Thanksgiving at the Bradley Lodge

Like last year, we spent Thanksgiving at the Bradley Lodge in Big Trees with the family. The big project this time was continuing to chop up the tree we had cut down a couple months ago. I got to use the chainsaw -- one step closer to my dream of becoming a lumberjack someday.
We got to preview Erin and Eric's new house they're building up there to get ready for the twins on the way. On the way home we stopped by Copperolpolis to see what the new downtown was all about and they just happened to be having a tree lighting ceremony that night. Everyone in town (~100 people) were out at City Hall to ride the horse-drawn carriage, listen to the carolers, and watch the tree light up. Luke didn't like the snowman very much, but other than that he enjoyed our little 15 minute detour.

San Francisco Zoo

Jerome and Becca invited us to go to the San Francisco Zoo today. Luke and Sierra had a great time with the animals, especially the goats. Check out the slideshow below to see the bears, ducks, and even the squirrel that stole all our food.
This zoo is pretty lame at the moment, they don't have many animals and most of the exhibits seem to be empty or closed -- however, the children's petting area is awesome!
On the way home we stopped to take a stroll on ocean beach.

Video: Luke on Piano

Video: The Growling Drummer Boy

Video: Luke and his Uke

Luke and the Ukelele

Luke received this Ukulele from Grandpa and Grandma after their Hawaii Cruise. This is by far his favorite toy. I'm certain he is going to be a famous musician one day.

I still have upload some video of Luke walking around the house playing... so more on this later!!

Anniversary Weekend Away

This past weekend Dave took me on a secret anniversary getaway. Since we were dropping Luke off in Lodi I had a pretty good idea we were going to our wedding reception site, the beautiful winery/hotel/spa Wine and Roses, I was right! Our room was beautiful with a huge fireplace and large spa-like bathtub

The first night we ate a romantic dinner at the hotel. My mom sent us wine and chocolates to pair with it, so we enjoyed yummy dessert and wine every night.

On Saturday Dave had a couples massage set up for us in the Hotel's Spa ...oh it was so glorious!! We spent 5 hours just hanging out in our robes at the spa enjoying a glass of wine in the jacuzzi and by the open air fire pit, I think I could have stayed there all day. That evening we joined in on the local Taste-and-Sip tour of many of the local wineries. We even received a free, signed bottle of Old Vine Zin from Pasos Vineyards thanks to their super friendly sales girl.

On Sunday we enjoyed a leisurely morning of breakfast and a game of Nerts then it was off to pick up our little buddy at Great Grandma's house nearby. It was a much needed weekend of just being "US", rest and relaxation. Now back to reality!

4-Year Anniversary

Happy anniversary Natalie! Four years ago today I first experienced the great joy of calling you my wife. With each year that goes by I grow in my love for you as I see more of your loving heart, humble spirit, and prayerful wisdom. You're a fun and adventurous travel companion, an incredible mother to our son, and my best friend. I pray that I'll continue to learn how to love and serve you better in the many years to come.
I love you, my beautiful bride. Happy Anniversary.

UAE Desert Challenge

My buddy Jonathan just completed an impressive feat, he competed in the UAE Desert Challenge last weekend in Dubai -- a 5-day 1,300 mile race through the desert. Riding the dunes is a good way to pass the time when you live in Dubai. His team of 4 amateurs decided to do it for charity and ended up raising $100,000 for two charities, the Dubai Center for Special Needs and Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) for people living near Lake Albert in Uganda.
You can read and see more on their "UAE Charity Challenge" website.
XPress article.
Gulf News article.
Looks like fun, I'll have to enter this race with Luke someday.

Luke on SmugMug

When you go trick-or-treating with the CEO of SmugMug, you get really cool pictures taken of your kid! They had an awesome photo-shoot setup in their driveway for the neighborhood kids (and adults... Natalie and I will have to dress up next year). Check out all of Luke's pictures here.