thanksgiving in santa barbara

Now for some turkey on Valentines day. We hosted Thanksgiving at our house this year, it was a lovely day and we were joined by the Portland Mannings and Boots, Francie from LA, the Palm Desert Whalleys and a couple of friends from here in SB, Dad and Mariah.

Seriously cannot believe how adorable all these little people are.




We've never hosted 13 before, but we all just fit (barely) in the dining room.



Axel had his first taste of turkey, and unfortunately also brussel sprouts, we all paid for that one later.


The next morning we had folks back over for a little breakfast before everyone had to head back to their respective abodes.

Here's a sweet one of Brook and Axel.

And on the couch: Francie, Ian, me, Vivien (Big Anna) with Alex, Tim, Brook and Rich. Also featuring Bodie the dog under the table.

halloween in february

We're back! From a lot of stuff, but let's begin where we left off, no? At the end of October (in 2009) we took a trip to Minneapolis arriving on Halloween and just in time for my nephew Elliot's birthday party. He made a fine Max and my brother and Amanda were Juno and Pauly (she was in her 9th month of pregnancy). Nice!


Rich and Axel decided to go with an ensemble costume as well... we unfortunately didn't capture a great photo, I think Axel was practicing his Jedi mind tricks.

We did a little trick or treating in the neighborhood, then...


paid a visit to my Dad and Brenda, who are currently the proprietors of Vic's Bar and Grill for some Halloween fun. Vic's is a great little spot with some nice local flavor, and you'll notice in the photo below, my brother thought it wise to go for a costume change, from Pauly to Slash (good move). A stuffed frog filled in for Axel, he wanted to stay in and hand out the candy.


We also celebrated one of several Christmases while we were there, why not? Here's Axel with his new Vikings jersey and below is Elliot being cute as usual, and Grandma Ben in the background.