Lucy and Curtis went to the Gilroy Gardens, formerly Bonfonte Gardens, to see the gardens and Christmas lights. The waterfalls were exceptional and the lights in the evening were impressive. It was cold but not freezing. Perhaps a highlight of the afternoon was dinner at Fresh Choice, where Curtis was charged at the senior rate for the very first time. 
Some of the trees were amazing.
Briana had her annual Gingerbread party. There were some talented artists attending. They made some beautiful houses.
This one came with a dog and dog house. Made by Ana.
This house has a popcorn christmas tree. Made by Monica.
This one made by Briana has a pond with jumping fish. The red in the pond are fish heads popping out of the water.
This must be Frosty the snowman's house.
This was made by Marlyse.
Trisha, Gustavo, Lucy and Curtis spent the afternoon at Curtis' favorite place on planet earth--Big Basin. As always it was beautiful and awe inspiring. Gustavo had never seen giant Redwood trees. It was amazing how the big trees would be burnt out in the center but still be alive and thriving.
The extended family went to San Francisco, browsed through Pier 39 and toured Alcatraz. It was a fun day and the weather was surprisingly OK.
We took a ferry to Alcatraz, otherwise known as "The Rock."
Can you imagine being locked up in this cell for 15 years with only an occassional time outside the cell?
We went golfing with Rob and Briana last Saturday. What do you think about that swing? A pro in the making, wouldn't you agree? Maybe with a little practice and instruction with Rob her swing will improve.
Here is the professional picture of us with Darcy at graduation. Added on December 5, 2007
Skyler wants to know where Darcy went. Why didn't you bring her back? Darcy was turned in to CCI on Saturday November 17, 2007. She will hopefully last the six months of training and at the end be ready for team training where she will be placed with a person with a handicap, other than blindness, who will use her as a service dog. Any time during the next six possibly nine months she can be released, meaning she is not suitable for being a service dog. We don't call these dogs failures, but Change of Career, COC dogs for they still are great dogs who often do other kinds of work, like Skyler who is a great Therapy Dog. Only about 1/3 of the dogs turned in for Advance Training make it. They are released for a variety of reasons from health issues to behavior issues.
We will eventually receive a professional picture of us with Darcy but for now this will work.
I had to get her on the swing which we always sit on when we first get our puppy, so here she is all grown up.
Darcy looks a little bored here in these pictures, as most of the day was sitting around waiting, but when she finally was able to play with her friends at the dog park she had a great time. She discovered the agility tunnel and just loved it. She wouldn't stop running through it. In the past she was afraid to go in and avoided it at all costs. When we finally had to turn her over to the trainer she went happily wagging her tail and did not even look back. We know she will have a good time there. Each dog shares a kennel with another dog. She is with Anjou a petite Golden who was in her class while I was raising her. We will receive Advanced Training reports once a month starting sometime in January. For now we just wait and pray.
Skyler likes Foxy Lady and she always has to go say hi to her when she comes. Today she introduced Darcy.
Skyler brings lots of smiles as she rolls over.
We met at Chabot Lake Regional Park for hot dogs, games and especially silly costumes. The dogs endured the humiliation with assurances they would later receive a trick-or-treat.
So the same morning that we got the great news about the coming baby we had the bad news that the water heater was bad. We took the "pay-the-expert-to-replace" approach for the "measily" value of $1054. Ouch!
YOU GUESSED IT.....
We received a call at 5:30 this morning. TRISHA AND GUSTAVO ARE EXPECTING THEIR FIRST CHILD! WOW! How are we going to spoil two grandchildren at once? I guess I am going to have to get advice from the Great Grandma as we did the same thing to her twice with Jason being born a month after Jedidiah and Trisha a month after Hope.
Apparently Carolyn had her first vomit incident. She is usually OK in the morning but can be sick in the afternoon. However, mint gum is nauseating in the morning but OK in the afternoon.
Skyler and Lucy went on their first Pet Therapy visit today. Skyler was very good and loved by everyone. She was very interested in one lady who was trying to feed her a cookie. Today's visit happened to be at OnLok where Grandma goes, so Grandma had a fun surprise when she saw us there. There were two other dogs and their people with us. The black one next to Skyler is a retired guide dog. She is 9 1/2 years old. See Grandma in the background. She has a big smile on her face. I am planning on setting up visits at Vista with another lady who has a cute little Yorkshire Terrier whom she dresses up in cute clothes. She even has a pair of sunglasses!
