Bill, having divested himself of California Dive Center in March, celebrated by spending a few weeks in Thailand with his buddies Steve and Tom. They spent most of the time on a liveaboard in the Adaman Sea, where they saw incredible u/w creatures such as eels, a scorpionfish (or two), an octopus mid-color change. On the boat, they witnessed fabulous sunsets every evening over a great Cuban, while Tom demonstrated new photo techniques (while Bill continue to try and figure out his newfangled contraption). In late April, Bill and Carrie headed to the dive Mecca, Palau, tacking on a trip to Truk Lagoon (Chu'uk) on the way home. Palau was awesome, offering a beautiful hotel, great vistas, warm water, exotic fish, and a gorgeous wife. Truk has an incredible history (seriously, look it up), and gave one of the more glorious sunsets ever seen.

In July, Bill and Carrie went to the San Jose Grand Prix (courtesey of Blue Coat), where, in pit row, they got to see Sebastien Bourdais win the final race to be held in San Jose. Also in July, Bill and Carrie celebrated another great year together. In August, for Bill's birthday, Carrie gave him a race experience run by Richard Petty. In October, Bill took advantage of being in SoCal for Carrie's B-day experience (see below) to schedule his track day - and what a great (and FAST...and LOUD) experience it was! From an adrenaline perspective, it at least tied last years shark dive experience.

In mid-summer, looking to get active in high-tech again, Bill joined Collins Computing, running their marketing for them.

Carrie is rocking in her VP role at Blue Coat. She's also getting out to see the world, visiting with old friends in Puerto Vallarta in April, and taking some time to enjoy some boating in Australia in September. In recognition for her value to the company, Blue Coat once again rewarded Carrie with President's Club - a Med Cruise that went to Corsica, Tunisia, Malta, and Naples (Pompeii). Starting in Genoa, Bill and Carrie were able to walk around, visiting de Ferrari Square (and the visiting Terracotta Warriors from China). In Corsica, after landing at Ajaccio, they visiting the Corsican memorial to Napoleon. From Corsica, it was off to Tunisia, Africa. Tunisia is interesting because it holds Carthage (one of the long gone former rulers of the world). After a stop in Tunis, visting a monument to museums (long story, but cool fake statues), Bill and Carrie were able to visit the Roman Aqueducts, built to service the Roman Baths (these are pre-B.C., btw, built after the Romans defeated Cathage). On the way back to the boat, they stopped at Sidi Bou Said, a town famous for its blue on white exteriors. From there, Malta was on the agenda. Malta has absolutely one of the most stunning harbor entrances in the world, with local boats seemingly from a different time. The Mosta is a church built in 600 A.D., and can hold 3000 people (that's a big church). Finally, it was off to Naples to hit Pompeii - a city suffocated by its tempermental neighbor, Mt. Vesuvios back in 79 A.D. Bill and Carrie were able to walk around the restored section of the city, including the Forum, the House of Faun, and of course, the Temple for Jupiter. Then it was back to Genoa and a flight home. (for more pictures from the cruise, click here).

A few weeks later, Carrie had to go to Bali, and dragged Bill with her.While the diving was less than stellar, the Bali land and people are fantastic. The flora is bright, and insects far different from here. Motorcycles (which are 125cc or less - usually, WAY less) are the main source of traffic, and with the Hindu culture, statues and temples (w/their own statues) abound. (for more pictures from Bali, click here)

For her birthday, the entire family COMPLETELY surprised Carrie, showing up for a weekend at Disneyland. The intripid crew went on bug rides, played cards with complete pumpkins, rode water rides,and generally had a great (if exhausting) time. Austin got to pound an ant AND Goofy, completing his day. Bill and Carrie finished the day by riding into the sunset.

The Pardini Family has seen quite a few firsts this year. Austin had his first christmas, his first birthday, his first "real" Halloween, his first Disneyland visit (as part of his Grandma's B-day experience),and even his first wedding. Amy and Danny tied the knot on August 18th, with a lavish wedding party, full family turnout, and beautiful ceremony. There was only one small incident that was quickly forgotten. Wedding music was performed by Charles and Yoko, acclaimed guitarists. Amy and Danny honeymooned in Maui while the grandparents were run into the ground by Austin.

Speaking of which, he loves water, whether it's bath, or beach - even sand works for him! He continues to wrap the world around his finger, including Dad, Uncle Ryan, Grandpa, or Great Grandpa. Austin is an incredibly happy little boy (except when he's not...then watch out, world!). Danny received his contractors license in November, and Amy is expecting.