The Ballet...

Yesterday evening Robbin and I attended the San Ellijo Dance ballet presentation at the Poway Center for Performing Arts. What a special evening it was, too. These little ballerinas will steal your hearts... they're so precious!














Granddaughter Chloe, who is almost 4 years old, was one of the "Buttercups" and did a great job. She's pictured in the photos at top, and 2nd from the left in the bottom right photo.

To quote our daughter Carrie Ann, who said it best: "They were so brave. All eleven of them. Hands locked in a little human chain, in the dark, with no idea what was going on. Not a tear. No cries for Mom or Dad. Just wide eyed and brave little ballerinas. It was precious and I am so proud of them".

A Day at the Beach...

On Sunday, April 17, we spent most of the day visiting daughter Carrie and her husband Kelly in Carlsbad. Along with their daughters, Chloe and Ava, we all headed over to the beach which is just a short drive from their home. Beautiful weather and we parked right next to the beach! What a great way to start off a new summer season.

Above, our little miss Ava tries on some cool "shades", while below daddy Kelly and grandma Robbin play in the sand with the girls.

The Beach at Carlsbad...

Yesterday a big group of us showed up at Carrie & Kelly's house in Carlsbad to celebrate the 1st Birthday of their daughter Ava (I'm sure Carrie will post photos).

On the way home I took granddaughters Haylie and Kayla to the beach near Carlsbad Village. Got this near-sunset photo with the cellphone.

A Delightful Visit With Chloe & Ava...

As mom and dad (Carrie and Kelly) head off to Minnesota for 4 days, Grandma and Grandpa Albrant played host to Chloe (age 3) and Ava (age 10 months).

They were funny, and cute, and delightful... and we enjoyed having those little sprites around to make us feel young again!

In these photos, Ava shows off the flower in her hair while sitting on Grandmas lap, and Chloe gives Grandpa her funny grin during their lunch on the patio.

Ava learned a new trick -- coming down the stairs backwards. Meanwhile, Chloe went grocery shopping with Grandpa and she insisted on buying a clove of garlic because it smelled so good and she wanted to take it home!

Ava Renee - Photo & Video

Here's a short 1-minute video of Ava Renee taken at her parents home on Friday evening. Big sister Chloe shows she is already a good "helper" to her little sister!

Parents Carrie Ann and Kelly are glad to get home with their new bundle of joy.

Photo shows the two sisters in a quiet moment.

Sorry for the poor quality video but it was taken with a cell phone.

Ava Renee Has Arrived!

Ava Renee arrived

today at 1:24 am!

Ava Renee Daoust is the newest member of our extended clan!

She is the new daughter of parents Carrie Ann and Kelly. She weighed 7 pounds and 12 ounces at birth, and was 19" long.

Everyone is doing great, although a little short on sleep!

Ava Renee is spending night with her mom at the hospital, but will be coming home tomorrow, where Grandma Robbin and sister Chloe await their arrival.

Baby Ava Renee Update...

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Baby Ava Renee is scheduled to be induced

on Wednesday afternoon!

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YIKES! Those teeth can bite!

Granddaughter Haylie and friend Lauren are pictured as they get ready for some Trick or Treat fun in the neighborhood.

Haylie said she was feeling a little "thirsty" and decided Lauren would be the perfect appetizer! (Click on the picture for an up close view).


Also out on the town was granddaughter Chloe, who was here with her mom and dad, Carrie and Kelly.

'Candy' is now one of her favorite words!

Ava's First Photo... 3 Weeks To Go !!!

Daughter Carrie Ann sent us this "first photo" of our new granddaughter, Ava. She's due on November 7th, although there is some speculation she may arrive early!

Carrie and husband Kelly have been pretty busy getting everything ready for the new arrival.

In this shot, you can clearly see her little hand and facial features.

Obviously a little doll in the making!

Becca and family visit...

On Saturday, August 22, we spent the day with Becca, her mom Nancy, and daughters Bailey and Bristol. The purpose of their visit was not a happy one however, as Nancy's dad passed away recently and they were here for the funeral in Long Beach.

Despite the sad occasion, we had a full day of fun activity. The video here is just a short clip with highlights of the movies we took.



In addition to Becca and her family, our daughter Carrie, husband Kelly and their daughter Chloe also attended.

First we had a terrific lunch at the Belmont Brewing Company in Belmont Shores (an area of Long Beach), on the outside patio, followed by some play time on the beach. Then it was off to a local park where all the kids had a chance to play, play, play! It was a very full day, to say the least, and all the kids (and Grampa Bill) needed a nap to catch up!

Bill Jr. (Becca's husband) had to work, but there was some good news about him. He was working as First Mate on his ship (this is the #2 position on the boat, under the Captain).

There are also pictures at this link: BECCA VISITS

Kelly's Band Plays in Huntington Beach

Kelly and his band, Tsunami Blue, played at Huntington Beach on Sunday. Kelly is 2nd from left in the photo.

Robbin, daughters Carrie Ann and Carrie Renee, and granddaughters Kayla and Chloe spent the day cheering them on.

They were participating in a weekend concert presented by the Huntington Beach Surf Museum.

Patty's Birthday Party...

On Sunday we hosted a birthday party for Robbin's sister, Patty, at our home in Murrieta.

A highlight of the day was a visit by Patty's son Kelly, who came all the way from his home in Virginia, and will be here for most of the week.

Pictured here are Patty opening one of her gifts, while her son Kelly visits with Kayla and catches up on the latest news.









Meanwhile, next door, our neighbors had a birthday party for their daughter, and invited our granddaughter Haylie to celebrate.

Looks like she may have the winning hand in the water gun action!

Click on any of the pictures for a larger view.