Family

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Back in the Truck!

Posted by spblat on August 16, 2006 08:47 PM

There's more to this post - click here!

Finally got off the pavement after moving to Oregon nearly a year ago. Click on to see a short video from our trip down Molalla Canyon. The trip was interrupted before it even started by an amazing RC Airplane event.

There's more to this post - click here! (0 comments) | Category: Family , Stuff I Made , Truck Stuff

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There Goes Another Tooth

Posted by spblat on July 27, 2006 08:17 PM

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More Summer 2006 Photos

Posted by spblat on July 15, 2006 11:08 AM

Here's some more Summer 2006 stuff.

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Cannon Beach, June 2006

Posted by spblat on June 23, 2006 10:14 PM

We discovered Cannon Beach Oregon this week. Stayed at "The Inn at Cannon Beach." Awesome.

(Click the pile for captioned photos, don't miss the video at the end)

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Photo Update: April 2006

Posted by spblat on April 29, 2006 05:12 PM

We've been remiss in posting family photos lately. Here's a photo bonanza covering the past few months. Don't miss the video of Jake running to first base.

(Click the pile for photos, see below for the video)

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Jake's Sleepytime

Posted by spblat on April 7, 2006 12:36 AM

Some people count sheep. I count backwards from 100. Jacob? He draws on himself.

(1 comments) | Category: Family

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Happy Trogday Enzo

Posted by spblat on January 16, 2006 12:36 AM

About a year ago, Enzo drew a picture of Trogdor the Burninator and emailed it to Strong Bad.

Guess what! Trogdor recently had a birthday, and Enzo's drawing is one of many that Strong Bad used in a birthday retrospective.

Here's Enzo's original drawing.

Here's Strong Bad's Trogday video.

The pic goes by pretty fast, so here's a screenshot of the video with Enzo's drawing featured.

(2 comments) | Category: Family

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Xmas Trip

Posted by spblat on January 2, 2006 10:42 PM

It was a long trip back to LA, but it was good to see everybody, including the Becks who are for some reason not pictured. (Some of these photos have captions.)

Bonus: here are some shots taken by Nonni when she visited a few months ago.

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Snow!

Posted by spblat on December 18, 2005 09:56 PM

Got our first snow today!

This afternoon we visited our new friends Truman and Carrie for their six-year-old's birthday party. It started to ice over on the way there, and by the evening the whole region was caked with ice, the freeway at a standstill.

We stopped for a burger and took side streets home nice and slow. I got to be the big man installing chains and and driving on the snow and ice. Unstoppable 4Runner!

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Jake's First Lost Tooth

Posted by spblat on November 22, 2005 12:31 AM

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A Day at the Zoo

Posted by spblat on November 14, 2005 09:30 AM

We finally got a chance to check out the awesome Oregon Zoo. Click the pile for photos.

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Happy Halloween!

Posted by spblat on November 1, 2005 09:01 AM

Here are our two little ghouls. Trick or treat!

(1 comments) | Category: Family

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OMSI Rocks!

Posted by spblat on September 20, 2005 08:08 PM

This Sunday we spent a few hours at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Sam was right: this place rocks. Tons of hands-on exhibits, fabulous material for all ages. Click the pile for captioned photos.

(If you're looking for high-res versions of these photos for any reason, install Hello and look for "Spblat".)

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All Victory Moving - The Aftermath

Posted by spblat on September 8, 2005 02:48 PM

Update: (9/11/05) Here's some new damage that hadn't been seen before. I'll start the claims process next week.

OK, the movers came last night. Click the pile for extensively captioned photos.

Next: the claims process to try to recover some of what was damaged. I have posted details on my experiences with All Victory Moving and Storage on a separate website:

http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=42791#42791

(If you're looking for high-res versions of these photos for any reason, install Hello and look for "Spblat".)

(1 comments) | Category: Family

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We Moved!

Posted by spblat on September 4, 2005 09:57 PM

We did it! Click the pile for photos. There's some video too that we promise to edit and post someday.

Next: our stuff arrives, sometime in the next week. Stay tuned.

(If you're looking for high-res versions of these photos for any reason, install Hello and chat with "Spblat".)

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Transitions

Posted by spblat on August 28, 2005 10:27 PM

We're too busy packing to blog. But Laura's post reflects how we're feeling too. We have had some amazing get togethers at this place, and we can't believe how lucky we are to have such friends.

See you in the Northwest!

(2 comments) | Category: Family

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We Bought a House!

Posted by spblat on August 7, 2005 11:51 PM

We did it! This weekend we saw about 40 houses, and picked this one.

Here's a bunch of photos, including the interior!

