Well, Christmas is here. Today is the big day and boy was Lucas surprised to see the many gifts we had in store for him. As a 3 year old he is still just learning about this once a year day. The gifts we gave him are pretty cool. For instance we found a wooden tree house with 4 different levels, includng a swing, a crane, a crows nest, and a rope ladder. We also gave him two new games from Cranium, one called Hullabaloo, and the other called Balloon Lagoon. He also received a Thomas the Train Set, Jenga, and some Small Paul clothes from Paul Frank. Christmas was fun this year, we went a little over board but hey that's what life is for, if you can't have fun with your kids then something is wrong.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Holiday Card 2005
This year has been pretty good for the Aguilera's. Not only has Lucas done pages full of firsts but we moved our business downtown and traveled the world. We took two vacations this year, one to Monterey California and the other to North Carolina. I have been on business to London, Sweden, and Australia as well as at least 1/4 of the US states for Two Major Seminar Tours. Lucas has been reading all year and has shown us the meaning of patience. It's been a good year for all of us and to top it off, I just found out that one of my images I shot when Lucas was a month old just won 1st place in a national photo contest, where the first prize is $5000.00 Cash and a new printer. We will see what next year holds....
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Your It!
I shot this the first week of December of Justine and Lucas running around the Prado Fountain playing tag. Lucas is 3 years and 4 months old here. We went to Christmas on the Prado, a local tradition for me for years. Once a year Balboa Park hosts a two evening event where families can hear musical performances, visit the museums for free, eat international food, and feel the season of Christmas. We never miss it even though each year it seems to get more and more crowded. We always eat from the house of Ukraine where they serve traditional sausage sandwhiches. We also like to either top it off with Swiss made Glog or Ukrainian Kozak Coffee. Christmas is coming up faster than we all think.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Autumn Pacific
Justine shot this masterpeice. I really like this photo and have to tell you all about our day at the beach. The Santa Anna's were here this weekend and it made for an absolute perfect day of cool warmth and force even the couchiest of potato's outside. The air was perfect and drywith a slight breeze. We were at Wind and Sea beach in La Jolla and it was littered with photographers doing family portraits. We counted 6 different photographers doing seperate shoots in our 180 degree view of the ocean. It was almost comical. It makes sense, it's the holiday season and this beach is one of the most beautiful for portraits. We played with a beachball and Ultimate Disc as well as chased the incomming surf. It was a GREAT day. Sure California is expensive, and well San Diego is outright criminal when it comes to the cost of housing. But we sure get our money worth when days like today pass through our eyes and skin. The sunset was perfect and absolute in it's beauty. Lucas and I stopped to look for a minute while getting our feet wet with slightly cool ocean water. This was the last shot on the 128 Mb memory card and Justine took a winner.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
North Carolina Vacation
We went on vacation to North Carolina to visit the Harrelson's, Tim, Misti, Emily, little Tim, and Caroline. The Harrelson's live in Goldsboro, a small rural town near Raleigh. First and foremost thanks are in order. Thanks Misti for your endless paitence and the tour of your state both east west. Thanks Tim for your brief visits and leadership, and for the recomendation of liver mush (new things are a must in life). Thanks to Emily for her bright smile and amazing presence with children. We hope you get to go to New York...it will be most fun. Thanks little Tim for your sense of play and laser tag..and spelling CLOWN in Quiddler the first round was quite the feat. Finally thanks Caroline for your boundless energy and fun you gave to Lucas. Your home was a delight and we appreciate having friends in other parts of our nation.
We visited the east coast in North Carolina and walked the grounds of Fort Macon, a civil war fort off the Atlantic Beach. This was a thrill. The fort is well built and has stood the test of time. The area near the fort is also where the famed priate Blackbeard was from. Lots more information be read from this link You can also see images of our visit and a video of Lucas and I playing at the Playspace Museum. We also visited a revolutionary and civil war era cemetary, a childrens museum in Raleigh, and the local State Park. Even though we did a lot of driving everything we went to was well worth it.
