Chad and Kate's Photos

back to disney and other random fun

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:11:29 -0800

Ruby snoozing in her crib. We're considering a big girl bed soon...
Sweet sleeper.
We renewed our Disney passes and spent a day at California Adventure. Ruby loves the caterpillar ride.
Ruby wanted to wear sunglasses like Daddy.
Rushing to the next ride!
Ruby had a growth spurt so was finally tall enough (36 inches) to ride the bumper bugs. Doesn't she look thrilled?
She got over it!
Taking Daddy for a spin.
Where'd she go?
Buggin' out.
Which ride should we go on next?
Mom and Ruby ready for the ride to start.
I look like my mom in this picture, I don't usually see it so much!
Weeee!
Carousel time!
Daddy on the carousel.
Awww, cute shot.
Mom's turn! Can't ride just once!
Vega attempting to hide from Ruby in the coffee table. She just can't leave him alone!
She found him!
She gets a little too close for his comfort.
Ruby and her shopping cart.
I only had a few things to get at the store, so I let her take her shopping cart. Didn't manage any photos there as I was too busy chasing her down the aisles trying to keep her from putting candy in the cart.
We had a photo-shoot at the bowling alley in an attempt to get a cute photo for her birthday party invitations. She wasn't very cooperative.
I tried to get her to hold up three fingers. Close enough, I guess!
Who could resist joining her for a game?
She was distracted by the bowling and was sad that we didn't end up playing.
Goofy grin.
Finally a cute shot and it's blurry. I give up!
Ruby and Mom enjoying dinner at the Blue Bayou, the restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland. We were celebrating our friend Audrey's 30th.
Birthday-girl Audrey and arggh-dorable pirate Sophie.
Mom, I don't care if it's your birthday, I refuse to pose in this ridiculous hat!
Cheese!
Time for a cupcake!
Mmmm, frosting!

Hanging Out

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:48:17 -0800

Pictures of us and our friends and/or family just doing what we do best, HAVING FUN!

Dolly Storytime

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 07:22:39 -0800

Ruby decided she would gather her babies on her blanket and read them a story.
She has such an imagination developing!
We all love the LeapFrog Tag Jr. that Ruby got for Christmas, lets her entertain herself at home, restaurants, and in the car. And it's educational to boot, crazy!

