In early August of 2004, Beth and Ben's friend from their grad school days, Chris, came out to visit the wonders that lay in wait in San Francisco. Chris visited for a week, and it was an action packed week indeed. Here we see Chris sitting on a rock hanging over the Pacific Ocean. Though it looks relatively safe, in reality, not so much. That little path there looks big, but people, you're getting fooled by the optical illusion of perspective. A slip means a few hundred feet fall into pokey rocks. Ouchy. But thankfully, Chris braved the cliffs and fog without incident.

Chris and Beth walking through some surprisingly strong (and cold) water in Yosemite. Kids were sliding down it into a beautiful (and cold) crystal clear (and cold) lake. It was a great reward after our long hike.

Beth, Ben and Chris drove up to a spot called Glacier Point while in Yosemite. It gives an incredible view of the National Park. Just to the left of Beth is another rail, and if you fell over it, you would plummet over 3,000 feet straight down. In recap, view = good, fall = bad.

Beth and Ben went to the SF 49'ers 2004 Season Opener. When Ben found out they were playing the Atlanta Falcons, he knew it was in the cards. It was only Ben's second NFL game he's atteneded, and Beth's first. It was a great game, but Ben got quite the sunburn. But it was worth it! It was a great game, and thankfully.........

In Mid-November of 2004, Beth and Ben's friend from grad school, Darci, came out for a quick visit from Ft. Worth, TX, of the Dallas-Ft. Worth variety. Though short, we packed in as much as possible. Darci spent one day with her cousin, Michelle, who lives in Oakland, which was fortunate because one of the days of her visit was a workday...... for shame. :) Here's Darci and Beth posing for a picture in front of downtown San Francisco.

On the last day of Darci's visit, it was decided to drive to the top of Mt. Diablo. It was a foggy morning, but since Mt. Diablo is a mountain, we were above the clouds at about 1,000' or so. Not much could be seen below, but it was still a nice drive and a unique view. This is looking Southeast towards the San Joaquin Valley, fog as far as the eye can see. Thanks for coming out to visit us Darci!

On the weekend before Ben's birthday, Ben and Beth decided it was time to go back to the Sierra's for some playing in the snow. It was perfect skiing conditions; a foot of snow in each of the previous two days, clear skies, and temperature in the mid-30's. As can be seen, Beth is progressing very quickly with her skiing skills. On only her third day skiing ever, she already braved an intermediate slope.... twice..... and only fell once (and right into some soft fluffy fresh powder to boot). Even Ben almost fell a couple of times. Not very many pictures were taken on this trip, and the only one of Ben is not so good, but maybe next time. Oh yes, next time is not very far off at all. :)