Being Thankful

Our Thanksgiving turned out amazing! Spending the day in the kitchen and celebrating with family was delicious. And rather than navigate the crowds at malls and shopping centers, we spent Black Friday at the beach instead.  We have much for which to be thankful. So today I am sending a big 'ol shout out to family, turkey leftovers, sun-soaked beaches, and my rock star kitchen that so smoothly hosted a big familia-style dinner. ~Gracias!

Thanksgiving Dinner menu options

Only 4 days away, can you believe it?!?  Because we are hosting our first Thanksgiving dinner, I went a little overboard and planned 2 different menus. One menu is a bit more non-traditional, but both are yummy. Not surprisingly the hardest part was pairing down the dessert options. How will I ever choose?

Photo credits: via here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here

Christmas Card

With Christmas just around the corner, we're trying to get a jump on our holiday cards. The final print version might get a few tweaks, but here is what we've come up with this year: 

Fatherhood

I just ran across the most touching photo essay of fatherhood as told by a reluctant father. You must check out Phillip Toledano's photos and narrative here. His honest account of the uncharted journey into fatherhood is both refreshing and affecting. Makes the idea of plotting my own journey less scary.

Photos via here

Santa Barbara: Bacara & 26.2 Miles

After spending the last few months running our neighborhood trails after work every day and training with his buddy, a marathon pro, during long early morning runs every weekend, Ronnie was ready to run his first 26.2 miles at the Santa Barbara International Marathon this past weekend. With the proper training under his belt, we decided that the best way to overcome the nervous mental energies would be to get some rest and relaxation the night before the race.  And the best place for some plush R&R in Santa Barbara....the Bacara Resort of course. We spent our 1st anniversary at Bacara and always longed to return. Thankfully, Bacara graciously extended marathon participants a special rate, of which we happily took advantage. After  checking-in we explored the lush meandering grounds of the resort, ordered some wine, took a romantic walk on the beach, watched the sun set over the ocean and enjoyed a healthy carb load at the resort's outdoor bistro. 

3am came too early the morning of the race. Ronnie was surprising calm and bushy-tailed - R&R accomplished. After the obligatory morning coffee I drove Ronnie to the drop-off location, wished him all the love and luck in the world, and began to plan my spectator route from where I would snap pics of him along the race course. I caught up to him at Mile 6, Mile 12, and Mile 17.  He looked great and was maintaining a 3:20 marathon pace. I was so proud of him and happy to see that he would be fulfilling one of his dreams/goals. And I was happy to be snapping the pics instead of worrying about electrolyte replenishment and blisters. By Mile 22 Ronnie began to experience debilitating cramps in his quads. But he toughed it out to the finish! No longer a mere runner, Ronnie has joined the elite ranks of people (1%) that can call themselves a marathon runner. He's hooked and already planning for the next marathon.

Bacara grounds and village room

Bacara Pool

On our way to the beach

Trail to the beach

Impromptu photo shoot

Watching the sunset while enjoying a glass of wine

Santa Barbara sunset

3am the morning of the marathon 

Looking fresh at mile 17

From runner to marathoner

Mission accomplished!