Finally, Lucas also did a few firsts. We played Quiddler a great family game. Lucas learned and played Uno, Mexican Dominoes, and a brief game of Xbox. Lucas really liked playing cards with everyone and a few nights we had a candelight night where we turned off the lights and played games. It's a great tradition where the family saves money on their energy bill and the family spends time together. Great idea!
We visited the east coast in North Carolina and walked the grounds of Fort Macon, a civil war fort off the Atlantic Beach. This was a thrill. The fort is well built and has stood the test of time. The area near the fort is also where the famed priate Blackbeard was from. Lots more information be read from this link You can also see images of our visit and a video of Lucas and I playing at the Playspace Museum. We also visited a revolutionary and civil war era cemetary, a childrens museum in Raleigh, and the local State Park. Even though we did a lot of driving everything we went to was well worth it.
Finally, Lucas also did a few firsts. We played Quiddler a great family game. Lucas learned and played Uno, Mexican Dominoes, and a brief game of Xbox. Lucas really liked playing cards with everyone and a few nights we had a candelight night where we turned off the lights and played games. It's a great tradition where the family saves money on their energy bill and the family spends time together. Great idea!
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Happy Jack-O-Lantern - Halloween 2005
Lucas wanted a "Happy Jack-O-Lantern" this year. Dressed as the Alphabet, we carved pumpkins before we set off for the neighborhood trick or treat. I didn't get a good shot of Lucas' costume. Justine and I worked so hard on it and well after a few minutes of moving in a costume consisting of a big letter A and Z on foamcore across his chest he bent down and crammed the letter A into his chin. That was the end of wearing the costume. At least he wore his Letter A shirt we made him. Lucas had so much fun going to houses last year we thought this year we would be out until midnight. Well it didn't work out this year. Lucas got tired of trick or treating early on so we ended the festivities early. Georgia's holiday dinner feast was fantastic. She is an excellent cook indeed. We spent the evening with dear friends Joyce, Allen, Abbott, Suzanne, and Georgia. Happy Celtic New Year!
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Bat Mobile and The Morrigan
Justine made this Bat Mobile for Halloween out of Felt, Twigs, and Line. It's halloween next week and we can't wait. At this present moment we are making Lucas' Costume which is filled with letters. He will be a "Letter Boy" this year, which is his request. Justine and I also have a costume concept involving an old snapshot, a black tee shirt, and iron-on ink jet transfer material. You will soon see our creations. Until then see you next time! Erin, sorry you could not find the Bat Mobile on our website/blog. You will have no problem now.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Mad Magazine - The Game
Lucas is playing lots of board games these days, from Cariboo to MAD, Dominoes to Life. Here, Lucas and I are playing a classic game. MAD! Remember MAD, what an odd but great game. Remember the rules:
Each Player starts with $10,000. The board is Monopoly like with 2 inner tracks that can also be used. Play is counterclockwise and you must roll the dice with your left hand. Spaces and the ever present chance cards send you elsewhere, make you pay money (good), make you get money (bad), switch seats with someone else or exchange money with another player.
First to lose all their money wins.
Each Player starts with $10,000. The board is Monopoly like with 2 inner tracks that can also be used. Play is counterclockwise and you must roll the dice with your left hand. Spaces and the ever present chance cards send you elsewhere, make you pay money (good), make you get money (bad), switch seats with someone else or exchange money with another player.
First to lose all their money wins.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
jz - the light of our life
Here she is everyone and you all know her. The most recent photo of Justine where she lights up the scene. I like her smile here, it glows and is directed toward the photographer, me. As some of you may know Justine is ready to go back to work and is looking for a job at the zoo. Hold a good thought as you and I know she is quite capable of working as an educator or zookeeper. So, here is to my lovely wife, one of the most incedible gifts a man can have. As far as a mother, Lucas is blessed to have such a steadfast and attentive mother. Most of this blog has been about Lucas but as you may have noticed I have changed it up a bit. Now aguculture.com links directly to the weblog, and from here you can go directly to our .mac site, flickr site, or even my personal blog. Check the links on the sidebar.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Lincoln Logs
Remember Lincoln Logs, yea the classic toy where you can build some pretty amazing structures. Lucas got these wonderful building peices from Troy and Marilyn Ohlson. Lucas and I played for hours and built so many cool new forts and houses. These things really bring back the memories. This piece here Lucas built all by himself and was quite proud and excited to see his creation. We then went on to build all sorts of interations using all of the pieces including the roof, windows, and doors.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Lucas learns the ancient game of hopscotch.
