Thanks Dan And Miranda!

After a fun-filled five days, Dan and Miranda made the trek back to Minnesota today. We enjoyed the visit, and we hope you will make a return trip in the future.

It was a packed week for them as we got started in San Diego Wednesday night at Croce's restaurant and jazz bar named after the famous singer Jim Croce. It was a nice night in the Gaslamp as we ate on the patio and enjoyed the outdoor patio heating. Next up was a trip to our favorite Irish pub The Fields for a few pints ... one day after St. Patty's day unfortunately.

On Thursday, Dan and Miranda were on their own and took the scenic Ortega -- Tracy's commute route -- to Orange County for sushi. They managed to score some great candy halfway through the Ortega at a quaint candy store too! Naturally, we made it the Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the Gophers hoops team disappoint in the second half after Tracy and I got home from work.

Friday was a fun day as Dan and Miranda split up. Not to worry, only on activities. I guess this is pretty common for them on quick vacations. I took a vacation day from work and so Dan and I could play a Robert Trent Jones' designed Murrieta course called SGCA. Miranda headed up to Hemet for a fun horseback ride in the mountains and scored a nice sunburn too! Dan managed to thoroughly smoke me in our round with rented King Cobra clubs no less. Dan penciled a 97 for his first round out this season with rented woods he struggled with. I shot a 110 and it felt like a 125. The front 9 on this course was really tough, and I really got my monies worth with a front 60. I'd say the $35 green fee cart included (a great deal found online) was utilized most on the front side.

Saturday was highlighted by wine tasting in the Temecula valley with one of Miranda's co-workers based in L.A. and her friend. I believe their names were Michelle and Jamie??? The six of us had a good time and Tracy ended up buying two bottles. It was pretty evident that Dan and I were over the whole wine tasting thing three wineries in ... we managed to hit five of them. Saturday night featured a rowdy game of Blokus, Dan won three of four games. Either he's a genius or we're really stupid. I'm hoping for the genius angle.

Sunday was pretty chill. Well, except for the fact that Tracy's car failed the smog test before it was even tested because of a check engine light. The Jetta had a bad thermostat that Tracy was aware of, so Dan and I replaced it. That's the second thermostat replaced in the apartment garage! Tracy has her license test on Tuesday, and to get the plates your car must have a passed smog test on record. Kind of last minute, but we never could have guessed about the check engine lights causing an automatic failure.

Other than that, it was a really great week spending time with my brother and Miranda. I can't recall the last time that we got to hang out so much. On the car ride home after dropping them off in San Diego Sunday night, I already started to miss them. I guess it hit me that I don't know the next time I'll get to see them. Now I know what my dad has gone through the last 25 years with all his brothers in Idaho.

Well, I don't want to bore you too much here. We'll post some pictures tomorrow. Tracy has a bunch of good ones from the week.

Now, we look forward to John and Katie's visit starting Thursday night!