When I think back to the highlights of California, I have to say that coming upon this snake was really amazing. He was laying stretched out across the road in the sun like he did most days, but this day, we happened upon him. We did not want to run over him and he seemed unfazed by our automobile, so Tim got out, grabbed a stick and thought he could scare him away. As soon as Tim came around the car, he coiled and started rattling. Tim returned to the car and he continued to rattle and show us that he was the boss of the road. Eventually he uncolied and returned to his hole in the side of the road. The entire time he didn't stop rattling and the last thing that disappeared down the hole was the rattle. Once in a life time experience.

2007 Great Reno Balloon Race

Each year Reno hosts The Great Reno Balloon Race, a hot air balloon festival usually occurring in the first or second weekend in September. This year's races will occur September 7-9, 2007 at San Rafael Park, just a few blocks north of our house. It's quite a sight when the mass ascension occurs each day, when 100+ hot air balloons rise into the early morning sky. Just prior to first light, a handful of pilots take part in what's called "Dawn Patrol"--these pilots have special nighttime operating licenses that allow them to fly before first light, and when they do, it's magical. You would think there were enormous, multicolored lightning bugs flitting about in the still-dark sky. Here's a time lapse video of one of the mass ascensions from 2006. The balloon races are one of the very fun things that Reno hosts each year to challenge its casino city identity.

Tate's First Plumber's Crack

Good morning, everyone. We're sleepy in Reno this Saturday morning -- but we're getting a lovely dose of spring: a weekend in the 80s. Windows are already thrown open. My dad and Colin are installing a bookcase/media cabinet/desk unit in our bedroom that my dad built for us. With all the power tools lying about, I thought it ended up being pretty appropriate that Tate had his first plumber's crack yesterday. He's still as sweet as can be and is doing great: his bili levels (jaundice) are falling, he's eating and sleeping really well, and is a charming little man. We're doing well, too: I'm still sore but recovering and I'll let Colin speak for himself but he also is hanging in. This time last week, we were in the delivery room. Amazing!

Three dogs make thrice the fun!

So, the Robertson's are going to enter into the 21st Century and start blogging. I have a feeling that it will be the youngest generation who do the most posting, but hey, that's way cool. Us older and wiser types will have to share our lives too and maybe even download a couple of older and wiser pictures. All I can say about the trip to California was that Becca and Davida provided great opportunites to make memories and the guest house in Santa Maria could not be beat...even a private bath. More to follow about the details and you already have the pics, so I won't bore you with those except one that I didn't include.

Hello Hello

Well I think it is a good idea as well. So I will have to fill everyone in on my life. Well for all you who have been wondering how the relationship with Lauren is going it is going great, actually better than ever. The down side is I am leaving Iowa for a year and our relationship is kind of up in the air. We are still going to remain in contact while we are apart but we are going to keep other relationship options open if they arise and if the year passes and we still want to be together than we will work that out when we come to that point. I however can't wait for this next week and a half to go by. I am chomping at the bit to get out of UNI and back to the mountains and the fields of Big Prairie Ranger Station. I am working back in the Bob Marshall again this summer, which I can't tell you how much I enjoy being there. I also got accepted to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and will attend school there all next year. I am very excited for that experience as well. Other than that I don't have much news, I will try and post again before I go into the woods and am cut off from the outside world. My address in the Bob if any of you would want to write me which I enjoy and I can promise a letter back is:
Spotted Bear Ranger District
P.O. Box 190348
Hungry Horse, MT 59919
That’s all for now love you all!
Thomas

Hi everyone!

Hello everyone! I don't have much time to do anything besides say hi but just wanted to express thanks to Jamie for setting this blog up. I think it's a great idea and look forward to posting. Good to see all the photos of the newest member of the clan as well! Congratulations Colin and Monica!...and Tate too!

Special note for Tate: hey little guy, just because I like to post pictures on these things, I'm including a classic of where it all began for you--Colin and Monica's wedding! Well, technically it began for you long before that I suppose, but that's where it all started for our (yours and mine) relationship. I've got lots more pics for you to see whenever you feel ready to keep those little eyes open long enough to take a gander ;).

To everyone else: I'll post more later, right now just trying to finish up my final paper so I can graduate next week. Talk to you all soon!

-Nathan

My mom and dad visiting me in Olympia

Mom and Dad were able to come and visit me just before Easter. Plants and trees were just beginning to bloom, and they seemed to enjoy seeing all the new blossoms and the buds waiting for their day to open. This picture was taken on The Evergreen State College campus. Dad gave me some gardening advice while he was here, as I have an amazing backyard--it's my own secret garden (it has a wooden fence enclosing it with flowering vines growing on the top of it!) and I'm in the process of planting vegetable plots. I will post pictures of my progress soon!

Thanks for the cute clothes, auntie.

Just arrived

These photographs of the newest Robertson, Tate Bradley, are part of a much larger group you can see at the proud parents' blog, babyboy2b.

The Robertson web log

This is the first post to invite all Robertson kith and kin to participate in this ongoing family activity. It is not meant to reduce individual private communication among us by phone, email, or mail. But it does provide a space where we can have conversations. For example, Tim and Cindy and the California folks could write up their thoughts about the recent visit by Tim and Cindy to the west coast. This is not a public blog, but everyone who received an email invitation should have full authoring privileges. I tried to send this to everyone, but I may have missed some. Let me know. Wouldn't this make it much easier to arrange reunions? Willing to give this a try?