Birthday In the California Sun (and Snow)

Nick and I flew to California (thank you, airline miles!) and stayed with his Uncle Richard (his mom's brother, very generous heart) and Aunt Sharon (hillarious!) who live and work in Sacremento, CA. It was an amazing, blessing-filled adventure and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know his family.

Day 1/Aug 25: Downtown Sacremento, Blue Diamond Almonds Plant (Mmmm almond tasting), Solar Cooker International Annual Fundraising Dinner (cool stuff being done through their organization to bring clean water and sustainable cooking potential to 3rd world countries so I refrained from calling them "weird hippies" outloud).

Day 2/Aug 26: Napa Valley wineries starting with champagne at Chandon. Sipping champagne and viewing the vineyards I thought, "Can it get any better than this?" We also had a picnic after tasting at Satui (most drinkable), & visited and tasted at Del Dotto (most expensive wines i've ever tasted, a throw back to Italy, Nick and I danced on the marble) and Sterling Wineries (most beautiful views of the valley).

Day 3/Aug 27th: Amador Wine Country. A beautiful drive up into the mountains and valleys. The sky was a bold contrast against the yellowed tall grasses. We stopped at an antique store, tasted a few wines in town, and then to the back country for more wine tasting. A serendipitous moment led us to Bocanato's....the best meal I've ever eaten in my life!!! There is no menu. The chef has you choose a course and he fixes you something based on the ingredients he has gotten fresh that day! Seriously, the best meal I've ever eaten! (the trip had gotten even better!). We ended our time there with the Fitzpatrick winery and then had dinner at a Sushi resturaunt which, despite wanting to deny it, was the best sushi I've ever had (sorry, Naked Chopstix....you're still dear to my heart). Missing my family and wishing they could have been there, too.

Day 4/Aug 28: San Franscisco, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatrez, Farmer's Market, and Artist's Market. Favorite discovery of the day: lobster mushrooms which actually look and smell like lobsters! And I ate a fresh date for the first time in my life. Yum!

Day 5/Aug 29: Lake Tahoe. Gorgeous! Relaxing! Breathtaking. Snow. Rainbow. Coffee with Bailey's and cream. Nap.

What a trip!! I was completely exhausted, but very, very blessed! Thanks to Nick and his family for a wonderful 30th~

Lordy, Lordy...I'm turning Thirty!

In 23 short days I will be turning 30 years old. Good Lord, how did I get here so fast? Good thing my husband and pets aren't keeping count lol

Celebrating One Year of Marriage!

July 25th, 2010. It seems odd to be so darn excited about one year of marriage especially when Nick and I look to my parents-married 27 years, my grandparents-married 53 years, his parents-married 27years. What's one year in comparison? Nonetheless, it feels good to celebrate! To take time out to honor each other and the day we said those two special words, "I do." To celebrate our year of commitment toward each other and toward the Father.

It doesn't feel like a year, though. But I guess that's what great marriages are like....enjoying each other so much that time flies by and you can't wait for what the next year will bring. To celebrate, Nick planned a surprise night at the Dallas Nasher Sculpture Museum: A live Tom Petty tribute band played under the stars! Later, he surprised me with a dozen white roses and 8 huge pink lillies. I took Nick to the Ft. Worth Stockyards to celebrate the Texan in him. We got to pet goats, watch a Wild West show, see history come alive in the museum, and have a picnic. What an exciting adventure! Looking forward to what lies ahead for us.

Fun with Family & Friends!

June 29-July 30. Tipton, IN. Nick and I ventured North to Tipton, IN. We were able to hang out with family for almost a week! We got to celebrate at my Aunt's surprise birthday party and spend some quality time with friends. Lisa Taflinger visited with her two cute munchkins, Caleb and Micah. I can't believe how big they both are and listening to Caleb sing songs was just too cute! Tara Eytcheson came for some one on one time, wine and homemade pizza! And Richelle Smith came with her boyfriend (& her big pregger belly). There's nothing like just relaxing with friends and family, blowing bubbles with your neice and nephew, having Chinese take out with your grandparents and aunt and cousins and going to small town church with the whole family on Sunday. Pam the Paraplegic even found a new home! My cousin Madison was so excited to have her new college roommate! Oh, how I miss home! BUT, I was missing my own comfy bed, too. Nick and I were glad to be back in our own bed, but wish it was closer to IN. Unfortunately we didn't spend July 4th with everyone as we had to drive back to TX. We heard the fireworks and saw a few flashes from the Olive Garden lot where we ate dinner at the halfway point of our journey.

Bloomin' Bloomington

June 29, 2010. I love Bloomington! Hands down, my favorite city in the world that most closely resembles my favorite country I've lived in (Germany). Full of culture, arts, great food, friends, and unique stores on every corner. The excited energy of youth and learning is always abuzz in B-town. Thankfully, Nick and I were able to make a short trip there on the way to Tipton. Even better: 4 friends who were able to meet us out for lunch at Village Deli! Mmmmm! Jessica Reed & her bf Marc, Aleks, and Sheryl McGlory, a dear friend from Camp Fairlee Manor (a graduate internship placement of mine in Chesterton, MD). After a great lunch we headed to Oliver Winery. Can't beat the scenery there!

Hoosier Court Roommate Reunion pt2

June 27-28, 2010. I absolutely love Stacey & Aleks. They're two of my most favorite women in the world. Each an unplanned/unforseen college roommate, each a lifelong friend. The ladies and I spent time lounging around poolside with their kiddos while Nick explored the Williams' massive property, playing National Geographic Photographer for the day. Charlie had a great time running around chasing bugs and balls.

" Love is in the Air" Meaghan Topper's Wedding

June 25th, 2010. Nick drove. Charlie slept. I read. "Blue Highways" by William Least Heat Moon kept me entertained for the 16 hour trip. Charlie loved his temporary home at the Holiday Inn Express where he got treats upon arrival, yum. Being a bridesmaid, I realized once again, is a lot less stressful than being the bride. After a full Catholic mass where the beautiful bride and her groom said "I do" (thankfully we got to sit and no one fell over lol), Nick and I danced the night away at the reception.