When we got back from Chicago, we made a temporary move into a beautiful house in the hills of Silver Lake. This is a section of the staircase that lead to our front door.

The 97th step puts the front door in your line of sight. You still have to climb about 5 more steps to get inside the house.

The view from the lower patio is worth the burning thighs. That's the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles in the distance.

Kristen and I Went to Chicago for 4th of July weekend 2010. I had never been to Chicago....

We got tickets to see U2 play Soldier Field, which I thought would be really cool. I had never been to Chicago. Kristen had never seen U2. Of course U2 POSTPONED the North American Leg of their tour because of Bono's back surgery....

So we went to see the CUBS play WRIGLEY Field. And I'll tell you what... July in Chicago? It's HOT.

So yeah, instead of canceling our trip, we ventured out to conduct our own sweltering tour of the Windy City. Besides, I kinda had a trick up my sleeve...

Kristen is the love of my life and Ive known since the moment we met that I wanted her to be my wife....

THAT part of my plan, the plan to propose, would NOT be postponed.

Windy City waterfront. Uniquely Chicago. I've seen better beaches... that's for sure.

I've got a diamond ring in my shorts.

We decided to enjoy the Independence Day festivities on The Roof at The Wit Hotel. Great view.. couldn't see the fireworks.

The HIGHLY regarded and heavily recommended BONGO ROOM was CLOSED. Eleven City Diner was makin a KILLIN up the street.

This is how we kicked off July 5th. A big fat bloody mary with a salami and cheese garnish and a mimosa... They call that "hair of the dog."

I'm starting to look a little nervous. Kristen is starting to get suspicious.

The Fourth of July came and went and I still had a diamond ring in my pocket (To be continued)

On our way to get some authentic Chicago Pizza in Lincoln park, I inconspicuously took her for a walk through OZ park, where we randomly happened across Emerald City Gardens.

It was dusk. As time would freeze, a cool quiet breeze was sweeping through the trees. I sat her down on this here bench and got down on my knees.

We cried, we kissed. Situation win-win. We consummated this with a left hook to the chin.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the future Mr & Mrs Huffman. The rock makes it stick.

This little Rabbit saw the whole thing.

We celebrated by having dinner at The Signature Room, on top of the John Hancock center.

celebratory sorbet

Extra sweet and Extra Dirty.

IZZE...

Taste...

Agent.

Sometimes my worlds collide as IZZE Sparkling Fruit Juice ends up on the set of one of my recent video projects.

Todd the sound guy thinks IZZE sounds great.

IZZE makes Patrick, the DP, very happy. Kevin could care less.

SOMEBODY....

... got a MOONBOUNCE...

... for CHRISTMAS!!!

The Uncle Jim pile-on

The Uncle Jim pile-on plus 1

My niece, Marley Rae, the newest addition to the Huffman family.

GREAT Grandma Jenny Huffman with Keller, Casey and Dave, their Dad... my brother... my grandmother.

Ok, next chapter, Grandpa Jerry (My dad) and his two grandsons, Keller and Casey, at the Lutheran Home in Hickory, NC.

Christmas Party in PV (Palos Verdes)

Went to San Francisco for Thanksgiving. After Turkey with Kristen's family, spent the weekend bouncing around. First time for me....

This was news to me... I had no idea that all these SEALS hang out on the docks at Fisherman's Wharf.

Can't remember what this place is called... very ROMAN looking....

There is some...like... big famous bridge there?

This just in! Hands down the best wedding photo... ever. I didn't see what Kristen was holding on to until the 3rd time I looked at it (It took me that many tries to get over the enjoyment of looking at myself)

Beer and seafood (and onion ring)Santa Barbara style (includes happy ending)

Moon rising from the Pier in Santa Barbara. Dusk.

Melville Winery Tasting room.

The bottle of Shiraz I purchased at the Melville Winery... free at last!

A shot from the BECKMEN Vineyard. Beckmen Vineyards is a family-run, estate winery located in Santa Barbara County's Santa Ynez Valley.

