Cali pics

We're having a good time out here in California. We did a wine tour today -- driving through Sonoma County on two-lane backroads to all these little wineries. It's beautiful here and the wine has been very tasty! We decided to just focus on the pinot noir variety since it grows so well in this region. It also is a variety that Darcy and I have wanted to explore more. Some of the vineyards we visited have up to a seven year waiting list for certain bottlings of their pinot noir. Another serves their wine at the White House. All that to say that the wine here is very sought after and exceptionally good. Unfortunately Darcy still has a cold and can not taste or smell much of it. Talk about bad timing! We might stop at a few more wineries as we head north tomorrow. We are planning on spending the weekend up in the Sinkyone Wilderness area, though it's supposed to rain tomorrow evening so we may not camp until Saturday. We'll keep you posted.

Le Shaque

Your house looks great!! It's got to feel wonderful to be that finished with it. Way to go!

Ben and I took Micah & Natalie up to my fam's cabin (we call it The Shaque) a couple weeks ago. It was so relaxing - we had such a great time. I haven't been up there that late in the season for several years, and I couldn't believe how warm it was still. We were able to lay out on the dock in the sun, fish, and even take baths in the lake! (well... I didn't, but the others did) Micah brought up his canoe & explored the tiny Nickel Lake, and then wrote a little song about it :-) You can see the video of it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jkYBdV41_A

I would love for you guys to get the Shaque experience someday! Here are some photos...

he's such a rebel!

the couture fashions of Port le Shaque

the view from my swing...

had some target practice --- I learned to shoot a handgun for the first time!