Last weekend at pre-school's "Family Field Day" we discovered that Melanie had natural talent at basketball.  She would hurl the ball over and over again and invariably sink the shot.  It was amazing.  Here's evidence of her form, if not the result:





And of course it's our duty as parents to nuture any talents or interests that the girls have.  And if it's a sport with scholarship money attached... all the better.



Yes, it breaks my heart a little bit that it's not soccer, but see above about scholarships. I'll be okay.

It's a bit late for Talk Like a Pirate Day - 9/19 - but here's Evil Jim Rackham in the crow's nest.

Jenna had her 2-year doctor's appointment this today.

• 28lbs (65%)


• 34 inches tall (55%)


• 19 inches head circumference (70%)

Compare to her 18-month and 1 year numbers.

Happy birthday...



.. to me!



Let's celebrate with cake and ice cream!



I'm one year closer to getting my license...



... but not yet long in the tooth.



Daddy, no more bad jokes!



Ok... hugs!





Happy Birthday, Jenna!

It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Great Grandma Margaret Greenbaum tonight. She was in her late nineties and died peacefully in the presence of family. Though I've only known her for a few years, she was as much a part of my family as anyone. A piano prodigy as a child in Hungary, she had to put away those dreams for a more hard-scrabble life as an immigrant. Straight man to husband Jimmy Greenbaum's exuberance, she surprised all of us with her strength and resolve when he passed.

She was quite a character in her own, quiet manner and I'll always cherish the smiles we shared over one of her husband's antics or perhaps those of her great grand-daughters.

I know Melanie and Jenna will miss her. Melanie who would always be excited to visit Great Grandma Margaret. And Jenna, who never missed the chance to climb up into her lap to give her a hug and a kiss.

I've collected some photos here, and will try to add more as I find them.

"He who creates peace in His celestial heights, may He create peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen."

Photo taken by Marc or Miné at our Labor Day BBQ. This must have been taken before Jenna led the rest of the kids into the kiddie pool with all their clothes on. I swear that I just intended it to be for the adults to dip their feet. It was really hot in the afternoon when I was setting up the backyard. But by evening it was cooler and I forgot about the pool. Needless to say the kids started playing in it. Melanie was good... she would just walk through it being careful not to get her dress wet. Jenna however plopped right down. And of course the rest of them - Melanie, Izzy, Isabella and Milan - followed suit.

The rest of the photos are here.

3435 31st St

"Simply fabulous" is the only way to describe this "state of the Art" remodeled craftsman situated on a 6250+ Sq. Ft. private lot in the Heart of North Park. Enlarged Master suite w/ upgraded master bath & jacuzzi tub.Other upgrades include: Gourmet Kitchen w/granite counters, newer appliances & island for prep & seating, Oak hardwd floors, French Doors leading to large wd deck for entertaining, upgraded windows, Ceiling fans, Crown moldings many built-ins,& much more. 3rd bdr/flat is converted garage

So our house is for sale. We're VERY FREAKED OUT. We are looking to move "north" - most likely Carmel Valley. It's closer to my work, Melanie's school and a lot of our friends are there. We hate the idea of leaving North Park but it's time.