Mia's 3rd Birthday Party

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 07:21:26 -0800

The Birthday Princess climbing up to check her makeup in the mirror. The party was a Princess Ball where all the kids dressed up and played in rooms that were deocrated like castles.
Gorgeous!
Accessorizing her outfit with more pink.
Everyone all dressed up and ready to read a story. Rebel Ruby, aka Cinderella, refused to sit like everyone else.
Peeking through the castle window.
All the kids made a stuffed animal. Mia chose a pink (of course!) poodle.
The stuffing machine made a loud noise the kids didn't like.
The boys showing off their animals.
Jake made Gator, his stuffed animal at home, a brother.
Ruby keeping far as possible from the noisy machine and clutching her yet-to-be-stuffed pig's hand.
She was so excited about the party but froze up when we got there, I think she was overwhelmed by all the kids and fun.
Pouting with her poodle.
The party was run by two teenage girls that dress up and play with the kids. One of them seemed to enjoy her job, the other was very bored and didn't hide it well.
Mia and Mommy.
Making her wish as she puts a star in her pig pal.
I don't think she really understood!
Ruby got to lead the parade around the store showing off all the animals they made.
All the parents hung back and sipped coffee while the kids played.
Ruby giving a reluctant wave.
Group shot.
Group Shot with everyone making funny faces, and even Ruby participated!
More funny faces.
From funny face to meltdown in three seconds flat!
It's her party and she'll cry if she wants to!
Time for a game! Everyone was supposed to stand along the wall and hide their eyes. Ruby not quite cooperating as usual, she didn't want to get in line.
No peeking!
Caught ya sneaking a look!
Nobody puts Baby in the corner!
Mia and Papa Gary
The other castle where the table was set up. Cut off the balloons in order to get the frog on the floor in the shot.
We thought this was a kind of random toy.
Cute Cousins. Jake came over to Ruby and held her hand. Nice of him to do with so many of his buddies around.
Time for another story!
Everyone gathered to read a Pinkalicious book.
Time to eat, Mia's favorite part of the party!
Trying to get the kids to settle down to their cheezits, mini corn dogs, and apple slices.
Mia got to sit in a special Princess chair.
Tasty meal of all her favorites!
Even Ruby ate!
Munchin' Mia.
Ruby found a new favorite snack in Cheezits. I've never gotten her to really eat them before,
Taking a break from eating to relax in her special seat.
Chipmunk cheeks! Ruby has figured out how to store food in her cheeks. We found a whole bite of steak in her crib one morning from dinner the night before!
Ruby waving her wand.
Sweet Girl.
Mia has a little owie under her nose from when she took a jump out of the jacuzzi and onto her face!
Grabbing another Cheezit, those things are addicting!
Wand Wars.
Princess Daddy.
They took out a cupcake to put Mia's candle on like ten minutes before they served dessert. It was pure torture for Ruby to see it and not be able to eat it, she kept staring and begging for one.
Mia was too busy playing and eating lunch to worry about dessert, much to Ruby's dismay.
Mmm, look at those cupcakes...
Mom, I want a cupcake NOW!
Pleeeeeease?
Pretty Please? See this cute look?
What if I tip my head to the side so cute like this? Now can I have one?
Finally time for dessert!
Mia loved everyone singing to her!
Happy girls!
Licking the frosting off the ring that was the decoration on all the cupcakes.
Goin' in for frosting.
Yum!
Cinderella finally got her wish!
Ruby was a bit upset it wouldn't stand up due to an uneven bottom, but not so upset she couldn't eat the frosting!
Finger lickin' good!
Ew! Mia took a bite of her candle and decided it tasted awful. She wouldn't eat the rest of the cupcake for fear it would taste the same.
Coy Cutie.
DEEE-licious, as Ruby says.
Who needs cake when there is frosting?
Messy face!
Even the boys behaved themselves for cupcakes.
Papa Gary talked Mia into eating her cupcake again.
Wand War II
Daddy helping Ruby lick her ring clean.
Sugar, sure to produce a smile!
Ruby is having fun, but that worker is still bored as hell!
Lack enthusiasm for your job much?
Cinderella enjoying the ball.
Ruby had a great time making the other kids princesses with her wand.
Here she is going after the poor boy she decided to pick on most. He would play back so I think he didn't mind.
That sugar high from the cupcakes finally got her going!
Pretty Princess
Lining up to get prizes, but she is still only interested in teasing the same boy.
The object of Ruby's "affections." Chad looked at these pictures and said, "She's flirting!!!!"
Too bad it focused wrong, so cute....
Despite my attempts to woo her into choosing a myriad of other toys, Ruby picked a darn whistle as her prize. At least she doesn't know how to use it (yet...)!
The kids went on a treasure hunt. Ruby was too busy with her whistle to pay much attention.
Un-dressing up.
Unfortunately, this is the only picture that we managed to take while visiting with Aunt Marion, Mikayla, and Matt and Debbie Rowe (not pictured). I blame Chad, he had the camera!

valentines 2010

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 07:16:38 -0800

Ruby and Daddy made Mommy lemon cupcakes. Here they are pouring in the cake mix.
Cheeky Chad and Cheezit-eatin' Child.
In goes the water!
Now to measure the oil...
Awww.
Cutie.
Ruby helping to pour oil and helping herself to a candy at the same time. Multi-tasking in the kitchen and she's not even three, Mom's so proud!
The oil is added to the bowl.
Time for yet another candy. The kid would live on sweets if we let her!
Look at my Sweet-Tart, Mom!
Filling the cupcake cups.
Looks yummy!
Now those are sweet hearts!
Ruby can't resist!
Such a cute pair!
Fun times!
Daddy and Ruby drew on paper hearts and hung them in the kitchen as a valentine surpises for Mom.
Hearts on the left...
Hearts in the middle...
And hearts on the right!
Ruby drew pictures of food she likes, and Daddy translated on the backs for me. There was cookies, dilla-dillas, fries, chicken, and more!
Daddy made some food-related hearts of his own!
What we call my apple pie that he loves.
They topped the cupcakes with pink frosting and sprinkles, very festive!
So sweet!

Birthdays and Celebrations

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:43:06 -0800

Friends' and family members' weddings, birthdays, retirements, barmitzvahs and so on.

