Our Christmas Card

From December in San Francisco

For all of you that sent beautiful Christmas cards - Thank you. I was not as efficient. Some how we did not get a family picture at the wedding. It has since been resolved. We went to the Walt Disney Museum (great memory lane for those of us of the Mickey Mouse Club age) in San Francisco and saw Thomas new apartment. I thought since we were all together lets get the picture. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas.
Happy New Year!
Love always,
Tom & Trish

The Great Gingerbread Challenge Christmas 2009

The table was set for the greatest showdown of creative skills. Christmas Day at 1:00 the teams: Jenn & Jamo, Jamie & Shawn, Tom & Molly sat down and went to work. Three hours later the crowds gasped in awe. Ballots were cast. Tom & Molly were victorious. Heard among the crowd, "as soon as I saw the Grinch I knew we were in trouble" and "how can they vote against the Church on Christmas". A sweet time had by all.

Christmas?

Okay, I am ready for Christmas stories and pictures. What did you do? Who did you spend it with? Triumphs, disasters? Nudge, nudge!

Dreaming of catnip and goodies from Santa Paws

Mike's latest project

In preparation for the holidays I built a Murphy bed for our exercise room. It was a great project and was initiated at Thanksgiving and will be in use for Christmas. We bought the hardware for the bed 9 years ago.....Sometimes it is just hard to get started :0)

The Revolution Takes 2nd Place!

Keaton's team, coached by Tom (Dad), took 2nd place in Cal South's Signature league yesterday. They battled to a 2-2 tie in the championship game, and came up short in PK's (5-4). It was a very exciting game! They had a great season and can't wait to play in Spring.

Oh Christmas Tree.....

Merry Christmas from the O'Dells. Thank goodness for Skylights or the "Angle" would have to lay down. If you look at the ornaments closely you will see some very exotic ones...The paper Santa, The bread dough handprint etc.... Lots of memories on this tree. We walk down memory lane each year. Soon Maddy will have to contribute to the tree....

More Thanksgiving in Bako 2009

I know we all thinking about the next holiday but I finally was able to upload the pictures from Thanksgiving. Enjoy! It was a great time!

Happy Holidays from Jamison, Jenn & Lil

Here is our tree (and new chairs!). Lily really doesn't like being a reindeer but she is so cute!

Katelyn in The Nutcracker

Click here to view these pictures larger

Smith Family tree

Here is the Smith family tree, Decorated by Barb, Steven and Mariana. No presents added yet, Makes it to hard to play with the train.

The Nutcracker

For Katelyn's birthday I gave her a ticket to The Nutcracker in San Francisco. Jessica and Ruth drove from Fresno to join us. Katelyn played the lead role in a production of The Nutcracker at her school. Both performances were spectacular! A really fun Christmas time event if anyone wants to go next year...I'm in again.

From NutcrackerChristmas Tree

T Schneider's Tree

From NutcrackerChristmas Tree

Enjoying our beautiful (fake) tree in front of our roaring (gas) fireplace. A cup of hot cocoa and we are happy.

Here's the Smith Tree

No presents but a whole lot of ornaments!

Oh Christmas Tree~!

Everyone decided to get into the holiday spirit this weekend. Alas, due to the animal farm we don't really trust them to put the presents under the tree but they are wrapped and ready to go!

Merry Christmas!

Here is our Christmas Tree! Haley & I have been wrapping all afternoon to put some presents around it. Some of those presents are for you.....don't peek! Can't wait to see all of your trees.

Merry Christmas to all!

Ohhhh Christmas Tree, oh Christmas Tree....

We know you have them, so lets see them, each and every one! And yes Schnieder family this is not a competition!

New Graduate?

Is there a new graduate in the house down south?

Fantasy Football on Strike...Season Over!!

News Flash: Fantasy Football has gone on strike and the season must end today (or certainly before next week......) The standings will remain as they currently are..... What does that mean???? OMG! OFG #1. It is just a snapshot so I should enjoy the moment. On the other end of the spectrum.... Congrats Laura. It appears you barely edged out Creed for the TB trophy....

