Feb 2005 - Plane spotting

Plane spotting is an acquired obsession. You see planes all the time when growing up, but do you ever take the time to spend a day or evening watching them land and take off? Well, Aram has always enjoyed watching planes. He could be driving along and see a plane flying low overhead and depending on his state of mind, he may just pull over and watch it -- and get the poop on the plane :) Now San Diego Airport is in a great location. Its in the city and planes fly right over the freeway, roads and the downtown skyscrapers. It's a sight to see! So being the big brother and wanting to share some of his passions he decided it's time to share this with Gulam. It was an all out evening: we made popcorn, had hot chocolate, dressed warm and found a good spot to watch the planes. We had a great time and here are some pics to show you.

Aram, still getting used to his powers of levitation, attempts to take a picture of Gulam;). 

Gulam;) ruthelessly eats all the popcorn, leaving little for Aram;). Please note Aram's;) expert photography skills.

Gulam;) desperately tries to get the "poop" on the planes. "Zee plane, Zee plane" Please note Aram's;) expert photography skills.

Dec 2004 - Skating in a hurry!

This outing was a mad dash and very little could be truly enjoyed. The skating event held in San Diego by Big Brothers (etc) ended at 7:30pm and Aram ;) thought it would be a good experience for his Little. Aram ;) being an optimist , thought that he could get home from work on time, pick up Gulam ;) and drive 40mins to the skating rink, find parking in downtown San Diego and get to the rink with lots of time to enjoy the skating -- but that was just wishful thinking --Murphy's Law prevailed and taught Aram ;) a good lesson -- plan more simpler events. Let's start with the excuses: 1. Aram ;) works 70 miles away from home. 2. The friday traffic was horrible 3. Big Brothers should have had longer hours...and the list goes on. Nevertheless, the brothers rushed to the rink and as everyone was packing up to leave they were putting on their skates attempting to enjoy the few precious minutes on the skating rink. After getting kicked off the ice, all Gulam ;) got from the refreshment table was hot apple cider and cookie crumbs. That's when the brothers saw Amy, smiled for a picture and headed home. No worries, the brothers stopped to enjoy their favorite treat: creamed ice -- Yum, yum!

Amy's low tech picture phone takes a blocky picture of the brothers -- they look much better in real life! 

2004 -- It's Rodeo time!

This was a time for firsts. It was the first time the brothers were on time for an event. It was Gulam's ;) first time to a rodeo...and it was the first time the brothers almost got beaten up! The Poway Rodeo was home to big people, big bulls, big horses and even bigger barrels. Aram, having grown up in the Canadian prairies, thought this was a small time show ;) Gulam, however, was fascinated by all the activities as he plugged his nose trying to forget the smell. But this passed and he was able to enjoy the activities. We sat in the bleachers mesmorized by the cowboys and their abilities. And then Gulam, the klutz that he is, accidently (we still question this) knocked over a man's drink -- and he wasn't a small man! Now, Aram ;) was oblivious to this and wondered why Gulam ;) suddenly had become quiet and sat with his hands nicely folded in his lap -- this was very unlike his mischievious little brother. hmmm -- what's going on? As he turns his head, he sees a man giving him an enraged glare. The brothers finished watching the show and on the way home, Gulam ;) tells Aram about the incident -- now, it all made sense! Whew -- a close call and a great adventure!

Gulam ;) proudly displays his over-sized nose. His only competition is the horse in the background. Please note Aram's ;) expert photography skills.