Baby Ruby

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:42:27 -0800

Lots and lots of pictures of our first child, Ruby.

january 2010

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:20:16 -0800

Ruby enjoying a nice winter afternoon at the beach.
Our little California Beach Girl.
Ruby decided she needed to bust a move and started dancing to the tunes in her head.
Daddy and his little girl on the beach by Grandma Sunni's house (unfortunately, it's not one of those in the picture, she is half a mile away).
Aw, sweet father-daughter moment.
Ruby and her main man.
A horse came galloping by!
What kid doesn't love a good stick?!
Ta-da!
Taking a hike across the sand with her walking stick.
Watch out, Mom, I'm comin' at ya with a sharp object!
We saw this ultra-light "plane" riding the air currents off the waves.
He was getting so close to the water and shore that he was scaring people on the beach.
See how close he got?
The pilot seemed to know what he was doing, but it still was nerve-wracking to watch.
A brown horse rode by, too!
Just another sunny January afternoon in So Cal. You mid-westerners jealous yet?
Ruby taking advantage of being able to use her "outside voice" aka yelling at the top of her lungs.
Close-up Cutie.
Pretty Poser.
Happy Ham.
Ruby tasting the cookies she helped Mom to make, our first collaboration in the kitchen!
Look, we had a touch of winter weather! This is hail on our front porch.
This is half an hour after the storm passed, so only the hail that piled in cracks and crevices hadn't melted.
Ruby picked some flowers for Grandma from our front patio.
She kept saying, "This one is for Grandma Sunni, this one for Grandma 'Chele,..." as she picked. Equal-opportunity flower picker, no playing favorites for Ruby!
Hunting for pick-worthy blooms.
She actually looked at the camera and smiled nice at the same time! That is a rarity these days.
Who you lookin' at?
Checking out her latest harvest.

park days with dad

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:30:38 -0800

Off to the park!
Safety is cool.
Weee...
...eee...
...eeee!
Again!
Mayor Ruby of playground town.
The mayor of playground town does whatever she wants.
Can't make up my mind where to climb!
Ruby tried to borrow a rake from these girls without asking.
No time to sit.
Slide stair climb #263 of 789.
Slide #312 of 789.
Weeeee...
...eee...
...eeeeee!
Again!
Good times on the swing.
The playground rocks!
Ruby probably got something in her shoe.
Back to the slide.
New soccer ball!
First time kicking her new princess soccer ball.
The rules of soccer don't apply to 2 year olds.
Ruby wanted daddy to punt the ball so she could go chase it.
Ruuu...
...uuu...
...uuun!
Again!
Love the chaotic bouncy run.
I love my soccer ball!
Ruuu...
...uuu...
...uuun!
I'm gonna get you soccer ball!
Breaking the rules of soccer again.
Punt the ball again dad!
Princess Ruby kicks all the other princesses around.
Soccer ball slii...
...iii...
...iiide!
Ruby's turn!
Again!
Gotta take the soccer ball.

California Adventure 12/3/09

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:00:43 -0800

Mom and Ruby waiting in line for the Playhouse Disney show.
Cheesy chicks.
Ruby in her reindeer Christmas dress, a huge hit around the park!
Not very lady-like, but cute!
Pretty Poser
Ruby in the Playhouse Disney Live! show, she loved it!
The Man
Want some? Ruby loves to share!
Ruby getting strapped in for a ride on the Zephyr.
Look, Ma, no hands!
Who is Chad yelling at?!
Ruby was calling out, "Hi, Ever-body!"
The ferris wheel we were soon to ride...
This is the platform for the light display that is still under-construction. There is a scuba diver about to take a dive and work underwater.
Mom's turn to ride with Ruby. There was no line so we didn't even have to get off!
Ready to zoom away on the zippy Zephyr!
Love this "family self-portrait" shot!
Everyone in California surfs!
Funny pic of Firefighter Chad.
Ruby climbing up to fire back at Dad.
With a little help from Dad, Ruby is a fireman, too!
It's so fun to pull Dad's hair!
Daddy's so much fun, he's like one of the rides!
Weee!!
Chad about to launch.
It goes high! But you can still spot Chad waving if you look.
Zoomed in.
Running to the next ride. Yea for short lines!
Too bad she never has any fun!
I'm flying!!!
Ruby isn't sure she likes this ride.
Really not sure she likes it...
How high are we going?
Hold me, Daddy!
I really don't like this!
Holding on for dear life.
Is that the exit I see up ahead?
This girl thought Ruby was so cute she wanted to give her a pin!
Unfortunate shot of the girl, but so nice of her to share her Mickey and Donald BFF pin!
We love the carousel!
Hi, Daddy!
Her future's so bright she has to wear Daddy's shades!
Cute.
Big hugs!
Monkeying around in line.
Silly smiles.
Gotta pass the time somehow.
Still in line?! The longest of the day was the last.
Stopped to see Santa on our way out. If only Ruby'd smile we would have had a Christmas card photo.
Who is this guy?
So tired she has to hold on to the seat.
Snooooore....

