We went for a hike at Big Basin Redwoods State Park (sans doggie) on MLK Jr. holiday. That park is the oldest California state park, founded in 1902. It was a perfect, beautiful day. We couldn't believe how old all of the trees must be, they are huge. We also saw a coyote, he was really cute. He looked a lot like Shinobi.

It was too beautiful of a day not to take some photos. The sky was a gorgeous blue and the citrus trees in our neighborhood are starting to bear fruit. I have been at my new job for a week now and am enjoying it so far. Jonathan is in SF today taking a voice acting class that I got him for Christmas. Shinobi is curled up on our new (used) couch. And we are going to hang out with the Jonathan and Lindsey tonight. Sigh... we are quite blessed.

Shinobi made friends with two Havanese dogs. The black one is named Scout and the white and gray one is Lincoln. Their owners, Jane and Karl, go to our church. Shinobi and Scout are about the same age and they were playing like crazy. Jane and Karl's son got a camera for Christmas and was practicing his skills on Shinobi.

We had a busy trip North for Christmas. We went to Portland, Corvallis, and Eugene and got to see a lot of friends, and family too. We realized that we are really blessed to have such great people in our lives. We had a wild month with a new job and Lasik eye surgery for me, and lots of fun Christmas parties and events.

Even though we were away from family, we were adopted for Thanksgiving by some friends from church. Charissa made an amazing feast for nine people and we had a lot of fun. We have a lot to be thankful for even though some things that are easy to cling to in the world are failing: Shinobi is healing up well, I can see thanks to my free Lasik surgery, we were good little stewards and saved so we don't have to panic that I am getting laid-off at the end of January, we live in a country where we are not persecuted for being Christians, we have good health, good friends, and good family, and we know our hope is in heaven.