Division 1
*2. Dirty Thirty 9-4-0 .692 8-3-0 1374.90 L-1 13 11
*4. bypass charlie ND 9-4-0 .692 8-3-0 1324.74 L-1 11 16
*6. Meg's Purple Pixies 8-5-0 .615 7-4-0 1287.12 W-1 9 -
8. UFDA 6-7-0 .462 5-6-0 1208.38 W-1 7 7
10. Repeat or Bust 6-7-0 .462 5-6-0 1112.84 W-1 5 15
11. The Exterminator 4-9-0 .308 3-8-0 1229.18 W-1 4 22
13. KEY LIGHT 3-10-0 .231 3-9-0 1105.94 L-1 2 7
Division 2
*1. OFG... 10-3-0 .769 8-3-0 1306.34 W-3 14 -
*3. Maddy's Rockstars 9-4-0 .692 8-3-0 1376.34 L-2 12 2
*5. Space-Age Polymers 8-5-0 .615 7-4-0 1397.50 L-1 10 10
7. terrible 6-7-0 .462 6-5-0 1230.52 W-2 8 24
9. Beagles 6-7-0 .462 5-7-0 1115.58 W-2 6 14
12. Menace to Sobriety 4-9-0 .308 3-8-0 1150.70 L-4 3 16
14. Victorious Secret 3-10-0 .231 2-9-0 1009.90 L-2 1 3

December Birthdays

Happy birthday to Josie, Jamison, Ian and Lizanne!
Hope you have a wonderful birthday month!!

The Corn Hole Song

For all of the corn toss fans out there. This song is for you.

Corn Hole Song

Must Repeat

We will have to do this again. Great Thanksgiving in Bakersfield with a good chunk of the Schneider Family Plus crew. Here are a few of my pics.


Album


A few goodies

From Thanksgiving in Bakersfield

From Thanksgiving in Bakersfield

From Thanksgiving in Bakersfield

From Thanksgiving in Bakersfield

From Thanksgiving in Bakersfield

Thanksgiving Wine Tasting

Friday we had a wine tasting party. Everyone brought a wine to share (a lot of Zin lovers in this group). Jessica gathered cheese to pair with the wines. Megan & Scott wrote blurbs about each wine on the bottle. Karla presented the wines by reciting the descriptions from memory!! awesome. Steve poured for us. Jessica then shared the cheese that would enhance the wines flavor. Megan had to be careful not to get to close to the bottles - a budding wine lover rode shotgun. Scott documented (that is why I had to get my pictures on early before he blows them out of the water). Jamison presented the trophy to the past fantasy football winner. Mike BBQ'ed Tri-tip and chicken for dinner. A fun evening for all. Next time Laura is going to do a COFFEE tasting for us! wonder what coffee goes with cinnamon rolls Kim?

Game Night

The best thing about going to the O'Dells is that there are going to be games! The wi was up and running. Gramma Schneider even gave it a swing. Grandpa O'Dell got to have baby time with Maddy. Uncle Tom set up the indoor golf. Several people in the kitchen tried picking up the "lake".

Fantasy Football Winner

Thanksgiving was a good time to honor our newest (okay we were slow) Family Fantasy Football Winner for 2008 - Ian "Playoffs or Bust" Schneider. Jamison had a hard time handing off the trophy (obviously worried he won't get it again). We got a picture of past winners, unfortunately Kim was home sick :(.

Gobble Gobble

Where are all the Thanksgiving photos?

November 21st, 1978

Happy Birthday Jessica & Jennifer! Hard to believe you are 31 tomorrow. Hope you both have a great day. We will celebrate together in Bakersfield with lots of hugs and kisses!

birthday sweets

Still can't decide on final artwork for Thanksgiving sweets but here are my birthday ones!

CLUB RHINOX WIN IT ALL

Club Rhinox of La Serena took first place in all catagories at the end of year Chilean National Awards Ceremony for InLine Hockey. That is Under 10, Under 14, and Adults. Kelsey Schneider, most goals under 10. Mike Schneider, most valuable player, adult league. Tatum Schneider, most fun under 10. Mike Schneider coach of the year. Every Dog has its Day, needlesstosay, it was a Schneider Dog Day down here in Chile. Go Rhinox. Now training for South American tourney, Buenos Aires October 2010. Any one want to come watch?