aliso viejo snowfest 2009

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:05:18 -0800

Chad and Ruby getting on the sled for the first run. They started on the Bunny Slope, but after that she would only go on the big one.
Attempting to make a snowball, hard to do in puffy mittens!
Sorry, Mom, it's too bright to look at the camera.
She tried climbing up the hill a time or two, but kept slipping. California kids don't know how to walk in snow!
She's tossing up some snow, though it's hard to tell.
Hula-Hoop action!
She has no idea how to do it, but loves to pretend that she does!
Daddy offering some help.
It is so cute to watch her hold the hoop up and wiggle her butt and think she's doing it.
We tried to get her to try the smaller red hoop, but no go.
All done now!
Getting in line for the big slope.
Daddy giving Ruby a lift up the hill while carrying the sled, her hero!
Look, Dad! (As if he wasn't already doing enough! Haha)
Waiting in line as the guys repair and ready the slopes for more sledders.
The snow sure gave off a glare! Chad and Ruby are in the background.
If you look behind the guys bum, you'll see Ruby and Dad getting on the sled.
Fun ride! (Sorry, no pics of them coming down the hill, was making videos.)
She was upset to be wet, luckily in was almost 80 degrees and sunny and she dried quick.
Back to the Hula Hoops.
I think half the reason she likes the hoops are because they are near the DJ booth and Ruby loves music.
One more run before our turn was up.
Posing for the camera on the way up the hill.
Hurry up, Mom!
Chad and Ruby getting close to the end of the line again.
Almost there!
Getting on the sled one last time.
Ruby's ready!
And they're off!
View from the top of the hill, Chad and Ruby waving up.
Looking across the festival. Ruby and Dad in bottom left.

thanksgiving 2009

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:50:48 -0800

Dad and Alex deep frying the turkey... and concrete.
Good thing they didn't do it on a wooden deck like our hosts last year!
The flames were literally dripping from the fryer. Don't attempt this at home!
The cousins at play.
BFFs Mia and Ruby.
Time for a jog!
The girls ran from place to place as Mia spotted good sitting spots and took Ruby to them.
More than one person has described the girls as "bookends."
All the kids watched the movie Up on Papa's bed. He had to remake it so he could go to sleep.
Looks comfy!
Alex sure seems to be enjoying the kid's table!
Yea for dessert!
Kamalie, one of Lydia's granddaughters.
Nailani, the other granddaughter, was harder to catch on camera!
Ruby relaxing.
Check out my turkey pjs!
Of course everyone is thankful for Ruby!
OW! Kate got burned on her dad's oven.
"Thanksgiving" at our place on Saturday after. The ladies are keeping the kids busy as we wait for dinner.
Jake's birthday party was rolled into our Thanksgiving. Happy 5th, Jake!
Ruby and Mia "eating" dessert.
Mia was so worn out she had to put her feet up.
Papa Gary and Jim attempting to assemble Jake's gift from us. I swear it said it was for ages 6+, not 60+!
Still trying to assemble it. Grandma Sunni doesn't appear to be enjoying this at all!
Finally got it together! They made it so the screen flashed "We ain't" and "smart enough!"
The girls wearing big shoes and being silly.
Both say "Cheese!" But only Mia will consistently cooperate with looking at the camera. Darn Ruby and her stubborn streak, wonder where she could have gotten it?
Modeling the Pilgrim hat she made at the YMCA.
It had a blue feather, too, but it got plucked.
Haha. This picture is kind of scary!
Silly girl!

