Melville Wine Tasting...

What would a trip to California be without going wine tasting? Michelle put together this great afternoon of wine tasting at Melville Vineyard and Winery. We had a private tasting and learned about the vineyard and their wine making process. After we had a nice picnic and enjoyed some of the wines we brought. We did a quick second tour at another nearby vineyard but it wasn't even close to being as good. Both wineries are only 15 minutes from our front door. Have we mentioned how much we love it here?????

A view of the vineyard...

The tasting...Keith sure looks happy!

Some of the ladies while the guys took a tour...

Thanksgiving Day...

This year we had some family come visit us!! No, not Paul, Jocelyn and Carson, our usual Thanksgiving company! Phil's brother, Keith, his wife, Lynn, and their two sons. It was so nice having them here. They spent the whole weekend with us. It was great! We did so many fun things. (More to follow) Thanksgiving dinner we spent at the Ashby's. Michelle did a fantastic job on everything and everyone made such tasty food. There were a few sore backs, aches and pains from the football game though. The best part was our family got to meet and spend time with our "other" family.

Time to eat...

Group photos...

M and her Uncle Keith...

Turkey Bowl '08...

Our good friends, The McKay's, put together a family football game Thanksgiving morning. It was such a great time. With only two small injuries "surprisingly" both belonging to Andi. Must have been all that rugby she played in college because she was playing hard out there. It was nice to get everyone together before the day's festivities started. (For the record the red team won!!!!!!)

Before the game started...

Action shot...

After game...

Vegas...

The girls had a long weekend off in November so we took advantage of it and took a trip with a group of friends to Vegas. Instead of staying in a hotel we rented a house with one of the other families. This was a great decision. The home was huge and had an in ground heated pool which the kids all loved. The girls loved the Cocoa Cola and M&M Factories. We also spent MANY hours in the amusement park at Circus Circus. Everyone had a great time and we are planning another trip in April.

The girls in front of New York New York...

Excalibur...

Halloween....

OK , I am far behind on blogging. When did our lives get so busy? It seems we are running non stop all the time. The girls went Trick or Treating with their groups of friends before they left everyone met here April's delicious Chili, mummy dogs and snacks. While the kids were out about 25 of us sat around and handed out candy. Made it much easier on the kids trick or treating. Sorry it's such a short one but I have a lot to post.

K dressed up for school...

Maddie, K and Hanna before Trick or Treating...

Kaihla, M and Lys before Trick or Treating...

Halloween Party...

Last night we had a progressive Halloween party. We were house number 2 out of 4 different houses. We decided that instead of doing dinner courses each house would do heavy appetizers, desserts and drinks. Everyone went all out! Each house was decorated and the food and drinks were Halloween themed. It was even foggy outside! Gotta love that marine layer. We had about 50 people attend and everyone came in costumes. Some costumes were very original to say the least. Some of my favorites were Clark Kent with parts of his superman costume showing, Buzz Lightyear, Angel (a man wore it) Moses and parting of the red sea ( a red C on the front of a cape). It was a great night! We'll have to see if we can top it with our St. Patty's day party! Some of our friends asked not to have their pictures posted because of their jobs so I won't be able to post all the photos. Funny what some of the AF's finest leaders wear for Halloween. Here are a few pictures from the party.

Barb, Me, April, Jamie, Amy, Carmen and Stacy

Paul and Phil

April, Mike, Erik, Gummie (as Gay Spock) and Cobie

Amy and Dave aka Jake and Heath

AJ and Michelle

Sabina and Rob

A shot of the McKay's back yard.

Homecoming Dance...

This weekend was homecoming for M's High School. She went to the game on Friday (home team won) than to the dance Saturday night. Ryan ( yes, it's the same boyfriend as in 8th grade)didn't go to the dance so it was a girl's night. M said she had a blast and was glad she went even if her boyfriend didn't. It is hard to believe she's in high school and doing all of these things. Time has just been flying by and she is just a great kid. We're lucky to have her. Hopefully she won't be reading this because it'll all go to her head and we'll never hear the end of it. LOL!