Game origin
Hopscotch began in ancient Britain during the early Roman Empire. The original hopscotch courts were over 100 feet long! Can you imagine that? They were used for military training exercises.
"Hey, Claudius! how bout a game of Hopscotch?" "Okay Brutus, but first I have to put my gear on! Hang a minute and wait for me?"
Roman foot soldiers ran the course in full armor and field packs, and it was thought that Hopscotch would improve their foot work. Roman children imitated the soldiers by drawing their own boards, and creating a scoring system, and "Hopscotch" spread through Europe. In France the game is called "Marelles", in Germany, "Templehupfen" (try saying that three times fast!) "Hinklebaan" in the Netherlands (probably played with Heineken beer cans) "Ekaria Dukaria" (played while while watching Daria) in India, "Pico" in Vietnam, and "Rayuela in Argentina."
In order to begin the game, each player must start with a marker. Common stones were used in the days of the Roman Empire, but in more modern times, items such as bean bags, pennies, and other assorted items were used.
Hopscotch boards were usually found in playgrounds, but if there weren't any, a good piece of chalk could easily remedy that.
How to Play Hopscotch
The first player tosses her marker into the first square. The marker must land completely within the designated square and without touching a line or bouncing out. If the marker lands in the wrong square, the player forfeits her turn. If the marker is successful, the player hops through the court beginning on square one. Side by side the squares are straddled, with the left foot landing in the left square, and the right foot landing in the right square. Single squares must be hopped on one foot. For the first single square, either foot may be used. Squares marked "Safe" "Home" or "Rest" are neutral squares, and may be hopped through in any manner without penalty.
When a player reaches the end of the court, she turns around and hops back through the court, moving through the squares in reverse order and stopping to pick up her marker on the way back. Upon successfully completing the sequence, the player continues his turn by tossing his marker into square number two, and repeating the pattern.
If while hopping through the court in either direction, the player steps on a line, misses a square, or loses her balance, her turn ends. The player starts on her next turn where the player last left off. the first player to complete one course for every numbered square on the court wins the game.
Hopscotch began in ancient Britain during the early Roman Empire. The original hopscotch courts were over 100 feet long! Can you imagine that? They were used for military training exercises.
"Hey, Claudius! how bout a game of Hopscotch?" "Okay Brutus, but first I have to put my gear on! Hang a minute and wait for me?"
Roman foot soldiers ran the course in full armor and field packs, and it was thought that Hopscotch would improve their foot work. Roman children imitated the soldiers by drawing their own boards, and creating a scoring system, and "Hopscotch" spread through Europe. In France the game is called "Marelles", in Germany, "Templehupfen" (try saying that three times fast!) "Hinklebaan" in the Netherlands (probably played with Heineken beer cans) "Ekaria Dukaria" (played while while watching Daria) in India, "Pico" in Vietnam, and "Rayuela in Argentina."
In order to begin the game, each player must start with a marker. Common stones were used in the days of the Roman Empire, but in more modern times, items such as bean bags, pennies, and other assorted items were used.
Hopscotch boards were usually found in playgrounds, but if there weren't any, a good piece of chalk could easily remedy that.
How to Play Hopscotch
The first player tosses her marker into the first square. The marker must land completely within the designated square and without touching a line or bouncing out. If the marker lands in the wrong square, the player forfeits her turn. If the marker is successful, the player hops through the court beginning on square one. Side by side the squares are straddled, with the left foot landing in the left square, and the right foot landing in the right square. Single squares must be hopped on one foot. For the first single square, either foot may be used. Squares marked "Safe" "Home" or "Rest" are neutral squares, and may be hopped through in any manner without penalty.
