Apparently, this young lady was observing our partying and dancing antics from across the dance floor throughout the Purple Reign performance. After the show she came over to thank us for providing entertainment over and above her expectations from the $5 cover charge and the band.
MOAB II - Share the Joy!
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Reviews Are In
It's been seven days since the MOAB II extravaganza and based upon the feedback we've received from attendees far and wide it seems that a great time was had by all.
Here are just a few excerpts:
"... it's been a fantastic trip... I will practice my card skills for next time... I was surprised to see how great a dancer Craig was..."
"... thank you for the chance to come party with you... we will start saving for MOAB III... good to see my big brother has still got the moves..."
"... thanks for everything, it was a blast... those British guys really know how to get down... but they sometimes get a bit too close!"
"... another MOAB in the bag, eh? ... hope u had as much fun as I did... there is no better dance partner than General Pants himself"
"... it was an awesome weekend... (Craig's dancing was) quite impressive! How come I didn't get the Sullivan dance genes?..."
"... did you see me get spanked?"
For those of you who attended - we're glad you could make it and enjoyed yourselves as much as we did.
For those of you couldn't make it - we hope you wish you did. ;)
Here are just a few excerpts:
"... it's been a fantastic trip... I will practice my card skills for next time... I was surprised to see how great a dancer Craig was..."
"... thank you for the chance to come party with you... we will start saving for MOAB III... good to see my big brother has still got the moves..."
"... thanks for everything, it was a blast... those British guys really know how to get down... but they sometimes get a bit too close!"
"... another MOAB in the bag, eh? ... hope u had as much fun as I did... there is no better dance partner than General Pants himself"
"... it was an awesome weekend... (Craig's dancing was) quite impressive! How come I didn't get the Sullivan dance genes?..."
"... did you see me get spanked?"
For those of you who attended - we're glad you could make it and enjoyed yourselves as much as we did.
For those of you couldn't make it - we hope you wish you did. ;)
Friday, December 5, 2008
MOAB II Guidance
On this first day of MOAB II I would like to issue the following guidance:
Be careful who you sit next to.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Tropicana later today.
Viva MOAB II. Viva Las Vegas!
Be careful who you sit next to.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Tropicana later today.
Viva MOAB II. Viva Las Vegas!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
It has begun
Just a quick update today to let you know that Paul and Steph have arrived here in San Francisco, after a fairly bumpy and delayed flight from London yesterday.
They were pretty tired but still hungry enough to enjoy dinner at Max's before heading over the Marriott for some longed-for sleep.
It was an early start today as they have an Alcatraz tour booked for 9am from Fisherman's Wharf and will spend the day in San Francisco before heading down to meet me in San Mateo ready to head back to Kingsburg for an overnight stop.
We'll be hearing from Nick & Kate once they arrive in Vegas later today (on his birthday). More as we have it...
They were pretty tired but still hungry enough to enjoy dinner at Max's before heading over the Marriott for some longed-for sleep.
It was an early start today as they have an Alcatraz tour booked for 9am from Fisherman's Wharf and will spend the day in San Francisco before heading down to meet me in San Mateo ready to head back to Kingsburg for an overnight stop.
We'll be hearing from Nick & Kate once they arrive in Vegas later today (on his birthday). More as we have it...
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Birthday Request from Michelle
If any of the British MOAB II attendees could manage to slip a couple of these into their luggage Michelle would be especially pleased.
And it is her Birthday, like, all weekend!
And it is her Birthday, like, all weekend!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Welcome to the begining of the week of MOAB II.
Below is an update on the arrangements for the Vegas trip. For Saturday evening, the MOAB II budget will be subsidizing the cost of dinner, transportation to/from Santa Fe Station and entry to the Purple Party. The cost for that will be $50 per person.
Please read the details carefully and let us know if any questions or scheduling changes.
We're excited. Hope you are too!
C&M
Below is an update on the arrangements for the Vegas trip. For Saturday evening, the MOAB II budget will be subsidizing the cost of dinner, transportation to/from Santa Fe Station and entry to the Purple Party. The cost for that will be $50 per person.
Please read the details carefully and let us know if any questions or scheduling changes.
We're excited. Hope you are too!
C&M
Friday Dec 5th
- Travel Arrangements:
Jim, Letty, Paul, Steph and Charles - Depart by car for Vegas. Jim/Letty arranging the rental.
