Happy Father's Day--2009

Thanks to my father Stephen L. (with mother Marion), my wife Robyn, and my sons Christian (with Katie, and Grandson Dylan), Austin (with Rachel), Elder Stephen D., and Ryan for making it such a wonderful Father's Day. As I said in Toastmaster's last week, for me "Every day is Father's day!"

That's a sharp new tie from Katie/Christian/Dylan, plus cards, balloons, and other goodies from Robyn, Austin, Rachel & Ryan--and best of all a kiss from Robyn.
(P.S., the tie is from "J. Crew." Did you know the "J" in J. Crew is for Jeff?)

After Church, to a family gathering at Greg and Jillair's.
Grandma Marion made her acclaimed custom strawberry birthday cakes for the two June birthday girls, Rachel and Robyn. Thanks, Grandma Marion!

Grandma Marion and Grandpa Steve recounted their recent adventures in Russia.

Erin-ski tries on the Russian headdress that Grandma Marion brought back from Russia.

So nice to have Andrew, Michael and Erin in town, too!

Ryan and Nathan wrestling--over who gets to play with Andrew's new ball!

A family song, "The Family is of God," with Jilliar playing the piano and Robyn leading.

Solo Hike Through Whiting Ranch

I enjoyed my 3 hour hike through Whiting Ranch on 6/13/09, about 6 miles from door to door. Training for Mt. Conness.

Along the trail.

Big oaks along the Borrego Trail

Was that a mountain lion I heard, stalking me??? No.
Taking a rest on Mustard Road, near the top.

Whiting Ranch Vista--recovering from the fire

Prickly pear blooms; one bud scarred by fire, the other spared: both flowers equally beautiful. The same cactus would have yellow and orange flowers side by side.

Here's a video of the view from near the top of "Dreaded Hill." You can see from Santiago Canyon Road, Foothill Ranch, the Saddleback Valley, Portola Hills, etc.

Harvard Law School Graduation Trip June 4-7, 2009

Robyn and I were so excited to spend a few days with Christian, Katie and Dylan in Cambridge to help celebrate Christian's graduation from Harvard Law School.
Join us in a tour...

Christian trying on his robes at their apartment home the night before the Ceremony. Katie put up a banner and balloons--Congratulations Grad!

Walking to the graduation ceremonies, leaving at 7:00 am. Christian and Katie's home is on the left. Robyn stayed home with Dylan...

Christian with some of his law school classmates, at breakfast, before the graduation ceremonies started.

Seating was unreserved, outside, on folding chairs while the rain threatened. You'd think that after 358 years Harvard could figure out a better way to celebrate graduation. I guess this is the tradition.

The two Katie's--waiting for graduation Commencement to commence.
Katie Perry and Katie Robinson.

Christian and Dylan on the big day.

A nice hug for Mom from the graduate.

Proud papa.

The Cambridge trio

Dylan wants to know: when do I get to walk across the stage?

Hooray, Christian receives his diploma, assisted by Dylan.

We all gathered for a picture after lunch at the law school.

Katie presented Christian with a beautiful frame for his diploma.

Next day, time for sightseeing.
Since Dylan was born on the night of Paul Revere's ride (April 18), he took us on a tour of Lexington and Concord.

The countryside was green and beautiful at Lexington and Concord.

This is a park ranger. She is dressed as the proprietor of a historic tavern on the road between Lexington and Concord, where the first battle of the Revolution was fought. She is explaining the opening events of the revolution. That's a real smooth-bore black-powder musket she's holding, which she loaded and fired for us! Dylan loved the big BANG!

Christian at the historic tavern. That's a raised bed garden in the background.

Dylan and I went exploring in the fields.

Robyn and I took a fascinating tour of the Longfellow House, a two minute walk from Christian and Katie's home. This is where General Washington had his Continental Army HQ in 1775-76, and where later Longfellow wrote of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.

The gardens at the Longfellow House. My umbrella broke the first time I tried to open it.
I threw it down in frustration.

Dylan took us to Walden Pond.
Apparently Thoreau liked to swim, because now there's a beach, lifeguard station, serious swimmers wearing wetsuits, and everything!

We visited the New England Aquarium. Dylan loved watching the sea turtles, sharks, divers and other creatures swim by.Christian introduced Dylan to the penguins

We had lunch at a local pizzeria--been there since 1926. Good pizza; gruff service.

Last but not least, here's that part of the University-wide morning graduation ceremonies where they awarded the degrees, by group, to the Law School. Bad view, good event.
Congratulations again to Christian, Katie, and Dylan.