Knott's Berry Farm

Last month we were able to spend a few days in California with Andy (Matt's bro) and his wife Lauren.  We went to the Aquarium of the Pacific which Stratton loved.  They had an entire tank full of Nemos and he just sat and yelled "fish! Nemo!"  We also went to Knott's Berry Farm.  For those of you that don't know, Knott's is one of California's most under-appreciated theme parks.  It is much MUCH cheaper than the other big name parks in CA and there's hardly ever any lines.  We used to go there every Disney Land trip growing up so it has lots of fun family memories for me.  It has a great kids area with miniature roller coasters, rides, and activities that were perfect even for kids as young as Stratton.  It also has lots of great roller coasters/rides for us big kids plus the usual shops, shows, and theme park features.  So there's my plug for good ol' Knott's.  Anyways, this is a picture we bought of us on the log ride.  Stratton has a really flighty stomach (i posted previously about how much he hates the swings).  So, even though he didn't cry, I think he face says exactly how he feels about thrill rides...(if you click on the pic it should zoom in so you can see better)  

    

Sedona

A couple of weeks ago we ran up to Sedona and stayed a night- It was beautiful, not to mention it being 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix. We did a lot of really fun things- one was an African park where they have all the large animals. But our favorite was this spot- an information worker gave us the idea to come check this area out and it is one in a million. Cool water and soft stone with breathtaking views. We are gonna go back here again just to picnic along this river.

2 New Paintings

24"x 48's

These are so fresh off the easel they may change some yet but I wanted to post them so Amy could see what I was up to while she is in Idaho. I am really excited cause these are my first water paintings and I think they are great- but there are so many places to go from here. Some places are kinda flat like the blue shadows look chalky but once they get dry and jessoed they are gonna pop- hopefully right off the wall and into someone's home. I am painting like mad cause I had applied for art shows in Colorado through July and felt rather prepared and took some vacation time while Dad maned the gallery and before I knew it all my large paintings were sold and I feel some serious pressure- I think that is one reason I went so loose with the water which helped me fall into this look that I am loving.