Adventures History

Ava Well Ava's first birthday has come and gone. And I am finally getting around to telling you all about it. For the most part we spent a lot of time worrying about if it was going to rain. Well it turned out perfect, I mean it was not sunny but at least there was no water falling out of the sky.

One of the special moments was when Ava got to dress up in her Korean outfit that Grandma got her. Then we and put her in front of a tray. The tray contained a dollar bill, book, bowl of rice and a bunch of thread. Ava was then to choose one of the items. The book is for intellect. The rice ensures she will never go hungry. The dollar bill should need no explanation but for you slow ones it means she will be wealthy. And the thread means a long life.

Well Ava taking after her Mom chose the book. After she made her choice Grandma placed the thread around her neck so she will get a long life anyway. See she is smart already, she knew Grandma was going to give her the thread anyway so why pick it.

Anyway these pictured were staged a day after the Birthday. Ava was a little overwhelmed with all the people around not to be screaming her head off.

After Ava went swimming with mom & grandma we decided to take a drive to the LA Zoo. It was a great time and for the price you cant beat it. For 55 bucks we got a "couple" pass which is good all year. So we will be making trips there a couple more times to check out the stuff we missed.

Ava really seems to be living up to her name. (Ava - Latin for bird like) She seems to love all the birds and really loved the wild bird show.

The only bad thing is we made the mistake of eating there. I am not a picky eater but this was the worse food in the Greater Los Angeles area. Next time I think we will pack a picnic lunch.

The other highlight is this was the first trip we have made where she is semi mobile. She can do her Frankenstein walk (see middleright picture) on her own pretty well. The only problem is one of her bird like traits is an eagle eye. She can spot trash or any other object that she would be better off not playing with from 50 feet away. And since she is only 2 feet tall that's kind of like you spotting something 120 feet away.

Well I think the next trip we make will be to the Long Beach Aquarium. I wonder if they have an annual membership?

Well time really does seem to fly once you have kids. I can't believe that Ava is going on her 9 month birthday. Her skills are developing so fast. I think she will be taking her first steps in another month or so. She is already walking with assistance and standing on her own. So I guess that means we have to get on the childproofing of the house.

As far as Ava goes she really does not have a bad day. Every time you see her its hard not to get a reaction like this.

We had a couple fun outings. We went to Joe's Crab shack in Redondo Beach. It was a beautiful day, although we have had nothing but beautiful days all year. We could really use a little rain.

She also has a favorite song too, its "Have A Nice Day" by Bon Jovi. And she really likes it, her feet start kicking at Richie's opening riff. She also dig's "Johnny B Good" that opening riff sends her into a instant smiling and kicking spree.

Well first off HAPPY NEW YEAR. Now that we got that out of the way lets do the recap of 2005. Things have been happening so fast its just hard to keep track of everything. But I guess the only thing that really matters is year is the arrival of Ava. Its changed our lives so dramatically I can't even find the words to describe it. But thanks to computers and digital pictures I don't have to. I will let the pictures do the talking.

rWe spent New Years Day doing some Geocaching. We hiked around the LMU Bluffs with friends Jack & Dana in search of hidden treasures. The biggest reward is getting out and visiting places you would not normally visit. Its great fun and good exercise I would highly recommend it to just about anyone.

Along the trail we were able to see the site of a Indian (The whoop-whoop kind not the red dot ones) burial ground that Playa Vista is excavating. The Dreamworks studio where they recreated the World Trade Center disaster scene. In the lower left corner you can see a fire truck from one of the scenes. We will go back to get a shot of the rest of the set when the weather gets better.

Its also fun to take pictures of the area so when Ava gets older she can see what the area looked like when it was cool. Before they ruined it with the rich mans projects (Playa Vista).

MERRY CHRISTMAS ! ! ! I can already tell Ava is going to be a VERY spoiled little girl. But hopefully we will be able to teach her to be a grounded individual that will not let it go to her head. Its kind of fun to have an extra stocking hanging on our mantle and really only wanting to get things for Ava and not really wanting anything for ourselves. Although Santa was good to both Julie and I but the biggest gift was Ava herself.

Another thing we have been getting into is Geocaching. It seems like a great way to see new places and stay active in mind and body. If your interested in I will be adding a page here on the geocaches that we have found. Or you can go to the mothership of Geocaching here geocaching.com

Well time sure does fly. Were now only days away from the release of Xbox360....or um Thanksgiving. And I never did post more pictures of Ava in her Ladybug costume. So here they are !

The doctor gave Ava a clean bill of health along with a couple shots. Which from what heard she took better than I would have. We also found out that she was ready for some solid foods......well if you consider oatmeal "solid". So we got her her high tech high chair feeding spoon and a couple sippie cups. Its really amazing to see how fast she is growing up!

Now that brings us to today, It is such a beautiful day out we decided to go to the beach. Was pretty fun, it looks like she is going to like the outdoors. Ava really liked watching the waves, but next time I think she will need some sunglasses.

