Idaho Photos

Here are the aforementioned photos of Hidden Springs, Idaho. As an update, we have now tried to buy, and have lost out on, five separate houses in this development. They just keep selling out from under us. This is the most sought after development in the Boise area (mostly by expat Californians it turns out) so we are having a hell of a time trying to make decisions via email, looking at floorplans, site plans etc.

We are now trying to put an offer on a house that is being re-sold up by the entrance to the development that we looked at on our trip there. We'll let you know how it goes......

Happy 3rd Birthday Jake!

Right before all of the stuff with moving and buying and selling houses and looking for new jobs happened, it was Jake's 3rd Birthday.

Marisa did a great job planning everything right down to the Lion King themed underwear that each child was given to wear so that everything was coordinated (just kidding, but not by much!). But she found a great place in Dublin for the festivities. A new party place that has a really cool playroom with blow up giant slide and everything. They take all the pictures, the ones here included, coordinate the event and here's the big kicker for the parents, CLEAN UP EVERYTHING AFTERWARDS. A GENIUS idea and worth every cent.

Jake had a great time playing with his friends and opening his Midas-sized haul of birthday gifts. You can tell when your child had a good time by the amount of the fit that they throw when it is time to go to bed, so he had a REALLY good time, and was exhausted after all was said and done.

It's so hard to believe that he is three already! He is getting to be such a big boy. He is a crack up on a minute by minute basis, a character of mythic proportions and just the love of his Daddy's life. Happy Birthday Buddy, Daddy Loves You (hang loose dude!).

Nobody really likes this but......

....we are moving to Boise. Yes, Idaho, that Boise. I don't really even know where to start. Moving out of state has always been a topic of discussion anytime that we have come to a new stage in our lives since we've gotten married....can we afford to move to Livermore, or should we look at moving out of state; can we afford to have a baby here, or should we look at moving out of state; can I afford to take a cut in pay to lower my commute and stress level, or should we look at moving out of state, so while this may seem like a snap decison, it's been a long time coming.

It's too easy to say that we can't afford to live here anymore, and I think that is a problem that we have had. We have been trying to distill our reasoning down to what is logical and black and white. Both to make the decison easier to explain to our family and friends, as well as make the decision easier on us to make. Without going onto all of the reasons (which we would be happy to do, if you would like, just call us and ask), we have made a very hard decision to move from the Golden State to the Potato State.

In trying to keep this post upbeat, I'll just concentrate on what we found when we visited this last weekend. A disclaimer up front...these are just opinions, not condemnation of anybody else's likes, dislikes, lifestyle etc. My website, my opinions, no offense should be inferred.

We really loved Boise. We flew in Friday night, it was dark so we couldn't really see anything of the area, but the airport seemed nice enough. What really struck me was that, when we went outside to get our rental car, it just smelled clean. It was crisp, but not really cold. Once we found our POS Kia rental, it was a very quick and easy drive to downtown. We got to the hotel about 10:00 PM. At which point Marisa wanted to go back out and drive around and begin exploring the city. I tried to explain that it was dark and that most things would be closed, but she would hear none of it, so out into the night we went.

We drove around downtown, which was easy because there was no traffic. We found the dark spot where the Boise River is during the daylight, found a couple of areas that we were quickly able to rule out as possible relocation spots (I am NOT living there!), but mainly just drove around lost for a couple of hours. We got back to the room and to sleep @ midnight.

We got up early on Saturday and drove around to several of the surrounding areas just to see if we could get a feel for the towns and see if there was anything that we could rule out. We met with the realtor and spent all of Saturday looking at houses in various areas. We really liked an area called Hidden Springs in the foothills of Boise, www.hiddensprings.com is the link if you want to check it out. We are trying to get a house up there right now.

We met with a guy who is the moderator of a Yahoo! chat group for Californians who have moved to Idaho. Marisa found the group before we went to visit and we made arrangements to sit down with Mark and talk to him about the area and his experiences. There are so many Californians moving there, it's a whole underground community. Everybody moving for more or less the same reasons; money, commute, traffic, the rat races, the outdoors etc.. It is nice to have a group of people with a shared experience and knowledge to bounce things off of.

But we had a very nice time and really loved the place. We arrived home Sunday late afternoon, exhausted and missing our boys. We will update with what happens next and will post some photos as soon as I get them downloaded from the camera.

The Happiest Place on Earth?

