Christmas Day 2011

Merry Christmas All!!!
A different Christmas without a kitchen but a fun one! After breakfast with Grammy Smith we traveled to Oakland for Christmas bike and picnic with Jamie, Shawn, Molly and Thomas. Bear joined us for the festivities! After an 8 mile ride (run for Bear) we are busily making soda and cioppino with macaroni & cheese. Missing all of you but wishing you all a very merry Christmas!!

SantaCon

Pretty much sums it up

Shaver Lake Dam Project

Shaver's dam is getting some repairs and maintenance done that required the lake to be drained so here are some photos one of our employees took this weekend while she was up there checking it out. Pretty amazing!

More Turkeyfest 2011

I finally got these uploaded...no edits. Way too many pictures, but it was way too much fun!!

Turkeyfest 2011

More Thanksgiving Photos

I was slacking on getting my camera out, but here are a few pics. What a GREAT weekend and nice recap by Trish.

Thanksgiving in Pismo

Pismo Thanksgiving

Pismo 2011 - put it in the books. A great time had by all. We managed to pack a ton of events in 5 days! The weather held up. It only got a little chilly on Thanksgiving evening.
Turkey day started with a great Turkey Trot and many participants. We figured to have got in at least 3 miles on the Bob Jones Trail (next time we go all the way to the ocean). Back to condos for football games and appetizers all afternoon. The turkeys (smoked and roasted) were delicious and those that had the lamb praised it also. The sides were incredible...corn bake, pumpkin gnocchi, stuffin muffins, fall salad, stuffed mushrooms, mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese and of course cranberries.
We got in some wine tasting in Avila the next day. Some continued on the wine trail while others went back for clam chowder at Splash Cafe. Then a double elimination Corn Toss Tournament that everyone joined in! The competition was intense. In the final round Hanna & Creed took on Jamie & Thomas. In the end Thomas and Jamie were victorious. A fun evening.
Saturday John, Karene, Ian and Hanna had to leave so Ian could catch his flight back to school. Wyatt took us to the petting zoo in Avila and out to see the seals on the pier. Tom purchased oysters for the evening. Maddy took her Papa & Dad by bike to the zoo too. Saturday was picture day at the beach. Stacy came from Fresno and took family pictures. The beach was beautiful and we were treated to a beautiful sunset. I can't wait to see those pictures....Thanks Jenn for setting it up. What a nice Christmas present.
Thanks Shawn for bbqing the biggest oysters ever! Those that could stomach them thought they were great.
The only draw back Kim was unable to come due to illness and the Chileans couldn't make it due to distance but we were thrilled to have Cadi with us. Over all a very successful event. A great time to share and be with one another....I am thankful for time together and a little reprieve from the spinning!!

So much fun it was exhausting

What a great weekend. What do you think, does Maddy look tired from the weekend?

Can't wait to see all of the photos as I was slacking on the photo taking.

Pea pod Halloween...

Thanks for the Great Trip

Wow guys, what a great trip I had...even though I was happy to come home to Demarcus Ware here, (thanks Steven) I really enjoyed hanging out just me with you, my family.

Linda and Mike thanks for the incredible asado when I got there and all the hospitality, Mike you are the awesomest guy ever. You are a true role model for all of us, and never cease to amaze me with your energy. Linda you might be a little crazy with that chalk board office of yours, but man you are by far the smartest of all of us, and we all know who to turn to for theology, psychology, art, quilting, child raising, or violin fabrication/lessons. Steven, Josie has the Kelly Slater up on her mirror, looks at it everyday, Karla you didn't clog the toilet that morning, he did the night before. Scott and Megan you guys look right out of Santa Barbara Magazine, and I won't even mention Maddy cause she gets all the attention anyway. Kim and Tim. What we did in Brentwood, stays in Brentwood. I could talk to you every night til 4 in the morning, thank you for being you. Why don't you ever answer my calls? Steven great apartment, Karla, if you decide that being a doctor is too much, interior design? Or is that Top Knot...oh crap, another argument. You guys remind me of Liz and I.

