Tom & Ali's Florida Trip Video - Chapter 1 - Dry Tortugas - (Also some picturesque photos of Dry Tortugas and some of its points of interest):

So here's the first installment of the long-anticipated video of our Florida trip. As the title states, this part of the video is footage from our boat trip out to, and tour of, Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson (which is on Dry Tortugas). A special thanks to Peter for all his help with editing this video, he did a spectacular job (he edits videos for his real job too, so he's really good)! Also, we put a few picturesque photos of Dry Tortugas and some of its points of interest that we found online as well as the one picture we had taken of ourselves below the video for your viewing pleasure. So, here you go and enjoy!

Be sure to pause the music at the bottom of the blog before starting the video.

Pictures of Dry Tortugas and some of its points of interest:

A shot of us at the main entrance of Fort Jefferson

Wide aerial shot of Dry Tortugas and the surrounding coral reefs

An aerial long-angle shot of the group of islands that make up Dry Tortugas

A shot from on top of the wall of Fort Jefferson facing the lighthouse and out towards the water

Shot of the beach we hung out on (as seen on the video) and snorkeled off of

Shot of fort Jefferson from the water

Wide shot of Loggerhead Key (part of the Dry Tortugas) from the water

Close-up shot of the lighthouse on Loggerhead Key

"Fun With Sparklers For Alison & Olivia-July 5th"-Plus photos of family get-together:

On the night of Saturday, July 5th, Alison's brother and his family came in to town. This included Aaron (Alison's brother), Chalesse (Alison's sister-in-law), Olivia, and Vivian (our nieces/their daughter's). We went over to Alison's parent's house after Nate and Erin's goodbye party and met up with the fam. So here is a video of Alison and Olivia playing with Sparklers (Olivia's first experience with sparklers). In the video you'll see glances of Chalesse, Carol (Alison's mom), Aaron, Rob (Alison's step-dad), and Hannah (our niece through Alison's step-sister, Laura). Tom was filming but you'll hear his valuable input via voice (lol). Also, here are some various pictures that were taken by Tom while they were in town.

Be sure to pause the music at the bottom of the blog before starting the video. Enjoy! 8-)

Photos of the family

Alison showing Olivia how the art of sparklers is done

Olivia showing off her talents, she's a quick study

Alison still enjoying sparklers long after Olivia has lost interest

Alison chatting with Chalesse (who appears to be deep in thought)

Aaron watching over Olivia while she dips her piggies in the water

Cheeesse!!!

Picture of the fam. (from left: Skyler (Alison's nephew), Hannah, Emily (Alison's sister), Alison, Ryan (Alison's brother), Jamie (Alison's sister-in-law), Vivian, Chalesse, Olivia, Aaron, Jim (Alison's uncle), Rob & Carol) - Taken by Tom

If you look in the bottom right corner of this photo you will notice this is supposed to be another picture of the Family (just kidding mom) (from left: Tom, Alison, Ryan, Jamie, Hannah, Skyler, Emily, Jim, Rob, bottom row: top of Vivian's head, Chalesse's head, top of Olivia's head, Aaron's head)

-Taken by Carol (not Tom) (just kidding again mom) 8-)

Olivia, Hannah, and Skyler having a blast on the swings in "the shed" (just kidding mom) they're in Carol's "garden pavilion"

Olivia showing off her acrobatic abilities on the swing, Hannah (in the background) is amazed

New and improved version (and newly added photos) of "Farewell BBQ for the Steenbliks (featuring special cameo appearance by Sarah)-July 5th"

On Saturday, July 5th Erin's parents threw a goodbye party for Erin, Nate and family. They will be going to Buffalo, New York (near Niagara Falls) for Nate's Nurse Anesthetist schooling. Nate promised to anesthetize me any time I want one he comes back (I have trouble sleeping). Even Justin joined us (he was on break from his military intelligence/spy training in Arizona). But, you may notice that Jake is strangely not in attendance (apparently he had better things to do than see the Steenblik's for the last time ever! j/k) Loni also came with her dreamboat boyfriend, who is in school to become a PhD/MD (I guess it's better to be both). Anyway, it was cool to see everyone; the number of children keeps growing and growing..! This video was updated on July 15th, new and improved! Enjoy!

Be sure to pause the music at the bottom of the page before you start the video.

Photos of "The Crew"

Partial group photo - from left: Heather, Ali, Tom, Sarah - Front row from left: Jeff, Erin, Nate, Justin, Ashley

Nate flirtatiously peering at Jeff

Jeff looking back at Nate, panicked and confused, wondering how to respond without hurting Nate or Heather's feelings...

After Jeff decided to go for it, Justin tried to intervene (out of jealously) - he was ultimately unsuccessful

New and improved version of "BBQ On Our Patio Video-May 30th":

On June 30th we had a small get-together with some friends since Seth and Jenn were in town from Florida. Nate, Erin, Jeff, Heather, Sarah, Jake, Seth, Jenn, Pete, Ashley, and some random children were there (and of course Alison and I). We had a fun time, and it was good to see Seth and Jenn after such a long time. We broke out the sugar gliders (Sugar and Baby) for everyone - they seemed to enjoy the company and just hopped around from person to person. Enjoy the video (quite short), and be sure to pause the music at the bottom of our blog when you watch it. Anyway, we hope everyone had a great Independence Day, and will have an awesome Pioneer Day!! This video was updated on July 13th - new and improved!

Be sure to pause the music at the bottom of the page before you start the video. Jack Johnson, take it away!!!

Sightseeing Pics., Kauai '06

While we were in Kauai Alison took some photos of the island, and since we haven't posted anything for a while, we thought we'd throw these out there. I think she did a great job on these photos, they are really nice.

This is a view of Wailua Falls, which was portrayed on the opening credits of Fantasy Island.

A view of the back country of the "Garden Island", and one of its many waterfalls from the air. A shot taken while on our helicoptor tour of the island.

Another shot from our helicopter tour; Honopu Beach on the Na Pali Coast. You may recognize this area as "Bali Hai" from the movie South Pacific.

A photo of the Awaawapuhi Valley from the helicopter. The valley is located on Kauai's Na Pali Coast.

A wide, aerial view of the Na Pali Coast.

Ke'E Beach on the Na Pali Coast in the Ha'ena State Park.

A shot of the peak of Mount Wai'ale'ale - averaging over 460 inches of rain each year, it is considered the wettest spot on earth. It is also the second highest peak in the Hawaiian islands.

Kalalau Beach with The Cathedrals towering over it located on the Na Pali Coast. This shot was taken while on the catamaran tour we took.

A Kauain sunset, as viewed from Tunnels Beach on the North Shore.

The Beach at Allerton Garden and Estates, South Shore. A lot of the footage in Jurrasic Park 1-3 was shot here.

Some type of Zingiberales flower in Allerton Garden.

A Garden Pavillion and a cascading Fountain and Pond at Allerton Garden. This property was once owned by Robert Allerton who cultivated and developed the area into what it is today.

Mr. Allerton loved his fountains! Another curious fountain in Allerton Garden.

Bird of Paradise and some other type Zingiberales flower in Allerton Garden.

A Mermaid statue (part of a fountain) in Allerton Garden.

An Asian Fish Statue in Allerton Garden, located near the house.

Water Lilly, Allerton Garden

Orchid Plant, Allerton Garden.