Opening Day

It's that time of year again and somehow I find myself coaching on both of their teams......going to be a fun season!!

40th B-day

Well on the 29th I turned the big 4-0........yikes!!  As I reflect, 40 does seem different than previous birthdays, halfway to 80, which comes with a sense of mortality I suppose. But no better way to go through this than with Darcy and the girls and the best family and friends. Here is to the next 10 being better than the last 10! 

Before my trip to Asia,my brothers came out for a visit so that we could celebrate, just the three of us. We spent a day and night up in Long Beach, which really means exploring the bars and night life of Long Beach. It did not disappoint and they have a hell of a promenade up there!

When not at the bars we explored the USS Iowa a retired Battleship that has been turned into a museum and is docked in the Long Beach Harbor.  A lot of firepower on that thing.

Three years ago , when Jeff turned 40, we went sailing of of San Diego. In another three years David will turn 40 -- better start planning!!

On my actual Birthday we celebrated at home with the girls and a lemon meringue pie (after I got back home from a softball coaches meeting).

Thanks all for the Birthday wishes!!

Taipei and Macau

The past week and a half I had the opportunity to travel to Taipei and then on to Macau for work. A long time to be on the road but neat places to be able to visit. I got out of Dodge in the nick of time as the Wuhan Virus was spreading while we where there - it def. felt like the walls were starting to close in the day we left. We were also there right before the Chinese Lunar New Year which added some extra excitement.

Great view of the Golden Gate Bridge as we flew up the west coast: 

Some scenes from Taipei including my visit to the National Palace Museum (I had Saturday to kill) which houses many ancient Chinese artifacts that were evacuated from the mainland around 1948 when the Communist party took over. 

 

Macau is the Vegas of China with lots of Casinos that replicate Vegas, including MGM, Venetian, Wynn, Paris hotel. Didn't get out much other than walk around the block a little ways.

While I was away Bob visited to help Darcy with the kids and provide an extra pair of hands at home (thank you Bob!). They had a three day weekend b/c of Martin Luther King so they took advantage and took the train to San Diego on one day and visited the Tar Pits up in LA on another day. Ellie was also recognized by her school for demonstrating "responsability". 

 

Emily's 6th Birthday

Our Sweet little Emily turned 6 on the 13th. We just couldn't be more proud of her. Very sweet (and fiesty) with a big heart who is not afraid to put the needs of others above hers (at times). She continues to grow and impress us in many ways.

I always enjoy this, so here is a look back: 

Newborn: 

One: 

 Two:

Three: 

 

Four: 

Five: 

Six: 

On the 5th, Emily had a friend party at Jumpin' Jammin - essentially an indoor playground.  

On  her actual birthday we had a family celebration here at the house.

 

Thanks everyone for all the gifts and birthday wishes. Six was great but seven is going to be better!