“My boys are the joy of my life. There’s nothing greater than watching their eyes fill with wonder as they experience new adventures or happier when they challenge their “old man” to a friendly wrestling match. I treasure every minute I’m with them and feel blessed to be their dad.”

We love to pack up the ol’ beloved 1987 VW Vanagon, slap our magnetic peace sign to the outside of the van and head out on summer camping trips to Ocean Cove and Lake Alpine. If we’re really feeling “retro” we wear our tie-dyed t-shirts!

In July 2007, my 15-year-old son Carter and I traveled to Alaska to meet up with my dad, who was visiting relatives.

Alaska is beautiful. Carter and I took a 200-mile road trip along the waters of Turnagain Arm, through the Chugach Mountains, passing icy blue glaciers and emerald green glacial lakes to Soldotna. The only way to describe trout in Alaska, is they are like trout on steroids!

To spend time with my son and dad in Alaska was truly an experience we will cherish forever. We have made a pact to have a father/son fi shing trip every year.

One of my fondest memories with my dad was going tobogganing. As with most farming families, we weren’t able to take long vacations because something always had to be done, so it was special to drive to Big Trees to play in the snow. Once there, we’d break out the Genova bread and salami. Then dad would fi nd a hill and we’d jump on the toboggan. Dad would be silly and sing in Greek and Italian all the way down the hill. Observers probably thought we were crazy, but we had a ball. To this day, I look at the pictures and smile at the simple fun we had.
— Angela Parises-Brusa

Death Valley 2000 was one of our most delightfully surprising vacations. Majestic canyons drenched in color made for spectacular hiking. We also climbed down to the salty lake remains to capture this picture at Badwater Basin, the lowest place in North America. We began each day at 5am to avoid the 130-degree June heat.

When my sisters and I were young, dad would often take us on hikes in the Santa Cruz mountains. The hikes were marvelous, aside from the poison oak-infested trails. The stories he would tell us were the highlight of our day. We would begin the day with a feast of pancakes. When we could not eat another bite, we would depart from our cabin, falling in behind our father, our pied piper. As the day would wear on, dad would take notice and lead us in a marching song. After awhile, even singing would take its toll on us, and we would end up plopping beside the trail and wait patiently for our dad to begin a story. One captivating story would lead to another. I don’t know how he was able to come up with such engaging stories off the top of his head, never telling two the same. My dad was unbelievably imaginative and gifted!

Every year we take the family skiing at Heavenly, Lake Tahoe. It is so beautiful and something the whole family can do together. We had just finished tobogganing when the kids started a snowball fight.

Our annual camping trip started 22 years ago. Some years I would bring a friend. My dad and brother also had an annual trip, separate from ours. Dad and I have camped on Angel Island, in El Dorado National Forest, Lassen National Park and on the Redwood Coast.

Adventures with Nelson.

As Father’s Day draws near, I can’t help but think of all the wonderful times I enjoyed with my dad. Outside of family time, our primary focus was enjoying the outdoors, especially dual sport dirt bike riding. We had great times planning our riding adventures. Our travels ranged from desert riding in Southern California to an endurance ride at Mt. Hood, Oregon. Along with these trips came great camaraderie with fellow riders and new friends.

With the passing of my dad in 2007, our adventures are over – at least for now. So this Father’s Day, please take a moment to enjoy that special dad in your life.

Cheers Nellie!

My father Frank was born in SF and came to Stockton in 1937 to begin a trucking company that grew into Sunrise Sanitation, Sunset Disposal and Delta Container hauling companies. My dad and husband Greg built up the companies until they both retired in 1998. Our family gatherings are of special importance with 9 great-grandchildren ranging in ages 16 years to 16 months enjoying meals and laughter.

I have my father’s eyes and my father’s sense of humor. He is my very best friend and he can make me smile on the rainiest of days. Just seeing him brings a smile to my face. The most wonderful gift that my father has given to me is his heart. Dad, I love you so much. Know always that you have made my world such a perfect place with your constant love and friendship. I am so blessed to have you. Happy Father’s Day!

Our family enjoyed a wonderful trip to Paris. We especially enjoyed delicious breakfasts at the Cafe on Rue Cler, famous for the farmers market and plethora of pattiseries, boulangeries, chocolateries, bucheries and little cafes. This is where the local residents do their food shopping. It is quaint and lovely.

Always strive to be the best you can be and the nicest you can be all the time. Have a GREAT DAY!

Bill Leach of Lodi enjoys weekend sails with his wife, 3 children, 4 stepchildren and 7 grandchildren on “Quantum,” their sailboat berthed in Emeryville. A favorite… a voyage to the Sea of Cortez.

We like to play basketball with our dad. We don’t have any photos of us playing basketball, so here’s a picture of us in Paris last summer.

The two funny things about his basketball game are his no-arc shot, and that he hardly ever goes in for a lay-up. When we were little we had a rule that he couldn’t shoot from inside the key (he’s 6'6").