San Francisco City Lights

Every year for my Mom's birthday we take a family short. We find destination that is not too far away and we go for the night!  Over that last few years we have learned a few things:
1. The boys DO NOT like to shop.
2. Everyone in the same car is VERY BAD idea.
3. Keith should not be in charge of the directions.
4. And... my mom does NOT like to relax...she like to do 'THINGS'.

This year Dorothy had the bright idea to go to San Francisco as tourists.  We booked our rooms, booked our city lights tour in our vintage car and scoped out some yummy places to eat.
Unfortunately, it rained and rained and rained. Our hotel was right on Fisherman's wharf for the sole purpose of being able to walk to all the fun stuff the shore had in store. So, this turned into running in the rain to our destination.  When we arrived at our tour they had rescheduled for the next day, as it was raining to hard to see all the sights. The tour guide kindly offered to drive us to a GREAT Italian restaurant that he LOVES!  It was a quaint little hole in wall that was, of course, full because it sat like 10 people.  But, we assumed it was because it was worth the wait. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This place sucked! The whole group was so disappointed we vowed to speak of it again ( not really, I just added that for dramatic value). But really NEVER eat at La Osteria del Forno= GROSS.

We went on our freezing cold tour the next day, ate clam chowder and had a super fun time!
Another successful Family Short!

Thanksgiving

I know it is a little late...but really I LOVE Thanksgiving! This year was a BEST OF... We had new little Baby Bishop, it was a quiet, cuddly, low key day filled with lots of love and too much food!  I am so thankful for all my people- my cup runneth over!

The Spirit of MO HILL

Every year MH has their little Christmas parade/ tree lighting ceremony. (REALLY Little) It is a time for gathering, drinking warm beverages, freezing your extremeties, seeing acquaintances you wouldn't normally see and just sharing in the season. It is never really something you look forward to going to, but you are always glad you went.
And when your mom makes you roast for dinner it makes it even better! (Thanks MOM!)

No words needed...

**Sounds of Angels singing***

Halloween

Kim and Adam's annual Halloween party was another hit this year!  Marianne and Xavier came up from Culver City and we all got to catch up!  Missing this year was the live rat, and tequila shots (which I missed last year too) both I am sure were not missed too much by Kim.  I was Strawberry Shortcake, Kim was an October Fest girl and Marianne was a Giant. Good times had by all!

Wine Tasting Cycle Tour

Holy hotness.  Jes, Les, the Melos and the Beiers signed up for a wine tasting cycle tour through Livermoore.  Scheduling it in October sounded like a great idea as we we hoping that the weather would not be too hot or too cold.  We were wrong. I think it was about 85 degrees outside.
Had the Beiers been more seasoned riders or on better shape, this may have not presented such an issue.  BUT, the description DID say this was good for beginners and that there was only one small hill (LIES all LIES).
The first non-hill I had to walk my bike up, the second non-hill I made it up with a little extra effort and the third and only one THEY considered a hill and made up half way and walked my bike they rest of the way up. 
When we got to the first winery I was so hot, tired and sweaty that I was in NO mood to taste anything but water and the cool air of the barrel room.
From the first winery it was all downhill and big hills at that.  No peddling necessary!  The rest of the trip was a lot more fun;  Especially when I figured out how to use my bike correctly and I was not peddling like a mad woman.
It was a fun, hot day.  Will I do it again? No. But I can say that I did it once!

Circus time

*Preface- I going through laser hair removal for my 'beard' and 'mustache'. Because of the EXCELLENT hair genes I have inherited, this process it taking a little longer than average (OK A LOT longer). So, in order for the follicles to be 'killed' you have to shave in between treatments. I use Keith's old Norelco electric shaver and it works perfectly...until tonight.

Words my husband does NOT want to hear come out of my mouth:
"Babe, I was shaving my mustache and I cut my lip!"

P.S. it is bleeding and hurts...poor me