We had a great weekend, with all sorts of patriotic activities. Sunday night, Reagan threw a bachelorette party for her friend who is getting married next weekend. I took the opportunity, while she was out, to build and install her new desk in the former guest bedroom.

She didn’t waste any time putting it to use.

Monday, we barbequed on the roof with our friends Joe, Jen and Frank (plus Nikki the dog) and lit sparklers. The sunset was basically the most amazing thing ever. Here are a few images from the festivities.

The shot below was some team work. Reag wrote “Happy,” Jen wrote “Fourth.”

The next photo was all my idea (haha). Frank shot it for us.

You will probably recognize my hand style on this one.

When Reagan got home on Monday night, she didn’t waste any time showing me all of the video and photos that she shot while she was in Chicago. I have been working with her for the past few months trying to get her comfortable shooting the 5D in Manual. She took it with her on her trip, and didn’t have to call me once to ask me how to adjust the settings. The images came out awesome. I’m super proud of her. As I write this, she is in my office sorting everything out, in lightroom. If that wasn’t enough, check out her video skills! She shot and cut this whole thing herself.

Anyway, enough bragging about the wife. Today was one of those days where I didn’t waste one minute. I woke up at 5:30, Moved the car. Came home and changed into running gear, went for a run. After showering, I packed a messenger bag (with work clothes, camera and bike lock), took the train to Brooklyn. In Brooklyn, I stopped by M. Cuomo’s old apartment and picked up a bike that Mike left for me with his former roomie. From there, I rode across the Williamsburg Bridge, cross town, and down to the FiDi for work. I tried out the new parking area inside of the gated parking garages at my building. It was amazing. No anxiety about the bike getting ripped off, all day long. I was super busy, at the office, which made the day fly by. I know this is getting boring, but I must continue. After work, I rode to a gallery to shoot an opening. Then rode home. I have spent the rest of the evening setting up my new laptop that Reagan and Piper got me for Father’s Day. I’m writing this post from that very computer. The end.

With Reagan off gallivanting around Chicago, Piper and I have spent the last couple of days maximizing our daddy daughter time. Sunday, we went for a walk outside. Lately all she wants to do when she isn’t riding on my shoulders, is try to figure out how to climb back up onto my shoulders. Apparently she never get’s bored up there. She just settles in and is appears to be totally content, even if we are just sitting around enjoying the weather. When we were walking back across the parking lot to go inside, she was walking and holding my hand. It was still relatively early in the morning, so there were some long shadows. Piper was mesmerized by hers. It was so cute to watch her try to figure out what was going on with the whole shadow situation. I could imagine her in her head “what is that little grey thing on the ground that looks just like me and copies my movements?” So cute.

And here is one more shot of her watching a bird through the glass, while doing a sassy pose. These are both blackberry cam shots, hence the poor quality. But it is tough to carry a Piper and a big camera. Plus sometimes it is nice to have a break from photo duty.

We had a great visit with Piper on Saturday. I think that she did miss me. She was definitely jonesing for some shoulder rides. We had a super busy morning, so we hung out with PJ pretty much all afternoon, into the evening. We gave her a bath and put her in her PJs, then tucked her in. She was nothing less than absolutely adorable throughout then entire visit. I included some shots of bath time, below.

And finally.. probably my favorite shots of the day–

I had a chance over the weekend to throw together some of the video footage that we shot while on vacay. As I was going through it, I already missed being over there. We had such a great time. I kind of wish that I would have shot a bit more video, just so that we could properly reminisce. Anyway, here is what I came up with.

I also went back through the photos and had a chance to properly edit them (on a normal sized calibrated monitor). Here is a link to the Spain photos. Here is a link to the Paris photos.

Man, it was good to be back and see Piper over the weekend. She was super cute and in a good mood both days. We mostly just lounged around, had some shoulder rides, watched movies and snuggled. Good times.

Early Sunday, Reagan and I took her family to Liberty Island. It was the first time that we had ever been there. We aimed to make it on the first boat over to the Statue of Liberty and nearly made it. We did eventually make it over to the island, but because we took a later boat over, we couldn’t spend very much time there (because we were meeting one of Reagan’s sister’s at Piper’s house). Anyway, Reagan’s fam went up into the statue pedestal. Reagan and I couldn’t go, since we had prohibited items (large umbrellas and an iPad). So we did what anyone would do and had a mini photo shoot. Hahaha.

Liberty Island is pretty awesome, but I’m not sure if it is worth all of the hassle to get over there. Here is one more pic.

Europe tomorrow.

Saturday evening, we took a stroll in Central Park. Not long after we entered the park, there was a micro burst, followed by some awesome evening light. Above: Reagan flipping her hair around; Below: from behind.

Reagan, her parents, brother and aunt at the bandshell:

When I said awesome evening light, I wasn’t foolin’ Reagan wasn’t too happy about posing for these shots, but seriously, check out the light.

One more of the light–

Finally, the obligatory Times Square visit. Reagan was expressing her amazement of all of the sites.

Tomorrow: pack for Europe.

Saturday was Piper’s birthday. I can’t really even believe it, she turned 4. We headed up to her house bright and early, and arrived just as she was waking up. Reagan dressed her in her new little yellow dress and flowery crown (that Reagan made, btw). She was also rocking some new little sunglasses from her grandma b-holt. The weather was phenomenal for hanging around outside. So we sat out on the lawn and chatted/played for a while. When it started to get overcast, we took PJ inside and played with her until she was all tuckered out. It was a really fun time. It was especially cool to have her Baker grandparents and her uncle Jesse in town, as well as her great aunt Gail, who Piper met for the first time. There are a boat load of photos below. There are even more over here.

I’m so glad that this work week is finally coming to a close. Reagan’s family has arrived for all of the birthday festivities. Although, I think that we are going to keep it relatively low key compared to previous years. Just having family here to celebrate with, is enough of a party.

Last night I shot an installation by Brian Dettmer at a gallery in Chelsea. The dude carves up books (above) to make sculptures. Here are a few more images from the exhibit-

Happy Friday!