SofiandNatalie.com

The guys who fear becoming fathers don’t understand that fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man.  The end product of child raising is not the child but the parent.  ~Frank Pittman, Man Enough

Summer is over; we’re coming into fall.  It’s easy to see everywhere you look.  The weather is changing; stores are putting out their holiday wares and advertising is making the inevitble swing to push us to shop. For me though, it’s all a reminder that another year is nearly over, and my children are getting older.  Every day when I leave in the morning I wonder what will have changed between the morning and when I get home, and every day I’m amazed by how much it seems I’ve missed.  My babies are growig up, learning, and perhaps what I fear most, yearning for their independence (all while still wanting a hug and a kiss.)

Read the rest of this entry »

When I think back to growing up in San Diego, the pieces of time that I remember msot vividly and fondly are surrounding thoughts of the ocean and Mission Bay.  I can remember fishing, boogie boarding, body surfing, snorkling and sailing as though it were yesterday and I am thankful every day for those experiences that brought me so much joy from life.  Even today thoughts of the beach bring me happiness and my dreams include sailing with my family to distant shores.  I’m thankful that my children have a similar love of the ocean and they really seem to come alive whenever we’re even near to the beach.

Read the rest of this entry »

I think it’s universally true that “the fair is fun.”  Heck, even I can remember going to the Del Mar Fair in San Diego.  The Santa Cruz County Fair is no exception, and I’m glad that the girls got to experience it this year.  The great weather, wonderful sights (games, rides, food) and exposure to 4H animals was outstanding.

Read the rest of this entry »

There is something amazing about theme parks in general and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is no exception.  Sure, it’s not a DisneyLand or Six Flags, but the old-school rides, carnival food and gaudy atmosphere make this something special for old and young alike.  For me, the park is exciting for more than just rides.  It’s the proximity to the ocean that makes this place special for me and the fact that nearly every ride provides a view that is unmatched at the biggest parks.  For the children, it means that the excitement doesn’t end when the rides are done - there’s another world to explore, enjoy and share amongst friends.

Read the rest of this entry »

Just a friendly intermission - more pictures to follow when it’s been modified.  Towards the end of August we got a new car.  The Volvo’s transmission went out and the estimates were several thousands of dollars.  With 130K miles on the odometer we started thinking this might be throwing good money after bad.  When J. Rockcliff offered to help if I’d consider “wrapping” the car with their logo I said yes without hesitation.  So we got a 2009 Scion XB in black and in the next week or two I’ll post more pictures of the car, the interior and what we’ve done since acquisition to brand it for the J. Rockcliff technical services department.

Needless to say - the size and newness have made it very exciting for Sofi and Natalie and we hope that this will be a great addition to the family.

Papa

Yes, honestly, it does feel like it’s been forever since we started working on our tree-house, but now that we’re getting close I realize that two things have happened.  First, the closer we get the more motivated to finish I get.  Second, and more importantly, the girls are getting closer to the age where they can appreciate having their own play-room and space to have their things.  We’ve cleaned out the inside and they have actually spent some time in the house getting their table and chairs situated.  Of course, now that I’ve painted the exterior (using the sprayer generously donated by Troy) we’re going to have to clean the interior from top to bottom before they can get back in.  For those that have never used a sprayer (like me) you can’t even begin to imagine how much overspray mess they make.

Read the rest of this entry »

“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” ~ Sydney J. Harris

I don’t remember too many of my own first days of school, but I don’t think I will ever forget my daughters going off to school for the first time.  For those of you that remember, Sofi went to school by herself for a bit last school year, but this school year is the first time that both girls will be in pre-school and the only thing I can think is “oh my goodness, my children are growing up!”  And so darn fast, too.  With those smiles, though, how can a proud father not want them to go off and start their education?

Read the rest of this entry »

I like that Mama is only working outside the home half-time and more importantly that being a teacher allows her to take some time off over the summer.  I’m sure it’s not enough time for either her or the children, but it’s wonderful that they get to play this summer and I can really see in both Sofi and Natalie how much they appreciate getting to spend time with her.  Surprisingly, I am rarely jealous that they’re out having fun together and enjoying the weekdays without me.

Read the rest of this entry »

Even though everyone has been sick for what feels like forever, there have been some well days and a lot going on in between. It’s actually kind of amazing at how much happens in our lives without really appreciating it. Sure, many of these events are very tiny in my eyes, but when I am able to step back and see them through my daughter’s eyes I can be truly amazed by their wonderment.

Read the rest of this entry »

Most parents will tell you to enjoy your children as they grow up - and they’ll tell you that it all goes too quickly. Unless you’re living it, though, you really can’t understand how true those words are. This past weekend we celebrated Sofi’s fourth birthday (June 30) and Natalie’s third birthday (July 10), and looking back all I can think about is how quickly it’s passed and how my little girls are growing up. They’re people on their own now, and it tears at my heart just having them as a part of my life.
Read the rest of this entry »