Isn't he just adorable?

Four days old and cute as a button. Noe and Brayden pose for a fabulous portrait.

Atlanta Jazz Fest 2006

What a treat to live in Atlanta where festivals and great weather are both available in abundance. This Memorial Day weekend found Robert and I at the Atlanta Jazz Festival. Saturday found us partially prepared with two folding chairs and the camera. We managed to get great seats right up front, however the camera lense was not sufficient to get any fabulous pictures. We did get to watch and listen to wonderful performers including The Benny Golsen Quartet , The United Trombone Summit and Carmen Lundy & The New Songbook Artists.

Sunday we decided that we would really be prepared. We stopped by Harry's Market to pick up some sushi, salmon rolls, peach-mango salsa, tortilla chips and bottled water. Since it was Sunday, alcohol is not available for sale, but lucky for us - we already had some in the frig. We loaded up the cooler, brought the folding chairs and the long camera lense. Luckily for us, we were able to claim the same spot right up front that we had the evening before. Now you would think we had it all covered right? Well, we settle in to the music of Grady Tate, open the chips and salsa - Robert hands me a Smirnoff Ice, then proceeds to pull an ice cold Corona out for himself. Whodathunkit?! Seems you need an actual can opener to open it! Well, a nice man named Allen from Columbus, Ohio came to our rescue with a pocket knife that had a psuedo can opener on it. Whew! That was a close one.

The sun was hot (check out our sunburns) and yes you guessed it, we forgot sunblock too. We did however bring small white towels, which when soaked in ice water provide temporary relief. As the afternoon progressed, we listened to Donald Byrd, then to Moncef Genoud and finally Kendrick Oliver and The New Liff Jazz Orchestra featuring Robert Glasper and Kevin Mahagony. The emcee continually reminded the audience about the booth on the hill that was selling commemorative items such as posters and t-shirts. Sooooo... we found our way up the hill and bought not only the 2006 poster, but the 2005 and 2004 as well. The artist who designs the annual poster is Eric Waugh and as luck would have it, he was painting that evening right in front of where we were sitting. As the Barry Harris Trio plus special guest Charles McPherson performed, Eric created another one of his masterpieces. It was a special treat for us that he autographed the three posters we had just purchased. The evening ended, and as we packed our chairs, the camera and bid farewell to our new friend Allen, we realize that music is indeed the stuff that life is made of.

Brayden's Coming Out Party...

was held today, May 25 in Appleton, Wisconsin. Party preparations began at 7:30am with Noelani taking the lead. It was an all day event culminating with Brayden's arrival at 8:06pm. Brayden weighs in at a hefty 8 lbs 9 oz and is 21" long. Mamma and baby Brayden are exhausted and will be resting up for the remainder of the evening.

The season is over .....

And it was a winning one! 4 - 3 - 1!!! Kawika has decided he will re-up his contract with the Comets for the upcoming season. His signing bonus is TBD!





















To commemorate this victorious season, the Parents challenged the younger and very talented Comets to a game. Pope (Comet) and Dennis (Parent) were keepers for their respective teams. Half of the game was played with a regulation size 4 ball, then the last half of the game was played with non-regulation size, 3 foot soccer ball. During half-time, the young and reportedly mischevious Comets 'attacked' the Parents with non-league issued water pistols, which were quickly taken away accompanied by futile warnings of being grounded. The children were then reminded to play soccer, but somehow got the pistols back and went on to win the game.

Saturday Jam with Friends

What better way to spend a warm Saturday afternoon than jammin' with friends? Join us at Bobby and Cheryl's, our wonderful hosts for good food, music and fun. Meet the band, Bobby on lead guitar, John on rhythm guitar, Robert on bass and Rick on drums. You want a peek at the menu you say? Burgers, sausage, potato salad, beans, salad and a fruit tray.

Happy 35th Anniversary Uncle Ken & Aunt Mary Lou

Still crazy about each other after all of these years.

Happy Mother's Day

What a truly bittersweet Mother's Day this will be. You see, I just received the call from Sarah - our Mother is gone. Logically we all know this day will come, but it is never expected. If only I could tell her one more time that I love her and hear her voice. I love you Mommy!