Hi Everyone,
Well, we embarked on our first official road trip in the BBV (Big Blue Van) on Thursday, February 24th. We set Jake up with many a movie and even more snacks and set out to San Diego to meet with the owners of Brian's company to talk about the much anticipated "buy in". The trip down was uneventful until LA at which point TJ started screaming bloody murder, Jake was overtired and overhungry and there was no food or rest stop to be found. We traveled at approx. 2 mph for several hours until we reached Orange County. I tell ya... that little Tanner is one smart guy: He already has an aversion to Los Angeles! We spent Friday and Saturday at John and Liz' house discussing the financials/particulars of us buying in to the company and interspersed our serious conversations with playtime with the four boys. Jake loved swimming with Nick and Joey and really enjoyed playing in their gigantic backyard. On Sunday, with business concluded early, we went to Legoland. It was gorgeous and sunny and perfect for a three year old. I don't know who had more fun: Jake or Brian. We decided to spend the night in OC to get part of the drive out of the way and upon waking in the morning couldn't resist the lure of Disneyland. Despite having been told by numerous people that Jake was really too young to enjoy it, Brian and I decided to give it a go. Hmmmm. Let's just say that at one point Brian turned to me and said, "This is the happiest place on earth, damn it!" At which point we both burst out laughing. Jake was scared of many of the rides, the lines were way too long for a Monday in February, and the weather was "iffy". It started to rain about noon and began a torential downpour at 2- hence, we made the disney folk a bit richer by rushing into the nearest souvenier store and purchasing mickey mouse ponchos. Jake was a tropper, Tanner was blissfully unaware as he was sleeping under my poncho (see picture above), and we quickly ran for the nearest exit ( a good ten minute walk through the pouring rain!). All in all it was quite funny and we are glad we had the adventure and now have learned from experience. I will surely pass my two cents worth on to any other families with children under the age of 6 and say, "Don't do it!" but many will probably not heed the advice and have to learn for themselves that Disneyland is HIGHLY overrated! We drove home that evening. Being highly intelligent people, Brian and I came up with a great plan... we left Anaheim at 5:00 on Monday night, heading through LA. Yes, it took us many, many hours to get over the grapevine and we arrived home at 2:00 in the morning. Luckily both boys slept almost the entire way and we had the IPOD to keep us entertained. I know, it sounds like a nightmare, but in an odd way it was a great time.

Lot's of posts today, sorry folks but when you find some time these days it's a minor miracle. Granted a lot of this craziness is self-imposed. In the middle of both of the boys being sick, Tanner being a newborn and Jake trying to potty train, we have also decided to....sell our house.

That's right, after all that hard work and remodeling, just when we got it all done (literally, I am doing touch up painting in the kitchen this weekend). We have discovered that the one thing that we can't do to this house is add on a backyard. Having a toddler and soon to be two, really made us re-evaluate what we need in a house. So after much soul searching and admitting that I have been right on this for a year now, Marisa agreed to look at moving.

We have put an offer in on another house is Livermore, that, surprise, surprise, needs some work. But it is a large house with a large lot, is in walking distance to an elemenatry, middle and high school, and will be big enough for all of our needs. I blame this habit of mine on my Uncle Rick, who was buying and fixing up houses my whole early childhood. I always thought that it was so cool that if it wasn't what you wanted, you just made it what you wanted. If you wanted a river in your backyard, you made one. If you wanted a hot tub off of the Master Bedroom, you put one in. I have always been able to look past what shape a house is in when I buy it and see it how I want it to be, and I think some of that comes from Uncle Ricks living construction projects that I was always playing in growing up. So thanks Uncle Rick....

We will try to keep the posts more regular as we go forward. But as you can imagine, with our lives, sh*@ happens. - Brian

Our Littlest Man

Here's Tanner (or TJ or Tiege, depending on who is reading this). He is getting so big so fast. He is a joy, truly. Still bald, still sleepy a lot of the time, but starting to smile and "play" much more. I am enjoying my time with him, as I go back to school in 5 1/2 weeks (but who's counting?). Don't tell Brian, but I think I may want a third! (only kidding... sort of!).

Potty Training Success!

Quite proud of himself, Jake poses by the potty for a picture commemorating the fact that he is officially on the road to being a BIG BOY. He has been wearing pull ups for a month now and stays dry all day. I can't tell you how little I miss changing those poopy diapers!!! I have to give a great deal of credit to Miss Julie- she did most of the training, sitting him on the potty every 20 minutes for several weeks. Still, Jake deserves the credit for making the decision to get it done. Not to be too graphic, but it is pretty amusing the urgency with which he tells me he has to " GO POOP! RIGHT NOW, MOMMY!" and the ensuing rush to the bathroom makes me feel like I have joined some sort of Mommy Club. He still resists wearing big boy underpants- despite the fact that we have sbout 15 pair in all sorts of his favorite designs- Bob Builder, Thomas, Elmo, etc.... Our deal is that he can have gum (something he has been wanting for at least a year now) when he wears his big boys and stays dry for a week. So far the bribe doesn't seem to be working, but we'll keep you posted! In any case, I am relieved to know that my son won't go to high school wearing a diaper. Now if we can only get him to give up that binky....

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

Posting On the Blog

Hi everyone. I've noticed that some of you have started to post comments which is great. I just wanted to let everyone know that in order to comment on a post you do have to create an account. It's free and easy to do, but you do have to do it to be able to comment. This is so that the site dosen't get spammed. The automated spam programs can't create accounts, and the ones that can, can't do the little word verification (you have to type in the letters from the squiggly picture) .

