Thursdays with Grandpa

Russell + Debbie

Love in the early days...this was taken in a suite at the Oakland A's ballpark on retro day. Hence the blue A's hat! The whole crew (family & friends) took BART to the game and enjoyed the view from the luxury suite that Christy was able to finagle for us!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

My Grandpa Frank was born September 23, 1910 and passed away in December 2001 while I was pregnant with Jack. Grandpa's mind was sharp until the end, it is just that his body gave out. I think about him all the time and have told Jack countless stories. Today, after breakfast at Pancake Circus with Grammy, Hal, Jack and Maya - we set out to visit Grandpa and Grandma and introduce them to Maya! My grandparents gave me so much growing up...memories, experiences...lots of fun times and I want to make sure I give the same to my children. I only wish Jack and Maya could have met you in person. Hal was lucky to meet you when he was an infant. I love you gramps!

At the Park

Jack and Maya enjoy the park on these mild weather days! Jack starts Kindergarten at 11:40 am and so we've been playing at the local park and then walking the short distance to school. Maya loves to watch Jack go down the slide. Notice how Jack's hair stands up on end when he goes down the slide - it is hilarious!

Family Fun

These are some pictures taken from last weekend with all the cousins and friends at various get togethers. As you can see, we all had so much fun!

A few pictures from Hal's Party

Hal & friends enjoy waffles, playtime and the pinata!

Happy 6th Birthday Hallie!

Today, my nephew Hal is 6 years old! I remember when he was born like it was yesterday. I was pregnant and afraid because I was having a boy and didn't know anything about them. September 11th had just happened and I was scared about everything in the world and generally anxious all the time. Then, sweet little Hal was born and I learned that boys aren't scary and I got excited to have my own. And now here we are 6 years later and Jack and Hal are best buds/cousins who've spent almost every day together since Jack was born. The boys are night and day to each other but are as close as any twins could ever be. I gave up news watching to get over my anxiety about the state of the world and decided way back then to focus on the little ones in our family and to learn through their eyes. Tomorrow we celebrate Hal's birthday in his backyard with games, a pinata and his absolute favorite food in the whole world - WAFFLES!!!! I'll post a picture tomorrow, but in the meantime, here are a few goodies of Hal!

More memories

The first picture was taken probably 25 years ago - my Dad, me, uncle Chuck and Michael. We went on a week-long camping trip, fishing and riding the 3-wheeler at each campground. We went during summer and hit both temperature extremes. I remember my surprise at seeing the snow at Alpine Lake! The second pic is uncle Chuck. Somewhere, there are pics of all us doing jumps and silly stuff on the 3-wheeler. The last picture features my grandpa Frank on the left and my dad on the right. A regular holiday poker game. I miss you, grandpa!

Looking Back...

I'm transferring data from my old laptop and went through some of my archived pictures. Enjoy! The first pic is of Jack and Daphne in the backyard. Next is Hal and Jack with baby Ryan (almost 4 now!) in their floaties! Next is Jack and Dada swimming and finally, we have Jack tentative about shaking the hand of Smokey and Hal ready to make his acquaintence!

Happy Birthday, Russell!

My dear hubby is another year older and aging like a fine wine! Here is a cute pic taken over the weekend with Dada, Jack and Maya!

Miss Maya Papaya

These were taken by my dear friend Lindsay...she rocks! (Outfit courtesy of Auntie Christine)