gg's 87th birthday at disneyland

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:53:46 -0800

Our little jockey.
Go, horsey, go!
We happened to walk up to the castle just as Stevie Wonder was about to perform, so decided to stand and try to catch a glimpse and some tunes. There he is in the red, but you've probably already spotted his trademark hair.
More Stevie. The castle had the holiday trees and decorations up already.
You can see the camera filming the show and he sang mostly Christmas music, must be for an upcoming special.
Such a great shot of Ruby and Daddy in front of the Matterhorn!
Family on Ruby's favorite ride. If I can't get Ruby to cooperate for a better one, might use this picture for Christmas cards!
Ruby's first spin on the teacups with Mom and Dad.
She said "Weeee" as we whirled.
That's our cup of tea!
GG watching the Celebrate! street parade, some of the characters came over with birthday wishes after spotting her button.
Ruby and Daddy walking back after joining the conga line(too fast for me to get a good shot, darn it).
Chad and Ruby Celerate-ing.
Grandma Sunni and GG enjoying the parade, Ruby and Daddy beating the drum they passed to her.
We lucked into front row seats, we're gonna take GG and her wheelchair all the time now!
Look, Daddy!
They seem tickled pink to be there!
We love a parade!
GG, Chad, and Ruby watching the action.
Oh, darn, I think the parade is over.
Time to sit and relax for a second. She sat with Grandma and GG so Chad and I could go on Space Mountain.
Ruby checking the map to plan our next move.
She insisted on the damn boots, though we tried to talk her into wearing others. Cute, but not the most functional!
No wonder we got lost, she was holding it upside down!
Do you think Ruby likes the ears?
Modeling her Minnie Mouse headband.
Ruby likes to collect the Mickey confetti from the parade.
Ladies taking a break.
The four generations with Tomorrowland in the background.
All of us at Disneyland, a great way to celebrate (Great) Grandma Margaret Emory's 87th birthday!
More of the four of us having fun.
Aw, doesn't she know she can't cry on GG's birthday?!
That's better!
Trying to catch us with the castle in the background, unfortunately it was getting too dark.
Good one, too bad it's not quite centered.
How is it that the two standing seem perkier than the two riding?
An attempt at getting the four generations at the entrance, but again too dark for a good shot.
A little brighter, but still not great. Better than nothing!

halloween 2009

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:48:22 -0800

Zebra Ruby taking her barnyard pals for a ride around the mall.
This little zebra is tired of the desert, she wants to explore the ocean!
The trick-or-treat troop.
Think the kids are excited much?!
Mia and Jake, their mom Marisol, Ruby, and our friend Audrey with her baby chick Sophia.
First house we went to.
An adult had to accompany Ruby, she would walk right in to everyone's houses if given the chance!
Chad's "white-trash dad" costume and his favorite Halloween gag.
Getting candy at another house, Chick Sophia worn out already.
Ruby walking away with an ever heavier bucket of candy.
Trio of treaters.
Mia's sweet face and costume with tell-tale candy stains.
Mice love "cheese!" Mia was Angelina Ballerina.
Tough Army man, Jake.
Ruby didn't want her picture taken. Talk to the mane, Mom!
Okay, I'll look, but no smile!
Chris dared to enter, and almost sprained an ankle tripping over the guy-lines. Neat decoration, though.
Trick-or-treat!
Jake and Ruby would take as much candy as allowed and spend lots of time picking out what they wanted. Something seems to have Witch Marisol cackling in this photo!
Finally done and ready to head back. Thanks to the gypsy for the candy!
This chicken is fried! I am so glad Fifi reused Ruby's costume, it just cracks me up! Especially love this shot of her sleeping on Audrey's shoulder.

camera memory dump 11.9.09

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:45:43 -0800

Ruby lookin' like she just woke up (and adorable!).
Mario Kart Champion!!
Ruby playin' with a glittery 4th of July top hat.
Who turned out the lights?!
Awwww! (Note the old kitchen in the background, ick!)
Patriotic Poser.