Janie, Rita and Bill - Depart by car for Vegas.
Mark and Lizz - Depart by car for Vegas.
Craig, Michelle, Anna and Kyle - Fly to Vegas from Fresno on 2:50pm flight, arrive at ~4:30pm
Nick and Kate - Already in Vegas from Thursday evening. - Activities
Craig, Michelle, Rita, Bill, Lizz, Mark and Janie - Bette Midler at Ceasar's Palace Colleseum: 7:00pm
Everyone Else - Free time until 9:30pm
Group meet up at 9:30pm for drinks and gambling - Venue TBD (Hard Rock Hotel?)
Saturday Dec 6th
- Travel Arrangements
Rita and Bill - Fly from Vegas to Fresno at 12:50pm (Note: Craig to confirm reservation when departing on Friday from Fresno)
Lizz and Mark - Depart by car for Kingsburg - Activities
Morning - Free time/Sleeping
Afternoon - TBD
Evening/Night/Early Morning
7pm - Dinner Reservations for 12 people at Mesa Grill, Ceasar's Palace
9pm - Transportation to...
10:30pm - Santa Fe Station for the Purple Party
1am - Transportation to ?
Sunday Dec 7th
- Morning
Free (Recovery) Time
Breakfast - Travel Arrangements
Janie - By car to L.A.
Jim, Letty, Paul, Steph and Chareles - By car to Kingsburg/Dinuba
Craig, Michelle, Kyle and Anna - Fly from Vegas to Fresno at 12:50pm
Nick and Kate - Fly from Vegas back to London (evening flight)
The next two adventurers
Hot on the heels of Paul and Steph, Nick and Kate will be heading out from London on Thursday morning exactly 24 hours after Paul and Steph. Their journey takes then via Minneapolis also before arriving into Las Vegas just before 4:30pm on their NorthWest Airlines flight NW779.
They promise not to party too hard before the rest of us arrive on Friday afternoon and have purchased the appropriate fancy dress outfit for the Purple Party on Saturday night.
See ya in Vegas!
P.S. I was kidding about the fancy dress. A tuxedo and ballgown will be just fine. ;)
They promise not to party too hard before the rest of us arrive on Friday afternoon and have purchased the appropriate fancy dress outfit for the Purple Party on Saturday night.
See ya in Vegas!
P.S. I was kidding about the fancy dress. A tuxedo and ballgown will be just fine. ;)
Friday, November 28, 2008
Fine Dining on Saturday Night
For those of you that have the stamina to continue partying with us for the second night of MOAB II, I am pleased to confirm that we will be dining at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill in Ceasar's Palace from 7pm.
Jim, Letty, Michelle and I have eaten there before on a previous Vegas trip and are looking forward to once again experiencing those tantalizing South Western flavors (and perhaps a Margarita or two) before we head out for the big night.
Ole!
Jim, Letty, Michelle and I have eaten there before on a previous Vegas trip and are looking forward to once again experiencing those tantalizing South Western flavors (and perhaps a Margarita or two) before we head out for the big night.
Ole!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Paul and Steph's Adventure Starts Wednesday
Hey MOAB II Participants,
Just a quick update as we are now just over a week away from the Vegas fun. For some of us, however, the adventure begins a little sooner.
First up are Paul and Steph who will be leaving London and arriving in San Francisco next Thursday, courtesy of Northwest Airlines. They're arriving at 4:49pm on Flight 369 after a brief stopover in Minneapolis.
I intend to meet them from the flight and whisk them off to the SFO Marriott for their layover - and perhaps dinner at Max's Opera House? - before they head up to the City and Alcatraz on Thursday. We'll be driving back down to Kingsburg together on Thursday late afternoon in order to get ready for MOAB II itself.
It's nearly time, y'all! Can you see the lights? Can you hear the sounds? Can you smell the cigarettes?
Just a quick update as we are now just over a week away from the Vegas fun. For some of us, however, the adventure begins a little sooner.
First up are Paul and Steph who will be leaving London and arriving in San Francisco next Thursday, courtesy of Northwest Airlines. They're arriving at 4:49pm on Flight 369 after a brief stopover in Minneapolis.
I intend to meet them from the flight and whisk them off to the SFO Marriott for their layover - and perhaps dinner at Max's Opera House? - before they head up to the City and Alcatraz on Thursday. We'll be driving back down to Kingsburg together on Thursday late afternoon in order to get ready for MOAB II itself.