This will help keep the site clear of spam, advertisments, porn and all of the other little internet joys out there. Sorry for the extra hassle, but it's the only way to do it. If you ever have any questions about the site or how to do something, you can give me a call and I will help you the best I can.

Have a great holiday and Marisa will do the post from Christmas as soon as both boys stop screaming and crying, it's been a trying morning from what I've been able to gather. Sorry honey, hang in there! - Brian

What I am Thankful for this Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone! I have so much to be thankful for this year, wonderful home, good job, good health, but what I am most thankful for is in this picture. My family and my life bring me joy each and every day. I can only hope and wish that everyone is able to find the happiness that I have found in my life, at Christmas and everyday.

We had a great Christmas Eve today. Kim , Bill and Abby came over to our house. We played outside as it was a beautiful, clear day. We took our toys for tots gifts to the Pleasanton Fire House (the firemen were out helping people, so we didn't get to see them) and left the gifts at the door for the boys and girls who don't get presents this time of year. We had a nice lunch and introduced Kim & Bill to the fine dining of Nations Giant Burgers.

Everyone came back to our house for a nap (none succesful!) while Jake & I ran out and did some Christmas errands to give the house some quiet time. We visited with Shannon and stopped by Rich & Luree's house and did the grocery shopping (where we ran into Nikko) and had a very nice time singing Christmas Songs from the iPod. After we got back and everyone recovered from the no-nap fiasco, we walked downtown and had a very nice time at Peet's and the park where the City Christmas Tree is.

The lack of nap did finally catch up to all concerned as the little ones got a little frazzled and dinner plans were scrapped due to impending melt downs and bedtimes. We had some chips and dip, salad and pie for Christmas Eve dinner. We are really looking forward to Christmas breakfast at Auntie Sue's & Grandma Mary's tomorrow morning and dinner at Kim & Bill's tomorrow night.

In closing, I want to wish everyone a Merry Chistmas from our family to yours. I have to run as the elves and I have several things to assemble for Santa before bedtime. Love to all. - Brian

Merry Christmas Pete!!!

Sure to give Marisa's dad Pete acid indigestion for Christmas, I have gotten another tattoo. I added one for Tanner just after he was born at the Livermore Tattoo Parlor.

I am sure that this is ridiculed by most, but as I explained to Marisa, this is by me, for me, so they only person that needs to understand it (or like it) is me. In most cultures that have a history of tattooing, a tattoo is used to mark a transition or a special moment in a life journey. Well for me there have been no more special moments or transitions than when Marisa and I got married, or when the boys were born.

I can't say for sure that this will be the last tatoo that I get, but I am definitely beyond my rockstar "but they look so cool" frame of mind, and it is my understanding that we are not having another child, so this may be it. But of course there is still my mid-life crisis to look forward to. - Brian

Visits with Santa

Aren't we lucky? Santa lives right down the street from us!
Every year the couple on the corner decorates their house within an inch of its life, then Santa comes out to greet all the visitors with a candy cane.

We walked down last night for the annual tradition. Santa was walking around the corner as we arrived and Jake screamed, "Hi, Santa!". He went right to him and posed for this picture. No fear! (Of course, the candy cane may have helped!).

Despite Jake's attire, we are not a part of the local militia. I guess camo gear has been all the fashion for the under 3 set this year.

Jake is looking so forward to Christmas. He loves opening his advent calendar each day (more candy canes!) and playing with the toy train that runs around the base of our tree. He is a big fan of cookie baking and decorating- although not so into the eating part. He prefers to make the cookies into a long choo choo train instead. - Marisa

Tanner Jackson

For those of you who do not know yet, or have not seen the millions of photos (or annoying emails from Kodak) this is Tanner Jackson Alan. He joined the family on 11/21/05. He is a great baby so far, sleeping all day and awake sporadically at night. We tried to save time and headaches by combining the birth announcement with the Christmas cards (which you should all be getting very soon!). So the cards don't have just a picture of Tanner. Here he is in all his glory, asleep in the freezing cold stroller at the Livermore Christmas Parade.

We went to the parade while Cori was here staying with us. Jake has gone every year and just loves it, so it has become a family tradition. Nikko walked down with us and we met his wife Shannon down there as she was actually in the parade with the Livermore Wine Growers Association. We had a very good time. Marisa, Cori and Tanner headed home after the parade to get out of the cold, while Jake and I stayed for the tree lighting. He then wanted to be carried all the way home while yelling for his mother to, "bring back my stroller right now, okay?" cracking himself (and me) up. - Brian

Initial Post

I just wanted to see if this would be an easy way to update friends and family on the trials and tribulations on Tanner and Jake. If it works out, it will be a place for Marisa and I to update with photos and text and you all can come here and find out the latest when your curiosity strikes as opposed to us trying to keep you all updated. You can also comment back and let us know how you are doing as well.....more to come.