February 2013.
A couple of hams slope side at Myoko Kogen in Japan and my wife and son, too.

News article in the local paper about an event at school.

James's 4th grade class had a Living History day and the local paper had an article about it. Read more to get a feel for the school and our area.
http://www.mtdemocrat.com/news/students-bring-back-gold-rush-era-for-living-history-day/

James made a Van de Graaff Generator for his 4th Grade Science Fair. He got second place. The boy who won built a real, working space ship and sent a chimp to the moon and back. Plus, his mom is the event coordinator of the Science Fair. Tough act to follow.

High Sierra Century

We rode the High Sierra Century last weekend. It was amazingly beautiful. Here's a picture of the girls (Darrin rode too) at the end of the ride. We were missing two of our regular riders due to surgery recovery, but we all plan to be there together next year!

School Supplies

"Someone on the school board must work for Office Max"

~James McNeice, 21 August 2011

We don't have to purchase too much, but there was a request from his teacher that we buy some ruled note paper. Prompting the quote above.

17th of August 2011. First day of 4th grade - 2011/12 school year.

Happy Fourth of July!

We celebrated the 4th with two evenings of fireworks. Kirkwood staged their event on Sunday and we enjoyed them with some friends and family. Not too crowded and sweet fireworks. On Monday we joined our friend and neighbor on his boat and watched the South Lake Tahoe event on the water. The finale was truly amazing. What a treat!

Happy 9th Birthday, James!

James celebrated his 9th birthday at the local pool again. He loves the slide and diving board. The Darth Vader pinata only survived ONE whack with the light saber, but I don't think the kids minded too much. We ate his ice cream cake before the pizza so that it wouldn't be liquid cake.

Last day of school

James had his last day of school on May 27th. He is excited to have the whole summer off. He plans to stay up all night tonight watching television to celebrate. Next year he will be in 4th grade. There is a great teacher that we hope James gets next year. She teaches a 4/5 split grade that lets students learn at their own pace. James will love the self-paced math and I am sure we will hear about how many modules he has completed compared to his friends. But for now, let the fun begin!

James relaxing on a rock outside the Te Papa museum in Wellington NZ.

Chile in Summer

In February we went to Chile for a week. It was a long, 10 hour flight from Dallas to Santiago. We drove South from Santiago through the vineyards and agricultural area which is very similar to the central valley in California. No wonder we get all our fruit and veg from Chile in the winter. We stayed near Lake Villarrica in some small cabins and went hiking, swimming, and exploring during our week there. We plan to go back next year before our visas expire.