It's nearly time, y'all! Can you see the lights? Can you hear the sounds? Can you smell the cigarettes?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
MOAB II Arrangements
I just checked the calendar and it would appear that we are just about to cross the '30 days remaining' threshold for MOAB II. That means it's time to start finalizing travel arrangements and whatnot.
For those of you who are travelling by car we'll need to figure out designated drivers and vehicles. The numbers are as follows:
To Las Vegas - 10
From Las Vegas - 8 (Bill & Rita are flying back early)
Also, I believe that Janie will be taking a detour to visit relatives in LA on the way back so we will need to account for that with respect to vehicles.
Who would like to be assigned 'vehicle coordination' responsibilities?
Lastly, I'll be investigating early dinner reservations for everyone at Mesa Grill (Bobby Flay's restaurant) at Caesar's Palace on the Saturday evening before we head out for the purple party.
For those of you who are travelling by car we'll need to figure out designated drivers and vehicles. The numbers are as follows:
To Las Vegas - 10
From Las Vegas - 8 (Bill & Rita are flying back early)
Also, I believe that Janie will be taking a detour to visit relatives in LA on the way back so we will need to account for that with respect to vehicles.
Who would like to be assigned 'vehicle coordination' responsibilities?
Lastly, I'll be investigating early dinner reservations for everyone at Mesa Grill (Bobby Flay's restaurant) at Caesar's Palace on the Saturday evening before we head out for the purple party.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Bette Midler is waiting!
For the 7 of you that wanted to go, I am pleased to confirm that the tickets are booked for The Showgirl Must Go On on the Friday night.
For the rest of you, we'll make arrangements to meet up with you after the show - around 10pm - for whatever it is you do at night time in Vegas.
For the rest of you, we'll make arrangements to meet up with you after the show - around 10pm - for whatever it is you do at night time in Vegas.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Club Tropicana Drinks Are Free
Hola!
Just a quick update to let you know that our Vegas accomodations are all set. The last thing I need to do is to get the Bette Midler tickets organized for those that are going and then I can relax for a couple of months safe in the knowledge that my MOAB II planning work is done.
Look for an email in the next few days providing all the details so far...
Just a quick update to let you know that our Vegas accomodations are all set. The last thing I need to do is to get the Bette Midler tickets organized for those that are going and then I can relax for a couple of months safe in the knowledge that my MOAB II planning work is done.
Look for an email in the next few days providing all the details so far...
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Nick and Kate Confirmed for MOAB II
I am delighted to announce that just moments ago we confirmed the flight arrangements for none other than Nick Sullivan and Kate (with an 'A') Cox to join us for MOAB II in Vegas.
They'll be arriving directly in to Sin City on the Thursday in order to get acclimatized in advance of us rocking up the MOAB Party proper kicks off on Friday.
More detais on the arrangements coming soon...
They'll be arriving directly in to Sin City on the Thursday in order to get acclimatized in advance of us rocking up the MOAB Party proper kicks off on Friday.
More detais on the arrangements coming soon...
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Steph and Paul Confirmed for MOAB II
Paul Sullivan and Stephanie Bailey are confirmed for attendance at MOAB II in Las Vegas. Their flights from London are booked - they will be arriving in San Francisco on Dec 3rd and heading down to Kingsburg ready to join us for the trip to Vegas.
While they seem excited, I don't think they really know just how much fun they're going to have. :)
While they seem excited, I don't think they really know just how much fun they're going to have. :)
Want to get lucky like this?
Then you'll need to join us for MOAB II starting on December 5th - Michelle's 39th birthday celebration in Las Vegas.
We're starting to make the travel and accomodation arrangements now so let us know ASAP.
We're starting to make the travel and accomodation arrangements now so let us know ASAP.
Japan Adventure Success
I realized this morning that I hadn't updated the blog after the Japan Adventure with Michelle and Meleena. Shame on me.
In any case, the 3 of us had a great time visiting some local shrines with our tireless guide in Kamakura, checking out the delights of the local grocery and 7-Eleven stores in Roppongi, and trying Tonkatsu for dinner for the first time (Meleena). Michelle and Meleena also visited an aquarium, Tokyo Tower in between sheltering from the humidity while watching Dr Who.
