Justin and I had a wonderful extended weekend in Santa Rosa and Kenwood. Our friends Courtney and Aaron were married on Saturday at the Wagners' vineyard; we were so touched to be part of their beautiful ceremony, I as a Bridesmaid, and Justin as a Reader.

On Thursday afternoon, we headed up to Santa Rosa for the wedding rehearsal. After the rehearsal, Aaron's father and stepmother hosted a delicious dinner at the Glen Ellen Inn. We then headed to Kenwood, and spent the night at the Kwasneski's (Kirsten's Mom's house). Friday morning, Kirsten and I treated ourselves to pedicures and then stopped by the wedding site to help Courtney prepare table decorations. In the late afternoon, we were invited to a vineyard picnic at the Wagner's (Courtney's folks) house. After dinner, we headed back to Kenwood and spent time with Kirsten's family.

Our day started bright and early on the day of the wedding. The girls were at the salon by 9 o'clock, to get our hair done, and headed to the Wagner's around 1:30 PM to do make-up and get dressed. The wedding began at 4 o'clock. Courtney looked gorgeous, it was so exciting to share this day with her! As I said before, the ceremony was beautiful and then the reception was tons o' fun! Justin and I had a great time visiting and laughing with friends, eating delicious food, drinking good wine, and dancing up a storm.

On Sunday, we returned home to meet my folks and Alanna. Thanks Mom and Dad for watching Miss. A! I know she had a terrific visit with you.

Kirsten, Courtney, and I at the vineyard picnic

Justin and I at the Wagner's house

The wedding ceremony

Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes

At the reception

First dance

Courtney and her father

Kirsten and I

We had a really terrific weekend. On Friday night we headed up to Santa Rosa and spent the night at Sherry and John's house. In the morning, after exploring in the backyard, we headed to Howarth Park. It is a great park, run by the City of Santa Rosa. Alanna enjoyed the play structure, watching ponies, looking at geese, and going on a train ride. I think Justin really liked sharing his old stomping grounds with Little A. After the train ride, we headed over to Mary's Pizza Shack for lunch.

Waiting for the train ride

On the train

Having lunch at Mary's Pizza Shack

After Alanna's nap, we headed out to Kenwood for Kirsten's 30th birthday party. It was so much fun! Alanna enjoyed playing on all of the toys and spending time with her buddies Riley and Chase. We got to catch up with our friends, eat tasty Mexican food, and listen to Julian's (Kirsten's bro) band Peak Season play a couple of sets. Around 8p, we headed back to San Jose.

Yesterday we walked on the trail, looked for snails and bugs (Alanna's favorite activity these days), went to Santana Row for pearl teas, and made a tasty BBQ dinner.

Dad sent me the pix from our rafting trip on the American river last month (clockwise from the left-front: Mel, Nancy, Barry, our guide, Ellen, me, and Pete). It was so much fun!

Here are a couple recent pictures of Alanna. She's going to be 22 months old on Friday!

Happy anniversary John and Sherry! Today my in-laws are celebrating 40 years together. I hope you had a wonderful time in Carmel this weekend.

Today is our 5th year wedding anniversary! The past five years have been amazing, I feel so fortunate to have met and married such an incredible guy. Thanks for everything Justin!



Last night when Justin pulled into the driveway, I surprised him with plans to go out for dinner to celebrate our anniversary. We went to a restaurant in Willow Glen, Vin Santo, that we've been wanting to try for years. We had a terrific time and the food was delicious. Thanks for Alanna-sitting Dad!

I should also mention that Justin bought me an incredible gift, a beautiful channel-set diamond ring. I LOVE it!!! Thank you so much J.

Alanna really enjoys a song from Signing Time! about animals in the water. Alanna's voice is adorable, please excuse mine. Hope you enjoy this video!