Trips

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:12:44 -0800

Pictures of the places we've traveled to.

october in illinois

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:12:44 -0800

early halloween 2009

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:21:51 -0700

Mommy and Ruby on the way to our town's Harvest Festival. There was a costume parade, if you are wondering about Ruby's outfit!
I let Ruby pick out her costume all on her own. She immediately had to have the Zany Zebra, which I found hilarious. I was worried she wouldn't wear it so tried to talk her into a cat or witch or princess, but no. As you can see, she stood by her choice and loves wearing it!
Ruby and Daddy (in a white shirt in the shade) waiting for the costume parade to start.
Zebra Ruby pointing at the Pumpkin coming to say hello to her.
There has never been a more adorable zebra!
Practicing her Trick-or-Treat skills as she goes through the Costume Parade.
Every other little girl there was wearing a fancy dress or tutu, none of that for Ruby! She wanted a tail and mane.
Dad helped Ruby keep track of all the goodies she collected.
Ruby said thank you to everyone that gave her candy or a sticker, she even waited to have the treats given to her rather than just grab, very polite for such a wild animal.
Ruby getting strapped in for a pony ride.
She was waving at everyone in the crowd saying, "Hi ever-body!" (That woman better not be giving my kid the stink-eye! I'll have to track her down and kill her!)
Eventually she spotted Mom and Dad and waved at us!
Ruby was the only kid that smiled and seemed to be having fun on the pony.
Maybe next year she should be a cowgirl!
Was funny to see a Zebra riding a pony! I especially love the tail.
Zebras aren't very good at bowling.
Waiting patiently for a balloon. So cute that she is already pretending to hold one!
Balloon in hand, it's time to hit the playground.
She always starts with the slide at any playground we go to.
What does a zebra say? Weeee!
Headed back for more.
Mom, will you open these fruit treats?
Sad zebra because it's time to leave.
Trying to talk Daddy into staying for a few more slides.
I don't think she'd have been sad to leave the park if she knew we were headed to the bounce house!
She loves to go in the bounce houses, even though it takes her a minute to get balanced enough to stand, much less actually bounce.
She's up!
Love this shot of her costume. The mane especially made her look so silly. Cracks me up almost as much as the chicken costume did!
Zany Zebra, indeed!
The costume is a bit big, but she doesn't seem to mind! It's probably best, I have a feeling she'll be begging to wear it around home for months to come.
It was funny to watch her mane flop around as she jumped.
She loves to watch the bigger kids jumping really high.
She wasn't just sitting around the bounce house, but it's hard to get non-blurry pics of her jumping.
Best shot of the day.
Still smiling because she doesn't yet know her turn is up. The only thing that prevented a fit as we dragged her out was the promise of mac and cheese!
Ruby getting in the Halloween mood with cat shirt and ears.
Those cat ears really make her real ears stand out! So cute!
Meow!

bows and hat from grandma and grandpa klein

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:45:48 -0700

Of course as soon as we stop asking Ruby to wear a bow, she puts one on herself!
Peekaboo behind the bed.
Love the Halloween bow she chose!
No close-ups!
Ruby loves the pumpkin she got at the Scarecrow Festival!
Apparently she doesn't want her picture taken anymore.
Ruby had to accessorize her pajamas with a bow, too!
Modeling a cute yellow knit cap and top from Grandma and Grandpa Klein.
Think she knows she's cute?
She got into posing for the camera!
My latest favorite picture of Ruby Kay.
Giggle girl.
Ruby insisted on having her picture taken on the stairs.
Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for the fun outfits and accessories, Ruby loves dressing in them!

Stuff around Home

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:19:44 -0700

Take a peek inside our home and see what's new.

