New Couch!

I want a new couch!! I really want a sectional, but with the way our living room is I don't think it would fit.

This is my obsession of the day

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p4007/index.cfm?pkey=cupholstered%2Dsectionals

Congrats Alex & Jessica!

Alex & Jessica got married in Modesto on Friday, August 15th. It was a record high in Modesto that day, 105!! The ceremony and reception were beautiful with the exception of being outside and it being so dang hot! We all made the best of it, and the place had fans going to help keep everyone cool. Here are a few pictures...

Busy week!

Its been a busy couple of weeks! Russ's family started coming into town on August 2nd for Alex & Jessica's wedding. Last week was very busy, a ton of family dinners, the rehearsal, wedding, a BBQ, and then just hanging out. We have had people at our house every night for the last two weeks. I cant wait for the last of the family to leave so I can clean my house and it will actually stay clean for more than a couple hours. I love family being in town but I cant stand my messy house!

The best part of all is I got a new "sister"! One who I love and is so glad she is part of the family!

I was hoping Russ and I would have some downtime to relax and be lazy but we are going to have to wait for that. The next two weekends we have a ton going on, including going to Reno for the rib cook-off! I cant wait!!

Anthony Chabot Camping

This weekend we went camping with my Mom and Step-dad (Jeff). They picked us up Friday afternoon in their RV and we headed out. Going camping with them is much easier since they have everything, so all we need to bring is our tent! After setting up camp we started to get dinner ready. My mom also brought a bottle of champagne to celebrate our anniversary. Friday night dinner was wings, shrimp, bread with oil and vinegar and some veggies. After dinner we hung around the fire, made S'mores then headed into the RV to some of the opening ceremony of the Olympics.

(being artistic)

(Group Shot)

Saturday morning we woke up and headed out on our hike! We did the same hike that we did last year (for the most part). Last year Russ and I were exhausted trying to get back up the hill, this year we did much better! It was a clear day so we got an awesome view of the Bay!! After our hike we lounged around till dinner. We had Tri-Tip, potatoes and onions, salad, tomatoes, corn on the Cob and last but not least WINE. We were all stuffed!!

(At the start of the hike)

(We were all the way up there!)

(Steep hill back up)

(View of the lake, back at the top)

(Playing Smash Ball)

(View of Castro Valley)

(Group Shot)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

I cant believe its been a year already! I just wanted to post a few wedding pictures and bring back some memories.

Anniversary Celebrations!

Since our anniversary fell on a weekday this year we chose to celebrate on Saturday. After picking up Russ's Mom at the airport we dropped her off then headed out. Our first stop was Sutter Home Winery right outside of St. Helena. We had been there 3 years ago, and remembered that they didn't charge for tasting so we stopped in. We ended up buying a case of wine! Its a new one that they just bottled last month. Its called "Red" and is a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Moscato. You can chill it since its on the sweeter side. I think its really yummy!



Next stop was Market in St. Helena. It is the restaurant we went to the night we got engaged. We always talk about how amazing the food was, but Russ thought it was just because what we were celebrating that night. We were wrong, the food really is AMAZING!! I had the "Very Adult Mac & Cheese" and Russ had New York Strip with a Port reduction sauce. They both were very good! For dessert we had S'mores, they bring you marshmallows, homemade graham crackers, chocolate and peanut butter to your table and let you make them yourself. If your ever in St. Helena I highly recommend it!



Our last stop was Golden Haven Spa in Calistoga. We had planned on Mud Baths, but Russ surprised me with massages too! You're only in the mud for about 10 minutes then you rinse off and get into a hot tub. After the hot tub you get wrapped in blankets and relax for about 20 minutes. The entire process is a little over an hour. The best part is that your spending the entire time with your spouse, its not like other spas where they separate you. After our blanket wraps we headed over to our massages.



The night was a success the only bad part is we had to drive home after our massages. I cant wait to do it again though!