I was standing in a sleet storm. The winds from the falls were howling and the cold water soaked us to the bone.

We hiked up the rocks to the pools at the bottom of lower Yosemite falls. There was way too much falling water to hit the big pool directly under the falls. The second level was tame enough. Takes a brave soul to dare the fresh snow melt waters...brrrrr.

Caden was sooo excited to jump in the water. Until he dipped his big toe in the near freezing water. Curled up like a bowling ball and started to scream.

Yosemite - Campsite

Here we are at the campsite. Lower pines and feeling pretty good. Caden's first time tent camping. All three of us in an 8x8 tent. Not bad at all really. G only woke me up once insisting a bear was knocking down our campsite. I had a brief scare the next night when I woke and didn't see Cade between G and me. Turned out he burrowed his way under Gayle's feet in the far corner of the tent.



All the cousins after we brokedown Camp Lee 2011.


Note the three tents in the camp. Far left is a tan two man setup for Terry and Charlie. Middle is the three man 8x8 for G, Cade and me. And then there's the wee orange tent on the right. Doghouse you guess? no the pups stayed home. It was cousin Charlie's port-a-potty complete with a magazine rack and the latest edition of Outdoor Life.

Grubby cousins...success.

Vancouver Summer

We went up to Vancouver for Bruce and Mom's birthday this year. It was a perfect low key, no hustle, hang out with family get away. Can't tell you how much fun it is to see four boys, all cousins...tearing up someone else's house.

Fourth of July

Went out to Mary and Jason's boat for the fourth. Perfectly sunny beautiful San Diego day. Their little grandaughter was out for the summer. Her name's Taylor but they call her Bug. Wee Bug was taking some sailing classes at Mission Bay. Apparently, she's an excellent student. As we were sitting about enjoying the day...she proceeded to tie up a hook on the fishing pole.

She went on to tell us how we needed to get some muscles from off the dock to bait her hook, then crunch up the remaining shell and toss it in the water so all the fish smell dinner being served. She hooked up two faster than I could say Barrett Fish Fry.

On her third try she landed the lunker. Her pole bent like a candy cane as she was nearly pulled from the dock. The big ole fish was taking line like nothing. There stood Bug holding steady patiently waiting for the big fish to dishearten. Line was wizzing out the reel as I stood watching the scene unfold. Fearing tanglement in the nearby boats, Jason jumped to Bug's side. Jason cranked down on the line's drag and ..... snip ... that big lunker severed the line, swimming on to freedom. In the ensuing silence I could read the look on Bug's face....'did I ask for anyone's help?'



Like a good Daddy, I paddled jr about the marina...

Chillin in the pool

What could be more fun than a summer afternoon with cousin charlie, uncle terry and a hose.

Happy Birthday old timer...