Jazz Band Concert

Jumpin' @ the Woodside gets the evening started.  David is in the middle of the front row, hiding behind the music stand.  You'll get a chance to see him in later vids when he solos.  This group is in the second year with this instructor who is a professional musician.  Mr. Randolph has really taken them to another level, developing their skills and abilities with improvisation.  Their performances are really fun to hear.  Enjoy!

All Blues

Song entitled All Blues featuring some improv solos including David.

Blue Skies

Band wanted to try songs with vocals...here's one of the first entitled Blue Skies.

Every Day I Have the Blues

Another selection with vocals...I really like this one.

Finale

The Chicken - The improv solos on this song are amazing.  David's is about 3 minutes in.  They rocked the house in this final song.

Breaking in Papi's keyboard

Janice has been taking piano lessons at her school for just over a year now. Papi offered to let her use his keyboard, he said it would be better for her to practice on than the other one she's been using (which was also his). So Sunday he brought it over and got it all set up (Thanks Papi!). Here's Jan playing a couple tunes on the 'new' keyboard. Also listen closely for Nico's off-screen drum accompaniment and backup vocals.

Dominic's 5th Birthday Party

Rudy and Risa's dance, plus Papa's exit

A little fun at Patricia and Roderick's wedding reception.

Hammin' it up Omega-style

Hoop Time

As soccer season comes to a close, Emma starts pre-season work out for bball.  Now eligible to tryout for JV's at school,  I think she'll make it...what do you think?

Friday Night Soccer

Rockridge Sting practice on Friday nights with a trainer sharpening ball handling skills.  Trapping, controlling, and shooting was the special drill for the evening.  Red v. Yellow at the end...notice the lights in the wall...they had to hit it when their light was on.

Need a Lift?

6th Grade Choir got a chance to perform at the Oracle Arena (outside) prior to the "How Sweet the Sound" choir competition tonight.  Here's a compilation of the songs they sang that will lift your spirits and make you want to clap along...

My Family is the Best!! Thanks for Remembering Leo!...By the way.. He would have loved "Little Meat Thingys"

Yesterday we celebrated Leo's 2nd birthday. Mia took the day off and we hung out before I went to help out at Avery's school at lunch. When Avery was done with school, we went home and got ready to visit Leo at the cemetery. We spent some time there and it is becoming more evident that Avery misses a little brother more than we ever thought she would. We then headed to Mama's for a little celebration of Leo's life.

All the locals showed up; Elsa, Steve and the boys, Rudy, Risa, and clan, Corina with Jan and Nico. Mama and Papa had the normal spread for a birthday celebration. Tri Tip, Pancit, pasta salad, fried rice, corn bread, and a very special appearance by none other than "Little Meat Thingys." I am not quite sure what the real name of this dish is, but the name came from when Corina and I were little. That was probably our favorite dish back then...and it is not too far off now. "I could eat this everyday!" said Mia. That probably isn't too far from the truth.

Before dinner we heard Avery's rendition of Jesus Loves Me and we had another insightful blessing from Steve. Dinner was great and the fellowship, like always, was even greater.

When it was all said and done, Mia and I discussed on the way home how fortunate we are for having such an awesome family. We are blessed to have family and friends still remember Leo, and recognize that he was and forever will be a big part of our life. For those of you there last night, for those who send us little notes of encouragement, for those who still find time to go visit the cemetery on your own time (especially to both sets grandparents).. Mia, Avery, and I thank you with all of our hearts.

Happy Birthday Leo! I know you would have fit in this family so well, but yet after two years, you still give us an opportunity to gain perspective, enjoy family and friends, and truly value what is important in life.

I love you son and I know you would have loved the "Little Meat Thingys!"

Daddy

Sr Pic - Class of 2009!

Who is this guy? Can't believe it's senior year already...put in your orders for a commemorative senior photo...

Pics & Green Eggs & Ham

Check out these pics taken by "official" Woodminster photographer (used w/out permission).  The small video is learning choreography for closing number from start to dress rehearsal.

Too cute...

Little Ms. Elliot givin' a shout out....heyyyy, hoooo....

Avery's First Karate Test

"Little" Sumthin for Raider Fans...

I've gotten a kick out of seeing the Raider billboards plastered all over the east bay...here's a little pre-season smack down for all you Raiderettes.

Kids Over Pictures is a Reminder to Start Up Date Night Again!!

Here are some pictures of the kids when they were over the house for date night. We had fun; we got to throw rocks in the lake, watch Auntie Mia run home to fetch us bread to we can feed the geese, do art projects, and support the National Diabetes Foundation by serving Ice Cream.


#1 Raider fan under 5 years of age... Nico

Southport Chiropractic's New Look

A practice member has a husband who does graphic arts, so I asked her if he would be willing to put together a new logo for the practice. These are my two favorites. Coming to a T-Shirt near you!

Why do vacations have to end?

Hola! The Lenas family vacation was to Cabo San Lucas this year. We all had a great, lazy time there - it was very relaxing. We stayed at Dreams, an all-inclusive resort. Unfortunately, the "eat to your heart's desire" part of the all-inclusive deal includes an "Oh yeah, gain a few pounds in the meantime" clause... :) Oh well, what's a vacation without a little indulgence?