Kristen and I playing with the timer on the camera. Took this shot at The Melville Winery in Lompoc.

From the Melville Winery in Lompoc.

Melville Winery.

Who doesn't love a little wedding dance-off? Poppin, lockin, rollin and rockin at the Jessica Murphy/Andrew Walker wedding reception. Hudson Terrace, New York City, September 2009

Security at TKTS Times Square... not so tight.

Me and My Girl. She is so damn cute.

The Yankees cleared the bench... and hugged it out with their beloved captain.

Derek Jeter became the all-time Yankee hit leader.

The stadium was RUMBLING. I think I even teared up a bit.

9/11 ceremony at the New Yankee Stadium. Sept 11, 2009

Labor Day Weekend 2009: Innertubing on Lake Mead

Labor Day Weekend 2009: That's my good buddy JJ there in the middle. One interesting factoid about this shot: JJ doesn't actually KNOW anyone else in this photograph.

Labor Day Weekend 2009: "I'm on a BOAT!"

Labor Day Weekend 2009: During some Lake Mead down-time, I was compelled to perform an impromptu interpretive dance while enjoying some atmospheric 80's music.

It almost looks like I went to church camp... and had a REALLY good time.

Woops... boat's a little rocky.

Is that a move from THRILLER?

Labor Day Weekend 2009: Sometimes when you are moved by a piece of music, you just gotta GO with it.

Trying to throw my New York attitude around.

Mom & Bob, Hollywood sign, Long Shot.

Mom & Bob, visiting Los Angeles, hiking near the Hollywood sign.

On the set of CATCH, the web series. Director Wes Greeson confers with actors Trevor Jones and Anne Judson Yager.

I'm the writer/producer dammit, give me my camera back!

Zoe, Director of Photography extraordinaire, contemplates the shot.

Director, DP and actress.

AJY in between takes.

Anne Judson Yager, who plays Maggie, and Trevor Jones, who plays Jerry, ready for their close-ups.

Passing out samples of IZZE at the Gelsons in Pacific Palisades.

Partying at SHARKEEZ at Hermosa Beach, July 4th, 2009.  First shift...

Thats Me and KD hanging out at Hermosa Beach on July 4th, 2009.

Eric Jones and Kristin Downey at Hermosa on 7/4/09

Some sort of XLarge margarita...gangsta style

Partying in Hermosa beach... second shift

Colin, Ashley and Marcus

Colin romancing the Stone Surfer

The photos at this point start to get blurry and/or really inappropriate

Working a charity event in Santa Clarita for IZZE

Anne posing with the notorious DRAGON that I found myself sliding down headfirst a few minutes later.

Inspired by the little kids who felt no fear for the Dragon, I launched my first attempt.

Pausing to ponder, plus my knees were wobbly and I needed a moment to get my wits about me.

This was my heavy, quasi-spiritual, zen slash sitting frog-like moment in the thick of Griffith Park.

Tony D and ME.

A happy hi-five at the height of our trip.

Hi-fiving can be fun!

"Young man, this is where deals are spoken and broken... and you're a long way from Hoboken."

We decided to simmer down and shoot something more stoic... sovereign.

Cool shot of Anne with all of LA below. I took this picture btw.

I took a handful of pictures while I was lying in the grass on my back... looking up towards the Hollywood sign...upside down... good times. I thhink Anne was actually grazing but its hard to tell... I was upside down.

Playing an Alienware Secret Agent at the E3 Expo in Los Angeles, June 2009. Of course I had to stop by and pose with the Ninja girls.

T7 and ME... playin it up at E3.

Not sure who this guy is, but I think he is up to something.

June 2009: On the set of a legal industrial video that I produced and also acted in. I was supposed to be the unkempt, not-so-professional paralegal. So the make up girl was helping me.

Thats me and Alienware Special Agent Ouch and Agent Four-Ten Jen.

