San Francisco City Lights

Every year for my Mom's birthday we take a family short. We find destination that is not too far away and we go for the night!  Over that last few years we have learned a few things:
1. The boys DO NOT like to shop.
2. Everyone in the same car is VERY BAD idea.
3. Keith should not be in charge of the directions.
4. And... my mom does NOT like to relax...she like to do 'THINGS'.

This year Dorothy had the bright idea to go to San Francisco as tourists.  We booked our rooms, booked our city lights tour in our vintage car and scoped out some yummy places to eat.
Unfortunately, it rained and rained and rained. Our hotel was right on Fisherman's wharf for the sole purpose of being able to walk to all the fun stuff the shore had in store. So, this turned into running in the rain to our destination.  When we arrived at our tour they had rescheduled for the next day, as it was raining to hard to see all the sights. The tour guide kindly offered to drive us to a GREAT Italian restaurant that he LOVES!  It was a quaint little hole in wall that was, of course, full because it sat like 10 people.  But, we assumed it was because it was worth the wait. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This place sucked! The whole group was so disappointed we vowed to speak of it again ( not really, I just added that for dramatic value). But really NEVER eat at La Osteria del Forno= GROSS.

We went on our freezing cold tour the next day, ate clam chowder and had a super fun time!
Another successful Family Short!

Thanksgiving

I know it is a little late...but really I LOVE Thanksgiving! This year was a BEST OF... We had new little Baby Bishop, it was a quiet, cuddly, low key day filled with lots of love and too much food!  I am so thankful for all my people- my cup runneth over!

The Spirit of MO HILL

Every year MH has their little Christmas parade/ tree lighting ceremony. (REALLY Little) It is a time for gathering, drinking warm beverages, freezing your extremeties, seeing acquaintances you wouldn't normally see and just sharing in the season. It is never really something you look forward to going to, but you are always glad you went.
And when your mom makes you roast for dinner it makes it even better! (Thanks MOM!)

No words needed...

**Sounds of Angels singing***

Halloween

Kim and Adam's annual Halloween party was another hit this year!  Marianne and Xavier came up from Culver City and we all got to catch up!  Missing this year was the live rat, and tequila shots (which I missed last year too) both I am sure were not missed too much by Kim.  I was Strawberry Shortcake, Kim was an October Fest girl and Marianne was a Giant. Good times had by all!

Wine Tasting Cycle Tour

Holy hotness.  Jes, Les, the Melos and the Beiers signed up for a wine tasting cycle tour through Livermoore.  Scheduling it in October sounded like a great idea as we we hoping that the weather would not be too hot or too cold.  We were wrong. I think it was about 85 degrees outside.
Had the Beiers been more seasoned riders or on better shape, this may have not presented such an issue.  BUT, the description DID say this was good for beginners and that there was only one small hill (LIES all LIES).
The first non-hill I had to walk my bike up, the second non-hill I made it up with a little extra effort and the third and only one THEY considered a hill and made up half way and walked my bike they rest of the way up. 
When we got to the first winery I was so hot, tired and sweaty that I was in NO mood to taste anything but water and the cool air of the barrel room.
From the first winery it was all downhill and big hills at that.  No peddling necessary!  The rest of the trip was a lot more fun;  Especially when I figured out how to use my bike correctly and I was not peddling like a mad woman.
It was a fun, hot day.  Will I do it again? No. But I can say that I did it once!

Circus time

*Preface- I going through laser hair removal for my 'beard' and 'mustache'. Because of the EXCELLENT hair genes I have inherited, this process it taking a little longer than average (OK A LOT longer). So, in order for the follicles to be 'killed' you have to shave in between treatments. I use Keith's old Norelco electric shaver and it works perfectly...until tonight.

Words my husband does NOT want to hear come out of my mouth:
"Babe, I was shaving my mustache and I cut my lip!"

P.S. it is bleeding and hurts...poor me

What the WHAT?

This morning on my way to work I saw TWO amazing sites:

1. Guy driving in the fast lane at 70mph, on his cell phone, while also holding a stack a papers against his steering wheel reading them.

2.Girl in middle lane going about 65mph, one hand on the wheel the other hand applying EYE LINER (via eye liner pencil) while looking in her vanity mirror.

Really people? Really?


(Am just getting old and less tolerant?)

Horsey Time

These are the awesome pictures from mine and Leslie's horse back riding adventure!  It was Leslie's first time on a horse!  Our leader & coach was Heather she was Great!  Les rode Odi and I rode Cisco, I can't remember Heather's horses name.  We even rode through 2 rivers and got nice and wet ( I wish I had a picture of Leslie through the the rivers she was hilariously scared).  We encountered a hunter, but did not get shot, and Odi almost crapped on my foot.  In the end it was a super fun adventure!

Timptations

After weeks and weeks of hearing Melissa brag about her fresh fruits and vegetables, how she eats so many more vegetables and how much she loves it, I finally broke down.  

I have joined TIMPTATIONS!

Yesterday I picked up my first box of fresh, organic, yummy treats.  We had the broccoli for dinner and pomegranates for dessert!  It is kind of an adventure.  You get a box full of stuff and then you get to come up with things to make.  Check out their web site www.timptations.com

 

Wrapping up Summer

We wrapped up our summer  with a big green and yellow bow. (Oregon State colors, of course) We spent a fun, relaxing, too shot vacation in Bend.
Keith, Leslie, Wyatt and I began our road trip on a Tuesday night, made it to Ashland for the night, and arrived in Bend Wednesday afternoon. (Jesse was to meet us there on Thursday)

Keith and Jesse spent most of the time golfing, Les I had leisurely breakfasts and lunches and even went horseback riding (THE BEST TIME!). We walked the dogs along the river, made it to a few Happy Hours, and even played cards with the Williams clan.
If it could have only lasted longer...

On our way out of town, my loving husband pointed out a cupcake shop that I had missed... WHAT?
 Thinking he was only a tease and wouldn't stop, he surprised me with a visit to Ida's! OH! SO! YUMMY!
  They had both gourmet and 'regular' cupcakes so I opted for 4 regulars: lemon, lemon poppy seed, red velvet, and pumpkin. Let's just say I wish they delivered to CA.  So, for all my cupcake loving friends, this may be my way to get you to BEND!

Goodbye Summer...HELLO FALL!

Working It Supper Club Style!

October supper club was only missing 2 things, Alyssa & Rob.  Keith made Felafel's (oh yum), and banana caramel milkshakes.  However, before we were able to enjoy our dessert we decided to make some room by taking a quick walk around the block (even Wyatt came).
This was our FIRST official Supper Club walk.  Maybe it will be a new tradition?

Q TIME

I really love backyard BBQ's.

I especially love them when everyone comes, hangs out and stays late. 

It is always a great time to sit, drink, eat, drink, chat, drink, chase kids, drink, you get the picture.

Labor Day Lovin'

We were lucky enough to get an invite to the Wagner Beach house for Labor Day! 

I LOVE THE BEACH!!! 

We spent the whole weekend eating junk food, laying around reading, playing Words with Friends (see 'Addiction' post), enjoying the beach, and we even played a friendly game of Pictionary (GIRLS RULE!!).  Thanks for the fun times friends!

Melissa and I deep in thought with Words with Friends.

 

Charlie and I sharing a Beach moment. (We are in love)

 

 Never too old for self portraits.

 

Lovely Ladies

 

Love at Margaritaville

 

mmmmm Margaritas!