Fall and Club Soccer

From Kate Soccer 2009

Who doesn't remember and love fall soccer games. Kate finished a fine season this weekend. Uncle Tom and Aunt Trish got to watch her in action. Good job Kate

We love Briones

A beautiful fall day in Briones Regional Park. A great place for hiking and wearing out dogs. Another plus if you are a mountain biker trails forever. We have hiked a lot out of Orinda. This is from the Martinez side. Come join us!

Half Marathon Anyone?

So Laura and I ran our first half marathon two years ago (naturally, we ran our first marathon 3 years ago...that's the right order, right?) and we are going to do it again in February. That is, another half :). We would love company along the way. It is in Huntington Beach which is always sunny (except for the year we ran when it poured the entire race). The race is flat with the exception on one small hill. And, it is along the ocean! Fingers crossed so surprise rain showers. There is also a 5k for those not interested in running for over 2 hours straight. The race sells out every year so register soon!

http://www.runsurfcity.com

How cute!

I hosted a baby shower for a friend today and made these cute horse cupcakes- yummy too and not as hard to make as they might look! It was just finding all the pieces that took a while... thinking of what cupcakes to make for thanksgiving!

From

Happy Birthday Hannah!

Sorry I don't have any pictures of you handy :) It's a day late but thinking of you- Happy BDay!

An Eagle in the Family

This is what an Eagle looks like...



This weekend we got to attend Ian's Eagle Court. It was an inspiring ceremony. Ian along with two other fine young men were honored for attaining the Eagle rank (I was a blue bird so if I mess this up bear with me). Mom & Dad were honored with pins for their part in Ian's achievement. John was also honored by one of the other Eagles for his mentoring. Ian has joined the ranks of Presidents,Astronauts and many men of distinction. Needless to say we are very proud of Ian.

So what did you do this weekend?

For giggles this weekend some girls and I ran a marathon relay in Fresno/Clovis. I had the third leg of the race (6 miles) and finished my portion in 1 hour and 18 minutes (11 minute mile pace). While my right foot is still cramping (like my left foot did on the first 3Day walk), it was an excellent day to run!

hmmmm...

Hi All!

So I just wanted everyone to be on the same page in regards to the recent happenings in my crazy life!

I wan unfortunately laid off as the Head Baker at The Farm of Beverly Hills. the economy hit them hard and fast. (The president of the company was laid off as well.)

As far as whats next I'm not sure. I'm trying to figure that out.

I have a couple of options down here. Thomas Keller is opening a Bouchon Bistro and of course making their own bread. Rumor has it they are looking for leadership so I'm going to email the Chef and get the info from him. To work for Thomas Keller again would be a dream. My old chef gave me some people to call as well.

Other than that I'm still in shock. Waking up in the middle of the night thinking about the meeting i have tomm. only to realize i don't have a job...hmm so strange.

But things happen for a reason, so I will dust myself off, pick up my pride, and figure out whats next...

Love you all!!!
Kim ~♥~

Maddy's Mommy"s Bday

Hard to believe that 28 years ago today we welcomed Maddy's mommy into this world. Time just goes way too fast. Happy happy birthday Megan.

Love Mom & Dad

Costumes Anyone?

So where are the Halloween costume photos? Here we are just another friday night in the foothills!

Happy Halloween!!!

Here are some Halloween Cake Pops I made, hope everyone has a great Halloween!!

missing?

I am missing comments by Mike O'Dell....has he disappeared? has anyone seen him lately?

Snow in October

We took a trip to Tahoe OCTOBER 4TH(I think) and ran into snow! I just got the pictures back. We forgot the camera so Tom bought a disposable which did not take very good quality pictures but we had to show everyone how much snow actually fell that weekend. Bear was able to join us and can now cross off snow on her "dog bucket list". Hopefully this is a foretelling of a very snowy winter in the mountains which will give us lots of skiing this winter and lots of water next summer.

Finally

Weather finally cooled off enough to put some plants in! When things fill out and we add a few other plants it should look like a Sunset magazine yard!