Publicity photo for CATCH the web series. L to R: Brian Wilson, Anne Judson Yager, James Huffman

CATCH publicity shot # 2

CATCH publicity photo #3

On the set of CATCH 5 with Actor Brian Wilson and Director Wes Greeson.

The sign says "I hate dogs...and kids too." I ws working a promotion for the BIG LOVE season premiere on HBO. People either laughed hystericlly...or jeered at me.

James Huffman.... big time actor/writer/producer... walking around Santa Monica with a goofy sign on his back.

Christmas 2008 fueled by coffee and tea.

Thats me under the helmet..

2nd attempt to get a nice Christmas photo.

5th or 6th attempt to get everyone in position for a Christmas photo.

THERE IT IS!!! The official 2008 Chistmas photo.

August 2008: Keller, 5 years old, on vacation in Point Pleasant, NJ

August 2008: Thats Keller, sitting on the dock of the bay, doing the fishing thing his own way.

Casey, 3 years old, too cute for words... literally...he speaks in tongue with the occasional variation of  "Poopy."

Casey and Big Ole Bob

A little horseplay and rollin on the floor never hurt nobody.

Ok...somebody's gonna get hurt.

Love this shot.

My nephew Casey...I'm grooming him to be a Yankee fan...trying anyway.

Sitting in the bleachers at the first 2007 Yankees/Red Sox home game.

Brooklyn, June 2007. On the set of a student film I worked on.

Working the 2007 Book expo

Taking a break at Bryant Park during a promo for HBO

Here I am appearing as Spiderman for a promotion at a Wal-Mart in Long island.

This is a photo from a print job for CommuterLink.com

More print work. I am in the background with the stripped shirt, white tie and HUGE coffe mug....totally hitting on that girl.

Can I BE a bigger dork? I am having way too much fun photographing myself while riding a bike at Venice Beach.

Graffiti scene from Venice Beach. I love this shot!

Richard Pryor's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

More Graffiti at Venice Beach

Even the trees are tagged

Jess and Charlotte Winters near UCLA

Jack Nicholson's hands and feet

Jess and I at Runyon Canyon State Park, March 2007

The Simpson have a star on the Walk as well...of course

Jess and her step-sister Liz at CHINA-1 on New Years eve 2006. WAKE UP Liz...wake up!!! Somebody get her some coffee.

New Years Eve 2006 at China-One

LOBBY HERO backstage, Sept 2006. This is how a serious actor spends his time between scenes. He tries to take pictures of himself in the dressing room mirror with his cell phone.

Another island masterpiece...

The harbor at Ocracoke Island

More from the harbor...

The view from McCarren Park Pool, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, now empty, hosting free outdoor concerts in the Summer.

I'm crooked

Me and my Lady-friend

Cool shot, people watching the show

Jess, Andrew and I, hanging out on Andrew's roof in Williamsburg.

I'm at this really cool State Park in LA. Dirt pathways wrapped up in rolling hills. It overlooks the entire metro area. I can't remember the name though.

A shot of the "Courtyard" at my friend Heather's apartment complex. Looks like your typical West Hollywood set-up.

Venice Beach recreation center

Some sort of film/commercial shoot on the beach in Santa Monica. I was just a bystander.

Uncle Jim with Casey, Daddy and Keller on a recent visit to Fairfax

Casey had a long day...

Keller looks like he just fell on his head...photo by Mommy

There's Keller and Mommy...Keller makes great faces for the camera...

Looks like Mommy's doing all the work here.

Keller and Daddy

Keller the Great.

Daddy's saying "No" and of course I'm whispering "Yes"

Keller and his latest work of art.

Mom & Bob

Little Casey Huffman

Casey, Keller and Uncle Jim

Me, Casey in the left hand, camera in the right

Hickory, NC: My cousin Kim and her husband David, My Uncle Danny and Aunt Linda.

Overlooking Huffman Cove in Hickory, NC

Dad and Grandma Huffman, Hickory, NC