Four Years & Counting

Today, Nathalie and I are celebrating our four-year anniversary. In honor of us, I shall regurgitate one of my favorite toasts from the late Herb Cain:

Here’s to the roses and lilies in bloom,

You in my arms and I in your room.

A door that is locked, a key that is lost,

A bird and a bottle, and a bed badly tossed,

And a night that is 50 years long.

A Giant 33

Following the tradition of always trying to out-do eachother for our birthday, Nathalie once again set the bar high this year. For my 33rd, she had me convinced that we were headed out of town, but instead somehow landed 16 of the best seats in Pac Bell Park to watch Lincecum battle Zambrano and the Cubs for a chance at the post season. Well, the Giants lost and didn't make the playoffs, but I still got drunk with my wife and a group of my closests friends & family and managed to have a fantasic time. Thank you Nathalie...

The Lake 2009

Honnedaga Lake is a place that we all hold very close to our hearts. As a kid, it was our ticket to a virtually untouched wilderness without boundaries. We were free to explore and let the woods absorb all the youthful energy we had to offer. As an adult, not much has changed. The lake is still an escape and its natural beauty and tranquility are unmatched. It runs so deep in family history and traditions that it's appreciated beyond words.

This year, the lake added a new memory. Brett proposed to Morgan during a late night canoe paddle under the stars on Jones Lake. The still silence of the Adirondacks was briefly broken as Brett yelled from the middle of the lake, "She said YES!". I couldn't be happier for my cousin and selfishly am pleased to add one of my best friends to the family.

The Grand

Since my first time in Wyoming, the majestic peaks of the Tetons have always drawn me in. Hands down the most beautiful mountains in the states, Teton National Park would provide a perfect setting for our first alpine climbing experience.  In the good company of Craig, Rod & Tien, we filled up the van and decided to make a road trip out of it.

After a Truckee horseshoe tournament, a rotisserie pig, an abalone feed, the road to Winnemucca, a jackpot in Jackpot, a barefoot round of Idaho golf and a beer swilling session at The Stagecoach, we summited The Grand on Friday, July 24 at 8:30am (13,760 feet (4,194.05 meters).  

Brooks Allen Photography - Website Live

I'm very pleased to announce that my new website, Brooks Allen Photography, is now LIVE!

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Special thanks to Travis, TO Designs, for all his help.