Remember back when...

Remember the fun we used to have on the boat that is no more? Recently, Lee decided to trade our 20' Center Console boat for a car that they much needed. I rather we held on to the boat because it's worth infinitely more to me than it's monetary value on the market. But I also understand their present need for a land vehicle. However, I like to think that I work hard to free up the time to be able to enjoy boat rides in La Jolla like Memorial Day of '06.

This was Julie's first trip on the boat. Looking back at the photos, it's crazy how much we forget without images like these to remind us.

Remember back when Julie drove the boat while we fished?

(Not sure how Denny could be in the photo taken from the previous angle and also insert himself in this photo taken from a totally different angle.) Guess Denny must really like to see himself in photos. LOL

Remember when Julie went bendo?

And what her resulting catch on the boat was? A beautiful bonito.

Remember Julie taking her turn at gaffing a fish?

Remember her first swing and the missed gaff? The fish is fast when it's at the surface. Even experience fisherman miss gaff all the time.

But Denny still got the fish in the end. A bigger grade La Jolla Bonito. Looks like a headshot judging by the blood.

Remember how we did on that trip? Who said having a women on board a boat is bad luck?

Photos like these definitely bring back memories and help us to remember that day. That's why it's so important to document our life as much as possible. Cheers!

Morning Light...

With kids, there is no rest for the weary. At the first sign of morning light, they are both wide awake and ready to play. These moments are certainly precious indeed...if we are alert enough to enjoy them. ;)

What soft light through yonder window breaks. The morning light changes so fast.

On this morning, I am in love with all the people in these pictures moreso than ever before. Just don't ask me if I feel that way lacking a good night's rest though. However, on this morning, I am glad to be awake and alert enough to capture these precious memories.

Pregnant momma...Hot mamma....

Was in the studio working on high key lighting and what's a better subject than a pregnant belly. Here's a couple of grabs from the lighting test. When you're pregnant, your skin looks so healthy and it glows. Pictures help to commemorate the occasion. Isn't it fun to have a studio at home?

Comparing growth...

Yesterday we planned to head up to LA to help great grandma with setting up the remembrance praying of the ancestor. But Julie didn't feel too well and had faint contractions. I think she's over working herself sometimes so I told her to just take it easy that morning and we'll stay home instead. That way I can get some work done as well.

I was going through photos and I saw a photo took of Terrence and his mom recently that reminded me of a previous photo I took of them when Terrence was about 6mo. What do you think? Does he look the same?

then...

...now

Happy Birthday to Julie...

Happy birthday to my lovely wife and an awesome mom. Here are a sequence of photos showing Julie enjoying a very good slice of pizza from Luigi's pizzeria. She claim it was toasted to perfection and the expression on her face says it all.

And here we are, as a family of three +1 come Nov. Photo taken by Denny

Julie came down with the flu so we didn't get to go anywhere. But that allowed us to spend the night in, which we value more than anything.

Bath time...

Julie just changed Terrence and was taking him to the bath. I had to get a shot. Aren't they so cute. Terrence has been so happy and cheery all morning. As if he knows today is a special day. He even tried to wake up at 4AM. Starting the day off early means a longer birthday. Smart little bugger. I swear, sometimes his reaction and responses to things makes us wonder if he knows more than we think he does. Both mom and son are absolutely glowing right now. I wonder why???

Susan's surprise party...

Last Sunday, my dad threw a little surprise party for Susan in recognition of her achievement in getting into Western pharmacy school. However, to keep it a secret from Susan, he said the party was for Terrence in recognition of his milestone in learning to crawl. My sister thought my dad was being too prideful as grandparents and relay how silly he was being to all her friends. Little did she know...

***Warning, lots of pictures. And as always, click on the small photo if you want to view it larger***

My cousin and aunt taking in the mountain view from the back yard

My two sisters...Susan and Nancy

My mom and sis looks great in this shot

Before the surprise was sprung, the adults were having lunch outside on the patio. After a few margaritas in them, my dad and his old partner were very happy campers.

My dad's old partner Bac Thiet. He retired here to Dana Point and lives just around the corner.

Susan checking out all the cakes people brought to celebrate.

Nancy did a pretty good job writing this. Well...except for the misspelling in "School" ;)

Showing off the fact that the cake cutter is in the shape of a fish.

I was on fire or my sister Susan just looks great that day. All my shots were so natural and looks great like this one.

Always a challenge to cut a custard cake. This particular one felt more like a hybrid of custard and sponge.

Julie putting on the orange glaze on her cheesecake.

Nancy and Walton enjoying the cake.

Another candid of Susan. Looking great!

I like this shot looking back at Julie and framed by the two chairs.

When there is a party or guest, it's almost impossible for Terrence to fall asleep. Here he is after we tried to put him down, all red from fighting the nap.

Julie giving me a silly face.

Celebrating Thanksgiving...Black Friday

Our family, meaning my parents and Julie's parents, celebrate Thanksgiving on the weekend instead of the traditional Thursday evening most American family do. This afforded Julie and I the opportunity to catch up on some things as well as spend Black Friday taking Terrence out to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. While most people were out shopping the Black Friday deals, we enjoyed a nice/cheap lunch at Costco and headed over to the hidden Webb Park behind Pearl restaurant in RB.

There, Terrence got to take in the sight and make his typical furrow at all the ducks that wanders around. If you don't know what I mean, Terrence furrow his brow whenever he sees something new and is concentrating/focusing really hard. :D Anyways, the ducks at this park are pretty used to people. Often times, they walk up within arms reach of us. Kinda scary when you're sitting down at eye level with them. Or in Julie's case, standing up at eye level with them. LOL

Terrence was really enjoying himself. He loves to feel new texture and grass is one of those textures he is not quite familiar with yet. Usually after the initial feeling, he has to try and take a bite out of whatever he's touching for the first time. Kindda makes me proud as a father to see his appetite for everything. hahahaha

Awesome clear, blue sky day.

What a cutie!!!

Here Terrence goes...feeling and tasting anything new!

I am loving the mood of this capture. Almost looks like it's out of a catalog of some sort. What they are selling? I don't know...clothes? hehee