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The Lilith Fair

This weekend, our family welcomed the 2nd girl in Ayjia's generation. You are looking at Alexandra Katherine Cleland, Ayjia's new cousin and daughter of proud, yet I'm sure tired, parents Julie and Jamie Cleland.

Welcome to the family! Now, let the girl troubles begin....

The World According To.....Jack

So, this is just a quick post to let everyone know that Ayjia has renounced her name. Maybe she doesn't like the way it's spelled, or maybe she's a man trapped in a woman's body...but for whatever reason Ayjia now prefers to go by, well....Jack.

Not exactly as poetic as the old name.

Yes, two weeks ago she randomly told her new friends that she was Jack. And, since then, whenever we call her Ayjia, she says, "No! My name is Jack!"

And, if that wasn't enough, she has given everyone else new names as well. Dad is now "David" and mom is "Hahodee."

So, there you have it. If you'd like a new name as well, just come over to our house and I'm sure Ayjia....errrr Jack...would be happy to crown you with a new title.

Bawston

Well, we posted our pics from Ireland, but on the way there we stopped in Boston and had a blast. We stayed with Aunt Julie and Uncle Jamie and just hung out for a few days. During our stay, we experienced all 4 seasons in less than 5 days. It was crazy, but fun...Here's what happened...

Outside of the museum of science, a monster poses with a dinosaur

Grandpa and Ayjia walking through downtown Boston. One of our favorite photos from our trip.

Ayjia and Aunt Julie developed a new system for drinking. First you drink, then you wipe your face, and then you say, "ahhhhhhh." This is a picture of step 3 in the process.

You played a weird game in Julie's backyard. We're not sure what the game was, but it was some kind of horseshoes type of game. Whatever it was, you looked beautiful in the sunlight.

Ayjia and Dad dancing in Aunt Julie's kitchen. Dad has white-boy rhythm, so Ayjia took the lead and Dad just followed along.

When it snowed, Ayjia took off and played in the backyard. She had such a good time until....

She fell flat on her face. Rather than coddling her, mom grabbed the camera so that we can all share in your misery.

Grandpa, Mom, and Ayjia in downtown Boston. Behind them is a balcony where someone famous once made some famous speech. Don't ask us who, we don't know, but just know that it was uber-important to American history. Like more important than Seinfeld.

Note from mom: In case you're wondering, it was Thomas Jefferson reading the Declaration of Independance for the first time to the American people. Not as funny as Kramer sliding through Jerry's door, but hopefully more memorable, Dad!

As Dad continues to wonder if he's the real father (the endless jokes from your mom about fathering you from a turkey baster have him starting to wonder), dad finds solace in this picture which shows off that you and dad have the same smile.

We're Back From Ireland, It Was Grand!

Well, it's been a long time! When we got back from Ireland, we had a lot of catching up to do. By now, we've told most of you about our trip. But, if we haven't we can sum it up like this: the people weren't that nice, everything was extremely expensive, but all that didn't matter because the beer was grand (one of the new words we picked up) and the scenery was beautiful.

Ayjia really enjoyed Ireland as well. So, here's a whole bunch of photos to help tell her Ireland story....

After our long flight, the little girl was tired. This is her in the hotel lobby. She found a unique place to rest her weary head.

We found a beach while we drove on the "Ring of Kerry." It wasn't a typical California beach, it was dirty and cold. But, still beautiful. And, Ayjia still enjoyed it. She found shells (mostly with live fish in them!) and just liked being out of the car (the Ring of Kerry took 6-7 hours to drive!)

In one of the pubs we stopped in, there were some locals that had brought their dogs to hang out by the fire and drink some beer. Ayjia decided to join them. The floor was dirty, but we didn't care, we were too busy getting liquored up.

Half our time in Ireland was spent taking pictures. This was one of the many beautiful spots in the countryside. Photo courtesy of Grandpa.

Ayjia in front of a beautiful church. About as close as she'll ever get to going in a church.

This was dad's favorite scenery in Ireland. This is one of the furthest points west in Ireland and behind Ayjia is the Atlantic

Here's the fam on top of the Blarney castle, where a few minutes earlier dad risked life and limb to kiss the good ol' Blarney stone. Unfortunately, the gift of eloquence was not bequeathed upon your father as he's still just a geeky greek guy who love to talk about apples (speaking of which, this is the first posting your dad is making from his new MacBook Pro).

Ayjia in front of a castle. OK, a watch tower. What do you want us to say?

We wish we could take credit for this picture. Isn't grandpa a good photographer?

Ayjia got these brand new shoes in Ireland, but we liked this photo because you can also see her pony tails!

Ayjia getting down to some horrible cover songs sung by an old guy in a lame pub.

An Easter egg hunt in the forest by a castle in Ireland. If ever we were jealous of our own daughter it was here. Maybe we'll post the video of this hunt soon....

Ayjia posing outside of a castle with both mom and dad. This castle was completely restored on the inside (unlike the Blarney castle), but of course, you couldn't take pictures. So, if you want to see it, buy a plane ticket....

Grandpa on the other side of the camera. Still a goofball though.

We tried to rent one of these, but they were "occupied." So, we just snapped a photo so that we could tell you that you rode in the "horsey cart." But, you really didn't, you're parents are just evil.

Mom and Ayjia having a good time on the streets of Ireland. In the background, a very typical Irish town.

On the last day in Ireland, you got your face painted. Look, a beautiful butterfly on our beautiful booger.