In a magician’s performance there are three acts. The first act is known as the Pledge. The second act is known as the turn. The final act is known as the prestige. This is part of the catch phrase during the trailer of “The Prestige” starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. By far one of most intense, exciting movies I have seen in quite some time. Keep in mind I love magic – Houdini, Melinda, Matt King, etc. This movie is old world magic, around the turn of the century, right before Houdini came onto the scene, so I absolutely loved this era in magic. This is when magic got established and began drawing crowds to the theater. This was quite the form of entertainment back in the day I’m sure. However, “The Prestige” will keep you interested and guessing until the very end. An absolutely incredible movie. While the magic is a center point in the movie, its not the main storyline. Its predominately about 2 competing magicians and how their lives intertwine. Christian Bale is one of my all time favorites and Christopher Nolan, the director, is an exceptionally good storyteller. The movie is told in a series of flash backs over many years and present day. I won’t reveal any more so that you can watch it, but I have to say I did go out and buy this one. It has been added to our growing DVD collection, and I give it 5 stars! Mainly for adults, due to the complexities, but ages 13 and over could watch it. You will want to watch it again.
We also watched “The Departed” and I have to say I was also impressed with this movie as far as corrupt cop movies go. This one was well done and Travis and I were both stunned with two particular scenes towards the end. Leo Dicaprio is still a great actor and has proven his ability time and again. He was fantastic in “Titanic”, but his acting is so good in “The Departed”, as well as “The Aviator”, “Gangs in New York”, and “Catch me if you can”. I’m waiting to see “Blood Diamond” which he is in and also looks really good. “The Departed” is a bit violent, so ages 17 and over. I give it 4 stars.

So, we have booked our trip to Disneyland and everything is all set except for packing. We are only going for 3 days but we haven’t gone anywhere as a family, just us, since we went to San Diego Zoo for Anya’s first birthday. We decided to stay at Knotts Berry Farm Resort though because there is a huge religious convention going on at the Orange Co. Convention Center and all the hotels around Disney are pretty booked. We got a great rate at this resort though and we are even getting a Snoopy themed room for Anya where Snoopy himself will come say goodnight to her each night. I know she’ll love that! We also got Chance’s shots all up to date. He only has to have the Rabies Shot every 3 years now. He also had to get Distemper/Parvo, Bordatella (Kennel Cough), and Corona. 3 shots and 1 drip drop nasal spray thing. Bless his heart, he was so good. I have to say nice things about the Banfield Pet Hospital at Petsmart too. They were extremely good to Chance, and he was very shy with them, but he’s such a gentle soul, didn’t growl, nip, wiggle, or anything. I truly love my dog!
Anya’s doing great as well, she’s starting to mimic what we say now, so we watch our words closely. Super excited about watching “The Prestige” tonight and I have to say “24″ still has us riveted with what’s going on, but “Heroes” is quickly replacing “Lost”. We still enjoy “Lost”, but it has not been nearly as good as the first season.
There are new photos of Anya up now for those of you that have not seen them yet.

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Not too much to talk about lately, so I haven’t posted anything really lately. We bought the Guitar Hero 2 game which we really like and Anya loves! Whenever she wants to play or wants us to play, she says “Ready to Rock”! We watched the movie “Flyboys” yesterday and I have to say it was very good. I would give it 3 and a half stars. Its stars James Franco and Jean Reno. I think my Dad and brother will really enjoy it. The special effects are great and it is truly an airplane fighting/training movie.
This past weekend we went to the animal shelter together and to Johnny Rockets for lunch, where a funny thing happened. When we pulled into the parking lot we saw a line waiting in front of a store called Undefeated. We had no idea what this was about. We asked our waiter and he said “Oh, its the opening of Undefeated.” And what is Undefeated I asked. The waiter replied “Only the best shoe store in the world!” Oh, that explains why I’ve heard about it so much!