WOW what a time of year. Its the official start of all the holidays and Thanksgiving and Christmas is right around the corner. Its going to be such an exciting time ( I can't wait to add a stocking for Ava to the mantle). I mean I have always LOVED the Holiday season but Ava really brings a whole new dimension to the whole thing for us.

This last weekend we had a pumpkin carving contest, so after some great pot roast and fresh bread for dinner we got started carving. Judging was done by an anonymous group, the results of the judging can be found here.

Tomorrow Julie only has to work a half day so she can take Ava to make the rounds visiting everyone that needs to be visited. Then we will be home all night and pass out candy to all who comes to our door. So if your in the area stop by and get a treat ! Or some really good Bourbon that I got on Saturday. But you have to be over 21 for that !

Well maybe its not quite metal but its some guitar playing she seems to like. We have been playing some Bon Jovi (Of course) Goo Goo Dolls, Tom Petty, Jimi Hendrix and some other odd and ends that I know. Avas current Ipod playlists include AC/DC, Van Halen, Iron Maiden and even a little bit of Metallica.

To give her a well rounded listening experience she has also been listening to some Beatles, Chuck Berry, Frank Sinatra BB King and even some Muriel Anderson.

I hope by starting her early she will skip the Barney phase of her childhood........I mean that stuff really can't be good for your kids.

Anyway she has really enjoyed my playing, I get a lot of smiles and she reaches for the strings and grabs them. Her eyes constantly watch my hands like she's learning how to play. If she takes interest in it or not who really knows, there's tons of guitars around for her to learn if she wants. Not to mention a piano, bass, mandolin (great grandpa's) and I think I can even get some drums. So she has a lot of musical options.

The wardrobe was a lot of fun, on a Sunday of shopping at the Manhattan Beach mall we came across the "Born To Rock" shirt and I HAD to get that for her. I always told Julie I ad to find a AC/DC shirt but the best she could do was the AB/CD shirt......its not quite AC/DC but it is funny.

She is coming up on 5 months, and thats really kind of scary. The whole thing seems to keep going by at a blinding speed and were trying to enjoy as much as we possibly can.

It has been a really long week. Work wise it was short but three days I was out sick. It was a pretty nasty cold. The bad part is I think Julie and Ava might be getting it. But that did not stop us from having a nice Sunday. Well most of it was nice, did a little yard work (not nice) and played with Ava (Very Nice).

We got a chance to take her to the Pumpkin Patch (or the closest thing we have in Los Angeles) to pick out some carving fodder for her first Halloween. I always thought costumes were supposed to be scary, but a lot of the stuff they sell now a days is "cute". And guess what she got........yep a ~~scary~~ cute ladybug. Pictures to come.

It Well its been awhile since I have been able to update the site. But some of the pictures I have are worth it. The last month have been a hectic one. For a bunch on reasons I will be able to go into in the next couple weeks but are kind of secret. If you REALLY need to know give us a call and I will fill ya in. If I hang up on you that means your the person or persons the secret is being kept from.

Her doctor visit went well. She was all smiles for the doctor till he had to give her some shots. But the outcome is she is a perfect healthy baby. She weighs in at 14 pounds 10oz (70th percentile) and is a whopping 24 5/8 inches(75th percentile). Julie made me put in the percentile thing. I am not quite sure what that's all about but I am sure it has meaning to some of you out there.

The grandparents have been watching Ava during the week till I get home. I think its working out great for everyone, since they really love spending time with her and we need someone o watch her. And its much better than having a stranger watch her.

This week we tried our first long car trip. It was to Creekside RV Park in the High Sierra mountains. She was so well behaved I think we ba08y do it again. It was a rather short trip but we thought it would be pushing our luck in the a trailer for another night.

The campfire that night was great. We made some carne asada with some flour tortillas. We would have had refried beans but we did not have a can opener. Oh well what are you gonna do? (remember to bring a can opener) The rest of the evening went well as we just kept putting logs on the fire and watched the moon come up over the mountain. It was a spectacular evening.

Next day we woke up and got packed up. We took a drive to South Lake which I think is prolly the prettiest lake I have ever seen. Who needs to go to all those exotic places when we have this kind of stuff with in a 5 hour drive.

It was nice to see the lake full of water. The last few years the water level has been kind of low. But with the record rainfall of last year it filled it up pretty much all the way. We got to take the off road jogger on the rocky boat landing where we took some pictures that you see here.

After all that we decided not to stay the extra night. Jack and Dana needed to get back, and being home just kind of sounded good. So we hit the road but made a stop at Mahogany Smoked Meats where we loaded up on the BEST bacon in the world.

Next stop was the fish and game run trout farm. We did not stay long cause it was so hot. Well and there was not much to see at this one. Either way it was ok cause we were killing time so we did not have to hit any Los Angeles Friday night traffic.

