Mista, August 1997 - January 2015

Born at the Hollywood Racetrack, Mista left the track life to join me my senior year of college. When her orange nose caught my eye at a cat adoption, I couldn't have imagined that I'd found an 18-year partner with an insatiable appetite for popcorn and chicken and a morning meow louder than a train.  

She patiently accepted Marco as her friend and even relished their Nerf battles (she was unarmed) and their hide-and-seek adventures (she hides, Marco seeks).  In her last several years, she graciously put up with being carried around like a rag doll and even, sometimes reluctantly, spending time purring on Marco's lap. Cheers to our old, sweet friend.  It's too quiet without you.

Seven Out

In traditional birthday style, we celebrated lucky seven over and over... and over again.

Marco woke up taller, ordered his in-class birthday song with screaming - hold the cha chas - and generally got everything he wanted... and more.  Over the course of the weekend, we had cupcakes in bed, cupcakes in the classroom, ice cream and dinner with friends and the batting cages with a class of boys - complete with cupcakes of course.  Our house is still littered with presents, wrapping paper and a smiling 7-year old.  :)

And here's the proof:

 (Note: new birthday batting gloves and jawbreakers in cheeks.)

Seven out.

Left to Right

Heather and I stole away with the kids for MLK, Jr. day to a winery in Sonoma.

The kids were really great and we stumbled on the very best wine steward who paid special attention to the kids and explained to them how to take a small taste of something and then explain what you like about it.

He poured them two grape juice tastings, explaining that you taste like you read, from left to right. The kids loved being treated so special.  Marco pulled out his wallet and bought them a bottle to share outside.

We took our picnic out to the lake and the kids ran time trials.  Olive took the victory and may have a future in cross country.  I credit her steady pace and stamina.  The boys are either sprinters, or they're lazy.

I think we nailed a relaxing day in the January sun.  And here's the proof: