What can I say? I am SO proud of my baby sis, Michelle for graduating in four years from UC Davis with a bachelors in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. Yes, that's all one degree. I remember how hard it was taking all these science classes at Davis (my God, over a decade ago!) and I give her so much credit for doing so well and finishing in four years.

Not to be outdone, her boyfriend, Scott graduated with honors at the top of his class with a degree in Computer Science Engineering. I've seen and heard about them both studying so hard throughout their undergrad years and it's great to finally be able to celebrate their accomplishments with them.

Davis has changed a LOT since I left it. Downtown is full of unique shops and restaurants. There's a Trader Joe's in town now. Whole Foods is opening up soon. It's a charming, small college town with lots of character. Man, it used to be such a cowtown when I went there. The biggest thing Davis was known for back then was cowtipping! Now it's ranked #38 in US News & World Report.

Anyways, I'm glad to see my alma mater flourishing and even happier to see Michelle and Scott graduating. Here are a few images of two of my favorite people in the whole world around the UCD campus.

Excited seniors ready to graduate!!! (In the background, the beautiful Robert Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts)


The famous UC Davis water tower in the palm of their hands. (What? You've NEVER heard of the UCD water tower?!!)






The future's so bright...


Stargazing with one of UCD's eggheads named Stargazer.


She's so beautiful. (I'm not biased.)


The hi-five outtakes...there were several, but I narrowed it down to two. One good, and one that looks like Michelle is getting smacked upside the head. Guess which one is my favorite?




After her Friday morning graduation with our proud & happy parents.


Congratulations Michelle!!!! We're all so proud of you!

While Drew and I were in New York, we stayed a couple of nights with his cousin in Manhattan. Rich and his husband, Cobi, live in a stylish 3 bedroom -which I completely forgot to take any pictures of because I was too busy loving on their cutie patootie son, Aiden. Now that he's able to walk and talk a bit, he's become so much fun to play with!

We were able to get out to the Hudson one day and do some family photos. Aiden loved it out there and was all over the place while the rest of us tried to catch up.

These two make such wonderful fathers that anyone who knows them knows that Aiden is going to be a very fine young man when he grows up.


Just started, and the little man escaped already.


So I was able to snap a quick one of this cute couple!


We got him back!






Aiden with his Auntie Ann (my very most awesome sister-in-law)!


Whoohoo, I got the shot!

Ok, this blog post is about a month behind, but better late than never!

NYC, I truly love this city and it's been a new adventure every time I visit. This time though, since we spent most of our time in Vermont, we only had one full day in NYC, but it was quite an adventurous day. We rented bikes and started out in upper west side, rode south along the Hudson River, and ended up near the new World Trade Center construction site and Occupy Wallstreet.

If you're ever in NYC and the weather is beautiful, take this bike ride and see what an amazing job they've done with this side of the Hudson.











New playgrounds...


Miniature golf course on one of the piers.


Sand volleyball courts. Drew and I totally wanted to play but we had no ball, or other players to hit with for that matter.


Of all the times I've visited NY, this is the first time I've seen the Statue of Liberty. And it wasn't even up close! Still, I was pretty excited when I saw it.






Love this glass building.


Building the new WTC.




I love seeing a peep of the American flag hanging from the building.




I didn't know we were going to hit Zucotti Park and the Occupy Wallstreet protesters, but there we were.


The park was full of people, tarps, tents, etc.


I walked around the park a bit, and then stood up on a ledge to see if there was anything that showed observers what this protest was about.






Hemp for victory?














I have to say, it was interesting to see history in action, but watching people hula hoop around and playing in drum circles with a donation box did not help me understand what the point of the protest was. Anyone care to share their views one way or another?

Some of you may remember Galen & Lanie from previous years' posts. Their engagement session in San Diego was a blast and so was their wedding in Orange County. Now these two have made one of the cutest babies ever and I'm glad we were finally able to get a family session in for them. Here's my baby nephew Sean with his mom and dad! =)

From 5-blog

From 5-blog

Sean is so hip!

From 5-blog

From 5-blog

From 5-blog

From 5-blog

He was really excited when we gave him this gigantic lollipop.

From 5-blog

Gnawing away...

From 5-blog

Galen wanted to make sure he didn't chew through the plastic. Sean was not happy...taking candy from a baby!

From 5-blog

"Why, Dad?!!!!! Why'd you do that to me??!!"

From 5-blog

Kisses didn't work.

From 5-blog

We had to give him his candy back. Now he looks at us all with suspicious eyes.

From 5-blog

Someone's all better now!

From 5-blog

From 5-blog

And the picture that makes me smile the most...

From 5-blog

{Phoenix Family Photographer} {Phoenix Baby Photographer}