When a player reaches the end of the court, she turns around and hops back through the court, moving through the squares in reverse order and stopping to pick up her marker on the way back. Upon successfully completing the sequence, the player continues his turn by tossing his marker into square number two, and repeating the pattern.
If while hopping through the court in either direction, the player steps on a line, misses a square, or loses her balance, her turn ends. The player starts on her next turn where the player last left off. the first player to complete one course for every numbered square on the court wins the game.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Lucas and Justine
I love this shot, which was snapped by Mr. Troy Ohlsson, my best friend. Troy and Marilyn met us for lunch at Wahoo's Fish Tacos which by the way are fantastic. Lucas need at diaper changing and then did not want his shorts back on so we waited patiently by this beautiful fountain in Mission Valley. Lucas was being so funny laughing and running around and around the fountain. If were in Europe we all would have been playing in the fountain for sure.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Lucas Arthur and our 1965 Volvo 122s
Look at this little boy and his coy smile. This is what I get when I ask him to smile...god it makes our hearts just melt. So, yea, this is it, the 122 and our 3 year old in his Wranglers Richard and Corrine got him and Levi Jacket Grandma Michelle got him. Lucas is changing all the time and his temper is getting a little out of hand. He seems to think he controls the entire universe. It's a good thing he has us a parents, cool on the outside and inside unless you do something wrong we turn into brick walls and will not accept toddler foolery. Lucas, be warned, mom will not give in! And me, I have a point too where the fun stops and the dicipline begins. Of course here he looks like an angel, as cute as he could be.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Bath Time!
Lucas and Justine came with me on a business trip to Yorba Linda where Justine and Lucas visited Granpdpa Zafran. It was great to have them with me on an otherwise solo business trip to Orange County. Lucas was so funny jumping on the hotel bed, playing his Leap Pad Game, and generally being a funny silly little three year old. It put a big smile on my face to snuggle up next to my family instead of the lonley hollow hotel bed I am used to. Thanks babe for putting up with the long drive and bibawhacking necessary in doing these trips. It was a pleasure to have us all together.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Jen's Handmade Card
Thanks Everyone! Lucas's birthday was such a great event and it's was so nice to see everyone. There were so many highlights! Keep posted for more information!
Monday, August 01, 2005
Lucas Turns Three!
Here are a few key strokes from lucas:
yam mom blue diopojii pop dad
hi owl
momDAD C
Lucas had to type while I updated the blog. This shot was on his actual birthday. We had a small party for him at the house, he opened his presents from us and he went wild. We gave him the Leap Pad Board Game he has been drooling over from the Letter Factory CD. Next week is his party at Mission Bay and we are all so looking forward to seeing everyone.
yam mom blue diopojii pop dad
hi owl
momDAD C
Lucas had to type while I updated the blog. This shot was on his actual birthday. We had a small party for him at the house, he opened his presents from us and he went wild. We gave him the Leap Pad Board Game he has been drooling over from the Letter Factory CD. Next week is his party at Mission Bay and we are all so looking forward to seeing everyone.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Lucas Birthday Party Sunday Aug 7, 2005
Please come to the party!
Lucas is turning 3! Come to his party at the East Mission Bay Park *1:00 pm to dark * Sunday, Aug 7th.
The park is huge, right next to the bay. Bring a kite, your shorts, and an attitude of play. We will serve bbq sausage and chicken. Bring a side dish if you can of your favorite outside eats. It will be Sesame Street in theme and Lucas will be thrilled to see you.
If your north of Sea World take 5 South to Sea World Drive (Before Highway 8) Exit and turn Right. Turn Right on E Mission Bay Drive, take E Mission Bqy Drive past Fiesta Island to the first park on the left. We will be right next to the water.
If your south of Downtown San Diego take 5 North: Pass the 8, take the Sea World Drive Exit go left over the bridge. Take a right on E Mission Bay Drive. Drive past Fiesta Island to the first park on the left. We will be next to the water.
