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