Kameron and Architecture in Seattle WA - August 2009

Kameron chilling with his favorite Auntie and his three buddies - Zoe, Casey and Lucy.

The first Starbucks at Pike Place Market.

The lobster tails are huge!

Awww, almost got a shot of the fish in mid-air at the infamous Pike Place Fish Market.

Kameron is too cool to poise for the camera with mommy Karen, daddy Ken and aunties Michelle and Susan.

The Space Needle peaks above Frank O. Gehry's Experience Music Project.

A vortex of guitars takes center stage inside the 140,000 sq. foot building.

A large digital screen projects graphics dancing to music.

The entrance and "blob" shapes of the building.

Kameron takes in the scenery on the "Flash Gordon" monorail to the EMP.

The exterior shapes symbolizes the energy and fluidity of music.

Travel buddies - Susan, Michelle, Trish, Brett, Sonia and Danny.

Pork anyone?

Little Kameron having fun with daddy Ken!

Visited the Seattle Central Library in downtown by architect Rem Koolhass. At 412,000 sq. feet and a price

tag of $165 million, it has the capacity for 1.4 million books and 400 computers.

Level three provides a "living room" type of space for patrons to gather and read.

With ceilings as high as 40 feet, the Reading Room on level ten seats 400 patrons.

The diamond-shaped steel and glass skin boosts 10,000 panels of glass. To keep out heat and glare inside

the building, a barely visible thin aluminum mesh is encased between two panes of glass in areas that

receive the most direct sunlight.

Stopped by Seattle Univeristy to check out the chapel by architect Steven Holl.

Interior of the main sanctuary.

Mommy Karen and little Kameron by the Baptistry.

A "light vessel" by the choir, one of many through out the chapel.

Looking through the entry doors at the reflecting pool and bell tower.

Finished off the weekend with brunch at Coastal Kitchen, located in the Capital Hill district of Seattle.

Kameron showing off his talents with a linguini mustache at Elliott's Oyster House.

On the way home I got a great view of Mount Rainier, which stands at 14, 411 feet.

Summer in New Zealand: Week 3

Sophia's 9th Birthday! She requested an angel food cake with fresh berries,

which was proudly made by her mum!

YEEAAHH! Personal pizzas for all the birthday guests. Pineapple and bacon

were among the favorite toppings. Yes, it was a lot of work for mommy Enaj!

Sophia's little toes and my mosquito bitten foot step onto the beach at Lake Taupo.

After visiting a glass shop in town, we all took a dip in the refreshing lake, renowned for trout fishing.

Driving back through Tongariro National Park, the sun settles behind Mt. Ruapehu, which is one of the

world's most active volcanoes. 

Cheers! Here's to auntie Stella who made a chicken curry with green beans. Notice the Tabasco bottle?

Had to spice up the dish after the fact, couldn't make it too spicy for the little Kiwis.

Make a funny face if you want dessert! I think Sophia wins this one.

Awww, little Carter didn't like the water. Good thing Dad is around to carry him! 

It was warm and sunny at the beach, the winds were roaring across the Tasman Sea. The kids loved the 

water, but we all could of done without the sand flying into our eyes!

I love the country...this is a stand in front of a house where one can purchase fresh eggs, honey and

vegetables on the honor system. 

Deven, Sophia, Georgia and James demonstrate the "hand" signals of the Pee Wee Kiwi Campbell Street

gang of Wanganui - West side.

Everyone hold up their Tamagotchi's!

With mastery and precision, Deven cooked me up a delicious omelet!

Carter giving me a nonchalant kiss in the morning. He's more interested in looking good for the camera!

Sophia, Deven and Georgia braved the 800+ steps up Durie Hill to see the views of Wanganui and its river.

Deven and I climbed up Durie Hill Tower, a memorial dedicated to fallen soldiers of WW1 from Wanganui.

Sophia and Rick check out the panoramic views of Wanganui.

View of Wanganui, looking west towards the Tasman Sea.

Oh, what to do with my leftover New Zealand money? Okay, candy for everyone!

As I sat in the plane before take-off, I snapped a photo of my beloved New Zealand family as they waved goodbye.

After being home in LA for a couple of weeks, I received this drawing from my niece. I love the curly-Q runway,

the family waving goodbye and my little head looking out of the plane's window. The only thing missing were

the tears running down my face. Yes indeed, I'll be back...

Presenting the Kiwi Bunch!

Enaj, Carter, Rick, James, Alice, Deven, Stella, and Sophia.