San Diego Zoo

Christina and Mike made us a fantastic Sunday brunch followed by a beautiful afternoon at the zoo.

and one of my monkey

Paris

I recently took a trip to Paris for work, and Dick came along with me so we could make the most of my day and a half of free time.  Of course we had to see the Eiffel Tower...

And here is a photo of the area where we were staying, La Defense.

I zoomed into the photo above so you could see the Arc De Triomphe.

Happy Holidays!!

It's Christmas eve and we're thinking of all of those loved ones who we can't be with this holiday season, like my brother's family and Dick's parents.  We're also thinking of those who we love so much and have lost, like my Grandma Bobbie and Dick's Grandma Frannie, ladies who helped to make us who we are today, and who we still carry with us in everything we do.

We're so lucky to be able to spend this season with so much warmth, surrounded by so many people who we love - and for that I'm so truly thankful.

Be joyful.  And if Christmas isn't your thing... well, enjoy the time off.  :-)

Just for fun, here are a few shots of the boy-cat getting into a little holiday mischief.

Zoey takes Mom and Dad to Balboa Park

It seems like it was only yesterday that I took photos of Shannen when she was pregnant.  And not that much longer when Dad and I took more of Zoey toddling on the beach.  Now she's a big girl and she LOVEs the camera!  The weather was a bit gloomy that day, but we didn't miss the sun with that bright little smile.  Oh yeah - Chris and Shannen were fantastic too, and they sure do love that little girl.

Happy holidays Family!  :-)

Swimming in Idaho!

My nephew Nathan has been swimming for a year now and, according to his coach (not to mention a local news station!) he shows a lot of promise, especially considering the fact that he is relatively new to the sport.  We're so proud of him!  And now Caitlin, who is five years younger, wants a piece of the action and just started swimming herself.  Dick and I were excited to be there to see the two of them swim in the Boise Thanksgiving Invitational... and of course we brought our cameras.  This was Caitlin's first swim meet and she did a fantastic job.

Friday night Nathan swam his first 500 y freestyle.  Nicely done!

Saturday - Caitlin is all warmed up and ready for her first event ever.

Just about to swim freestyle as part of her relay team

Look at her go!

The team gets some coaching after their heat is done.

Way to go, girl!  :-)

Now for her first solo event - breast stroke

Taking a quick breath before finishing the lap

And now Nathan prepares for one of MANY events that he swam on Saturday

We don't know this kid, but I had to get the shot anyway

More photos of the swimmers on Sunday - Caitlin swimming freestyle

One of Caitlin's team mates prepares to start her lap

Just look at that determination!

And the result!  (Nathan checks out the score board)

Beautifully done!

At the end of an event filled weekend, we head back to the house.  Nathan and Caitlin demonstrate that they have the most mellow cats ever.

Dick and I had a great time with the family that weekend.  The kids are growing up so fast - we're so happy we were able to see them in action (quite literally).  Looking forward to doing it again really soon!