R.S.V.P Please ASAP. Tel 619-574-1225 or Marc’s Cell 619-248-4985
Lucas is turning 3! Come to his party at the East Mission Bay Park *1:00 pm to dark * Sunday, Aug 7th.
The park is huge, right next to the bay. Bring a kite, your shorts, and an attitude of play. We will serve bbq sausage and chicken. Bring a side dish if you can of your favorite outside eats. It will be Sesame Street in theme and Lucas will be thrilled to see you.
If your north of Sea World take 5 South to Sea World Drive (Before Highway 8) Exit and turn Right. Turn Right on E Mission Bay Drive, take E Mission Bqy Drive past Fiesta Island to the first park on the left. We will be right next to the water.
If your south of Downtown San Diego take 5 North: Pass the 8, take the Sea World Drive Exit go left over the bridge. Take a right on E Mission Bay Drive. Drive past Fiesta Island to the first park on the left. We will be next to the water.
R.S.V.P Please ASAP. Tel 619-574-1225 or Marc’s Cell 619-248-4985
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Lucas and Branwen
This week is filled with fun. Visitng from Wanachee Washington is Branwen and Rhiannon, the lovely daughters of Alan Shaub. This week Lucas and the girls will be going to the Zoo, as in this image of Lucas and Branwen. Tomorrow we will all go to Coronado Island and ride the ferry across the bay and play at the beach. It's great to have the girls down for a few days as wel always have some much fun with them and Lucas loves to play with both of them. Thanks Alan for bringing down the girls and know your always welcome.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Lucas on his vespa
Lucas and I were passing by our local Vespa shop (on behalf of a friend) and the nice man working there, Jyson, insisted that Lucas get to sit on the Vespa Lucas kept pointing at. He kept saying, "Lucas drive". Of course it was the one time I didn't have my diaper bag, equipped with camera. Much to my suprise a nice woman named Suzanne, a friend of Jyson's, popped in to say hi and happened to have her high end digital camera around her neck. Being a mom herself, she offered to take Lucas' picture and e-mail it to me! Here is the result! (Nice of her, don't ya think?) Lucas loved it! Jyson turned on the engine and let it vibrate a bit, let him play with the horn and lights."Luc's drive. Luc's drive, mom." He was pretty cute! Anyway, just thought you'ld like to see it, and the work of some very kind people during an average errand. -- Justine
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Lucas on the Pfeiffer Falls Trail
We went to the Monterey Peninsula for a week on vacation. We stayed at the Marina Dunes in Marina right off Highway 1. Our room overlooked the dunes as well as part of the coast. It was complete with a fireplace and king size bed. The week was filled with lots of great fun including an afternoon at Dennis the Menace Park near downtown Monterey. We also visited the Monterey Bay aquarium where lucas got to see for the first time and he loved everything about it, especially the Sea Nettles and the "Splash Zone". We followed with a visit to the Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing where the sea meets freshwater and the result is a rare and special ecosystem. Lucas loved the wind and the dirt, he even got a view through our binoculars at a Egret. The drives through the Asilomar Beach 17 mile drive were spectacular and the breakfasts in Pacific Grove were incredible. We ended the trip with a trip through Big Sur where we hiked up to Pfeiffer Falls and visited the Henry Miller library. This image is where Lucas playd among the great Redwood Trees of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. We all had fun and we hope you enjoy our photos.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Easter Egg Hunt
We were all somewhat sick for Easter and had to cancel our plans for our usual Easter plans of going to Mamoor's. So we stayed home. Never the less we had a spring egg hunt which Lucas loved. We also set up the one man North Face tent in the living room so Lucas could watch his Leap Frog videos and feel comfortable while he got better from his cold. We had a great day despite our illness'.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Happy New Year 2005
We had a small party at home. Stan & Jen, Marc & Susan, Ryan & Christine, Rich & Marisol, and Troy and Marilyn. It was a great time to celebrate the new year with friends. Thanks everyone!
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