Trip to Maryland/Pennsylvania

So I was invited by a very good friend of mine to come back east for a horse show- turns out it is the second largest international 3 day event show held in the US (The Rolex 3 day is the largest).

I arrived way too early Sat morning (landed at 6 am) to pouring down rain and horrible mud but the event went on with it's second day, cross country jumping. It was insane but incredible to watch the athleticism by both horse and rider to keep their footing on soggy grass and deep mud and still jump permanent fences 4' or higher... there were many riders who fell, chose not to finish the course and a few who didn't even attempt it. Sunday's show jumping was more incredible (no rain but still bitter cold) as my Molly's trainer won the whole event ( a devilishly handsome Australian- her words not mine Jamo!)

Monday was my last full day there and it was well spent riding round on a pony, galloping across rolling green hills and through some amazing scenery.

Also found my dream barn that some guy built for his 14 yr old daughter who gave up riding a year later! Pretty sure I am not giving up riding so Dad, where's my barn?

Landlord

Does anyone know how to get in touch with the landlord? There might be some issues with the roof?

A little warmth

This is what Creed got to see the other day while at home. Cute little friends snuggling up in the cooler weather.

Alzheimers Memory Walk

Just wanted to thank all those that sponsored us on our walk. Saturday Team Final Final (the Alzheimer division) walked 3 miles on Treasure Island to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association. Jessica, Tam, Vernon and I rose at the crack of dawn and headed toward San Francisco. The Bay Bridge is getting a do over so it made it a little more interesting getting off at Treasure Island but we made it. After checking in we collected our t-shirts which you earn once you have raised $100 dollars. Team Final Final raise $1250.00 - THANK YOU. The walk is 3 miles. There is also a 1.5 walk for those not able to do the whole loop. There were all types of walkers - and many wheelchairs. People with Alzheimer's walked and those that walked for loved ones. Fleet week is this week in San Francisco and this would of been THE spot to watch the Blue Angels - I heard later from a friend that the FAA shut them down because the fog came back in so we did not miss it. It was a touching and emotional morning and felt good to do just a little bit.

Who's the coolest lady in the land?

I heard someone got a car you can change the temp by voice!
Where are the pics mom and of your NEW IPHONE! Totally jealous

Camping CD

I was wondering if there was a CD from Jenn's Family Camping Trip....I know there were a lot of pictures taken..... just wondering

What a weekend!

Creed & I were in Cayucos this weekend for his mom's family reunion. A great time was had by all even though it was a bit windy and cold. You just can't beat being at the beach!
Since we were already there I went and cheered on Jenn and a few friends who were all doing the Lopez Lake Sprint Triathlon. Let's just say it was so cold when I got there I was very glad to be bundled up in my warm jacket & Uggs! The poor participants! It must have spurred them on though because they all did really well. I am so proud of Jenn for doing this and completing it in just great time! I am actually considering it myself next year so maybe we can get a Team Final Final going!
My favorite qoute of the day was from Jenn though as she was transitioning from the bike to the run. As she came into the transition area and saw us cheering her on all she could say was "son of a bleep" (I used a bleep but it was not what she said! Just in case children are reading this lol) Enough said but she still pushed on and finished the race.
Way to go Jenn!

Jennifer = Triathlete superstar

We arrived at 6 am to a very dark and very cold set up. I was extremely nervous, as was my friend Kat who did the triathlon with me.

At 7:45 we went down to the lake to start the race-The air was a brisk 38 degrees and we couldn't feel our toes! The water was a welcoming 64 degrees warm.

I rocked the swim (thank you Dewing Park Swim Club- Go Seahorses!) but decided not to transition too fast and let my friend Kat catch up to me so we could bike together.

The first hill (pardon my french) was a bitch and a half- Lemoore's overpass really doesn't prepare you for hill climbs. So Kat & I walked half of the first hill and then climbed aboard for a chilling but beautiful early morning, 12 mile bike ride. By mile 3 I couldn't feel my fingers, nose, toes or knees but the trail took us across the dam and down the hills where the sunrise was awesome- creeping over the hills making the early morning fog look like ghosts on the lake. It was a relative easy first 6 miles because it was mostly down hill but let me tell you that we had to turn around and come right back up those stupid hills.