Tom, thank you for all your help as always and we will probably talk tomorrow, so Trish, you look great and the empty nest has done you wonders. Howz the cooking going out in the garage? Stay in a low crouch and keep on punching. Jamie, I know I am not your favorite uncle, but you are really fun to hang around the office with, and I might be there more often, so learn Cantonese for me would ya. John and Karine and your fabulous WATER girl. It was true "proud Schneider" time watching my GRAN sobrina play her sport. All should go check her out in Sac, she is really something. I have been studying online water polo coaching and am open for chat room tech talk at any time.

Mom, we had so much fun. Our "one on one" was all time and I really got to see again what an incredible woman you are. We laughed so much and hanging with you and your gals at the club house, hearing all your inside things, your group of friends that love you so much. The calls in the morning that start from 730 till 9 asking for your advice and thoughts. You are truly a legend and incredible mom.

Thanks for the Great Trip everyone. Miss you already. Mike

Photographer at the Beach

Good morning all!

My very dear friend Staci will be coming to the beach on Saturday after Thanksgiving to do a family photo shoot for my mom & dad (my gift to them for their birthday or anniversary- it's been in the works so long I can't remember anymore!).

She said she is able to do other families if we would like- so if you are interested in a family portrait please let me know so we can figure out what time would work best for her to start.She recommended 3pm but if everyone wants one we can start earlier. And for you newly engaged that may need engagement shots- she said we can work those in too.

The cost is $30 for the sitting and you will purchase photos directly from her. http://www.maxwellfresno.com/ is her company's website if you would like to see her stuff. I have no idea how much the photos cost but she assured me that for my family we get good deals :)

(Stacy did Jenn's wedding pictures also. Stacy works fast and does a really nice job.)

Jenn
559.313.3932

Step Up for Down Syndrome

This is a story about the charity walk I have been organizing the pasttwo years- check it out. This year had a huge turnout!
http://www.kmph.com/story/15704290/step-up-for-down-syndrome

Paparazzi Got Me

It was fleet week in SF and the paparazzi caught me out watching planes.

3-Day Fundraiser

Hi Family!!

My friend recently became a rep for this company Scentsy and she's hosting an online "party" for me in which a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day!

They smell AMAZING and are an alternative to candles/fire. Basically it's a warmer that melts the wax - so it smells like a candle - but without the hazard or mess. Here's the website if you have any interest:

https://stacibrener.scentsy.us/Buy?partyId=55089801

Thanks so much and can't wait for Thanksgiving!! :)

Thanksgiving Mountain Bike

Hi everyone, Mike had the great idea that we should look into mountain biking in Pismo. It appears Montana de Oro SP is only about 15 minutes north. Definitely some trail options and they mention climbing :) Here are a couple links, who's in??? http://mountainbikeslocounty.com/?cat=10 | Trail Map

