Last Week before Argentina

Well, here we are ... on December 19th Mari, my Mom and I leave for Argentina. We will be there from December 19th through January 11th. I am very excited to see my Argentinian family. Since we're going in their summer (Argentina is below the equator so the seasons are reversed), we get to go on a Family Vacation. We're going to Patagonia. That should be fun! One interesting Spitzberg fact for you ... we are going to experience all 4 seasons in 3 weeks. We leave the U.S. during fall, we arrive to Buenos Aires in Spring. On 12/21 we switch to Summer, and then when we return to Winter in the U.S. That's pretty sweet ... I'm trying to think of a cool saying that I can print on a T-shirt for us.
I'm going to miss the U.S. Today was my last show at the Gaylord until January 15th. I enjoy playing their, but whatever happens w/ this show in the future, it's been a lot of fun so far. I won't see the chef outfit and maintenance shirts for a month.

Here's a random picture of me playing conga's last week at Church. Thanks Peter.

I thought I would end this post w/ a picture of the snow they have at the Gaylord. It's preety sweet.

This is probably the last post until I get back. Merry Christmas everybody and Happy New Year!

Mari + Charlotte Hang @ The Gaylord

On Saturday night Mari came down to the National Harbor w/ our good friend Charlotte ... here are some pics from the night.

I wanted to play the Zen Drum for Mari ... this was when I was attempting a Zen solo.

Here is Mari + Charlotte.

Here are Brett and Jeff posing for a picture at the end of the night.

Our Nephew bought Mari a jersey from his favorite soccer team. He has been requesting a picture of her wearing it in America.

My incredible wife has been to see the show down at the harbor multiple times. Thanks Babe for taking time again to check it out!!!!

Thanksgiving Weekend Pic Extravaganza

Well, it has been a great weekend of food, family, friends, and percussion. This has been the fullest Thanksgiving weekend I've had, but it was very fulfilling in every sense of the word. Below is a picture recap of the weekend. Captions will be below the pictures.

On Thursday I played at the Gaylord w/ my friend Zak. Zak is from Baltimore so he knew this actor guy Anwan Glover. I had never heard of him, but Zak was excited.

After playing kitchen percussion, it was off to my brother's house. Man, Neesham (my younger sister-in-law) cooked an amazing gourmet Thanksgiving dinner. She prepared this pumpkin soup thing as an appetizer. I felt like I was at a very expensive restaurant the entire night.

Mari and I before the feast.

Here is my Mom. I always love celebrating Thanksgiving w/ my Mom.

This is Beemer and myself. I appreciate the fact he wore a tie.

I was in charge of the family portrait. This was my first attempt. I took about 10 others before I got the one below.

I thought it was important not to have my Mom squished.

On Friday morning it was off to my Dad's house where we celebrated Thanksgiving w/ my Dad.I decided to play a song on the violin for my Dad. I was practicing a song one of my students wants to learn, "Start of Something New" from High School Musical.

My Dad read an Indian prayer before the meal.

My Dad's marshmellow sweet potato's.

Neesham's soup.

Mari made a cranberry Cheesecake.

Family portrait ... again I was in charge.

After linner w/ my Dad it was off to the Gaylord. Also, on Saturday at the Gaylord, I saw three friends from Church ... the Trusedale's, Scott + Grace, and Marhsall + Tammy. It was great to see everyone. It seems the holiday crowds at the hotel enjoy the holiday songs.

Another highlight of the weekend was to play percussion at Church. This was the first time I've played in a very long time. I was nervous, but I had a blast. There is nothing like hitting stuff while singing truth about Jesus ... I love it!

Once again if you've read this far, I appreciate your time. Have a great a week, and I hope you had a great T-giving weekend.