Last weekend’s wedding in Santa Barbara was beautiful in every way. Karen and Michel’s wedding on the beach in Montecito was an unforgettable experience – gorgeous details, wonderful friends and family – the perfect wedding day. We stayed overnight in Santa Barbara and decided to take Blake to the Santa Barbara Mission for a little travel day adventure. Blake has always been the perfect travel companion – happy to go anywhere and everywhere meeting each new experience with curiosity and excitement. At one point we passed by a small display of succulent plants growing happily in the sun. And although I’ve traveled to a lot of places and seen a lot of plants I was struck by the fact that I was sure I had never seen plants quite like some of these. The shapes and textures where simply fascinating and completely unexpected and reminded me that you never know what new experience is just around the corner. I snapped a couple of quick pictures and moved along. As we walked the halls of  the mission and looked at the historical displays I couldn’t help but think that these little moments are the memories that we will always treasure. Taking the time to spend the morning as a family is one of the best parts of doing what I do. I couldn’t be more grateful for my family and the time we share together. I hope I never forget to appreciate every day  and the little things that make it special. Happy Tuesday everyone :)

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Well actually Blake’s first experience with a body of water larger than his bathtub :) . At a little more than 15 months we decided it was a good time for his first “Mommy and Me” swimming pool adventure. They usually call these classes “Mommy and Daddy and Me” and I really like that idea (maybe next time Cynthia can take the pictures and I can get some splash time). There is always something wonderful about watching your child experience something for the first time – first fireworks, first pumpkin pie, first time at Disneyland –  but THIS first I wasn’t quite sure of. My memories of the chill of the water from high school swim team and water polo are still fresh in my mind so I was a little apprehensive about what kind of reaction the pool would get. I had the video camera ready for whatever was about to happen but when it came time to get in the water there was no drama at all. Tucked safely in mommy’s arms he took to the water – well, like a fish. Now I know all parents think their children are special but Blake really does have a quiet confidence about him. No matter what the situation he is never fearful or hesitant – he meets each new adventure head on eager to see what new experiences are around the corner. And so it was with his first swim lesson. The 30 minutes seemed to fly by (and I even remembered to take a few pictures :)). The image below just seemed to capture the moment for me – just one of the countless memories that I will want to keep with me forever.

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Saturday was one of those perfect days. The kind you want to wrap up and put away in your scrapbook of favorite memories. We took the entire family to Irvine Regional Park for the first time to spend a beautiful afternoon in the Southern California sun. I had seen online that there was a small scale train that took a short trip around the park and I knew that would be something Blake would love. Little did I know that I would remember this day for much more than a train ride. At 14 months Blake was at the point where he was just starting to feel the freedom of walking one his own. Well, not quite on his on since he still wanted to have that one hand held for support. But with that hand he was walking like a pro – actually dragging whomever was the hand holder at the time in whatever direction he wanted to go. Still walking completely on his own  was restricted to a couple of tentative steps – always looking for that safe harbor of support. Until today.

The train was absolutely adorable. A perfect experience for a family with small children. The small scale engine would be right at home in Disneyland. Complete with beautifully polished details and the perfect high pitched whistle. There is a honest to goodness railroad crossing at a point where the train crosses one of the park roads and we even saw a peacock on our short trip around the park. We made a mental note that the picnic area nearest the train station was just perfect for birthday parties (and of course I made another mental note that it would be just as perfect for an engagement session :)). After the train ride it was time to stroll the park and see the sites. A cute little pond with ducks milling about, another pond where park visitors were paddling around on what looked like tricycles with enormous and colorful plastic wheels, great expanses of grass and trees with people enjoying every kind of outdoors activity. There was a serene happiness to this place that just made you want to take off your shoes and stay awhile. And so we did. We found a shaded grassy area with a picnic table and sat down for some lunch. The grass here was quite lush and Blake soon was dragging each one of us around in all directions looking at all there was to explore. Cynthia encouraged him ,as she had been for some time, to take some steps on his own – without that ever present hand for support. And then it happened. One, two, three, four…five, six! And there he stood wondering at his achievement. Maybe it was the soft cushion of grass which promised a not-so-rough landing but suddenly he had a confidence in his step that he hadn’t had before. Of course he continued to seek the comfort of that one hand for support. But during the course of that hour he ventured out again and again with a smile on his face that maybe only a toddler can truly understand. And he hasn’t looked back since.