Our last stop was the Indian Wells Brewing Company. Man that place had some really nice beers. And next door was a steak house where we decided to have some dinner. For being and out of the way place it had some really good food and a great view. I mean if you like barren desert landscapes.

After that we got in the car and drove the last leg of the trip. Around an hour out Ava got a little fussy started crying and spit up all over herself and the car seat. We got so close, oh well.

Today Julie took Ava to the annual car show in El Segundo. I was a little to beat to go but she got some really good pictures. But I think I will spend the rest of the day battling my Tivo into submission trying to get it to work with my wireless network car. But that will be a story for another day.

This week we tried our first long car trip. It was to Creekside RV Park in the High Sierra mountains. She was so well behaved I think we bay do it again. It was a rather short trip but we thought it would be pushing our luck in the a trailer for another night.

After that we got in the car and drove the last leg of the trip. Around an hour out Ava got a little fussy started crying and spit up all over herself and the car seat. We got so close, oh well.

Well we found out this weekend that Ava did not really like boat rides. This last weekend we went to Big Bear to meet up with some friends.

The weather was perfect. And when I say perfect it was no exaggeration. It was really a perfect day. Clear bright blue skies, warm summer air. Then the screaming of Ava on the waters of Big Bear lake.

All in all it was not that bad. I just think the wind and the sound of the engine was a little much for her. And in all reality I must say she did behave well. She did not cry the whole time. But what can you expect from a 3 month old.

The rest of the day included a nap for Julie and Ava. Our friend JP was also crashed out on the couch too. I played ping pong with another friend Mike and a new acquaintance Megan. (I am not sure how you spell her name.) Over the friendly game of ping pong I learned about how in touch you can be with yourself. I mean in the spiritual and healthy self healing kind of way. Not the perverted thing that just popped into your mind......freak.

We finished the evening off with some of my moms recipe for some teriyaki beef on the BBQ for dinner. We would have stayed the night but Julie had a migraine kicking in, Ava was unstable at best from all the crying and lack of sleep. So we just decided to cut the weekend short even though Dana tried to get me too drunk to drive so we would stay.

The night ended with 2 accidents of the 605 on the way home that delayed us by a 1/2 hour or so. And after a long day like that all I wanted to do was get to bed. Sad part it was only midnight, maybe a little earlier. Wow, does that mean I am on my way to geezerhood ?

Time flies when you are having fun. But I guess it has not all been fun. Over the last couple weeks Ava had developed a little stranger anxiety. Which means if anyone but Mom is holding her she will do this.

This makes it pretty hard to spend time with her for the grandparents and even me ! But I think she may be slowly coming out of it. Today she did not give me as hard a time and actually fell asleep in my arms. But I am sure she will let me have it before the night is over.

As far as the brighter side she also had a visit from Aunt Janet all the way from Napa. I think she got to spend some good quality time with her.

Anyways we have some trips planned in the near future to go to Bishop to see Uncle Ron and Aunt Donna. This will be Ava's first camping trip. Well I guess its not really camping since we will be staying in a trailer. But it will be in the outdoors and we should get some really great pictures.

But things have been staying pretty busy. With work and Ava I have been too beat to do any work on my second guitar. I keep going out to the garage to look at the wood and keep planning it. But the wood will always be there. Its just amazing to spend as much time as possible with Ava and to see how much she is changing from day to day. And I would not trade a minute of it for anything in the world.

Well this last week had its highs and lows. ! To get the bad news outta the way we had to put Max our cat to sleep. His old age and diabetes finally caught up with him. He will be missed greatly, especially since he was the only cat we have that I like.

On a brighter side over the last couple weeks Ava got to visit with some real close friends. I am talking High School for me and some Mount St Mary's for Julie.

With Laura and N8 out we took them to a place near LAX where you can watch the planes land. Its pretty amazing. And there are some so close you have to think about your choice to stand where you are. But all in all its some great fun for kids, well me too.

Well time sure does fly. Ava had her 2 month birthday and she is doing fantastic. She smiles at everyone and has just been a great baby up to this point! I should bite my tongue since I had a lot of curses put on me.....you know the ones "I hope you have a kid just like you!" Well truth be told I don't think I was all that bad ( maybe a little misguided) and I don't think I turned out all that bad. But we will leave those stories for another day. I know your here just for the pictures.

Well in the 5 weeks Ava has been around she has been pretty busy ! On Thursday she went to visit Mom's work place in Santa Monica . She got to meet and take some pictures and "DO" lunch like all the people in SoCal say.

Well 4th of July has come and gone. Had a great BBQ with family and friends. Ava go to visit some family down the street and meet more people. She has quite the social life. Some babies need to be picked up more. Ava has the opposite problem, she never gets put down !

Were going on 6 weeks here. Nothing too eventful, all in all she is a pretty well behaved baby. She has a fussy time but its usually not too bad. But going back to work this week has put more of the baby chores back on mom (who has another 2 months off).

Other highlights of her week was Uncle Darren stopping by while he was on duty so Ava got to take a picture with him.