Dancing Lessons

I just noticed that I had a message from Jim (Mike's Dad of Nem and Mike). I was going to post the salsa lesson video here for everyone to enjoy and I haven't yet. The file size was a little big, and I was trying to figure out how to make it smaller. I think I've got it now.

This one is for you Jim! Enjoy!

And here are a couple of pictures to go along with the video.

Fawn is really getting into it!


Nem is keeping her eyes on our instructor. She's a quick learner!


See what I mean. This is a few minutes later. She's got it!





Tori and Brendan, our resident dance experts.


There was a bit of a language barrier, so Brendan asked to be shown in the language of 'ze dance'


Such poise, such determination...


Luella posing during a quick dance break.


And the lessons continued the next morning. By the end of two sessions, 3 people could dance, one had a sore ankle and the rest of us were aware that there had been dancing, but could not remember any of the steps.

Random photo

The geese are all leaving. It's getting too cold for them!

The 4-hour work week

I just read this book and it is amazing. It might not be for everyone, but for the brave few who do read it you are in for a great ride. I was eager to read it, but a little skeptical at first, but the more I got into it the more sense it made.

I read it this past week and it has literally changed my life. I don't remember the last time a book did that. It talks about freedom, teaches how to get free, and how to be truly rich.

Powerful stuff. Read it, you'll see.

I'm now officially 31

Turning 31 was infinitley easier then turning 30. When I turned 30 I thought I had lost my youth, I was no longer in my 20s, I had crossed over into the realm of another decade. It actually stressed me out a little. Looking back, it was more psychologiacal then anything else. It just required wrapping my head around it as a concept. I was looking at it as a huge jump, from 20 to 30 (a ten year span) and measuring it in my mind as such. In reality, it was just one year, same as any birthday. This year was easier, but now that I think about it, they are really the same, but change depending on how we look at it. Much of life is that way. Our perspective and choices on how we see things (and yes we do have a choice!) is completely up to us and more often then not we create the stresses we are feeling in our lives.

Wow...deep thoughts...and it's not even noon yet.

On another note it snowed all day yesterday, and we have about 2 inches of fresh powder all over. This is what I was looking at last week.


I was in a beautiful place - sun, sand and surf. Now I am at home in the cold but my family is here.

If someone offered me a free trip back their right now I would choose to stay in the cold. Cause my family's here that's why, and a week away from them is long enough for me!

Erin's Maternity session

We had a super time with Erin a couple of weeks ago and had planned to upload her slideshow while in Mexico, but the connection wasn't great for uploading the full slideshow. Now that we are home the slideshow is up!

Click here to view the slideshow.

I'm going home!

Last post from Mexico. Mani and I are sitting in the bar about to get kicked out cause they are closing.

I get to see these two kids tomorrow and my lovely wife. I am so lucky. They are my world. I can not wait to see you guys.

A trip down the river, on horseback of course!

With the wedding done the unwinding can begin! Today we booked a horseback riding tour to take us up to a hotsprings. Of course, when it is 85 degrees out, the hotspring was about 110, so we didn't really get in. Brendan made it in to his knees, but only for a few minutes.

Here are some shots from today. More to come. It's so great here!

Here is me, Tori and Luella. Could we look any more ready to ride?


Here is our tallest member Brendan on one of the smaller horses. But he had the cool hat and glasses, so he automatically was the coolest one of us all.


Sarah our resident horse expert, was leading the way along the trails.


We even got to go through the river 6 times! Wet feet wet feet! That's Tori leading this pack along. What a motley crew we were. As we are all looking at this picture, Mani commented that it didn't look like us, that we were actually there, and he's right, it is a little surreal, but we were there - and back again!


This is the hot springs...or should I say the really really really hot springs!


Mani looking oh so good. Got to love the natural sun flare!


There were so many great details. Tori saw this leaf and called me over. Can we say computer background?


Now I don't know why, but after Sarah swam in the river, she tried to talk to the local cows, then the donkeys...we are all worried about her.


No trouble finding parking for the horses out here.


Luella was doing some serious riding. It's actually very difficult to take a picture of the person behind you while your horse is walking. I think I had to take about 5 to get this one.


River number 6!


Tori was also sporting a very cool riding hat.


I can't remember what was said but here is Sarah's reaction to it. Must be something Mani said.


And this is the end, taken by our guide and driver Jose. Thanks for the great day everyone!

Nem and Mike - a few pictures to get you started!

Here are some shots from Nem and Mike's wedding yesterday. There are so many more amazing ones, but I"m going to save them for later as the internet connection is a little spotty right now and I'm not sure it will upload them all.

So, some pictures to peruse for now, and come back tomorrow for some more! I know there are lots of family members who were unable to attend. Hopefully these pictures will give you a sense of the day. Enjoy!