Whale Watching In Monterey

On June 27th Marianne and I went whale watching off the coast of Monterey.  We spent the night in Carmel and got up the next morning for out adventure.  After I got my sea sick patch fastened on we grabbed a bite to eat and drove the 5 miles to the Monterey pier to board our ship for the adventure---- Whale Watching!!

Our boat was a faily large one which was probably good as there were 12-15 foot swells at times so I appreciated having a bigger craft.

We spent most of our time at the rear of the boat as we could see all around and the wind was calmer there.  It was overcast for most of the morning and started to clear as we came back at midday.



The black speck toward the horizon is a whale.  We did not have any come up right next to the boat but we did see whales and had a great time.

It was hard to catch them as they came up so we don't have them perfectly centered but at least we got them in the picture!!

There are two whales here-- one in front going down and the one behind breaking the surface.

The whales we saw were hump back whales.  Notice the barnacles on his head.  Pretty cool!!

It was a nice adventure and we had a great time.  The patch work fine for me and not sea sickness.  We would do it again!

Easter Celebration

Easter is a wonderful time of year to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and to spend time together as a family.  The beautiful spring reminds all of us of the renewal of life and the opportunites that lie ahead for the year to come. 

After church we got together and had some fun and games with a picture hunt for easter items and then some egg hunt as well.  We had two teams and unfortunately the camera person (Marianne) was with one team and we didn't get pictures of the other teams hunt.

Jason was the team captain and selected Alli and Andrea to be on his team.

The sun came our after a few days of clouds and rain so it would look like a nice sunny day.  The afternoon was nice and made for a good hunt.

Jason found a lot of eggs and wanted to hide them all again so we could play the game again.

We did get one group picture of the participants except for Marianne who was of course taking the picture.  Fun day with family!!!  Sorry some of the family is not close enough to get together.

Rock City

With some beautiful weather and the wonderful help of "Auntie Hoot" the Rock City adventure began.  Nathan and Jason were anxious to climb the big rocks enjoy the adventure.  They each had their emergency whistle in case of wild animals or getting lost which they enjoyed blowing all the time. 

Poison oak was just coming out so Auntie Hoot made sure to point it out along the way so we didn't touch it and have problems after we got back.  We made it without anyone getting a rash.

All in all it was a beautiful day for a climb on the rocks and some beautiful views of the valley.

As we started out we climbed an easy rock and tried to smile for the camera.

Nathan thought he saw something across the valley and was trying to point it out to Jason.  What a beautiful sky we had that day.  Amazing clouds.

Auntie Hootie helped the boys climb to a small arch.  Great fun!!!

Jason found a small cave to hide in and suprised us as we came around the corner.  Notice the orange whistle for emergencies.

Since Marianne had the camera we don't have many pictures of her.  Kristin got one of her coming up the trail.  Great climb and beautiful country!

Nathan just couldn't resist picking the noise of the stone face.  Of course he needed a little help.

Jason toss a little parachute man off of a rock to see how it would float down.

Hoot and the boys blazing the trail up to the big rocks.

Taking a little snack break.

Nathan always liked trying to be on top and the highest.  He really has good balance and climbs well so with more training he will continue to be a good climber.

Play Day at Super Franks!

All of the kids came together to enjoy a lot of fun while the Texas family was in town.  Everyone seemed to bond better this visit and enjoyed playing together and being around each other.  This day was sunny, warm and full of fun.  What a great day it was!!!!!

Joshua and Jason hit it off and were great buddies when together.  Joshua bought a bug at the store and made sure he got one to give to Jason as well. 

Audrea tried the zip line at Super Franks and had a great time.  The kids really got going fast and enjoyed the falling at the end as much as the initial ride.  Way to go Audrey.

With all those kids around you always need some firemen.  Jason and Joshua are happy to accomodate everyone in that role. 

There was a TV screen in the play theater that you could watch yourself on.  Everyone loved being on stage and watching themselves --- even the firemen.

Jayla and Jaxon in the black light room.  Just more fun for everyone!

The sponge pit in the black light room.  Auntie Hoot/Ritz trying to keep an eye on things.

Looks like a fierce competition between Audrey and Jayla on the hoops game.  The kids had fun trying to get tickets for the prizes in the end.  Thx to Andrea's good luck in getting a bunch of bonus tokens there was plenty to go around. 

Joshua and Jason enjoyed the kids slide together.  They ran and slide for a long time.

Thanks Auntie Ritz for all of your help.  The kids love hanging out with their aunts and uncles.

We tried to get an ending picture of the group as we were getting ready to leave.  This was the best we could do but it does show the kids that were there.  From left to right we have Jason, Joshua, Nathan, Audrey, Brodie, Jayla and Jaxon.  Thx kids for a fun day!!

Blessing of Austin Andrew

What a fun day to enjoy the family gathering to participate in the blessing of Austin.  Tom and Diane opened their home to host a meal for all of the Toolson and Bird families in the area and it was a wonderful event.  Great food, wonderful company and a good way to show support for Austin as he continues to grow and develop.  Thx everyone for making the day so special. 

The two grandpa's and baby Austin.

All of the men folk that were there for the blessing. 

A balcony shot of everyone that was there.  Looks like 31 to me.  What a fun day!!!

The Hunter 6 were in the area and joined us as well as Lis and Tom.  It was fun to have them involved in this special event.  Thx for making the effort to be there.

Toolson's swing set got a lot of use that day.  The kids figured out they couild touch feet swinging together.  Nathan and Audrey started and then everyone needed a turn.

Kristin and Chloe had to have a picture together.

One of my favorite pictures of the day was Memor and Austin.  Memor couldn't get enough cuddle time in.

Everyone trying to get some food and find a place to sit.  Thx again Diane and Tom.

Sleeping like a baby --- oh, he is a baby.  Sweet dreams baby Austin!!

Texas Bird Gets Plucked!

As David, Michelle and family came into town, David took advantage of having Kristin work on his infected toe while in town.  When it was all said and done I am not sure he really wanted to do that since she had to remove part of the toe nail but it was done.  As an added bonus Auntie Ritz got enjoy her first moments with Austin!!  Notice the blanket that she made for him!!  Super cool blanket !!

You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby

With today being Kristin's actual birthday, I felt it was only fair to share a few pictures of her early years.  Happy Birthday again Kristin.

Kristin at 2 months

One of my favorite pictures - 1 year

Fun at 14 months

In school and 6 1/2 years old

Happy Birthday Kristin -- (Auntie Hoot)

It was a Hooting good time this year with the theme being owls to celebrate Auntie Hoots birthday.  Matt made a batch of his great ribs to go with the salmon, veggies and rice for one terrific meal. 

Nathan put on a special command performance magic show for the birthday girl.  Lots of fun !!

Jason put on a music and dance show for the birthday group as well.  Never wants to be outdone by his brother.  Way to go Jason.

Marianne did a great job on the Hoot Cake.  The owl is made of cupcakes and etc.  Very tasty.

The nephews always want to be in on the action -- especially when it is close to the cake, ice cream and etc.

Happy Birthday is always sung in 5 languages -- all of which be probably butcher but it is fun!

Happy Birthday Kristin.  Thx for being such a terrific person.  We love you.