Gary Gionet

Samantha waiting patiently for her turn on stage at the annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, Baby Beautiful contest.

Funny combination of photos from the annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, Baby Beautiful contest.  My wife captioned this photo collage, "No you didn't!"

My CRAZY granddaughter, Isabelle refusing to hold on during her ride on the big people swings ride at the local carnival.  Gave Papa a heart attack!

While enjoying a photo beach day in Orange County, I came across the Virgin Oceanic Super Cataraman testing it's deep water submarine.  The sub is the only "manned" craft able to dive more than 7 miles.  You can read more about this project at http://www.virginoceanic.com/

Easter Blessings To All ~ may you have a wonderful day!

Westminster, CA - My beautiful niece Alisyn came by for her senior photos.  I can't believe this little girl is now a young lady ready to go out into the big world.  I am proud of you Ali for accomplishing this milestone through so much in your life. Love you, ug

Westminster, CA - Okay, now I feel better because this is the Alisyn I remember!

Fontana, CA - Autoclub Speedway for the NASCAR race.  Car No. 15, 5-hour Energy driven by Clint Bowyer waiting on Pit Row.  Threat of rain all morning but we got most of the race in before the downpour.  Congratulations to Tony Stewart who won the race.  Clint had a good day finishing 13th.

Fontana, CA - Autoclub Speedway on NASCAR race day.  Enjoying the closeup view from Pit Row.  At this 2 mile track it is all about the tires when calculating a win.

Williams, AZ - One of the many beautiful birds at Bearizona.

Williams, AZ - A magnificent owl in flight.

I so remember the Christmas Eves of past when it seemed like an eternity waiting for the time to unwrap presents left by Santa.  This photo was taken by my father about 50 years ago (modified in Photoshop) and it portrays my two wonderful sisters waiting patiently to attack the pile of gifts.  Just like my parents, Kelly and I still celebrate on Christmas Eve to keep the tradition alive in our family.

I cropped and did some Photoshop work on this image originally of a family taken by my niece Amber. What a perfect catch this was for Amber.

Found these two beautiful fall color leaves backlit among the foliage during a stroll at the San Joaquine Wildlife Preserve in Irvine, CA (November 2011).

Our second grandbaby Samantha Marie arrived 11/17/11.

Fontana, CA - Autoclub Speedway was the location for my race car ride along.  Kelly purchased my ride along as a gift earlier in the year.  Today, I sat in the passenger seat of Car 11 as we made our way around the track numerous times reaching speeds up to 172 mph.  It was quite the experience for sure.  I now have a new appreciation for the NASCAR drivers I watch each weekend. "Let's go racing boys!"

About this photo: Williams, Arizona (August 2011) Great Horned Owl taking flight.

About this photo: Williams, Arizona (August 2011) A recent visit to Bearizona park in Williams. The saying attached to this photo came to me yesterday after reading about our brave Navy Seals KIA in Afghanistan.

About this photo: Anaheim, CA (March 2011) Live fire drill by the Anaheim Fire Department.

About this photo: Fullerton, CA (January 2011) Fullerton Arboretum, a scrub jay perched on a wooden fence.