Kaihlia and Morgan after they got ready together. This is AJ and Michelle's daughter.

M posing at K's house

Ball...

Last night we attended the Ball that was held here on base to celebrate Vandenberg's 50th Anniversary. We had a small get together before the Ball than headed out. We all had a great time. We have alot of pictures.

April, Sean (who returned from six months in Iraq Friday), Mike, Barb (Sean's wife) and Cobie. Not everyone was going to the ball but it didn't mean they were missing out on cocktail hour.

Us with April and Mike

Dave, Amy, us, Mike, April, Melody, Greg, Gummie and Erik (a few couples had all ready headed out by this time so they missed out on the pictures)

The Boys...yes, Mike is in the Army

Michelle and AJ, (they're the reason we all went to the Ball. AJ was in charge of it all and he did a great job!)These guys are great! Gummie is in the background, he tried sneaking into all the pictures. LOL!

Michelle, April, me, Andi and Linda (These are some great ladies!)

P and Michelle...

AJ and Gummie in their "party shirts". Michelle and I had Gummie's shirt made for him. What's on it? Gummie Bears, of course.

This is P's boss and his date. He's a wonderful guy! P has been his exec for a while now. The joke is he's never letting him go. I don't think he's kidding though. (He's in Navy)

P's other boss (center) posing for one big group photo...

Soccer...

I had no idea that it had been so long since I posted anything. With school starting we've been busy. Soccer season also has arrived. K is playing on base and has improved so much since last season. Here are a couple pics....

Opening ceremony...K is the second from the right....

K and some friends......

Amy's Surprise Party...

A good friend of ours turned 30 this week. Yes, 30! We (our group of friends) threw her a surprise birthday party this weekend. We did a progressive party, so through out the night we went to four different homes spending about an hour and a half at each one. The theme of the party was the 70's since she was born in 1978. It was a great evening and I just had to share some pictures from the night.

Roller Derby Girl and Disco Dancer Girl

Birthday Girl with Charlie's Angel

The Boys in their 70's gear. P is wearing

garanimal tags on his shirt and pants.

First Day of School...

After a summer that seems to have flown by M and K started school this week. M is a Freshman this year and is really enjoying High School. K is in 6th grade this year. So far so good. She hasn't asked to stay home yet so that's a good sign. LOL! Honestly though she has a great teacher. He just moved to the area last year from MA, loves all things New England including the Red Sox so in K's eyes he's golden.

Smiling this early in the morning?

Let's see how long this last.

K's alittle bit easier to get ready in

the morning. I really love school uniforms!

Wine Tasting...

This past weekend we headed out with a few of our friends for an afternoon of wine tasting. A few people couldn't make it this time but there's always next month! We ended up visiting 6 different vineyards and enjoyed them all. In case you've never been before this is how it works... You go to the tasting room pay between 8 to 10 dollars they provide you with a glass (that you can keep if you'd like) and you usually taste between 6 to 8 different wines. They describe each wine to you and tell you what it would be best served with. It was a very fun afternoon followed by a great dinner in Los Olivos.

Mike, April, Jamie, Andy and Phil (don't worry that's my purse)

Firestone Vineyard

Some scenes from the day...

The last stop of the day before dinner

Not the best one of the day

but it had a nice little courtyard

Sequoia...

We are back from vacation and I'm finally putting some pictures up. Sequoia and Kings Canyon were beautiful. The scenery was gorgeous and we enjoyed hiking and just spending time together. The only downside to the trip was the driving up to the park. The roads are a bit treacherous for us "flatlanders". But all in all it was a wonderful trip.

K and M in front of an uprooted tree

A stop on one of the hiking trails

Notice the person sitting on the fence in the bottom left hand corner.

These trees are HUGE!

Big Stump Basin an area the was lodged in

the 1880's for it's lumber

Mark Twain Tree Stump is over 1,350 years old