The big finale on the final evening was a visit to the Ninja Restaurant. In the words of Meleena: "All in all, The Ninja Restaurant was a very big hit."
Arigato gozaimasu!
In any case, the 3 of us had a great time visiting some local shrines with our tireless guide in Kamakura, checking out the delights of the local grocery and 7-Eleven stores in Roppongi, and trying Tonkatsu for dinner for the first time (Meleena). Michelle and Meleena also visited an aquarium, Tokyo Tower in between sheltering from the humidity while watching Dr Who.
The big finale on the final evening was a visit to the Ninja Restaurant. In the words of Meleena: "All in all, The Ninja Restaurant was a very big hit."
Arigato gozaimasu!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Europe Trip Completed
Well folks, we're all now back in our respective home/temporary home countries and recovering from 2 weeks of sight-seeing, walking, eating, laughing and playing cards until 3am.
All the photos from the adventure can be found here on the Flickr site.
Some highlights from the trip:
- The 'UlloaSullivan Adventures' welcome sign at Heathrow Airport
- The 1am walk through the cobbled streets of Venice
- Driving through a thunder storm in the Italian mountains
- The shower door in Rome
- Pizza in Pisa
- Neil and Maya's Wedding
- 550 steps back up from Nettune's Grotte
- Ryan Air
- Pret a Manger
- Fifteen
- Top Gear
- Craig's Birthday
What are your personal favorites? Let us know in the comments below and/or alongside specific photos on the Flickr site.
All the photos from the adventure can be found here on the Flickr site.
Some highlights from the trip:
- The 'UlloaSullivan Adventures' welcome sign at Heathrow Airport
- The 1am walk through the cobbled streets of Venice
- Driving through a thunder storm in the Italian mountains
- The shower door in Rome
- Pizza in Pisa
- Neil and Maya's Wedding
- 550 steps back up from Nettune's Grotte
- Ryan Air
- Pret a Manger
- Fifteen
- Top Gear
- Craig's Birthday
What are your personal favorites? Let us know in the comments below and/or alongside specific photos on the Flickr site.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Europe Trip Schedule
Jun 9 - Depart San Francisco
Jun 10 - Fly to Venice
Jun 11 - Venice
Jun 12 - Venice, Drive to Rome
Jun 13 - Rome
Jun 14 - Rome
Jun 15 - Pisa, Fly to Sardinia
Jun 16 - Sardinia
Jun 17 - Sardinia (Wedding)
Jun 18 - Sardinia
Jun 19 - Fly to London
Jun 20 - London
Jun 21 - Bicester/Oxford
Jun 22 - Whatever Craig wants
Jun 23 - Back to San Francisco
Jun 10 - Fly to Venice
Jun 11 - Venice
Jun 12 - Venice, Drive to Rome
Jun 13 - Rome
Jun 14 - Rome
Jun 15 - Pisa, Fly to Sardinia
Jun 16 - Sardinia
Jun 17 - Sardinia (Wedding)
Jun 18 - Sardinia
Jun 19 - Fly to London
Jun 20 - London
Jun 21 - Bicester/Oxford
Jun 22 - Whatever Craig wants
Jun 23 - Back to San Francisco
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Pre-Departure Checklist
I thought it might be useful to put together some notes on things that it would be good to remember to do before leaving Kingsburg tomorrow. Not that I don't think you know how to take care of that stuff, but because there are a couple of things that I wanted to make sure I mentioned due to them perhaps not being all that obvious. Mostly they are related to some of the technology bits and pieces at the house that I usually take care of.Anyway, here goes...
1) Unplug Rio/Network box under the couch - it's the one that powers the outside speakers.
2) Switch off and unplug the amp and Rio in our bedroom
3) Shut down the pc/printer/monitor/speakers in my office / switch off the silver hard drive using the button on the front
4) Unplug the Wii
5) Set AC to 82 degrees at all times on the program - if folks go over to the house at any time they can lower it to 78 and it will automatically go back to 82 at the next time setting.
6) Tell the cats that I miss them
That's all I can think of right now, I'll update later/tomorrow if I think of anything
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Craig's Packing List Requests
Below is a list of the things that I've left in California and which I'd like my spouse, sister-in-law and/or nephew to bring with them when they depart for London on Monday. I'll keep this list updated over the next couple of days as things occur to me and will check in with everyone on Sunday.