boikfamvisit

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:19:44 -0700

"final" kitchen

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:08:40 -0700

lisa and mike franklin wedding weekend

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:33:56 -0700

The tree that Lisa and Mike Franklin got married under on Sept 19, 2009.
Rehearsal on Friday.
Practicing their vows.
Jake and Ruby being pals. Jake always has plenty of things to teach Ruby.
Jake checking his hair to make sure he looks sharp for Lisa and Mike's wedding rehearsal while Ruby looks on.
Come one, Ru!
And they're off, most likely to look for trouble!
Ruby was so happy to be holding Jake's hand she had to scream in his ear!
Kate with Mia and Ruby watching the rehearsal.
Cheese!
From left to right, Mia Rose Miller, Uncle Chad/Ruby's Dad, Ruby
Ruby and her dad enjoying Lisa and Mike's reahearsal dinner at Arnoldi's Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara.
Jenni at dinner, with the bride and groom not looking in the background.
Sorry Marisol, but Mia's pouty face was too cute not to post!
The rehearsal dinner festivities, time for a toast!
Ruby was happy to be out and having fun.
Mia dangling her dinner into her mouth. Good strategy, spaghetti is hard to eat!
Arnoldi's has a Bocce Ball court on their patio, great idea!
Ava, Mike's niece, as a fellow flower girl.
Nya, the oldest of the flower girls, showing Ruby and Ava how to play.
Wedding set-up the day of the ceremony. Here the guys are working on the bamboo gazebo that Mike designed.
Hiding seek, climbing trees, or just running wild, the kids loved spending so much time at the park!
Ruby and Mia found a hole where a gopher was busy digging and poking his head out. It made them giggle.
Don't worry, they were told to stay away, under close supervision, and warned of the danger of getting bitten!
Mia just couldn't resist trying to stomp on the gopher's head, just like that game at Chuck E Cheese where you try to bop them with the mallet. That was the end of that!
The set-up crew hard at work decorating the now-standing gazebo.
Best pals!
The family greeting one another before the ceremony.
Wedding party waiting for to start, the photographer catching a shot of the crowd. The photographers were great, very nice about all of us taking our own shots, even of posed photos that he had set up.
The smiling groom and his uncle the officiant as they await the rest of the wedding party.
The seriousness of the situation seems to have hit him, no more grins!
(Grandma) Sunni, aka wedding coordinator, doing a last minute review with the flower girls.
The grooms son escorting the bride's grandmother, Peg Suderman, down the aisle.
Bride's paternal grandmother, Margaret Emory.
The flower girls begin their procession, here comes Nya!
Ruby ran down the aisle holding the basket out in front of her like this the whole way, Mia stopped at the top of the aisle and wouldn't move on until she had emptied all of her petals! So cute.
The smallest flower girl, Ava, was brought down the aisle by her grandmother, Jane, who was also able to coax Mia along with her.
Jake and his new friend Andrew led Lisa and Mike's dog, Rupert (renamed Rootbeer by the kids).
They went so fast I couldn't get a photo taken until they were already past us!
The Best Man, Randall, and Maid of Honor, Jenni.
Groomsmen and bridesmaid.
Another set of groomsmen and bridesmaid.
Mia went back to pick up the flower petals she dropped and put them back in her basket. Too funny!
Here comes the bride!
Lisa and her father, Steve Emory.
Really caught the emotion on their faces, makes me want to tear up!
Aw, finally the bride looked at her waiting groom and couldn't help but smile.
The ceremony begins.
Proud sister looking on.
The ceremony was as beautiful to listen to as it was to look at.
Ruby taking a rest now that she has fulfilled her flower girl duties.
Sure, now she'll take the petals out of the basket!
Sweet girl.
Mia needed a break, too!
LOVE this photo of our niece Mia Miller. Like a pro took it!
She had fun wearing the hat and it looked adorable on her!
The girls playing in the grass.
Mia letting Ruby try the hat on (she HATED it).
Nya and Ruby.
Jake got hit with a stick. Boys will be boys...
Andy and his parents felt bad, but it had to be expected that someone would get hurt with kids running wild in a park.
Jake got over it quick!
First dance. Ruby wanted a close view!
Neat shot of the first dance with all the guests gathered to watch.
Run, run Ruby!
Favorite shot of Ruby from the whole weekend!
Bride and Groom dancing with their parents, Ruby right up in it again checking out their moves.
At least she wasn't the only kid on the dance floor.
Ruby and Mia taking a twirl together.
Alex taking pics of the girls. You can see he is saying, "Aren't they cute?"
All the kids dancing with wild abandon.
Still busting a move!
Jake and his "girlfriend," we even caught them having a little kiss under the tree! He told his friend Andy that he better not "steal his girl." Haha.
Chad and Kate
Surprise smooch.
Finger-licking good!
The boys having their dessert, the only thing they sat still for!
Ruby and Mia loved the cupcakes.
Special shot of all the "Weber Ladies" at the wedding. This includes Kate's Grandma Margaret Emory and her sisters Kathie Stone and Evie Watkins(all with the maiden name of Weber), Kathie's daughters Mary Kay Dulaney, Teresa Rogus, and Marcia Salzenstein, Kate's Mom Sunni Emory, as well as and Kate, her sister-in-law Marisol and their daughters Ruby and Mia, and Steve Emory's daughters Jenni and Lisa.
A bridesmaid caught the bouquet.
Mike teasing the Best Man, who is also the bouquet catcher's boyfriend, who also caught the garter!
Kate dancing with the flower girls. Ava, who she is holding, was bouncing with the music and entertaining the crowd.
She wouldn't let me put her down!
Cuttin' up a rug!
The drummer was kind enough to let the kids play with him, and smart enough not to do it until the last song!
The kids loved playing the drums!
Chad and Ruby at the next-day BBQ Kevin and Sunni/Mom hosted.
Jake is always up for having his picture taken!
Can you guess what Ruby is doing?!
Group photo of everyone at the BBQ! Top: Alex, Marisol, Mia, Kevin, SunniMom, Kate, Ruby, Chad, Mary Kay, and Marcia. Bottom: Steve, Jenni, Evie, Margaret, Kathie, Teresa.
Had to include both pics, one was best of half the group, the other was better of the other half! Isn't that always the way!
The Weber Sisters. Or, as they used to call themselves, The Sneak Sisters.
The sisters and all their present off-spring (missing Evie's three sons in Connecticut and Kathie's son in Tennessee).

