New York

We got stranded in Newark on our flight home from vacation. Instead of spending the 30 hours there, we headed into NYC for the day. Dwayne walked our legs off. We went from Ground Zero to Times Square and lots of places in between.

The Empire State Building.

Times Square was interesting. We went into the Hershey store and the M&M's store.

There was a lot of haze, but we could still make out the Statue of Liberty.

The guys standing under the Brooklyn Bridge.

We didn't plan this extra vacation day, but it turned out okay.

Yosemite

We picked a very crowded day to go to Yosemite. The falls were gorgeous and it was exciting to see a grizzly bear cub. If we make it back, we won't go on a weekend.

Lonnie & Kim

Lonnie & Kim live near San Francisco. They met us for dinner at the Franciscan and then we walked to Ghiradelli for icecream. It was the first we had seen them since they had children.

San Francisco

The boys & I at the base of the crooked part of Lombard Street.

Devin sitting below Coit's Tower.

The boys under the entrance gate to Chinatown.

Pier 39 is fun and we loved watching the sea lions.

We took a night tour of Alcatraz including a special discussion about escapes.

Redwoods

If you don't have a full size pickup or sports utility vehicle, you can actually drive through the tree. We walked through instead.

The rings on this redwood show events in history.

The boys standing next to the tree.

It's hard to tell how impressive the redwoods are with a photo, but this should give you an idea of the size.

Looking skyward is beautiful.

Oregon Coast

Where's the beach? It sure is beautiful, even without a sandy place to stroll. We found a few beaches along the way. The water was a pretty color and it was also pretty COLD.

The boys liked this big piece of driftwood.

Our "tour" group.

We didn't see anyone in their swimsuit at the beach. You had to bundle up instead of strip down.

Gary & Sharon

Gary & Sharon came to visit us last summer. This summer we actually made it to their place.

Mom & Alyssa are both animal lovers.

Father's Day

We went to the Lobster Shop for a Father's Day buffet lunch. The three fathers opening their gifts.

Bruce & Heidi

It was a treat to see Sharon, Amy & Heidi. We met at an Italian place for a good meal and great visit. I also finally got to meet Heidi's wonderful mystery man, Bruce.

Larry & Sarah

It was great to see Larry and his family.

Larry & I hadn't seen each other for almost four years.

Derrik is now taller than Uncle Larry and Devin is taller than Aunt Sarah.

Larry & Sarah gave up their bedroom for Dwayne & I the two nights we stayed there. Sarah put our initials in rose petals on the bed.

We had never eaten Filipino food before.

Hockaday Reception

We enjoyed Teresa & Patrick's wedding reception. They got married last month down in Texas. They are living here in Virginia.

The happy couple with his parents, Donnie & Lynn Hockaday.

The bride & groom with his paternal grandparents, Richard & Norris Hockaday.

Foosball Fun

Dwayne & Devin have frequent foosball games in the evenings. It used to be that Dwayne always won. The tables are now turning.

Little Libby

We puppysat an 8 month old miniature pinscher named Libby for nine days while her family went to the beach. She was high energy and lots of fun. She only weighs 5.5 lbs and made Rocky look huge. Rocky tolerated having her around pretty well.