Tour Da Vino 2011

We made our annual trek to Rio Del Mar again this year. Three years ago we started our wine tasting night and this year's theme was a real winner....Tour Da Vino. Everyone's mission this year was to pick a country/ region for wine. Then prepare to bring a wine and a food from said region. The turn out was awesome!
Again this year we were joined by the Davis Clan. This made for a total of 8 regions. Everyone was given passports and ask to comment about the food and wine. A little pop quiz was thrown in and you had to draw your flag!
Jessica & Creed started off with Italy. Everyone sat noshing on an antipasti platter while trying to dial up the internet on their cell phones to find their flag! Their wines were Sangiovese di Toscana, Lasorda Red Wine 2006.
Next up Argentina - Joe & Brittney served up Chicken kebabs with chimichurri sauce along with Gazela Vinho Verde ( a light white wine) spicy with light wine is a great pairing.
Germany followed - Tom & I pulled out some mini Reubans (okay a German guy in New York invented them) paired with a Riesling, DR Loosen Bros Riesling 2010. Who knew sour & sweet work so well in wine and food.
Thomas and Molly wowed the crowd with their presentation of the Portlandia Region (pacific northwest). I am going to have to watch that show. St Innocent Pinot Noir 2009 served with grilled Cheese Sandwiches with apple butter (the apple orchard is plowed with a Prius). Oysters raised organically with friends. I am sure they had a white wine but I failed to write it down so if anyone wants to add please do!
On to Portugal!! Amy and Randy made this choice to touch on Amy's heritage. Delicious ribs simmered in a crockpot with wine & lemon showing off the flavor of the pork. Together paired with Altano Douro Reserva 2006.
Next Spain. Jack & Stacy who were given a pass but did not accept came through with probably the most labor intensive dish....Empanadas! Delicious paired with Volverer 2007. At this point we learned that Gazela white wine will remove red wine from carpets...good to know!!
Chile was chosen by Jenn & Jamo. Jenn served up some great carnitas (thanks Jenn for making so much lunch the next day was great too!!) The wines they chose were Amaral: Chardonnay 2007 and Montgraas Reserva Cabernet Franc 2009.
Last but not least Jamie & Shawn shut the evening down with France. Jamie made chocolate truffles with the finest of ingredients, along with dessert cheeses. Their wines were Monthelie - Pinot Noir 2008 and some bubbly Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne.
Tom made his annual presentations of gifts he had collected through the year. Another interesting touch was the manservants or Annual Pras Classic Golf Tournament losers. These gentlemen made sure everyone got their pours and food.
We have to thank everyone for putting forth such effort. It is going to take a lot of thinking to top this one!
Enjoy the home movies!

Fantasy Trophies!

Since we'll all be together at Thanksgiving - this seems like a good time to catch up on the trophies and pass them to there rightful owners!? :)

Ahhh, The Joy of Saturday Football

Wyatt is definitely his father's son.... nothing like a cold beverage while relaxing on the couch with some college football on

Meg & maddy baking

The little bakers.....

Wedding Dates!

As you all know by now we have dates!! Mark your calendars......


Tom & Molly July 28th, 2012


Jamie & Shawn September 22, 2012

So much fun and a final, final for this Schneider Family!!!

Duck Season is coming early to the Young household

Wyatt finally figured out the duck call last night and thinks he is just too cool! lol He is ready for duck season to open now!

Article on my company (Waypoint)

Article

Someone turned one today!!

Happy Birthday to our little Wyatt!

Grizzlies Game

Jenn, Jamo, Jessica, Wyatt, Karli, Ruth, Jamie, Shawn, Tom and I went to the Grizzlies Game last night. Wyatt's first baseball game and he didn't want to miss a moment! Tom bid on a jersey that one of the players was wearing and won. When the game was over Tom, Jessica and Wyatt got to go on the field and meet the player. Jessica is not standing in a hole either - the player is 6'7"!!! All the money collected for the jerseys went to disabled veterans. The jersey is so cool - a camouflage Grizzlies jersey. Wyatt stayed awake for the whole game!!!

Tom & Molly Engagement Party

Tom & Molly Engagement Party

Cavallo Point

Shawn and I went to Cavallo Point this weekend, and stayed in one of their contemporary rooms. Our room had the best view of the Golden Gate bridge! He didnt get down on one knee due to just having surgery but he added some sparkle to the view :)

Fantasy Football??

We finally have football back in our lives, but it wouldn't be the same without our family fantasy league. Are we still planning to play again this year?!

Tom & Molly's Engagement Party

Gramma Schneider and her worker bees really pulled off a nice engagement party. Alligators, bibs, shrimp boil and DEElicious pralines it would be hard to top the evening. Can't wait to see Mike O'Dells pictures but until then here are the slackers pictures. Wish you all could of been there.....

The Stadium

Party is over...great time had by all.......

7 years ago...

It's been 7 wonderful years- happy anniversary to us!

Pouty Giant Fan

34th anniversary in Cayucous

Linda & I are in Cayucos to celebrate our anniversary. This is the sunset view from the house where we are staying.  Not bad!!!

Dedicated to Uncle Tom Tom

Even though Wyatt wasn't born yet to enjoy watching his Uncle Tom Tom at CAL, he still knows whats up!

Touchdown!!

Wyatt's newest trick, when you say touchdown he flings his arms up!

