Dawn and I were out of town on grandson Jacob's 6th birthday and missed his party. So we scheduled a second party at Joe's Crab Shack in Old Sacramento when we returned, and celebrated with Rick, Kim, Chris, Jacob and Chris' friend Eric. After lunch, we walked around Old Sac, visited some shops, had ice cream and had a balloon hat created by "Raccoon Eyes." Camera: Nikon D2Xs.

Grandson Dakota is active in various soccer leagues, both indoor and out, and played in a two-day tournament this weekend in August. It was HOT! But he played well and his team went on to win the tourney. Camera: Nikon D2Xs.

Maria decorates her yard every year with Christmas characters adorned with the faces of neighborhood children. For 2006, they included several of youngest grandson, Connor. Camera: Nikon D2Xs.