Merry Christmas! - 2008

Santa at Tilden Park

Visiting Santa at Tilden Park is a Reid Family tradition. We're lucky to live close to some favorite Aunts (Laura and Katie) that join us each year. Santa is at the carousel, and the decorations reflect Christmas around the world. After we chat with Santa, we ride the carousel. It was built in 1911, and brought to Tilden in 1948. After a couple whirls on the carousel, we have hot chocolate and popcorn (yes, popcorn) and and play for a while. Then it's off to bed.

Amazing Aunts - Katie and Laura. Note Josh's faux smile. He was just doing time so he could get to the hot chocolate.

Point Lobos and Monterey Bay in December

Point Lobos is just past Carmel, and is a beautiful place to hike, or just watch the ocean crash against the rocks together. Surf up on google for some amazing photos. Monterey Bay is also and incredible place and we love the aquarium. Come visit. We'll take you.


Maddie has a pink belt, and has developed her moves by constantly battling back the boys. Getting good.
Hey! Let us go!
HEY!! Let...us...GO!


Dad is happy to have the excuse of a child at the aquarium. It's seriously cool!

The 80's RULE...I LOVE Wham!

Halloween

A day full of fun parades, parties and candy acquisition. We had our annual pre trick or treat party, then hit the streets. Our street is a favorite, so it's sort of like a block party with the occasional car. We had a blast, and not one of the children threw up.

Go "Inter"! Run, Kick, Score!

This was Ethan's first year playing soccer. He and his buddies played for "Inter". They won some and lost some. It's a blast to watch the mass of youngsters, with shin guards from their ankles to knees, kicking and chasing the ball mostly in the direction of their opponents goal. Ethan really enjoyed the season, and played hard.

End of Summer Harvest

Mom finally achieved her dream this year; a monster garden. Let me (Dad) just say that when she "recruited" Dad to remove the existing grass, remove the existing topsoil and replace and till the new topsoil, the "garden plans" were roughly 60% smaller than the final product. She has a way with scope creep, and leveraging/stretching her general labor...or is it dumb labor. She was right though, of course. It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to work and learn. They loved it, and we all loved the product!

Hey...where is the bean? Did I already eat them all?

Awwwaahaahaahaasome! Look at this cucumber! Got vinegar?

"...the garden's my oyster..."

The Bears Emerge From Their Den

These bears love their backyard fort. There is a natural hole in the hedge that connects to the neighbors fence, and they hang out in the hedge and talk to the little neighbor girls through the fence. It's ok for now...

Aug 13, Ethan Turns 5! Kindergarten is Just Around the Corner!

Mom and "minimom" light the candles.

One blow...one wish. A bike maybe?

Inebriated by the power that comes from no limit chocolate cake and ice cream on a hot summer day the posse scans the crowd for their next victim. Or is it just a pause between takes for a "cops" episode"? Why are the criminals always shirtless? Seriously...

Sweet! Blow the candle wishes work!

Dad is home from camp! - Aug 08

Dad was at scout camp at Wolfeboro for 9 days (located in the high Sierra Nevada Mountains on the shores of the Stanislaus River). He said it was full of fun and adventure, and he didn't shower once during the trip. He said his shower was the daily swim in the river...gross. Mom said simply, "shower, then hug".

July Vacation - Utah Adventure

We really look forward to our two weeks of adventure with our many family members each summer in Utah. Maddy especially loves the week she spends with her cousin Courtney, Grandma Dana and Grandpa Harold each summer. They create memories for a lifetime.

This year we celebrated the 40th Wedding Anniversary of Grandma Carie and Grandpa Bruce. Their entire life has been focused on teaching and loving their family. We love them very much, and are grateful for their example in our lives.


Bridal Veil Falls - a favorite.




Um...hello?

Hiking around Silver Lake at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Not as rugged as it sounds...you can drive to, and park at the lake. Our "Manly" Daddy...

We did see a lot of fish (trout). Ethan even held one that a fisherman had just caught. Maddy loved the smell on the ride home...and Ethan made sure she smelled it.



Goodbye breakfast with Grandma Carie and Grandpa Bruce as we prepare for the 14 hour adventure home. "Over the river and through the woods..."

Josh the Mighty Pirate - July 08

July 4 - Orinda Parade!

One of our traditions is to watch the Orinda parade. It's full of home grown floats, plenty of candy and trinkets tossed to the crowd, and the perfect length for Mom and Dad.

Schools Out - Crissy Field - June 25, 2008

Crissy Field is the area along the northern shoreline of the Presidio of San Francisco, and in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. We love to explore the beach searching for crabs and shells, running from the surf and watching the ships sail in and out of the bay.

Happy Birthday Mom. I love you.