New Year's GOAL (not Resolution)

Based on the somewhat vocal feedback I have received regarding the frequency (or infrequency) of my blog posts (thanks Rob, Cindy Y., Char, Chris, and others) , my goal for the new year is at least to post twice a week. This is my GOAL - don't get cranky if I fail!

And no, 3 post in one day doesn't count as 3 for the week...

Stop Motion

Here is Jacob's first attempt at Stop Motion.

Nice job!

Traveling Back from Oregon

We made it back to sunny (ha!) California last night. We tooka bit of a side trip to Turtle Bay Exploration Park, as they were having an exhibit called THE ART OF THE BRICK. It is a very cool art exhibit featuring the work of Nathan Sawaya. It is ALL LEGO!!

Jacob with 'Yellow'


All Lego!


The aptly named Circle Triangle Square sculpture.


Jennie had fun too!

We found a great little sandwich shop in Redding called Mr. Pickles - of course we had to stop!

Ms. Pickle, meet Mr. Pickle!

Christmas in Ashland

'twas the Sunday after Christmas, and all thru southern Oregon...Ah, who am I kidding! We are having a great time here in Ashland with Ann's Mom and Dad (Mor Mor and Far Far) We spent a lazy Christmas Day, opening presents and going for a walk in the local park. On the craziest shopping day of the year,we went to the mall to get our tradidional 50% off calendars for the year. Today we are going to a play in Medford (The Secret Garden). Tomorrow , the Science Museum and perhaps a evening out for just Ann and I.

Here are a couple of pictures:

Solo shot of Jacob.

Solo Shot of Jennie.

Jennie wearing her Christmas present from Mor Mor - a 70 year old traditional Swedish girls dress, that belonged to Mor Mor, and was purchased in Sweden in 1939!

Ann and the kids in Lithia Park on Christmas Day.

Jacob on Wisteria Lane

Jacob was on Desperate Housewives this past Sunday. It was a quick shot, but it was part of the traditional opening montage that sets up the show each week. I've put a clip and a picture below, but for a bit, you can go to Hulu to watch the clip. He shows up at the 1:13 minute mark.

The only one standing.

Thanksgiving 2009

We drove out to Blythe for Thanksgiving at my folks house. It had been a year since the cousins had been together, so pictures were in order.

(L to R) Jason, Jacob, Amanda, Alyssa, Devin and Jennie

The Guys

The Girls

Click to enjoy a lovely fire.

Morro Bay Halloween - Part Deux

Chris and Cindy were kind enough to invite us to the Jensen family cabin in Morro Bay for Halloween weekend. The weather was AWESOME - temperatures in the mid 70s, slight breeze and very sunny. We spent both Saturday and Sunday mornings at the beach. Some of us walked, others ran, and Jacob and Jennie both added to their sea shell collections. Trick or Treating was VERY good to the kids! All in all , a great trip.

The mighty Morro Rock.


Camera was cool enough for everyone...except Jacpot!


Looking oh so SoCal.



Two dudes in shades.


If its Saturday, must be pancakes.


THIS is how to start the day.

The boy and the sea.

Jennie in her natural habitat.

(insert Karate Kid joke here...)

About 1 hour of Trick or Treating - about 6lbs of candy!

Halloween 2009

John Lennon

Dr. White (Veterinarian)

More to come.....

Pumpkin Patch 2009

We made our annual trip to Lombardi Ranch to get our pumpkins. It was quite possibly the windiest pumpkin day we have ever experienced.

Natural smile...fake smile...can you spot the difference?

Searching to the perfect gourd.

Jennie and one of her 'boys' (she kept calling the pumpkins 'he', like 'he's a cute one'.)

Flat, orange, unique. A perfect match!

Nothing like a thousand yard stare...at a pumpkin patch!

Sunday Flashback

I was cleaning up some files on the computer, and came across two videos I did from our trip to Maui in 2007. I'll try to get some more of the cruise up, but for now, enjoy!

Maui - 2007

Surfing 2007