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This was our first time attending the Cerritos Spring Festival and all I can say is that Blake, Cynthia and I really had a good time. In fact, we will be going back this evening for the fireworks. The 2011 Cerritos Spring Festival is a weekend long event that combines all the fun of a traditional carnival – rides, attractions, live music, games, CARNIVAL FOOD :) – plus local vendors offering a variety of diversions. One thing that really makes the Cerritos Spring Festival unique is the separate children’s area with rides, food, and attractions for the elementary school set. This is truly an event for all ages and all members of the family and it is great to see local residents bringing their families out to take part. And let’s face it – how can you possibly pass up a chance to have funnel cake ? I can’t and the three of us made quick work of ours topped with powdered sugar :). And as if carnival food wasn’t enough today’s festivities at the Cerritos Spring Festival feature a food truck rally. But the best part of the day was watching my one-year-old dance to the music of a classic rock cover band. That’s a memory I will keep with me forever :) Here are a few quick pics from yesterday. Thanks for stopping by my blog and don’t forget to say “hi” in the comment box :)

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Okay so I admit it. Before Cynthia and I had Blake we agreed that there was no point in brining a child to Disneyland until they were at least 5. We simply couldn’t understand why parents would put their toddlers in a stroller and walk them through Disneyland before they were old enough to appreciate it. Boy were we wrong :). Blake recently turned one and he had the time of his life. Disneyland is a wonderful collection of sights, sounds, smells and textures that a one year old has no trouble enjoying. We made this a quick trip because it was Blake’s first and we didn’t stay until dark for the shows. Nor did we attempt to go on any of the attractions. It was purely a day to wander and appreciate (and eat a little junk food). We were delighted to find that the Sleeping Beauty attraction inside of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle had been reopened (we hadn’t been to Disneyland in quite a while so I’m not sure if this is old news :)). We took Blake through thinking that if the dark or the noises scared him we could make a hasty retreat. Turns out there was nothing to worry about. Blake loved every minute of it. Now we have season passes so it looks like Blake’s complete introduction to all things Disney is going to happen sooner than we thought.

I also took this opportunity to try and photograph Disneyland with some fresh eyes – a slightly different perspective.  Here are some images from the day.

The Sleeping Beauty attraction inside of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle has been reopened. Is is phenomenal! As you walk through the darkened corridors inside the castle the story of Sleeping Beauty comes to life in a series of dioramas the likes of which I have never seen. There is music, special effects and a couple of surprises along the way. It is an absolute treat and no to be missed! BTW, getting these images in the VERY dark  corridors of the attraction is not something that you can easily do with a compact camera. I used a special lens and camera combination along with some processing tricks to get these images – definitely worth the effort though :)

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It was a beautiful morning in sunny Southern California so my wife Cynthia and my infant son Blake decided to take a little walk up and down the block. I grabbed this quick shot of their shadows as Cynthia guided him across the driveway.

He is starting to feel a little more confident on his feet so he only wants Mommy to hold ONE of his hands as he goes. He likes to use the other to touch everything in sight as he explores the world around him. His first birthday is in one week and it is absolutely true what they say – they grow so fast. The day he was born was the greatest day of my life. And every day since then I have marveled at how much joy this little person brings into our lives. It’s been said that you don’t really understand what love is until you have a child of your own. Becoming a dad has changed everything about the way I look at the world. It has been the best experience of my life. Mommy and Blake – I love your both more than words can say. Thank you for being the best part of my life.

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As we did last year my wife and I spent the morning with Justin Rudd and the Community Action Team taking part in their annual Santa Paws event delivering a little Christmas cheer to some very deserving shelter animals in Long Beach. Santa Paws is a wonderful event that takes place all over the country and we are proud to be a part of it again this year. This year, as last year, we donated to the Seal Beach Animal Care Center.

” The Seal Beach Animal Care Center is a non-profit, pro-life animal shelter dedicated to aiding lost and abandoned pets, helping people with pet related problems, promoting responsible pet ownership and pet population control, and preventing cruelty to animals through educational programs.”

All the dogs and cats pictured are available for adoption. Please consider a shelter animal if you are thinking about adding a four legged member to your own family.

“ DURING THE HOLIDAY season extra help is needed for the thousands of abused and abandoned animals in the care of local animal shelters and rescues all over the world. One local grassroots organization from Long Beach, Calif., “Operation Santa Paws,” is helping by spearheading a canine/feline toy/treat drive to benefit less-fortunate pets this season. Justin Rudd, organizer of this annual holiday effort that started in 2001, is encouraging animal lovers to purchase a new dog or cat toy, treat or supply to drop-off/donate at one of the locations listed below that will be delivered in time for Christmas to shelters and rescues. OPERATION SANTA PAWSseeks donated pet toys for shelters and rescues to improve the health and demeanor of those pets while reducing their stress to increase the animals’ chances of being adopted.”

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If you haven’t already done so please consider giving what you can to help those affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti. My wife and I chose to donate to SAVE THE CHILDREN. The AMERICAN RED CROSS and UNICEF are other wonderful organizations. You will find links to all of these groups on the left column. Thank you!

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As we arrived home from walking the dog this morning, we noticed a oddly shaped and very colorful object stuck to the side of a planter in the front yard. We moved in for a closer look and discovered a butterfly had just emerged from its chrysalis. I couldn’t decide if I was more intrigued by the butterfly of the remains of its shell. Both were quite beautiful and I was taken by how crisp and vibrant the colors were on the newly born butterfly. The chrysalis itself was amazingly delicate and detailed – paper thin and translucent with some surprising markings on the surface. I figured this was something worth sharing so here are some photos of the new butterfly and her former home. Just reminds you that there really is beauty everywhere if you take the time to look…

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