Here's how the house matches up to the criteria we decided on before embarking on this search:

MUST HAVE

We needed We got
Decent schools yes
Under $350K, unless nearly every "nice to have" below is met oops, but see below
>1800 sq ft 2500
>8000 sq ft lot (0.18 ac) 0.19
4 bedrooms, or 3 + office 5
2+ bathrooms 2.5
Fundamentals mostly OK yes
Kid-friendly neighborhood yes, seller reports kids live all around
<1 hour to airport 15 miles, 25 minutes
Mature trees yes!
Nature feel on/nearby property yes!!
Open kitchen yes
No "suburban" feel yes

NICE TO HAVE

We wanted We got
Not built 1970-1990 oops, 1980
Over 2300 sq feet yes
11,000 sq feet lot (0.25+ acre) oops, 0.19
Wood burning fireplace yes, plus a wood burning stove
Under $300K oops, not by a long shot
View Yes, awesome trees in front and back
Quiet yes
Sloped/vaulted ceilings yes, yes
NO pool or spa yes
No rennovation projects yes
Basement crawlspace + garage loft
Walkable to cute retail DQ, Starbucks, Blockbuster, 31, etc, 0.4 mi
Shingle roof It's Portland, no
TriMet access 5.7 mi, 8 min to MAX rail, or 0.4 mi walk to bus stop 1980, route 45 is 25 minutes to downtown
Interesting area yes
Cul-de-sac yes!
No Oil heat yes
No Major street yes

In other news, Tina Schafer is the best realtor in the Northwest.

(3 comments) | Category: Family

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Weather Considerations

Posted by spblat on July 25, 2005 07:18 PM

Obviously we have to move to Portland. It's too cloudy and rainy here in Moreno Valley.

Not to mention humid.

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Enzo's 7th

Posted by spblat on July 24, 2005 04:02 PM

Enzo's 7th birthday party turned into a fabulous bash. Click the pile for photos.

(0 comments) | Category: Family

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Photo Overload

Posted by spblat on July 5, 2005 09:18 PM

Here are 44 photos from the last few months. There's Heather and will's weekend trip to Portland, Morro Bay with Gaga, Greg and Nicole, and the San Diego Zoo with Tom and Virginia. (Click the pile for more.)

(0 comments) | Category: Family

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Happy 4th of July

Posted by spblat on July 4, 2005 10:31 PM

These great shots were taken by Grandpa Tom from our front and back yard in Moreno Valley. Explosions everywhere! (Click the pile for more.)

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A Weekend in Running Springs

Posted by spblat on February 22, 2005 02:53 PM

This weekend we drove up to the Big Bear area, got snowed on, celebrated Nonni's birthday, skied a little, and generally had a great time. Click the pile for photos.

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Let's Get Muddy!

Posted by spblat on January 23, 2005 10:59 PM

Well that was fun! The four of us and twelve complete strangers took our seven 4Runners out to Anza Borrego for a day of goofing off. I got to be a pretty cool dude for pulling chiefiji out of the dirt when he got stuck early in the day. Me and my lifted, revo'd 4Runner are invincible! I've never been stuck! (Well, except that one time in the Bronco...)

I've pulled friends out of trouble at least four times (including today). Today I was rescued big-time by my new friends at T4R.org. Thanks guys! Let's do it again soon!

See the video. Or click below for a few photos.

Here's a map showing where we were.

(0 comments) | Category: Family , Stuff I Made , Truck Stuff

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A Day In The Snow

Posted by spblat on January 2, 2005 11:34 PM

Had a lovely day in the snow with the Becks today.

See the photos.

(1 comments) | Category: Family

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Thanksgiving 2004

Posted by spblat on December 16, 2004 09:59 AM

There's more to this post - click here!

Updated 12/16/2004: See the Video!

Instead of romping in the trucks this year, we celebrated my dad's 60th birthday with a few days on Lake Mead. The usual crew (Will, Heather, the kids, Will's parents, Peter) was joined by Grandpa Bill and Aunt Kathy. It was an absolute smash. Happy birthday dad!

There's more to this post - click here! (2 comments) | Category: Family , Stuff I Made

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Blue Man!

Posted by spblat on November 21, 2004 10:19 PM

Blue Man Rules. Nuff Said.

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Happy Halloween

Posted by spblat on October 30, 2004 08:13 PM

Happy Halloween. Now go vote.

Here are some pre-Halloween pictures we think you'll enjoy. Don't miss our neato Strong Bad Pumpkin!

(1 comments) | Category: Family

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Grand Canyon Trip

Posted by spblat on October 7, 2004 05:48 PM

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We just got back from the Grand Canyon. Click on to see some maps and photos. Stay tuned for more photos.

Update: Wow, arial maps. Check it out.

There's more to this post - click here! (1 comments) | Category: Family , Truck Stuff

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Welcome Zachary!

Posted by spblat on May 18, 2004 09:38 PM

Zachary William Brown joined our family recently. Last week Heather went out to Chicago to meet him and help Alison and Tom out.

See The Video.

(2 comments) | Category: Family , Stuff I Made

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Anza Borrego Springtime Quickie

Posted by spblat on March 22, 2004 12:08 PM

We had a fabulous weekend bumping around Anza Borrego with the new YJ.

See the video.

As for me, I learned this weekend that nothing in life prepares you for the experience of driving through Anza Borrego in a topless Jeep, seeing the ocotillos in full bloom, all while listening to Joe's Garage on the stereo.