weekend fun (and more of the unending work around the house)

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:46:13 -0700

Ruby helping Dad seal the grout.
Chad sure looks like he is enjoying our "weekend off from working on the kitchen," eh? We couldn't help ourselves, even did the backsplash we swore we wouldn't (pics in another album)!
Bedroom after painting and rehanging some pieces on the wall.
The blue is actually darker than appears in the photos. We love it, great relaxing color for a bedroom.
The color on the wall and a painting above the closet make the most of the vaulted ceiling, the room feels much bigger and taller.
Towards the beginning of all our work, we fixed the wall in Ruby's room where she ripped the border. The solid wall behind the crib looks better than before!
Scooted some things around to make a small play area in front of her window.
Hi, Mom! Chad and Ruby were walking ahead of me along the San Clemente pier, took a rest to watch the fisherman, surfers, and pose for a cute pic!
Pelican taking a rest along the railing.
He watched the fishermen close. Some fed him, which is very naughty!
Ruby was so happy to be at the beach, she loves it and even asks us to take her!
Chad with Ruby refusing to look at the camera and the pelican over his shoulder.
Silly bird, didn't he see the sign?
Ruby and Mom at the end of the pier.
Ruby noticed that we both weren't wearing nail polish and wanted a manicure right then! I've painted her nails once (toenails twice), what kind of monster did I create?
It was a beautiful day, but pretty hot and bright in the sun!
At least he caught her not looking AWAY from the camera this time!
Digging a trench with Dad.
She has a Max and Ruby where they make a sandcastle with a moat, so she had to make one, too.
Ruby loves to help and play with Dad!
Mom and Ruby under the boardwalk.
Too bad it's so dark, would be a fun picture!
Family self-portrait.
Ruby was so proud for having rub all the way up the hill. Chad said it was funny walking behind her watching her little legs pump.

kitchen renovations almost done and pool fun

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:41:07 -0700

My husband is silly!
Ruby put her baby in Sophia's carseat.
Chad installing a red cabinet door.
Peeling back the protective cover.
Cheers to our hard work!
Enough work, time for fun at the pool.
Swimming on Daddy's arm.
Wee!
Giggly girl.
Dad tossing Ruby in the air.
Papa Gary launching Jake.
Mia and Marisol on the move on the edge of the pool, Alex and Gary in the water.
Back to the kitchen, look how nice the red cabinets match my red appliances!
The over-the-fridge cabinet.
View of the left side of the kitchen. Almost done, only need backsplash!
View of sink and right side of the kitchen. The curtains are black with white sheers behind.

kitchen renovations: counters installed

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:07:25 -0700

Chad talking to the counter installers. Too bad he wasn't able to watch them this close the whole time, maybe they wouldn't have damaged our cabinets and tile!
Fun new seamless under-mount sink. It's one smooth piece with the counter. Can't wait until it's hooked up and working!
With the cooktop and counters in place, the kitchen is really getting closer to completion. Exciting!
Gas cooktop.
We love the look of the built-in appliances.
Ruby checking out the new counter.
Raise your hand if you like the new kitchen!
She likes the big, deep sink basins!
Whirling dervish.
Ruby will be disappointed once everything is back in the kitchen and she can't run her laps on the new tile.
Dishwasher and more drawers and cupboards.