The run was my least strongest portion- getting off the bike after many hills my legs had turned to jello and not any good flavor of jello so I walked the first half mile or so and then jogged when I could. I finally got the feeling back in my toes at 2.75 miles with only a quarter mile to go. I don't have my official time yet but we think Kat and I finished in 2 hours and 16 minutes.

All in all it was a great experience and will be doing it again but hopefully with our faithful sherpa Jamison.

Thank you Jamison for all your support and Jessica too! (She came over to cheer me on too!)

A Fall Weekend in Santa Cruz

(click on the title for the never ending pictures :) )
This past week Tom and I rented a beach house in Rio Del Mar. Tuesday to Tuesday so all the kids were able to join us for a long weekend.
Jenn joined us Wednesday with Grammy Smith. Beach walking, beach watching and games. So relaxing. Thursday everyone showed up except Molly who was working her way up from Santa Barbara after helping her sister with Sorority Rush. Creed also had to come Friday after performing his civil obligation on jury duty.
Friday the first "Liver Classic" was held at Seascape golf course. It was to be old guys vs young guys but since Creed could not make it the really old guy had to play. It was learned that Thomas could now have a pretty good golf career - he shot his first 80. I think I heard that that included a 38 on the back side.
Friday night we had a wine tasting. Everyone was to bring there favorite or just any wine. Jessica put together a cheese platter to go with the wines. 4 hours later we felt it was successful.
Saturday beach walking and sitting were the order of the day. After a little college football (poor bears) the afternoon was spent at the beach. Jamo showed off his body surfing prowess. Wiffle ball was brought out and the girls showed they still have great swings. Jenn served up her famous pulled pork for dinner feeding 20 people.
Sunday started slow as cars loaded up and left. Tom and I had a full day Monday of R&R to recoup. We are thinking this will be an annual.
p.s. I really hated moving Laura's post down - her trip looks fantastic!

Hi from Vietnam

Hi Everyone!!

I've been in Thailand and Vietnam for the last 2 weeks. I'm sad that I have to go home in a couple days. It is amazing here! I love the people and way of life. I'm pretty sure Thailand needs to be our next family reunion spot! ;) I've attached a link to my photos of Thailand - you'll see why everyone needs to experience this place. We flew into Bangkok and then took an overnight bus to the southern part of Thailand. We then took a ferry to Koh Phi Phi and that is where the majority of the scenery photos are from. We stayed there for 4 days and then went back to Krabi for the rest of the day. Not much there so we flew back to Bangkok - couldn't do the 13 hour bus ride again. We stayed in Bangkok for another 3 days before flying back to Ho Chi Minh City. In Bangkok we stayed in the backpackers area and it was incredible. The people watching was great!! We also shopped at one of the biggest malls I have ever been in! :) I loved Thailand!! Vietnam is pretty amazing as well. I love that I am getting to see the "locals" side of Vietnam because my best friend has lived here for the last year. I haven't put up any from Vietnam yet but will definitely let you guys know when I do!! I love you all and miss you!

Tiqui Tiqui Tiiiiii!!!!!

Feliz Dieciocho! Today, September 18 marks another year for VIVA CHILE. The country stops and parties for a minimum of 3 days on this independence day holiday. We are just on day two of this years four day stint....Ahhhh!!!! Its like, Fourth of July, Fifth of July, Sixth of July, Seventh... each day just as big and crazy as the next...here are the kids at the Dieciocho school festival in Huaso clothes and dancing traditional dances, Josie was a flag raiser there in black and Cadi is with her senior class at the bbq after the show. Oh yeah, ¨Tiqui Tiqui Tiiii¨ ... something they yell out all the time while they dance...somehow I think Jamieson would be right in there!

Last of the NY Photos

Ok so here is the last day of NY, I finally got the Saratoga pics from my friend Amber. Hope everyone is having a great monday!

Team Final Final does 101 and survives!!

