Brennan's 3rd Bday and later off to Pinole Beach

Kai and birthday boy Brennan play with the mega toy train table set up in the living room.

10 June 2007 Sunday
Brennan's 3rd Birthday in Crockett, CA.

While Brennan opens his gift from Kai, Kai is out on the patio test-driving Brennan's Volkswagon. Brennan talks real well and tells me (and shows me on his fingers) exactly how old he is! Smart boy!

"Pansy" Joel, who was very proud of his 6-foot lily. I call him a pansy, he calls me the "Cyber Troll". We have a well-balanced friendship, as you can see. He knew he was gonna be on the blog so he posed. Psst...he is really a model in disguise from the paparrazi's. I've got proof... hmmm?

G-Q Joel on his wedding day, which I took 3-years ago. Ok Marla, please do not salivate on my child's blog!
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Outdoor fun at the Pinole Shores, Pinole, CA.

We didn't stay very long at the birthday due to other commitments. We were to meet up with the Bienert's for some beach fun. Of course, we had to cross the railroad tracks first.


Kai looks one way, Greg the other for any trains. That's daddy Rolf in the background.
It's just a funny shot, of daddy's running across the railroad tracks.

This beach is just soooo peaceful! haha (ironic laughter)

Lukas throwing sand at daddy Rolf.

Kai and Lukas are into some mischief we are not sure what it's about yet.

Kai tackles Lukas this time.

Going home: Kai refuses to get in the stroller and chases after daddy instead.

Video: Kai and Lukas joking around.

The day just wasn't over yet. Kai and daddy Greg washed the cars while mommy stood around and ate a chocolate dipped banana from Trader Joe's.

Video: Kai washes the Volvo.

Lazy day at the lake

9 June 2007 Saturday

After killing myself working out on the Total Gym and Elliptical in our backyard, I tore up the front garden cleaning it up of debri. I certaintly deserved to have a little R & R with our friends, the Brown's at their lake in Walnut Creek.

The kids enjoyed the sand and water, and were enthusiastic about the ride in the kayak. We only paddled along the shallow end as they did not have their life jackets on. (We are somewhat responsible parents!)

Kai waves to the daddys'.

Greg and Ian.

Sierra, Dylan, and Kai (smoking something?)

We refuse to let vacation end so we head to Benecia!

3 June 2007, Sunday
Refusing to admit vacation was over, we headed to Vallejo.
Driving on Hwy 80 I noticed this statue on one of the hills in Pinole.

We wanted to check out the RV show on the Solano Fairgrounds in Vallejo, which were on display, literally, hundreds of RV of all sizes. The largest ones were as long as a bus and looked like a semi. When you entered its confines, you entered a house on wheels!

One RV had 2 bathrooms in it, and was bigger than the apartment I once lived in in Walnut Creek years ago. Carpeted bedrooms, slate floors, sunlights in the bathroom, a full fridge and freezer, and a 4 burner stove! Not to mention the full tv and 20-inch computer screen it can hold. Worth at least $250,000, no doubt.

Kai pretending to drive and likely with a vision to run over me. The little boy just reached his terrible 2's this past week!


Kai is attracted to the colorful wall mural.


Again, Kai is behind the wheel of this big machine and looking menancingly at me, again.


This 5th wheel allows motorcycles or ATVs to be driven up the ramp and into it. Some features include a seperate "garage", dining room/family room, and upstairs to the bedroom. GEEZ!


Later we visited Benecia and happened to be around during the children's art festival. There was quite an amazing fort-play structure on the grounds off Military Street. And I did not worry too much about Kai on top of the structure as it was well closed off, to prevent any falls. It was primarily a maze for kids to run through.


And at 9th Street, we hit the beach. A windy day, but still hot. Kai saw a couple of chics and tried to hang with them, for real!




And when he got bored with me...

...he ran off to play with some other kids mother. Greg runs over to claim Kai, as he is knocking over their sandcastles.


To end the day, we visit the Greger family in Crockett, who have a great view of the newly built Alfred Zampa bridge from their house. Kai decides to terrorize their 3-year old Brennan by taking apart his toys, and making himself at home (as seen above).

From Carmel to San Fran, we shoot a wedding...

View through a window at the Tickle Pink Inn in Carmel, CA.

Whew! I have finally edited over 1,000+ photographs, color-corrected and retouched them and posted it on the world wide web. To see the slideshow of the wedding I worked with Alejandra- click here- http://amoreimages.com/Kacie_Chuck/

Alejandra and I left for Carmel to shoot a wedding on Avila Beach (April 27-28). It's a gorgeous beach I had car-camped out with Greg several years ago. I envy the owners with oceanfront property. Imagine waking up to this every morning and smelling the fresh air and hearing the waves crash... dreamy.

Lunch on the beach before we start our shift. That's Ale, she's pretty shy until a camera is pointed in her direction. I thnk she's waiting for Fabio to walk by...

This couple had their wedding in Carmel and the following day had their reception in a private hall, the top floor of the Fairmont in San Francisco. Personally if I was a guest, I would have been too exhausted to travel from Carmel to San Fran, and then to party again? So I was impressed that her wedding guests attended the reception the following day. But most of all, I was honored to be their choice photographer to record their special day. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to work in such a beautiful environment.

Anyway, I just wanted to share some photos of our little exciting journey!

CARMEL PHOTOGRAPHS

Wedding held at Avila Beach in Carmel, CA. (pix taken by Alejandra).

What a handsome couple!

The oil painting that was completed during the ceremony. I thought this was a wonderful idea!

I love this image I took of the bride. She just looked so care-free, so happy!

I couldn't resist stopping to take some scenic shots of Carmel on the way home.

Video of Carmel: a panorama of the ocean.

Monterey Photographs

Abalone, I think not! At the Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey.

You gotta eat the clam chowder in a bread bowl here! It's to die for!

San Francisco Photographs

(at the Fairmont Hotel)

I always get nervous near the cake. Leaning in to take close-ups of the detail on the cake, it would be a tragedy if I ever fall into it.

Ale posing for some test shots. There was this terrific panoramic view of the TransAmerica building, the Coit Tower, and the Bay Area. Breath-taking views from the Fairmont.

Me, with the big tupperware on my flash.

Bridesmaid catches the bouquet.

Afterwards we check out the Tonga Room in the Fairmont. This place is great for its mai tai's, floating band in a pool, simulated thunder/rain showers, and actual parts of an old ship that make the dance floor.