Christmas Slippers

Christmas Slippers
Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

Lucas Halloween 2004

Lucas Halloween 2004
Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

Lucas is ready for treats. As his first Halloween where he dressed up and went trick or treating, Lucas did well and loved walking up to stranger's houses and getting candy even though he wont really be able to eat any. We spent Halloween in Corona at Mamoors house and walked in her neigherhood of old Corona. Most of the houses were decorated with jack-o-lanterns and spooky decorations which Lucas loved. I think we have a Halloween fan on our hands. Next year should be even more interesting.

Halloween Pumpkin Carving

Halloween Pumpkin Carving
Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

It's Lucas' 3rd Halloween but only his 2nd pumpkin carving. This year we spent a night at the Jeffress home eating Justine's famous Pumpkin Corn Chowder, Jen's famous Chile, Sour Cream, 3 Cheese Dip, and of course carving our pumpkins into Jack-o-lanterns. Lucas had a great time playing peek-a-boo games with Nate and then Dave. He also had a great time running around outside while we all said our goodby. Thanks Jen and Stan for a wonderful evening!

Packing Up Lucas

Packing Up Lucas
Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

Dad is on another trip to New York, that is number 6 for this year. I wish I can take my little boy with me whereever I travel. Lucas was so funny tonight as I was packing for my trip. I shot a few images with the camera phone that are really great. We love our little boy!

Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch

Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch
Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

We picked pumpkins this weekend. The weather was slightly cool and a little wet due to a few scattered showers. Lucas had a wonderful time around the big and small orange vegetables (or is it a fruit?) anyway, we all had a good time. Look for some of images on the aguculture site.

Lucas@2yrs

Lucas@2yrs
Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

Lucas is getting to be such a big boy. I really love this shot. I had the pleasure of shooting my good friend Dave's Nikon DSLR (Digital SLR) and converted the image to greyscale in Photoshop using some filters from Nik. I also printed a few of these images for presents for the family so if you are keeping up with Lucas' blog and your a member of the immediate clan then sorry if I spoiled your gift, if I happen to forget to give you one and your interested let me know as well and I will be sure and print you a copy.

A Keeper!

Lucas-Volvo
Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

Here is our boy in all his little boyness, playing around in mom's Volvo. I love this shot becasue it really shows through Lucas' personality at this stage in his growth. He really likes to laugh and play, a very important aspect of life in general. It's been great to be home, business has taken me all over the country and it's rough being away from both Justine and Lucas. We have lots to look forward to in the comming weeks, a trip to Legoland with the Gilbert and Edward Duffy as well as Willow, Lucas' most special friend. Look forward to the shots as they will be published on the aguculture.com.

See You All Later!

Playing with the Cameraphone

Lucas and Dad
Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

Lucas and I were playing with the cameraphone and came up with this shot. Of couse he wants to play with the phone while mom tries to feed him some more soup. He is being a picky eater lately but I guess that is normal for a two year old. He is also bout to go to part time pre-school for more social interaction. Justine has been taking him to get used to the routine and starting September 1st will go three times a week for 4 hours. It will be interesting!

Lucas at Dinner

Lucas at Dinner
Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

Just having dinner can be a challenge with a rambunctious two year old. We were just trying to devour a plate of Soup Plantation faire when Lucas would not sit still. Like this has ever happened to those with a little two year old. We thought we would make it to Ikea for a little shopping but that didn't work. O well, we tried. I shot this image because well for the few bad moments Lucas has, he makes up for it in totally adorable ones like this pose here. Until next time!

Legoland

Legoland
Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

We bit the bullet and bought season tickets to Legoland and boy have we made a good decision. In just two visits we will have paid for our membership. Lucas loved Legoland as we expected and it's a great place to take your two year old. We especially enjoyed Explore Village and Water Works, where Lucas got soaked. I forgot my CF Card so I was unable to shoot images with the G2 but Justine brought her Olympus Stylus Zoom film camera and I had my camera phone. One final note, Knights' Kingdom and the The Hidaways became a big hit for everyone including me and mom. It's an elaborate rad ass jungle gym of fun and excitement for everyone. It's all wood and natural grove, canvas, and the natural materials make it smell nice and the wolf sounds were real coolas well as the slides were super fun. We will be back!

Richard and Lucas

Richard and Lucas
Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

RC is visiting and that always means adventure. This time it's at the Point Loma Tide Pools where the tide wasn't exactly low but that did'nt stop us from going in the water. Lucas loved getting wet and it shows, check out some of the photos on our site www.aguculture.com. It's been tough replicating the timing of the wonderful day Justine and Lucas went to the tide pools where the tide was so low Lucas got to travel over the shore and see all sorts of wonderful creatures. Well we will have to wait for New Moon. BTW, I love the shot, it's a keeper for sure.

Lucas at Frog Park

Lucas at Frog Park
Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

Well its official, the age of two is beginning and boy do we have trouble on our hands. The spontanous fits of "gotta have my way of the world is crashing down on me and you" as well as the "no-I wanna do it myself" attitude. I guess all parents go through with it and survive just fine, besides it can be a lot worse. We spent a fine weekend going to the local Renaissance Faire right down the street in Balboa Park. It was alright and we especially love how close it was. We will keep you posted as events transpire and look forward to some of Justine's images she has been shooting with her Olympus Stylus Zoom using actual 35 mm film we get developed. OMG...what is the world comming to...do people still shoot film?