Thanks!
Sunglasses - in the door pocket of my car
Blue Shorts - the ones with the side tie things
Green Shorts - the ones that match the blue ones
Racing Green T-Shirt - the maroon one
White Dress Shirt
iPod cable - the one from my office PC (I left mine in Tokyo)
Your love
Also, it would be great if you could pick up some:
Airborne - Lemon/Lime (double pack from Costco?)
Neutrogena Men's Face Lotion (Black tube) - Target or just bring the spare one in the toiletry cabinet in our bathroom
Packing Tips
Just to make sure all travelers are aware - there is a limit of 15kg (approx. 30lbs) for checked baggage on the flights we are taking around Europe with RyanAir on this trip.30lbs is quite a lot when you are packing shorts/t-shirts/ipod/one formal 'outfit'/toiletries and the customary gift for Craig's family.
A tip for Matthew - don't let your Mom pack for you! ;)
Carry-on bags don't count towards this limit, but it's important to make sure that you can carry them in order for them to qualify as 'carry-on' bags.
More travel/packing tips as I think of them...
Monday, June 2, 2008
Schedule Change?
After talking with Michelle at the weekend, we are considering stopping en route between Venice and Rome so that we can take in more of the Italian countryside and stop for some photo opportunties in Verona and Mantova. The literary folks amongst you will recognize these cities as appearing in Romeo & Juliet and while we're nearby Michelle would dearly love to get some photos of her by the 'Welcome to... ' signs to show to next year's English class. The pictures she took at Shakespear's birth place were clearly popular with her students... in spite of Matthew and Justin's lack of excitement (other than finding the 'Brass Rubbing' sign - check the pictures from their UK trip).
So, I'm going to figure out if we can get a room in Bologna or Firenze for the night - they're both about halfway between Venice and Rome. I'll update you as soon as I can.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Italian Accomodation
Here's where we will be staying while in Italy:
Venice - 2 nights at Alloggi Barbaria
Rome - 3 nights at Hotel Gabriella
Travel Itinerary
Dear Fellow Travelers,
Please see below for the flight particulars for our upcoming excursion to Europe or, as I like to call it, the 'old country'. I apologise for the delay in getting this to you but until 15 minutes ago Letty didn't actually have any tickets for flights to and from Italy.
Watch this space for further updates regarding hotels, and other particulars regarding the trip.
See you soon - 10 days and counting!
---
Monday 9th June:
Fly from San Francisco, CA to London (Heathrow), UK
Flight: 954 Depart at 7:20pm Arrive at 3:35pm
Tuesday 10th June:
Fly from London (Stansted), UK to Venice (Treviso), Italy
Flight: FR 798 Depart at 7:05pm Arrive at 10:00pm
Sunday 15th June:
Fly from Pisa, Florence to Alghero, Sardinia
Flight: FR9944 Depart at 8:30pm Arrive at 9:40pm
Thursday 19th June
Fly from Alghero, Sardinia to London (Stansted), UK
Flight: FR 231 Depart at 10:15 Arrive at 11:50
Monday 23rd June
Fly from London (Heathrow), UK to San Francisco, CA
Flight: UA931 Depart at 2:15pm Arrive at 5:20pm
Please see below for the flight particulars for our upcoming excursion to Europe or, as I like to call it, the 'old country'. I apologise for the delay in getting this to you but until 15 minutes ago Letty didn't actually have any tickets for flights to and from Italy.
Watch this space for further updates regarding hotels, and other particulars regarding the trip.
See you soon - 10 days and counting!
---
Monday 9th June:
Fly from San Francisco, CA to London (Heathrow), UK
Flight: 954 Depart at 7:20pm Arrive at 3:35pm
Tuesday 10th June:
Fly from London (Stansted), UK to Venice (Treviso), Italy
Flight: FR 798 Depart at 7:05pm Arrive at 10:00pm
Sunday 15th June:
Fly from Pisa, Florence to Alghero, Sardinia
Flight: FR9944 Depart at 8:30pm Arrive at 9:40pm
Thursday 19th June
Fly from Alghero, Sardinia to London (Stansted), UK
Flight: FR 231 Depart at 10:15 Arrive at 11:50
Monday 23rd June
Fly from London (Heathrow), UK to San Francisco, CA
Flight: UA931 Depart at 2:15pm Arrive at 5:20pm
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