Derec's 7th Birthday

Oct. 30, 2009
First a little background: My son's birth name is Derek. While learning to read, he asked if he was correct that a "c" made the "k" sound. I said yes. Next he wanted to know, "if his name ended with a "c" would it still sound the same?" Yes I said. He asked if he could spell it that way. I told him it was His name and he could spell it however he wanted. So ever since then, to the confusion of others, he spells his name Derec. I go back and forth depending on if I'm writing for others or for him. So on HIS cake I spelled it his way.

Derec wants to light the candles on his cake.

The spider & web cupcakes for his birthday party.

Watercolor = Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise

Photo from the zoo.

watercolor...a work in progress.... I'm deciding about a background.

Balboa Park, San Diego

James had classes today so he was busy. Katie decided to stay home and with Geoff while he worked from home. So Derek and I went to Balboa Park and visited the Natural History Museum. We started on the top floor and saw a photography exhibit. Lots of photos of ocean animals: Whales, dolphins & underwater shots.
Next we spent a very, very long time in the gift shop, looking at every little thing.
He became fascinated with the minerals & gems. We decided on a box with 15 minerals and a separate large Amethyst stone.
We met up with friends and saw the 3d movie about Dinosaurs. It is a good movie. It explores how ideas and timelines change over time as paleontologists discover new fossils.

I like this shot of many people exploring the park while
the trees, buildings & the bell tower stand firmly in place - waiting
to be enjoyed and admired.

I thought this shot with the couple & their dog
would make a good watercolor.

Here I liked the bending tree, the bridge & blue sky.

kids on the roof

My kids look for any excuse to go on the roof.
So they were more than happy to help hang lights to decorate for Halloween.

Flowers in the front garden

Flowers in our front yard.

I'm still learning how to use this camera.

Legoland

Derek chose this giraffe jeep, behind the zebra jeep, because he knows I like giraffes.

Look, my giraffe purse matches our jeep.

Coco playing