It was a great ride on a perfect day with super company. Although we all trained differently, it worked. Combined 303 miles and almost 24 hours of riding time and only one flat at about mile 8, no mechanical issues. (note to Trish, I can suggest a gift for Tom...a seat bag and some tools, like those necessary to change a flat tire.) There was a lot more climbing than I expected and those uphills are tough on an old fat guy. The total ascent was about 5000 feet. The only mishap on the ride was when Jamo and I lost Tom in San Clemente...we found him at Camp Pendleton. The 8 miles on I-5 weren't bad, just really noisy. The Torrey Pines climb (at mile 80) was as bad as expected but we did it...some much quicker than others. One of us who spent the past 6 years building his legs just pounded the hills...It was like Tom had pistons for legs that just reved up on any incline. We rolled into the finish shortly before 4:00 to Laura cheering us on (with an ice chest full of beer, Subway sandwiches and snacks). We arrived in the nick of time since we had to be on the train at 4:15. No time to change or clean up...oh well we thought we smelled good....and Laura gave us all hugs. The train ride back was crazy fun....an Amtrak with 800 celebrating cyclists...Beads being handed out, beach balls flying, limbo in the aisles and oh yea mas cerveza. Coach Jenn was waiting for us as we detrained. We all felt remarkably good...mas cerveza??? The bikes arrived without incident and Jamo's was picked up by the Smithsonian for a display....We cleaned up and went for a great dinner. This morning we were all moving well without major difficulties... We stopped by for a visit with Maddy on the way home. We are already planning the next one, Who wants to join us... I am attching the link to the pictures, way too many pictures but I was too lazy to separate them out. Enjoy!

Mike, aka OFG (Old Fat Guy)

Amtrak Century 2009

They crossed the finish line

Your Amtrak correspondent is happy to say all three guys made it across the finish line and made it to the train on time to get back to Irvine.

They will have to blog about their stories but I will fill you in on the aftermath...
The train pulled into the station and as it rolled to a stop I could hear cheering, yelling and an all around party atmosphere- people poured out of the train wearing mardi gra beads, almost all carrying coolers and beer cans... and a distinct odor wafted after them. Mike was the first I spotted and looked great, followed by Thomas and Jamison both as cheery.

The parking lot was swarming with people and giant semi trailers full of bikes. We waited for truck 5 and 6 to arrive with the guys bikes. There was a semi dedicated to Tandom bikes! Would you ever ride 100 miles with someone else behind or in front of you the whole way?! No way from me- I can't rely on my own balance let alone someone elses :)

As each bike was lifted down from the trailer, cheers and clapping erupted- it was kind of cute.

We finished the night with more beer and amazing food at The Yard House where there was seriously 300 beers on tap. It was crazy. We also got to enjoy a fellow drunk biker at the table next to us. At first I thought he was falling asleep from the ride. When he threw up all over his table and the floor (right next to us) I knew it was not from exhaustion... glad to have riders who could handle their beer.

We hit the beds at 9:30 and I am pretty sure all the guys were asleep within minutes.

Great work guys- can't wait to hear more stories!

Nice Work

Good job Team Final Final!!! Maddy was cheering for you today.

Off and cycling!

It was a late evening and a very early morning. We met up with Mike in Bakersfield to complete Team Final Final and the journey began...

Hotel arrival: 10:20pm

First of many hydrating beverages and getting ready for the next day kept them up till about 11:30 pm (and No Tom Schneider- it was not beer!)

Wake up call: 4:30-4:45 IN THE MORNING!

The guys enjoyed a very filling and kind of thick smoothy with some E-Lite (electorlytes galore! and major calories) for fuel. It also helps with cramping for when they hit the big hills in Torrey Pines. I tried some, have to say it isn't bad but wouldn't want to drink it at 5 in the morning.

They registered with a mass of other riders (about 1,200 riders on the trip)and off on their bikes by 6:30am. I have lots of pictures but it was too dark to snap any with a cell phone so I will have to wait and post later...

I feel much better about our guys biking- some of the other riders didn't look like they could make it down the street let alone 100 miles so there is hope that I won't be driving home cramping calves and whining sissy's :) I think I even saw Santa Claus getting onto a bike! (A very old guy with a cool white beard)

Enough from me- back to bed I go for at least another hour!

Good Luck Team Final Final!