(1 comments) | Category: Family , Stuff I Made , Truck Stuff

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Irace the Pilot

Posted by spblat on March 6, 2004 04:19 PM

Will's dad Bill is featured this month in Pilot Journal. The article draws interesting parallels between building the most advanced infrared telescope ever and building one's own airplane from scratch.

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Snow!

Posted by spblat on February 21, 2004 09:14 PM

Tammie and Ray across the street took their kids up near Big Bear today, and came back with a vanload of snow.

Naturally, a snowball fight ensued.

See the video.

(3 comments) | Category: Family , Stuff I Made

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Be Very Afraid

Posted by spblat on February 19, 2004 05:29 PM

Does this mean he's growing up?

See the video.

(3 comments) | Category: Family , Stuff I Made

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Meccacopia Again

Posted by spblat on February 15, 2004 05:57 PM

We had some fun Valentine's day with the Schawackers.

We didn't get into any trouble like last time (or that other time), but near the end of the trip we got a little frisky, bouncing and sliding around in some open space.

See the video.

(1 comments) | Category: Family , Stuff I Made , Truck Stuff

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Thanksgiving 2003!

Posted by spblat on December 2, 2003 11:07 AM

This Thanksgiving, as always, we went camping.

Now available: the 2003 camping video!

Here are a few photos--more are coming soon.

Here is a detailed map outlining our travels.

Here is the Geocache we found during the trip.

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Another trip to the zoo

Posted by spblat on November 15, 2003 04:01 PM

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Enzo and Jake and their friends got to take another trip to the zoo.

There's more to this post - click here! (0 comments) | Category: Family

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Listen to some stuff

Posted by spblat on November 13, 2003 06:36 PM

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So lots of cellphones have a voice memo feature. I finally found a use for mine, and now you reap the benefits!

There's more to this post - click here! (0 comments) | Category: Family , Geek!!

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Halloween!

Posted by spblat on November 3, 2003 07:16 PM

Can't have a blog and not do Halloween pics.

(1 comments) | Category: Family

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Pillow Fight!

Posted by spblat on November 1, 2003 09:03 PM

Enzo, Jake and Grampa Skip had a pillow fight of biblical proportions while we were playing in Hawaii last week.

Click here for the video.

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Hello From Hawaii!

Posted by spblat on November 1, 2003 08:08 PM

Here we are in Hawaii! We spent 7 days with Laura and Peter last week on the Big Island where Will used to work. Someone might someday post some journals, but in the meantime...

Click Here To See Day One Pictures.

Click Here To See Day Two Pictures.

Click Here To See Day Three and Four Pictures.

Click Here To See underwater scuba shots.

(2 comments) | Category: Family

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A Trip To The Zoo

Posted by spblat on August 23, 2003 11:31 AM

We went to the zoo today and saw the monkeys!

Click here to see 32 pictures from the day.

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Sunsets & Popsicles

Posted by spblat on August 14, 2003 08:39 PM

We had a lovely sunset here in Moreno Valley this evening.

And then the ice cream truck came, and everybody got really messy.

Click here for the hi-res originals.

(0 comments) | Category: Family

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Yucca Valley Day-Trip

Posted by spblat on August 10, 2003 10:53 PM

Today we and the Schawackers took the trucks into some trails northwest of Yucca Valley. We had a nice time, and in contrast with previous expeditions, actually turned around when it looked like things were about to get hairy. Yes, we're learning.

Photos to come.

The next trip looks like Labor Day, Los Padres National Forest, a few days' camping between Ojai and somewhere north of Pyramid Lake along I5.

(0 comments) | Category: Family , Truck Stuff

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A Day At The Aquarium

Posted by on August 2, 2003 11:57 PM

Heather and the Kids got to go to the Long Beach Aquarium today with their friend Benjamin and his mom Regan. Enzo and Ben--lifelong friends--enjoyed sharing their interests with each other and they both especially liked petting the stingrays.

Click here to see 16 photos from the day.

(2 comments) | Category: Family

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A New Era Begins!

Posted by spblat on July 25, 2003 03:47 PM

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We did it! Here's our brand new 4Runner. We've already taken it in the dirt a little, and it's amazing. Can't wait to get out for some real camping!

Updated 7/25/03: Click on to see a muddy truck.

There's more to this post - click here! (4 comments) | Category: Family , Truck Stuff

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Bronco For Sale Sold!

Posted by spblat on July 10, 2003 11:30 PM

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Well, it's gone. Oh, the memories...

Click here to see all about the truck. [sniff]

Click on to see the proceeds from the sale.

There's more to this post - click here! (1 comments) | Category: Family , Truck Stuff

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Maui Trip!

Posted by spblat on July 1, 2003 12:48 PM

Last week we went to Maui for 6 days with Ann and Dave. It was fabulous! We've posted some of the photos we took, and you can view them if you click here.

The photos we've posted are sized for viewing over the web, but if you want to download 25 MB worth of printable originals, click here to download the whole pile of hi-res files.

(0 comments) | Category: Family

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New Family Photos

Posted by spblat on May 4, 2003 04:29 PM

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As promised, some new photos, hot off the presses. There's one of Enzo and Jake hanging out at home, and five of the two of them having fun during a trip to Morro Bay they took last week.