Anatomy of a Family Photo

How to take a perfect family photo:

Step 1: Finding the perfect location in which all family members can fit (including lighting and background).

Step 2: Position the camera so that it captures just the right amount of space.

Step 3:  Take a sample photo to test the camera location.

Step 4:  Persuade all family members to gather in the chosen spot.

Step 5:  Arranging family members so that the camera can see everyone.

Step 6:  Set the timer on the camera.

Step 7:  Smile!
The photographer runs into his/her spot in the photo and hopes that the timer goes off and picture is taken while everyone is still looking at the camera.

Step 8:  Use appropriate software to perfect lighting and crop.

Top 3 things to NOT do when taking a family photo:

3.  Pick a location that does not have enough space:

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2.  Put the camera at a different elevation than the family members.

1. Take a photo in the dark and use your car headlights for light (no, the camera's flash won't help either).

Kimmel Family Reunion, Part 2

The Kimmels started to congregate in Fremont on February 13.  First Grandma and Grandpa arrived and the kids were excited to take them to Buffalo Wild Wings--one of their favorite places to eat, especially on a Tuesday when they have buy one get one free wings.  While Laura went to Hebrew School, the boys went swimming in the hotel with Grandma and Grandpa.

On Wednesday, Robin, Matthias and Emil returned.  Fortunately, Laura ends school early on Wednesdays, so she introduced Emil to skateboarding in Central Park.

Matthias helped the kids in and out of the largest bowl in the park.

We made a quick stop at the nearby main Fremont Library.

Thursday during the day Dave and the kids were busy, so the enjoyed the views in the Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge in the bay

Emil is sworn in as a Junior Refuge Ranger, and he proudly wore his badge for the rest of his trip.

 and then we went to see one of Laura's last basketball games.

Watching the game, Emil is pleased to be wearing his new police costume.

Friday, Aunt Wendy and Uncle Dennis arrived, and Saturday morning, Wendy had her race (and won!).

Meanwhile, the rest of us went to the San Jose History Park where Emil especially enjoyed a trolley museum and trolley ride.

Sunday morning, Dave, Laura, Wendy and Dennis made a first, unsuccessful attempt to climb Mission Peak while Shari, Grandma, Grandpa, Joshua and Benjamin make an unsuccessful attempt to reach Vargas Plateau Regional Park (so that we could also enjoy some beautiful views).  The Mission Peak regiment unanimously decided to turn around after 2/3 of the way up.

 

The rest of us ended up enjoying the rose garden at the California Nursery Historic Park, even though now is not peak flowering time.

Robin, Emil and Matthias went to Half Moon Bay for part of the day, and then we swam in the pool before heading out to dinner at the Dragon Garden Chinese Restaurant.

Monday, before Wendy and Dennis headed out to the airport, we played some card games in the hotel,

then we went to the Hayward Japanese Garden

and discovered that the Sulphur Creek Nature Center is closed on President's Day.

After lunch, we hung out at Central Park with bikes and skateboards and then we said good-bye to Wendy and Dennis as they left for the airport.

The also biked and skateboarded on our street before and after the skateboard park.

Tuesday, the kids and Dave had to return to usual weekday activities, but the rest of us took Emil to CuriOdyssey  Museum in Coyote Point,

and then lunch in San Mateo before saying goodbye at the airport.

That afternoon, even thought Laura had basketball practice and Hebrew School, we still enjoyed one last evening with Grandma and Grandpa before they left for San Jose in preparation for their early morning flight.

Finally a Win! and Season Wrap-up

Laura's basketball team finally won a game!

Playing basketball on her school's team was super-exciting.  Alas, the team ended with a 2-10 record and then lost their playoff game so they did not make it into the final tournament.

For their final party, I made a basketball veggie platter with carrots, olives and cucumber slices around the edge..

Here are a few more photos to remember the basketball season:

Exploratorium

 On Sunday, February 11 we have tickets from the library to see the Exploratorium in San Francisco.  We were fortunate to find free street parking (since the meters don't work on Sunday), a half a block from the Exploratorium parking lot.

Laura was brave enough to drink from the toilet water fountain instead of the standard water fountain right next to it.

Benjamin made a robot with LED lights as eyes.

Balancing exhibit outside.

The outside exhibits were fun, but it was very windy and a bit chilly..

Other February Happenings

With guests galore and our trip to the Exploratorium, Februaru is chock full of major events.  Here are some amusing minor events that are worth noting.

On February 2, Laura dressed up for Crazy Hair Day at school.

Then on February 6, Laura's class participated in a program called Walk Through the Ancient World.  1/3 of the class represented each of three ancient civilizations:  Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece.  Each student played a character and they helped act out events or aspects of each civilization.

Laura tells the audience about woman's roles in Ancient Egypt.