Your Amtrak Century Ride correspondent,
Jenn

Bike Trip Prep

Here is how Old Tom thinks you should roll. 100 miles - no sweat. Hills hasn't seen one he did not like. Thomas trained the old fashion way. Team Final Final rides with an accent on Team Google (thanks Molly)

Another Project I'm Working On

http://www.bearineveryclassroom.org/

Keeping Busy

I'm in trouble. This 50 mile ride made me sore. Youth don't fail me now!

View Larger Map

Team Final-Final RIDES again....

As with the Phoenix, Team Final-Final rises once again, this time masquerading as a bike team. As some of you are aware, Thomas and Jamison decided to join their crazy uncle Mike on a little bike ride down the Southern California Coast next Saturday, 9/12, The Amtrak Century. We start in Irvine and theoretically finish 100 miles later in San Diego. Unlike some of the prior Team Final-Finals, who were raising money for very good causes, we are not soliciting your hard earned dollars....we are seeking lots of good thoughts and prayers come next Saturday... Two interesting features of the ride are that since it is 9/11 weekend Pendleton is on higher alert so we cannot ride through the Base. This means we roll 8 miles down I-5 from Las pulgas Road to Oceanside(which technically is a bike lane in that area). The other fun feature is that the steepest climb comes at mile 80 when we pull the Torrey Pines hill. No problem for a group of climbers.... I am planning on taking a shortened ski tow rope. I figure those fresh young legs can tow the old fart up the hills and, in turn, I can properly utilize my obesity to pull the young men down the hills....sounds fair to me. Guardian angel Laura has promised to meet us at the finish with a proper supply of malted beverages and pour us back onto the Amtrak for the return to Irvine. This is a special Amtrak limited to 800 riders. (Party train??) So next College Football Saturday hoist a few and think good thoughts about three very sore rears, and hopefully between 2 and 3 in the afternoon we will be hoisting a few too!

Hiking with Bear

When your kids leave the house you really shouldn't rush out and get a dog. Too late. Now we have Bear and it has been a long hard road but we are making progress. We can now go out to the open space and walk with her off leash. This is HUGE she is a mini alpha and all it took was a little shock collar. It turned her attitude around. We can call her back and she comes. We can walk past cows and she just nods. Although I do think she sees us as her herd (two) of sheep. Tom now calls me the "old ewe". Come join us sometime this hike is a totally hind quarter workout, a lot of up.

Fresno Area Down Syndrome Society- Buddy Walk 2009

I am a board member of this great organization and we are having our biggest fundraising event of the year. I know you all will not be able to make it but I expect all of you to donate at least $5!

Thanks!
Jenn

The Great Grape Challenge!

Last Saturday we had another Iron Chef challenge with our friends and had the best food to date... grape & gorgonzola pizza, raisin tarts (Jamo won best flavor with these!), grape burschetta and a lot of other really yummy stuff... see for yourself!

A little slow on the blog

The blog seems a little slow. Jenn what about your Top Chef challenge this weekend. Family Fantasy Football - how did the draft go for all of you arm chair warriors? Mike, Jamo, and Thomas - how are the miles going leading up to the 100 miles Sept 12th. Linda - where are the pictures of Tuesday's with Maddy? Anybody visiting from South America soon? Tam or Tom - what no pictures from the southland. We have no more first day of schools this year but where are the pictures from the other "first day of school". See there is really a lot going on! Did anyone catch Kim on t.v.?

A funny thing happened to me today...

So there I was walking out of Starbucks in Downtown Burbank when I get asked if I'd like to ask a question to the camera? Huuu? was my reply. The woman explained she was from extra! and the were doing a peice on chemicals in your bathroom and if they were harmful...or maybe it was the kitchen...anyhoo...

Its going to air in the next couple of nights on channel 4 down here. Kinda a cool experience, just wanted to share...:)

Hmmmm...2 months down here and Im already getting stopped on the street to be on TV...a new career? Ohh Mr. Spelling, Im ready for my close up:)

Our first big vacation!

Creed and I just got back from our first "big" vacation as a married couple! And come to think of it, the first time we even flew together!! My Dad has flown & traveled with my husband more than me!! lol
We went to NY to visit some friends of mine who live just outside of Albany. Such a great time and although the humidity was worse than normal due to thunder showers, we had a great time going all over the place - from NYC to Saratoga Springs.

