Something Tells Me It's All Happening at the Zoo...

After a bit of discussion and debate we decided to visit the SF Zoo on Sunday. It was a great decision! Neither of us had ever been there and we were pleasantly surprised at the beauty of the place and the atmosphere. The zoo is right on the ocean and very close to Golden Gate Park. The giraffes live side by side with the zebras and ostrich. Jake, however, only had eyes (and patience!) for one thing- the big cats. He seemed to be saying,"Yeah, yeah, yeah... the giraffe IS tall, Mommy, but let's get to the good stuff!" I have to hand it to him, the lions and tigers were truly impressive- one tiger was so close we could have reached out and touched it. Not that we would have wanted to, as it was growling as it passed by! Jake loved it. We also visited Pumba and Timon (a warthog and meerkat for those of you that haven't watched Lion King lately). Tanner slept the entire visit (that's him covered by the blanket on Brian's chest.). It was a beautiful day. We liked it so much, we bought a year membership so we can go back anytime.

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, so there were NO fireworks at our house on New Years Eve. With all of the rain we got that day and the day before, I ended up working until 9:00 or so on New Years Eve. Jake and Tanner were already asleep by the time I got home. I think Marisa and I talked for about 10 minutes and then both fell asleep as well. Our whole house was out before 10:00.

I think I heard a firework at around 12:30 or so, and we were up a few times during the night with both boys, but all in all a very quiet New Years Eve.

We had a very nice (quiet) New Years Day. I didn't have to work that day and we spent some good family time together. I have been working like a madman since with all of the claims that have come in because of the rains (we had a small roof leak ourselves at the house, but no major damage). We are still working our way out from under, I have a full crew out working a full day today (Saturday) just trying to catch up.

Marisa has had more nights alone with boys than she bargained for this last week, luckily Cori stayed over a couple of nights so that made things much easier.

I hope everybody had a safe, fun and happy New Year. Here is a wish for love, luck, happiness and health in 2006. - Brian

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

We had a wonderful holiday. We spent some time alone at home with the four of us (Sorry, Milo... I meant the FIVE of us!) in the early morning as we opened stockings and saw what Santa brought. Jake loved his new Spiderman Scooter. Then we headed to Auntie Sue's for a yummy-as-usual breakfast and gift opening frenzy.

Jake was subdued- definitely not his normal self- as he surveyed the scene. He liked opening a few presents, but soon tired of it and wanted to go outside and play baseball. I can't say I blame him as his Auntie Sue and Grandma Mary are quite the baseball players. Unfortunately it was raining that day, so baseball had to wait! He was given some great toys, but I think his favorite gift was the handmade blanket from Grandma. He has slept with it every night since and uses it to snuggle up with whenever he is tired or cranky or resting with a movie or on my lap with a book. I don't blame him- it is the coziest thing I have ever seen!

I can't speak for Tanner, but I think he had a good day, too. He slept. And slept. And slept some more.(Sounds like a blissful day to me!).

Brian andI had everything we needed for Christmas this year before we even opened a box....We enjoyed sharing the time with some of the people we love the most in this world- Auntie Sue, Mary, and our boys.

After a failed attempt at naps, we headed to Kim and Bill's house to see my side of the family to round out that list of "people we love most". We opened more presents, enjoyed a delicious meal (Two homecooked meals in one day... that's gotta be a record!), and talked and talked. Yoshi, and old and dear friend of mine, showed up unexpectedly from London and we had a chance to catch up after two years apart. He got to meet my two boys and see what life with small children is like.

At the end of the festivities we headed back home. Jake was exhausted- as were we all! It was truly a joyful day. Thanks to everyone that helped to make it so special.

- Marisa