Photo time!

Grandma bought Nick two new pairs of shoes last week. We spent a little time running and jumping around in her back yard testing one of them out to make sure that they could run fast enough and jump high enough. They passed.

The shoes.

The speed!

The altitude!

The style.


After making sure that the new shoes were up to snuff, it was time for a little game of catch with Grandma.

Then some soccer...He thought it was pretty funny when he nailed Grandma with the ball!

Grandma went in the house to make some dinner so it was time for a little exploring and relaxing.
Building a rock house.

Relaxing in the evening sun.

I'm not quite dead yet.

It's been more than a week since I've posted last and I'm sure that you're all worrying by now.

I just wanted to write and assure you that I'm not dead. ...though I could use that kind of rest right now. I've spent all day at my desk for the past two weeks, only leaving at the end of the day and for lunch, though I've taken most of my lunches as working lunches. I've not really been out and doing anything and therefore don't have much to write about.

Nick's growing up fast. When I put him to bed the other night, seeing him laying there, he looked like he'd gained at least six inches in the past week. It's awesome watching him develop and learn. He's just starting to understand consequences. I'll ask him "if x happens and y happens, then what?" and he's able to think it through and give me an answer. Truely amazing.

Oh, take a listen to Gaelic Storm. Their last two albums "Bring Yer Wellies" and "What's the Rumpus?" are pretty much all I'm listening to lately. They're a really fun and upbeat band. You've heard them and enjoyed their music whether you realize it or not. They played a small but memorable part in a small-time film from about 10 years ago called "Titanic." They were the band that was playing during the "Steerage Part" scene where Jack and Rose go slumming with the "common folk." They're coming to the Filmore later this year and I'm hoping to catch them there.

Anyhow, I'm behind schedule at work so it's back to the grind stone.

bus ride

Nicky finally gets to ride in Grandma and Grandpa's "bus" for real. He's taken a couple of trips around the block when they were putting it back alongside the house, but today it's for real. He's strapped into his car seat at the dining 'room' table and heading out to where we're camping this weekend.

Nicky and Mommy get to go early with Grandma and Grandpa. Daddy has to wait until tomorrow after work. Fortunately, I've got some time already 'in the bank' this week and should be able to leave from the San Jose office by about 2 or 3 ...earlier if I work through lunch.

"And another one rides the bus." That's one cool kid!

Happy Mother's Day!

To my lovely wife,


Thank you for being such a wonderful and loving mother to our son. I know that at times he can be pretty challenging and knows all the right buttons to push to set you off, but I see what love you treat him with, how forgiving you are.


I love watching the two of you laugh and play. I love how you are so uninhibited with him, willing to dance and make up silly songs with him. I love the look that you have in your eyes when you watch him or are thinking about him. I love how much you love him. You're amazing, and I'm proud to be able to call you my wife.


Happy Mother's Day.