This place is super cool because in addition to the big lawns, swings and slides is a nice sized man made lake with loads of ducks that come up close to say hello!

We walked up to a memorial, but Brandon had his heart set on going back down to the water.

The colors of fall are in full swing (lasts a bit longer in CA because of the warmer temps as well as the many sorts of trees that we enjoy) It brings me great joy that my little man both notices and enjoys the things that are beautiful weather or not we pay attention and notice.

We had a great time putting our boats (fallen leaves) into the stream to watch them drift along the rocks and into the lake.

It was great to follow them down. When we were patient, we could even see them go from one side of the walking bridge to sail under and to the other side.

Fortunately the fall season provided a seemingly endless supply of crafts to launch into the water!

As the sun went down on our Saturday – we stopped to enjoy the ducks.

On Sunday – after we went out for burgers and fries (his new favorite weekend treat) – We ventured up to my cousin’s ranch on the Northgate side of Mt Diablo.

It was a LOT of fun get up close to say hello to one of her horses.

As we pet this pretty gal, she surprised us both by putting down her hay to give us both a big kiss.

After talking it up with the horses, my cousin brought out the quad so that Brandon could check out this cool ranch 4×4.

The riding arena made for a REALLY cool spot to do couple low speed lapse.

Not sure how many circles we went in before my cousin Lorie opened the gate so that we could expand our circles to check out other parts of the ranch with this nifty 4×4.

With the gate open, we were on our way to check things out on the other side – Our circles becoming a figure 8 to opposing sides of her ranch.

It is questionable who had more fun zipping around on this quad, but if smiles could talk there would have been a lot of chatter over the sound of the engine.

Thankfully, my cousin had a steady hand to snap a bunch of shots of us as we enjoyed the tour of the ranch.

The day came to a close and we left my cousin’s place to go and pick up some dinner to bring to mommy back at home. As we pulled up back into town, Brandon surprised me by pointing out the pretty colors of the sky. There is nothing finer in this world then spending quality time with my little dude. He was right… the sunset capped our weekend with a colorful bang!

My little half a Peruvian brings honor to his momma’s home town beverage of choice! Seeing the flag in the background, you might guess that his mom planned his shirt choice. She is big on coordinating his colors!

While Brandon and Piero had a fair bit of options to entertain them – The dinosaurs that Piero had brought proved to be more entertaining then the music or food

Of course, the super cool playground also brought a good deal of fun as well as a place for the boy’s to spend their summer time energy as well as give the grown ups a spot to sit while we ate our goods.

Brandon is at the age where it is more fun to make funny faces then to pose for a cool shot with a neat background. (Though I think we likely helped that trait along) But alas, while I could not get him to smile for the camera – I was able to snap this neat little moment of him pointing towards the cool and historic city hall.

Fortunately for him, this particular swing extends down a slight hillside – so when extended, you do actually get VERY high up off the ground. I’ll admit – it did make me a bit nervious to watch. However also thrilled to watch him soar while he forgot about his previous fears.

At 3.5 – My little man was sweet enough to thank mother nature, and then daddy for coming home early enough to enjoy. Lastly he did what all normal little guys do… play and be silly!

I am amazed at the video quality that I am able to get with my new iPhone 4. The combo of this fantastic device with iMovie at home should be in EVERY proud dad’s toolbox! Hint: I had fun with the credits at the end!

Brandon loves Jeeps and we have a classic 30 year old CJ7 at home – but today, we were able to test how well these newer 4 door Jeeps can handle the dusty trail down to our favorite spot.

As with other photos from this trip – Lourdes and I have many photos in this very spot, but it is easy to see why we were so excited to be able to update our collection to include one with Brandon. Polihale never disappoints. It is on the dry side of the island, so the weather is always sunny, the wind offshore… and the visuals blow your mind.

Mom and Brandon are able to peacefully sit and watch the uncharacteristically small waves roll in. Being as inaccessible as it is, the 13 miles of white sand beach seldom sees more then a handful of folks. The color of the water transitions to create a beautiful gradient from a light teal – to a rich dark aqua blue as it goes from shallow to the deeper water.

Dad and Brandon love our adventures, so we of course had to hike up to the north end of the beach where the Mana mountain range hit the coast. It was fun to create new foot prints, and then to watch the ocean cover our tracks.

Periodically, all beach explorers must take a moment to put the adventure on hold so that they can sit down in the beach break and cool off. Brandon sat real close as he felt the power of even the small waves. The ocean is a very soulful place – it brought me great pleasure to share one of my passions with Brandon.

After soaking up the afternoon sun – we began the trek back to the highway – of course, with the lead explorer pulling off to capture both the road and our chariot! I must admit – being a bit of a Jeep enthusiast – I was impressed with how this one fared.