Biggest feat EVER!

It's true- non-fish eating Jenn (me) just finished my first whole piece of fish! It was at least 6 oz- thank you Trader Joe's for an edible almost tasty Mahi Mahi fillet!

Just wanted to share my story of food bravery!

Tahoe Weekend

We spent the weekend at Grammy Schneider's place in Tahoe. The first day Tom and Jim went to play golf with one of Tom's old college buddies. Of course they played two courses outside of Reno - an easy 36 for Tom. Connie is doing a 75 mile bike ride in Tahoe on September 12th so this was an opportunity to get some riding in. Connie, Karen and I hopped on our bikes and rode to Squaw Valley. The bike path from the taverns to Squaw is great. We rode back thinking we would get a late lunch at the Bridge Tender but they were full. So we climbed on our bikes and then rode to Sunnyside. We estimated 15 miles but when I tried to measure it it looked like almost 20! I am not a bike rider but I did it and lived to tell (don't forget altitude).
The next day Cliff came with his boat (a ski boat but it worked) and we cruised Tahoe. The lake was not too rough with a bit of wind. We went to Emerald Bay and back. We lunched at Sunnyside - my first for boat side dining. Thomas was in Tahoe for his BroAm. They had their swimming competition at the pier but we missed them. Thomas and his bro took home the title.
Sunday we cleaned up and headed home. Sometimes we forget how great a weekend trip to Tahoe can be.

Napa Trip

I think I figured it out! Went to a friends Ranch in Napa, they own 2700 Acres, and their Uncle owns 5700 acres. They produce grapes for various wineries including Stags Leap and Marysville. They are also friends with the guys that started Sudswerk and they brought fun stuff like a special beer in a cask that you have to hit with a mallot. Really fun but needed some heavy DDT to take a shower in.

Looking Good for Steve's 30th

As one might expect, Steve's 30th was a great party. The theme was your favorite Steve outfit or costume and it was quite entertaining. Even Maddy had her pink Jets jersey. The Mullett family shot coould be a Christmas card...what do you think. Steve was appropriately roasted by family and friends starting with the beloved sisters....

In your face HGTV!

2 days, 3 cubic yards (aka- piled high on more than half our driveway) and lots of sweat later we have filled in our hand made stone wall and are ready to plant!

Any suggestions on plants that won't die in full sun?

Central California

Last week we took a few days off for little Central California get away. We had a great time and found a bunch of cool stuff in our own backyard. We spent two nights in Shell Beach at The Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach. It was beautiful and very relaxing. Day trips from here included a trip to Hearst Castle and every turn out between Shell Beach and San Simeon. The Castle tour was really cool. Dreams of moving in or at least having a huge pool party, led to lengthy discussions of how cool it would be to own this gem of a property. Other highlights on this leg of the trip were the swing sets a Avila Beach and the food at F Mclintocks. If you are going to fall off the program, this is the place to do it. Yum!

The second leg of the trip was two nights in Santa Barbara. We stayed at Fes Parkers Double Tree Resort. This is a really cool resort that is right on the beach in Santa Barbara. Day trips from here included UCSB, Haley and Keaton have new lofty educational goals. The idea of having your dorm room 50 yards from the beach is very inspiring. We rented beach cruisers and cruised the board walk, pier and marina. It was Fiesta days in Santa Barbara, so State Street on Thursday night was doing its very best imitation of Burbon Street. CRAZY! Adults only! Saturday was the big Fiesta Parade with floats, horses, mariachi bands and dancers. Lots of confetti filled colored eggs that people crack open on your head. Viva Fiesta!!! The rest of the trip we spent hanging out by the resort's pool and getting some R&R. While we packed a lot into 4 days, there is still so much more to see and do, so we will definitely be back.

Even a winter weekend in Cambria rental beach house would be fun. Good food, fire, wine and miles of coastline to explore?

Pictures

30 Years ago Yesterday

This picture was taken 30 years ago yesterday. I don't know who the handsome kid is holding newborn Steven :0) Happy B-Day Steve.

Houseboating Picutres