Howl-een

Another Halloween and not one Trick-or-Treater! Good thing though since I didn't have any candy in the house!

Here you can see my nephews "Napoleon" and "Denzel Crocker" (usually known as Bryce and Brett) fresh off the streets and loaded with candy. Bryce, you've got it down!
We checked out the patch at the Nut Tree last weekend. We ate a brick o'french fries and some other junk food, rode the hay ride wagon, and then picked out a pumpkin. Then we hit patch #2! There are just too many patches to pass up, right boys? They even got to go on an ATV ride. All in all a great day.

Weekend in Atlanta

Happy Birthday Bren!!

Brenda turned 30 on the 19th and I was lucky enough to be there to celebrate with her. I flew into Atlanta we had a great weekend hanging out. Friday we went to the Horseradish Grill for lunch. It was fantastic--charming building, friendly service, and a great selection of traditional Southern food. Yum! We didnt have room for dessert but the waiter brought a piece of their specialty cake to go anyway for Brenda's birthday. Now that is Southern hospitality!
Its a must if you ever go to Atlanta.I finally got to spend some quality time with little Ava Rose (you cant leave off the "Rose"). She is adorable like she was plucked out of a Shirley Temple movie. She is obviously European because she loves spicey olives, unique foods, and has the olive skin of an Italian--and those curls!
Brenda and Ed also had their friends Tim, Julie, Klaus and Deb over for dinner on Saturday. That was a fun time. They are a very warm and fun group.
I miss you all already!

Quinceañera

Claire was in her friend Mayra's Quinceanera earlier this Fall. Im just getting around to posting it. She and a group of their friends had all been practicing for months the dances that they had to perform. We arent sure if they were really learning dances or just using the practices as a chance to get their gang together every week. She looks just like a princess in her beautiful blue dress, doesnt she?!

6.3 on the Richter Scale

Just talked to Betsy in Hawaii to see if they were okay. There was a 6.3 earthquake there which knocked things off of shelves and really rattled the area. They are all fine and are just cleaning up some of the glass that broke. They said that land line phones are working but cell phones aren't right now. Glad everyone is okay! Guess you cant avoid earthquakes even if you do move out of California!

The A's vs. Detroit

Well, I went to the 2nd game in the playoffs between the A's and Detroit with a few of my co-workers.

It was a beautiful night with the exception of them losing and all. They were off to a great start 2-0 and then blew it despite a couple of homers by Milton Bradley (the baseball player not the game company!).

There was a plaque with my favorite all-time Raider, George Blanda, inside the colesium so of course I had to get my picture take with it!

Ooh La La...It's Beth's Birthday

Beth celebrated her birthday Friday. Happy Birthday Beth!
We started at Palomino for drinks and ended up at a super fun little French restaurant that Greg picked out on Lombard in SF. It was a great time with Beth and Greg, Beth's brother Tobin and Stacey, Ann and Chris and Claire, and me. Chris got the Escargo.

Greg ordered a pumpkin pie for Beth because it is her FAVORITE dessert. The pie was amazing looking but taste-wise it wasnt exactly like the American version. As Chris says, "They dont even have Pumpkins in France!"

The atmosphere, Blaise, good wine, and the company made for a fun night! (Will you ever turn 40 Beth??)

McDonny's

Say you have started working at McDonald's and you have the job down. Now a big group of family members shows up to check you out at your new job. Is that embarrassing? Here are the results of our informal survey:
Robin - Yes, I will not even go into the restaurant and embarrass my nephew.
Wendy - It is fine. We are just showing up like any other customer.
Steph - Donny can get up in front of a crowd at a talent show, I think he can handle some family members coming in to see him!
The Crew at Baskin Robbins (where we went after harrassing poor Donny) - 50/50 embarassing/not embarrassing
Now, when Donny (a.k.a. "John") was asked how he felt about the incident his response was, "I dont care". He even came over to Baskin-Robbins on his break (he brought his own McFlurry though). You were a true professional Donny and we are all super proud of you! All the cousins have a new name for McDonald's -- McDonny's! Bryce was even trying on the hat for size.

Brett's Walking Wonders

Well, thanks to so many family members and friends who contributed to the walk for a cure for Juvenile Diabetes, we were able to raise money towards a great cause--diabetes research. The Emigh and Riedel Crew (and Kelly the speed walker!) walked today and had a great time doing it! We started and ended at the State Capitol (no Arnold in site!). Brett and Lexi even sprayed their hair orange for the occasion. Congrats and Thanks to all of the walkers and donators!