Bits and Bytes from my life...

Tree House Complete

2009-12-20T21:05:00.000-08:00

The treehouse is done. I decided to make it two stories. It's been complete for a few months but I'm just now finally getting around to posting some photos.

We call it the "Giles Cube" -- it's a fun little getaway for the kids [and adults]!!

You can launch the zip line from the first story and fly down the hill.

Zip Line

2009-07-21T05:10:00.000-07:00

I decided to skip phase 2 and jump to phase 3 - the zip line. 150 ft. line, stainless steel cable, connected to trees with galvanized steel eyebolts -- climbing harness for the kids -- fun, fun, fun!

Tree House (phase 1)

2009-06-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

Summer time is here which means projects. After watching "Click" with my wife -- the Adam Sandler comedy where the remote control becomes the universal control for his life -- I thought about how many times I've told the kids "sure, I'll build you a tree house", and then it never happens (you'll have to see the movie to understand the context). Now that we actually have a yard with big, fully grown trees, I decided NOW IS THE TIME.

I found two big pine trees and decided to build a 8' x 8' wooden platform about ~9-10ft. above the ground. I am not a

carpenter but I've learned a lot in the process -- it was a lot of fun! I bought myself my first "skil saw" to add to the collection of power tools. I learned to measure twice, cut once. The girls helped and it's been a great project over the last few weekends.

Phase 1 is complete. Phase 2 will be to add railings and find a slide to attach to the far end. Phase 3 will be to add a zip line from tree house to distant tree on the other side of the yard. The slope in our yard will provide for a very nice ride!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-04T19:52:00.000-08:00

We had Megan's good friend Patricia come visit us from Texas during the holiday break. We had a blast visiting the beach in San Diego, Wild Animal Park in Escondido, and then I took the girls up to Palomar Mountain State Park to play in the snow. We are enjoying southern california weather. Fun in the sun and snow within 1 hour. excellent!

Memorial Day madness

2008-06-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

Fun and sun in Austin... to avoid the heat, we spent the weekend swimming, boating, and ice skating. Listen closely and you'll hear little Brittany screaming whooo... whoooo!!

Tubing with the Millets:

Ice skating in Austin with the girls:

Spring Break - McKinney Falls

2008-03-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

We took the girls to McKinney Falls in Austin and enjoyed some mountain biking, hiking, and exploring. We were there with our friends the Millets, Parkers, and Schorrs.

My wife Nancy in the "eye" of the waterfall. There were many cool limestone rock formations throughout the creek bed.

Brittany playing with her friends Jared and Cameron. See my rock!

Push Megan, push! She and her friend Kylin finally got the log to go over the edge of the waterfall.
We all went for a hike... Brooke and Lindsey were startled... but only for a moment!

Blogging at last...

2008-03-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, I've read, viewed, perused, and enjoyed reading my sister's blog and decided "at last" I must join the online world and share my thoughts. We'll try this out and see how consistent I can be... or not.