Patriots in CALIFORNIA!!

Keith took Karson to her first NFL game at Candlestick Park for "Steve Young Day". Of course, that's not the REAL reason they were there. The San Francisco 49ers were playing our favorite, the New England Patriots! It was a daddy-daughter great time with a lot of snacks and a Patriots' Victory! See? We are still New Englanders at heart.

Yosemite

Our trip to Yosemite has been one of our favorite California adventures thus far. Karson loved the redwoods. I could not believe how tall and thick they were with such a flimsy root system! And most amazingly, Keith actually agreed to be photographed a couple of times!! We did some hiking; Karson climbed some rocks; and we took a beautiful drive through the Yosemite Valley. We are looking at this trip as a "scouting mission", as we realized we will have to return many times to enjoy ALL that the park has to offer.

What I'm thankful for....

It has been a rough month for our family. About six weeks ago, my youngest brother, Philip, chose to take his own life. There are days when I am okay and can go about my business functionally, and there are days when I can hardly breath. This may sound like a strange start to a blog titled, "What I'm thankful for..", but in this rough time, there has been much for which to be thankful. First and most obvious, my wonderful little brother and the laughter, love, and service he added to this world during his life. Also, I am thankful for the love and comfort I have been able to share with my sisters and with Patrick as we all grieve the loss of our baby brother. I was raised in a very special family; that has become evident through all of this, and for that I am HUGELY thankful. Part of that special family is my dad, who has suffered so many challenges and sadness in his life. As we endure this loss, Dad has been a rock. In addition, my wonderful husband and daughter have provided so much comfort and cared for me to help me along. I will always miss Philip, and wish he had not done this, but I choose to be thankful for the great, strong, comfort that he was during his short life.

Alcatraz

Being just across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco has its benefits. One of them is the ENDLESS choices for day trips to museums, parks, and other attractions. We took our house guests to Fisherman's Wharf for lunch at Bubba Gump's, and from there on a ferry ride to Alcatraz, where we took a nice walk and an audio tour of one of America's most famous penitentiaries.

Sonoma

Wine Country is only an hour away and with it, beautiful vineyards, fields, boutiques, and open space!! Something rare here in the Bay Area. Keith and Karen took a trip in late September, but this last weekend we returned to our favorite winery "Matanza's Creek" to share the tasting and the abundant lavendar fields with Grandma, Jido, and Uncle Billy.

Halloween

Halloween in Alameda was out of this world! With the decorations, jack-O-lantern mazes, and street performers, and hundreds of people, it seemed for like a carnival than trick or treat! Needless to say, our little Cleopatra made out like a bandit with the goodies!

Settling in...

Well we've been in California for four months now and are doing a lot of exploring. Karson loves her new school and is making lots of friends as well as inspiring a group of "scared older boys" whom she chases at recess with threats of hugs. Keith is enjoying his work and has been spending his "spare time" landscaping our yard. It's beautiful! Karen has jumped right into the thick of things at KIPP Bridge Charter School in West Oakland. She LOVES her students (not to mention the babysitting pool they have created to help with the transition).
Since our arrival, we have taken a couple of weekend trips to Yosemite and Sonoma, as well as exploring the Oakland Hills area on weekend kid/dog hikes.