Anchor Steam Brewery Tour

Thanks to Alex (second to left on top photo), we got to take a private tour of Anchor Steam Brewery in San Francisco with the filtration manager, Tom. I appreciate their beer so much more now, seeing how they open-ferment their beer and keep any automation out of the process. Not shown: the incredible evening afterwards eating at Limon and going to Bar Agricole (a piece of art masquerading as a modern tavern).

Calistoga Ranch

While at Calistoga, we stayed at the Mountain Ranch Home. I loved being so far into the remote mountains, and the fact our cabin overlooked one of the pools. But we also knew it was time to leave the next day: Nate fell into the lake on the property while I was hauling our paddle boat out of the water, and poor Julie encountered a bees nest while we hiked to bluff.

Calistoga

 

 

 

 

Our quick one-nighter in Calistoga consisted of stopping at the Castello di Amorosa winery, an ostentatious display of wealth -- they wanted $48 just to walk inside! -- and the understated and relaxing Petrified Forest.

Dog sitting

 

This is "Leo". He likes to take walks (not too quickly) and be near people when he sleeps. He's happy, friendly, and is the quickest eater on the planet.

Sienna Ranch

We just finished a week of Sienna Ranch and we're looking forward to another session starting next Monday. Just completed: "Farm Hands" (perfect for Julie who claims she will live on a real farm when she grows up). They cared for chickens, made candles, milked goats and made goat cheese, fed alpacas, sheared sheep, stamped leather, etc. Next up: "Keeper of the Lost Arts".

More pics around Chico

We toured a glass-blowing facility, explored the Gold Nugget Museum in Paradise (after taking a bizarre twisting road through the canyons), and, on the way home, showed Nate and Julie the state capitol in Sacramento.

 

 

 

 

One last weekend trip before the kids started camp: a drive up to Chico to visit Gina's old school and Sierra Nevada Brewing, and to explore the surrounding area. My favorite was the brewery of course (one of the greenest breweries in the nation), but I also liked the canyons and finding one of the last remaining covered bridges in California. Apparently it's also the only three-level bridge in North America. 

Sea Ranch Vacation

Fourth of July

 

Our first Fourth without traveling in a while. We had a BBQ at our friend's house, then listened to music & watched the local fireworks show in Moraga. I got to try out my father's day gift: a stainless steel canteen that holds 750mL of wine.

The fruits of summer

 

We eat a lot of fruit.

Garden going strong...

 

First lost tooth!

 

At least, the first lost tooth not pulled out by an oral surgeon. She was equally proud and teary, surprised by the quickness of it all.

Happy Birthday Nate!

 

 

Nate's number 8 birthday shared with cousins and around the pool. Yes, that's Nate's main present he requested: a cherry tree. He also received, in our grand tradition, and special-request homemade cake from Gina, a carmel fudge chocolate cake. Tasty, but "rich" doesn't come close to describing it.

San Juan Islands photo album

More Edmonds pictures

No lack of good things to do here, Nate and Julie can now attest. It was hard to leave!

Northwest Summer Vacation!

We started our 2011 summer vacation in style -- flying up to Seattle and seeing Grandma & Grandpa's fancy new home in Edmonds. The kids were estatic, and the weather was gorgeous. I liked the view from the deck, including the spotting of the submarine the first day.

First Day / Last Day pictures

Last day of school (top) and first day of school (bottom). Our chilly spring/summer continues!

Wort Chiller

Gina asked for a light summer beer, all of which require an extended cool fermentation. There was only one place this could happen. It's fun to listen to the bubbling each morning, but a little odd to smell the yeast while brushing our teeth.

Weekly Schedule

Nate and Julie wrote up a weekly schedule for the family to follow:

Sunday: ice cream and movie (Nate and Julie couldn't agree on which one, so they compromised by saying we should do both)
Monday: reading day
Tuesday: family game day
Wednesday: "Wacky Wednesday" (wear something funny)
Thursday: crepes for breakfast (Nutella & bananas are the current favorite)
Friday: "Fun Friday" (I guess anything)
Saturday: hiking