What A Difference a Year Makes!

Hang in there Wyatt it gets better! Maddy knows she is a big boater now!


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North Fork American River

I rafted the north fork of the American with friends for a bachelor party. All of the snow this past winter made for an intense ride.

Maddy goes boating and BAIF ad

Most of you were there last year for the failed attempt, but we have turned a corner and Maddy now seems to like the boat. She was a little timid at first and then rode in the boat several times watching all of us ski. However, not sure how I feel about her biggest reaction was when I fell on the wakeboard. More photos to come, but here is one with a nice BAIF placement.



More photos...

Fun at the Lake

Oh Golf!!!

See the happy picture. See Tom/Dad/Grandpa smiling. That is because he got to play golf with his boys at Jenn's Down Syndrome Golf Fundraiser. Take a good look and enjoy the smiles. Monday at "home" Tom fell on his knee. Really put his weight into that poor little knee. He is now on crutches with a fractured knee cap and some tears in the meniscus. This was probably the last time he got to golf for 4 weeks minimum. As much as I have "loved" golf I am feeling pretty bad for the guy! August can't come soon enough!

True bobbleheads!!!

In Newport for mike lazz wedding this weekend.  These are the gifts to the groomsmen. True classics.

Mike

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Thanks Kids!

Our birthdays came in February and our kids got us a great gift, a night stay at the Half Moon Bay Ritz Carlton. Everyone knows how our March went so we weren't able to use our gift till Mothers Day. It was fantastic. We were in a room that had access to the club which we took full advantage of by eating and drinking our way through the stay. We were treated to wine and chocolate dipped strawberries in our room in the evening. We sat by the fire pit watching the ocean and 18th hole of the golf course.
It was a nice way to celebrate the end of our brush with cancer. Tom is doing so well. All he is waiting for now is his full energy level to return. This being said after the man played 62 holes at his favorite golf course! Cancer reminds you of just how fragile life is and to take nothing for granted. The enormity of that does fade some as things get better. We want to always remember though how blessed we are and how loved we feel. That will never fade. Thank you.

Harris Ranch

I am so sorry Jenn!!
On our trip to Irvine we got to visit Jenn Jenn!!! For all of you that must make the Highway 5 run occasionally - good news!! Jennifer is working at Harris Ranch. We called as we approached and she placed an order for Tri-tip sandwiches (yum). When we arrived we were able to sit on the patio and inhaled (unfortunately we were on a tight time line for the rehearsal dinner) the delicious sandwiches. Best of all we got to see and hug Jenn. We were able to meet her boss, the general manager of the whole shebang. We also caught a glimpse of the owner walking through the grounds. Now if only her horse could go to work with her.

When Brides Take Charge!

This weekend we traveled to Irivine for the wedding of Mary Beth & Scott. Mary Beth is Jamie's good friend from waterpolo at SJSU. At some point Mary Beth decided her buddy was going to be next in line. Mary Beth does some over the head warm ups then suddenly turns and sends a pass straight at Jamie! Jamie hardly had to catch them I think they would of stuck if the flowers had actually hit her. It was all pretty cute. That is what good buddies are for!
We also got to spend some time at our favorite B&B with Tom & Rhonda! Thanks Haley and Keaton for sharing your comfy beds and Rhonda for the delicious breakfast. It was good to see Tom coach one of his final soccer games....a chapter has passed for him as Keaton will move on in his soccer career.
We also got to spend quality time with Shawn but that is a whole other post!!!

Hi everyone!!

Hope you are all doing well!! I miss seeing what everyone is doing on here! The posts are getting sparse!

This isn't a great photo by any means but it just makes me laugh because I picture a baby boy who had so much fun bouncing on his new elephant that he popped off the seat. He looks a little drunk! Must be some bad milk (that's for you Dad)
Welcome home Aunt Jamie too!! Can't wait to hear about the trip!

Down Under

Here are two of my favorite pictures until I get them onto Picasa! New Zealand is beautiful, despite the long long flight down under it was really fun:
Milford Sound is gorgeous!

More to come shortly!