Our Amber....

I was looking for new photos to post when I ran across this video. There is not really much to say...except that I love this kid!

Amber starting to sing at a very young age and her desires and passions have not changed.

Enjoy...

Summer Fishing

Santa Margarita - Spent some time fishing with the boys this past Friday evening. Seany Boy, Papa, Korey, and I arrived Santa Margarita just before 6 pm for a late evening hang out and fishing. Had some great fellowship together, good food, and some real fun. Fishing was slow but it did not interupt the fun. Off the lake at 9pm that evening. Fun to end in the dark with running lights.

PSL - Jenn, Sean, Amber, and I spent a few hours after church cruising the kelp lines in Shell Beach looking for halibut opportunity. There was no live bait available so we simply dropped frozen anchovies. Three copper rockfish hook ups and several halibut like stikes. Just some more time and we will have some flatties for dinner! Jenn was picking up the bug. Regardless of the fishing, just fun times on the water and family time...

Seany Boy landed a hefty crappie. Look at the bend in his rod...!

Nice catch and barely lipped... Nice job Sean.

A local copper - these are great to eat.

More times to be had. Praise God!

12 Years and Rolling

Today, June 21, 2009, Jenn and I celebrate our 12 years of marriage and Gods amazing gift.

With the help of my parents, Jenn and I made a trip to Santa Barbara for the weekend for two nights at the Oceana. I cannot believe it has been two years since we have been away from the kids overnight. The next trip will not take so long...!

We spent two days riding our MTB's and sampling culinary enjoyments. We spent much time simply lazing at the pool and enjoying each others company.

Sean and Debbie joined us on Sunday morning to grind some miles in the foothills and ridges over SB. We met in Summerland, had some breakfast, and headed up the hills for a 3 hours plus ride. We really appreciated their company on the last morning of the trip.

Just below Camino Cielo - Ridge directly above summerland at approximately 3500 feet above sea level. 12 years of fantastic companionship!

Our late afternoon decompression... We lounged here for nearly 3-4 hours on Friday and Saturday. 75 degrees and several naps at waterside.

So thankful for Gods wonderful gift of marriage and looking forward to more journey together.

Thanks to our family and friends for their support over the years.

Our New Neighbor

Meet the new birth of Rita the Donkey. Meet Marshmallo!

2009 Western States Police and Fire Games - Day 1 Crit

My brother Sean and cousin Mike Easter competed in law enforcement and fireman athletic games this year. Both of them raced in the criterium this afternoon. Both Sean and Mike did very well and they, in addition to today's event, are competing the ultimate cyclist category for 5 days of racing for an overall placing.

Sean's lead group just before the run up...

Sean cornering hard with big effort... Sean was animated and rode strong and tactically brilliant. Just some times you don't win... Awesome riding!

Sean threw his bike to pick up one place. He got blocked on the run up but otherwise had a great sprint. My sister Donna's fist in the air!

Sean with a silver on the podium!

My father medaled in these same events 25 years ago when he participated for the Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club. Back then, they did well. The LAPD guys got shelled in the first half of the race...

Mike riding on the wheel of the guy about to be humbled with his original thoughts! The other rider (Mike Hand) had a laugh at the start line teasing Easter that they would not have to worry about the guy with the big guns on the climb. Oops - this was one of those times that looks were not deceiving.

Mike stomping on the gas! Heading to lap the main group 2x... A different class of cyclist for sure.

Great podium finish with the Gold!

It was a blast to spend the day with the family and friends on the course. The Martin and Easter family definitely came ready to have fun with kids everywhere... Thanks to the wife and friends for their support. More to follow with other upcoming events. Bless these two guys are they move forward this week.

Connecting

Learning more and more how to connect with my children. This past couple of weeks have been particularly enjoyable with Sean and we are exploring and learning things together. Trusting in the Lord for the tools to be effective in all this...

Face painted like a tiger, and ready to scramble left field...

Ready to throw casts with no care if something bites... OK, I understand he loves it. Future fish slayer! Either way, he loves to harrass the fish and who cares if you catch anything...!