Happy Birthday to Our Little Boy

Happy Birthday Banner
Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

The celebration was festive and the day was pleasantly warm with a slight breeze. It was a perfect day for a little boy to turn two and share memories with his friends and family. Mom made a homemade yellow cake from a receipe she got from Jen. I built Lucas a chair all for himself as well as the banner you see in this post. I felt an "Arts and Crafts" font was appropriate due to the neighborhood we live in and well, I like that style of script. Lots of family and friends came including my Dad and brothers, as well as cousins and uncles. It was great to see the Ag Clan. Lucas has such a great time opening his presents and especally liked the flash light gift he got from Mamor, he laughed and laughed at the fun he was having. The Bacci Ball games were also a hit as well as the BBQ'd Sausage and Falafels from Mama's Bakery on Alabama Street. Once again thanks everyone for making it and we will see you next year.

Almost 2 Years Old

Lucas will be two years old tomorrow and were planning a great party for him near Morley Field and Balboa Park. We went to Frog park to get a portrait of him to commemorate the eve before his birthday. Dave and Erin Westphal are also down to visit and Dave let me borrow his Nikon D60 DSLR. It is very nice and I miss shooting through the lens. The file size once processed is 17 megs enough to print a 16x20 no problem. Thanks Dave!

Eve of 2 Years Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

Let's Read A Story

Lucas has been read to almost every night for two years and absolutely loves his books. He was excited to see so many books at the Blue Door Used Book Store on 5th Avenue. Lucas has a few favorite authors right now. Eric Carl, Douglas Wood, and Jan Brett are a few of his favorites. We have been reading: "Papa can you get the moon for me" Eric Carl "A Quiet Place" by Douglas Wood "Trouble with Trolls" by Jan Brett Lucas's birthday is comming up and if anyone is interested in getting him something to read then these authors are a great start.

Blue Door Book Store Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

Lucas' first OS (10.3.4) and computer (iMac G3 w DVD)

Here is a momentous image from the cameraphone, lucas on the computer. It almost brings me to tears. This is currently mom's iMac but in time, it will be Lucas' computer, complete with DVD. The iMac made quite a stir in the world of computing design. The DV version is graphite in color and is see through in the back. Welcome to the fold son, your life will never be the same.

Lucas iMac Originally uploaded by Mountain Goats.

Daily Vignette of Lucas....

I thought you would both enjoy this little visual..so here it is...

Lucas and I are going out to run some errands. I've dressed him in his camo
denim shorts and his orange tank top with Curious George on the front. I
tell him he can pick out his own shoes and leave the room for a moment. When
I return, he's struggling to put on his Kiddorable Wellies. I try to
dissuade him but to no avail. (I DID tell him he could choose...) So, its
like 90 degrees here, and he's dressed as I've described, and he now stomps
proudly in his bright blue goulashes!
A man at the UPS store openly giggles and shakes his head. A crowd at
Starbucks laughs and discuses his shoes as we pass. A mom with two kids at
Blockbuster smiles adoringly. But the best was the bank, where everyone
knows him and openly applauded his fashion choice!! You should have been
there! If I had the camera, I'd have shot it for sure!

Also, Lucas has discovered today how to get the back porch hose nozzle to
work. He's been out there now for about an hour spraying everything in site,
including me! But the best part was...(he's naked by the way)...when he
discovered he could spray the cold water on his penis. You should have SEEN
the smiles of suprise and joy! Ah! These are the moments you treasure!

Justine

- email sent to Dad while working in Oslo Norway.

Jen and Mom

We went to dinner with a whole group of friends, of course Lucas was a pretty good boy for the most part. He wanted to go outside and check out the streetlights and point to green when the cars pass by and point to red when the cars came to a stop. Dinner was real good, we went to Ponce's on Adams Avenue in Kensington across the street from the Ken Theater. It's a mexican style cafe with a wide variety of food. I hade the Shrimp Soup, it was perfect.

A Picture Share! Originally uploaded by colorcritical.

A Morning Portrait

Lucas has visitors. Branwen and Rhiannon are visiting and we're going to have some fun. Look for Sea World, Zoo, and Balboa Park Photos. It's great to see friends!

Branwen-Rhianon-Portrait Originally uploaded by Aguculture.

Lucas and Willow!

Lucas and Willow, originally uploaded by Aguculture.

Lucas had Willow over for a visit. They went to Frog Park and had a blast. I shot some images and have updated the www.aguculture.com site already. Look for more post regarding his adventures

Lucas is getting bigger and bigger every day. Yesterday we played Frisbee and kicked his ball around on the grass at Balboa Park. He loved it! He was jumping and laughing and having a ball. Its so wonderful to have a child and be a father. Lucas is such a wonderful little boy. I look forward to many events where we have so much fun we laugh uncontrollably. Here is to you son.

The celebration of spring is here. We celebrated the event visiting Mamor,( which is MA for mother and MOR meaning great or big in Galeic) in Corona. The air was dry and windy which made for a lovely afternoon egg-hunt. Lucas was so intent on finding his lost eggs. We hid twelve all around the garden and Lucas found every one of them. Dinner the previous night at Joyce's was also a wonderful event. She is a gift to humanity and indeed a gift to us. The evening was spent in conversation with the usual players, Georgia, Abbott, Suzanne, Randy, Charlotte, Justine, Myself, and Joyce. Tallon, Alan, and Dermott were indeed missed. Lucas will have quite an interesting Easter as he grows up with this crowd and we would not have it any other way. Here is to Spring, the time of rebirth! Here is to our friends which we are blessed to know and love!