I can't believe my baby is 5-years old today. Where has the time gone? He is so proud of his blue ribbon on his shirt (Martha and Bill do you remember giving that to happy when she turned five. ... I saved it ... and actually remembered where I put it!) Wanna bet he won't be caught dead wearing a blue ribbon on the next birthday? Boo hoo I'm going to go pout!
We hated to say goodbye to Kathy, Larry and the Santa Ynez Valley ... but their was sightseeing to do: all along Pacific Coast Highway. First Santa Barbara for lunch and shopping, then some beautiful views as we made our way to Westlake/Thousand Oaks (a.k.a. Home of the Carricato Family in the 80's). As we made our way down Thousand Oaks Blvd, we saw that Fosters Donuts was open. And although Aaron suggested we stop to see if they still made the chocolate chip variety that was our favorite on Saturday mornings ... I was the weak one that caved and bought one of the sinful treats!
Check out my fun shoes! I didn't mean to take that shot actually ... I was testing the flash before the ceremony started. But aren'ty they cute? Thanks Jenn for your fashion advice!
It just wouldn't be possible to accurately describe this wedding! The day was beautiful, the company ideal, the setting exquisite, and it was apparent that every detail was so well thought out. But, the best part was the reason for the celebration in the first place. Everyone who knows Kathy and Larry understands that this marriage is their second chance at love. They each have been through much pain in recent years ... and now they'll be able to experience joy together. But despite everyone thinking we were there to help mark this positive turn in their lives, Kathy and Larry had a different outlook. At their reception they said the day was about thanking everyone else ... the people who had helped them get through the tough times. They said the wedding was a chance to party while they could with all of their friends and family. We were truly honored to be in attendance, and per their request ... we danced the night away!
While all of our wine tasting was done at Bridlewood and Blackjack (we limited our consumption so we would be able to enjoy ... and remember ... Kathy and Larry's wedding) we enjoyed the scenery during quick stops at Rideau and Roblar too. But, little did we know, the prettiest was yet to come: Sunstone ... site of the wedding itself!
Next up was Blackjack, where we ate a picnic lunch with a bottle of their Syrah ... yummy!
What a great day we had at the wineries on Saturday. Here are some pictures of Bridlewood, where we did a tasting. This was actually a first for me and Aaron, so we asked a lot of questions ... some more relevant than others (yes, Aaron - I'm talking about you)! Oh ... do you like the photography? We were experimenting with Nate Berkus' tips, as relayed by mom!
Anyone tried Aebleskiver? Danish pancake balls! Fabulous ... and SO worth the carbs! I was considering buying a special pan so I could make them at home for Abby and Tyler ... but I definitely would have surpassed the weight limit for luggage on the flight home! Instead I'm posting a picture of some beautiful sunflowers we saw this morning. There you go kids -don't say I never gave you anything!
Dennis told me I needed to take more pictures today. And I'm sure he means not just the yummy Danish food I'm eating! Having said that, here is a shot of a bakery I just passed on my walk, and let me tell you - the smells wafting out the door of the store are criminal! They is also a picture of the sun rising over the Santa Ynez Valley. And my last picture of the morning is of the Volkswagen Convention taking place at the mission today.
They are so much different than regular pancakes ... TOTALLY worth coming off my low-carb kick to enjoy. I love Solvang, CA!
Today's fun friend ... Avery (a.k.a. Tyler's little gal pal). They requested Waffle House for lunch, and tell me ... how can you say no to those cute little faces??
Boys will be boys! Shane and Tyler have picked up about every stick at AJ Henry Park. They crack me up!
