Monterey...with the cousins!!!

Today, we spent the day with cousins, Karen, Haku (Jeff) and Dylan at the Monterey Aquarium. It was a beautiful day in Monterey...the sky was clear and sunny...it wasn't even cold...yes, I am still wearing a jacket...it was chilly when we left.

One year, the boys sat in the oyster shell...and it was our Christmas picture. They weren't too happy doing
this AGAIN... and they don't fit as well as they did a few years ago.

Poor Dylan....I made him do this....he is probably regretting going to CSUMB right now....Go Otters







Even Dean got in the shell...hee hee....Dad won't be happy with this picture...but, doesn't Dean look like he is having a good time???

Lisa drove down from Sacramento after work. She was able to join us for dinner at the Fisherman's Grotto on the Wharf. It was fun to have her along....right now the boys, Dylan and Lisa are having a slumber party at Karen and Haku's....hmmm...wonder if they will get sleep....

Jeff, Dean and I tried to go see Watchmen....but, we missed the showings at ALL THREE theaters...mental note: check the movie listings...or get internet on the phone. One thing at a time. I convinced Jeff to get texting...that took about 3 years....

Impressive, yet sad

Usually, a sunny and clear day at Oakland Coliseum is a happy event. But, today, Jeff and I went to the Memorial Services for the Oakland Police officers that lost their lives last weekend.

On the way to Hayward to pick up Jeff, numerous law enforcement cars passed me with their light flashing. I convinced Jeff that we should BART to the Coliseum...and it was a good call. Traffic on Bay Area freeways were complicated not only with the funeral processions, but also with normal commute traffic, accidents and can you believe road work!

We reached the Arena before 9:30...and were surprised that the line was going so quickly....we were in the wrong line...it was the line for law enforcement. Luckily we got out of line before anyone "kicked us out". We met up with our friends Ernie and Regina and were seated in the Coliseum...along with a few thousand people...including other law enforcement agencies...there were about 3 sections of just law enforcement. (I heard there was 22,000 people in total at the services)

Someone had told Jeff that he will feel really safe with all of the police at the service...actually, it was quite the opposite. There were snipers on the Arena roof...and lots of people making themselves "visible". (At one point we heard a supervisor instruct a canine officer to make himself "visible"...really? With literally thousands of police, sheriffs, etc attending the service...he sort of blended in...but, I appreciate the "visibility")

It was refreshing that the politicians who spoke kept their messages short. Senator Feinstein gave a wonderful and meaningful speech. President Obama sent a beautifully worded letter.

Two people spoke for each officer. It was touching, humorous and completely overwhelming. The outpouring of support for the fallen officers and the OPD is so amazing. We saw people from Canada, New York, Shasta, So. California, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Soledad, Salinas, Fremont, Newark, Elk Grove etc....

Our hearts go out to the fallen officers, their families, the OPD and law enforcement everywhere.

We were there in honor of Officer John Hege. He was the officer who donated his heart, liver and kidneys to four men. Isn't it ironic that out of this tragedy four men died, and four men now are able to live?

Rachel

Hi everyone...okay, so I haven't been consistent updating my BLOG...sorry...I'll try harder going forward.

On Tuesday night, we found out that Jeff's niece, Rachel, was diagnosed with Kawasaki's Disease. We went to go see her last night and she is responding really well to her IV treatments. Of course, I HAD to go get her something to cheer her up....so, I got a "Gotta Hop Bunny" which she named "Rabbit". Click on the name to see a demo of Rabbit...he is just TOO CUTE!

(Wondering about where a picture is....sorry, but would you want a picture of yourself in the hospital....I think NOT!)

Do YOU know where your spare tire is????

On my way to have lunch with Jeff today...I heard a "pop...pop"...I thought it was wierd...so, I checked the tire pressure (the Quest has sensors that monitor the tire pressure)...at first one tire was about 24...then 20...then 12...then 10....not good....I pulled over...not an easy feat on 880 NB...and stopped near a callbox.

The tire was flat...way flat...


I called Jeff and then AAA. AAA got to me in about 30 minutes... Jeff told me that the spare was in front of the middle seats...huh? not in the back...wha??? Okay, yes, a mini-me tire was in the middle....sigh...okay...luckily, Scott the guy who changed my tire also knew this... :)

The van is REALLY happy now...with FOUR new tires...and so am I...sigh....

Lessons that I learned: (Lesson #1) Stopping near a callbox MAY NOT always be the safest place....the call box I stopped at was north of the Whipple on-ramp on NB 880. A little TOO close to the on ramp for my nerves....I should have stopped further north...but, I didn't want to drive on my rim...so, I stayed put with the parking brake and seatbelt on. I also moved my seat WAY back...in case I got rear-ended....the CHP, which AAA said would call never showed. (Lesson #2) The Quest's spare tire is in front of the middle row.

WHEW!!! It's over!!!

Yesterday was the E Hanamatsuri (Flower Festival) Jamboree. It was a VERY LONG DAY...that started at 8 am and ended somewhere after 10 pm. The Jamboree itself started at 9 am (Neil's 1st game) and the last game started at 6 pm (Jordan's 2nd game).

The boys enjoyed themselves. Jeff and I were able to visit with some of the Fresno and San Francisco people that we know.

To cap off the evening, there was an ice cream social for the players. Another parent and I were in charge of the social. She took care of the ice cream/prizes and I handled the games...with the help of my creative husband!

AUGH!!! Where did these kids come from???

John and I are checking in some of the players at the social.

Neil, in the black sweatshirt, and some other players are waiting their turn at the High Jump. (No, the little one behind Neil is not a player...yet...he is sibling of some other players).

Jordan trying the High Jump. I think he scored 5 out of 6 points. Darn kid, he should have gotten 6!!!

Impressive shot, eh? Jeff took it...I was too busy trying to figure what needed to be done.

Our "Fearless" Leaders! Athletic Association President, Tet and Coaches Jeff and Hideki!!!