At our most recent Court of Honor, my Troop retired an American Flag. After many years of service this flag was ready to be retired with respect and Honor.
I was very proud of my scouts that night. They all did a fine job.
After we were done I received many compliments on what a great ceremony it was and how moved people were.
My brother from anothertha mutha celebrated his 50th birthday. We all gathered at Mami and Papi's house to wish Javier a happy birthday.
He still had it!
Hunter made sure the cake was ready!
Hunter and Grandma Kelly.
Chris and Tyler visiting with family.
Mai and I are very proud of our two Boy Scouts! Tyler has earned his Star Rank.
Austin has earned his Second Class! ( Thank you uncle Eric for your great camera work!)
Spencer turns eight today! I can't believe it. Time sure flies.
Mai and I took him and some of his friends to John Incredible Pizza yesterday.
A good time was had by all!
After Hearst Castle we drove up to Monterey. I've been here many times and never tire of this area. Great vibe and really nice people.
A great place to walk around......
and window shop.......
and Have a very nice meal.
When you come in the front door you find your self in this room. Nice overstuffed couches and a huge fire place. A nice place to get to know the other guests.
The walls are lined with choir seats.
A close up of the details of the fire place.
On to the dinning room. Every had to eat here. this was the only dinning area. No room service. Mr. Hearst wanted everyone to enjoy each others company during meals.
This is the ceiling in the dinning room.
These statues are from Egypt and are 3000 plus years old. Don't they make nice yard ornaments?
Here is the top front view of the main house. The dark area is made of teak wood. I never realized this fact until this visit. The carvings are incredible.
This guy ( or girl) walked right out in front of us and had himself a morning drink.
Here is a closer shot of the front of the castle.
Mai and I got a kick out of these guys holding everything together! Pictures of the inside next week. Have a great weekend.
This is one of many sets stairs in the garden area in the front of the main house. I say main house because there are 3 guest house in addition to the "castle" itself. These stairs led to one of those guest houses.
This picture is take to the left of the picture above and shows the side of the guest house.
If you were invited to "sleep over" at the "ranch" as W.R. Hearst called this place, you might sleep here.
This is the ceiling in the guest house.
The door to the guest house.
Can you find Mai? ( all pictures in my blog are click able to make larger ) 
Mai and I took to the open road with some friends this Labor Day weekend. Left the kids with grandma and had some time to ourselves.
One of our destinations was Hearst Castle in San Simeon. I'll let you Google it for all the historic details. These are pictures of the outdoor pool, yes there is more than one pool.
There are so many beautiful things to see. Not only the Castle itself with it's gardens and art but the location it's self is very breath taking.
Mai and I have went to Hearst Castle many times while we were dating, yet it always takes my breath away when I'm there. More pictures on the way!
I came across some pictures taken back in 2005. It was Mothers Day and wouldn't you know it the Nugents were camping. Pack 421 made a special place at the camp site just for all the mothers that were there.
They had their own covered area complete with flowers, flavored coffees and magazines. At one point in the day we had the kids make mothers day cards. These pictures are of Spencer enjoying giving his mom the card he just made for her.
After I ride the train to Buena Park, I take the bus. When I first started riding the bus I was a bit surprised at how clean the buses are and that a lot of people use the buses.
Using public transportation has had a mellowing effect on me. It forces you to slowdown (waiting for your bus or train) and be alone with your thoughts.
OK Dad I guess the hike was worth it! I know I thought so!
My Troop, outdoors, waterfall, it just doesn't get any better than this!
Here the boys are taking pictures of the falls and each other. The beauty all around us was breathtaking.
These falls are just below the taller falls. They were more that a few fish caught here.