We spent most of our time in the pool. The weather was pretty hot and humid, so the pool was the most comfortable place to be. Of course the kids didn't mind one bit! Our last full day there we were at the pool for about six hours; but sure enough, when we got up and started packing the next morning they both begged to go swimming one last time!

Vince and I celebrated our 13th anniversary while we were there. Janice was pretty adorable on our anniversary. As soon as she woke up she gave us our card (which she carefully hid from us until that morning). That night when we were walking after dinner she didn't let Nico hold either of our hands and walk with us. She pulled him back to walk with her and "shoo-ed" us along and told us to walk ahead of them...our romantic anniversary stroll under the stars I guess. Age 8 and already a hopeless romantic?

We met a few young honeymooners who, through no fault of their own, managed to make us feel really old! :) We also met a very sweet couple celebrating their 40th anniversary, sent on their trip as a gift from their children. The wife said Jan and Nico reminded her of her grandchildren.

All in all, it was a great trip!

Mud Run Anyone???

Saturday, September 27th is the Mather Mud Run at Hagan Community Park here in Sacramento. It's an obstacle course/boot camp challenge, with a choice of a 2-mile or 5-mile course. You can check out the details (and a photo gallery of past mud runs) on the website (http://www.dropandgiveme20.com/). I have already recruited Jake and Ry to do it with me, we'll do the 2-mile course. This will be my first time running it, but I've heard from others who have done it that it's a lot of fun. Anyone else interested? It sounds like a blast...wear your grungy clothes and be prepared to get really dirty!

No pressure Mando, but since this coincidentally falls on your birthday, wouldn't this be a great way to ring in 35??? Ha ha!

Avery's First Day of Kindergarten

Wow!! Seems like yesterday when I drove home at 20 miles per hour with my little nugget snug in her infant car seat. It seems like yesterday when Mia and I were up late at night rocking Avery to sleep wondering if we would ever get any rest. Or when we would following around when she was learning to walk, so she wouldn't hit any sharp corners.

Today was Avery's first day of kindergarten at Our Lady of Grace here in West Sacramento. By all accounts, everything went well. A little tears on Avery's part (she pulled herself together quickly) and surprisingly dry eyes on Mia's part. I, of course, was cool, calm, and collective...until I got to my office that is.

When I picked her up, she was happy to be there. She couldn't wait to show me her skills on the monkey bars. While she was swinging, she let me know what she learned today. As time goes on, I will keep you updated on the progress of her first real year of school.

Mommy and Avery pose for a picture before leaving for school.

The awesome "horse shirt" from Omi that she just had to wear on her first day of school.

Here is Maya and Avery. She is a granddaughter of Omi Roni's friend from her community. She and Avery would play over the past couple of years together when the grandmothers would get together. I guess when they were potty training Maya, she would just go wherever..whenever. So one day Avery came home and said, "You know Maya, she pee peed on the sidewalk." She repeated that for a good week. That was pretty funny.

Here is Olivia and Ruby. You can say Olivia is Avery's oldest friend. She is the daughter of Jeff and Dina Keon, who were our neighbors at the old house. I spoke with Jeff when we picked up the girls and we both were in disbelief that the girls were here today.

Practicing Karate and Comedic Timing

Avery began her Karate training last month at Western Martial Arts Academy. The instructor is Sifu Oscar Gonzalez, is a practice member of mine. I was all for Avery starting his course, because he spoke about how his class will focus on discipline, respect, and safety. Mia and I are extremely happy with the progress so far. It is also a plus that Sifu Oscar practices a variety of Filipino martial arts; Eskrima and Arnis.

Here is a video of Avery and I working on how to get away from a stranger. She turned the practice time to a way to make us laugh. Oh.. she is good for that.

More Seussical Pics

Emma & her buddy Allison as two Who children

Here they ham it up with the show's choreographer...

Who's your daddy and mommy?

Emma's Who family in the play

Other citizens of Who...

Root Beer Float Day @ Oakland Coliseum

$2 Tickets, $2 Root Beer Floats & $1 Hot Dogs...

Section 244 In Da House

Here's the rest of us joining the 26,000+ at the Coliseum

Is it true we put away about 40 Hot Dogs???

When the sun finally hit us, the day got better!

For some, the game was just a chance to get together...

And the little one's seemed to enjoy it the most!

Suessical Rehearsal

Rehearsals for "Seussical" are getting intense and productive.  Here, Emma and her good buddies, Allison and Emma (yes, another one), wait their turn to rehearse their scene.

Here's a clip of the rehearsed scene for the production that will open in a few weeks.  She's is one of many "Who's" in the cast.  Once dress rehearsals start, won't be able to take any more pics or videos...Emma's in the middle of this group.

Murphy pool party 7-19-08

Thank you to the Murphy's for hosting the recent pool party!

Found these pics on Candace's camera. Unfortunately she missed the late afternoon action with Risa and Vince...

Natalie...
a perfect 10!

Jake... airborne!

and quickly into cannonball form!

Ryan getting his momentum!

free ... weee!

have a seat!

Cheers! I need a refill please. Anyone?

bend the knees to get that spring action!

wow, pretty high in the air. not bad!

oh no, someone is in the water right were I'm going to land...


too late!