As promised, on the way back – we stopped in Wiamea for some JoJo’s shave ice. (An Island delicacy) As you can see – the sun and water tired out the little man… however his energy made a quick return once he learned what was in store for him.

Not sure what he liked better – the many flavors / colors of the shave ice – or the vanilla ice cream that sits at the base of this dessert taking on the colors and tastes of the treat above.

After our treat, and more pacific swimming – Lourdes and Brandon took Daddy out for a nice dinner in Kapaa. Brandon is becoming a big fan of the “silly face” photos that his parents are so fond of making.

Once it is time to blow out the birthday candle – Brandon is all business, since he is such a fan of both singing happy birthday as well as to extinguish the candle. All and all, making a wish seemed like a very “after the fact” thing to do since the day was really all that I could have wished for. Thank you to my beautiful family for making it such a treat – Te Amo~

Fall is such a beautiful time of year – and even more so when in the tropics! We have been in Kauai for the past few days, and still have the rest of the week ahead! Brandon actually has been here before, however it was when Lourdes was first pregnant with him during our thanksgiving break. So this trip has been long overdue and marked a number of firsts!

Brandon enjoyed his first time on an airplane! I wonder if it is because of the many times we have sat at the small airport by our house watching the planes take of and land. He did really awesome, in fact he had a quick stop and transfer in Honolulu – so he can say that he has been to both Oahu and Kauai!

His first “Lava-Flow” – His mom’s favorite tropical refreshment. And like mom, his does not have any booze in it either. Dad’s on the other hand did include the signature rum.

Right next to our hotel is a beautiful protected salt pond. It sits beside a great little reef, but is protected by a man made jetty to provide a calm shoulder high swimming lagoon for Brandon. This has been perfect since Brandon is still just getting comfortable with his swimming.

In addition to some really cool fish that swim along the edge of the jetty – the little man has found lots of cool rocks, shells and pieces of coral. In fact, so far, he has found the most intact shell between he and I.

However, the top shelf find, has been the “magic sticks” that we have collected. He then makes mini tents or umbrellas out of these. Not sure if it is from having seen the umbrella in his lava flow – or just something random.

Yes folks – this kid is REALLY excited by the water… not sure how I am going to get him on a plane to come back to California!

Mom was quick to point out that we seem to share the same problem with a bit of a “plumber’s crack” when wearing our swim trunks. But really… anyone who has ever worm surf trunks will tell ya – they sag, and ride low!

This evening… we took a drive up to Hanalei and the Hanalei pier – There is a great spot to pull of the road that offers a beautiful view just before you drop down to the the most known of the many single lane bridges.

Lourdes and I have never been much for the postcard photos – but are more prone to enjoy the silly face photos instead. Anyone who would go through our many photo’s might think that we are a bit off due to the many photos just like the above! That is something that I love about my wife!

Up at the pier, we started to see a bit of a tropical rain starting to arrive… held out long enough for us to hang out at the pier…

Daddy and Brandon watching folks jump off the pier and ride their paddle boards across the bay. There was a bit of surf coming in at the point, but not nearly the size that Hanalei Point is known and loved for… (one of the first spots that daddy surfed big Hawaii)

Brandon was asleep when we came over the pass coming into town – so we stopped a second time to get another shot with him. We have a number of Lourdes and I at this spot – but I was really excited to get a new one since our family is now 3 instead of just the 2 of us!

Typically – I like to post each day with shorter posts that provide the specific location of each event. However, I am having some issues with connecting… I am hoping to have found a work around… but wanted to share a bit of what we have been up to!

Lourdes and I were actually a bit disappointed with the Menu (We have always come here for special occasions, partly for the view and atmosphere, but also for their pork chops which they removed from their menu!)

Brandon & I sat on the rocks along the water front, and waited for his Meme & Pepe who came in a different car with Bob & Nicole – Friends of my cousin Yves & Kristine~

We played a some musical chairs so that we could find a seat where Brandon was not getting beat down by the sun. It was REALLY bright and warm on the roof top deck – even with the umbrellas attempting to provide areas of shade

Brandon loves paper place mats, because daddy is usually willing to doodle something on it for him… this was supposed to be he and I… mind you I drew it upside down from across the table!

After lunch, we enjoyed the drive down into San Francisco – with a pit stop at one of the most scenic overlooks in town. My little California boy was also quite impressed with the spot daddy chose! Thanks to mom for taking some cool photos!

Despite having lived here in the Bay Area my entire life – I had not actually come up to this spot in the headlands in years… and was thrilled that we had such a beautiful day for Brandon’s first time there… and my relatives to enjoy our home town!