Sun Valley

Mike and I just got back from spending a couple of weeks in Sun Valley, ID. There is so much to do we found ourselves busy everyday. Tons of great hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing. Sun Valley also hosts an incredible symphony. For two weeks in August the crowds bring chairs and picnics and listen to the music. We had a few wonderful nights. I think my favorite was Tchaikovsky but the Pops were incredible too. The symphony just got back from a performance in Beijing and did all the overtures to the Olympics. Very cool. The night ended with the songs of the military. They asked everyone who was in each branch to stand up and be recognized as they played their music. Very patriotic. All in all it was a perfect vacation.

Aunt Cat and Anna

On my birthday my Mom and I hiked Mt. Baldy. This was after having some lunch at a restaurant called Papa Hemi's. Ernest Hemmingway called Sun Valley home and this restaurant was rumored to be his home. Well, if its good enough for Ernest Hemmingway...

Mike and I did some great trails. This was the golf course loop then we ended up on a single track called Corral Creek.

Riding through an old burn scar.

Anna and Mimi with Panzer. Panzer likes to give kisses and Anna didn't seem to mind.

Anna's Baptism

Last weekend was Anna's Baptism. What a wonderful day. Anna was the only baby being baptized, so she was the star. She was great during the ceremony. Just a little case of the hiccups. Our friend Paul was the Godfather and my sister Catherine was the Godmother. Anna is in good hands. Here are some pictures from her special day.

This has by far become Anna's favorite location. It gets a smile every time.

I've never seem two grandmothers love a baby more. She is a lucky girl.

Post baptism. Mike made his famous Paella. It was a very hot day in Sacramento. I think even Laurita who traveled all the way from Texas was hot. Is a pool in our future? Maybe. Right now we'll take the shade and a cold beer.

San Diego

Mike and I headed down to San Diego for our nephew Justin's first birthday. It was also a chance to say goodbye to Jon-Paul who has by now left for Iraq. We had a great weekend. It was fun to watch Justin and Anna to play together, JP hit the bbq, and we just enjoyed the beautiful San Diego weather. I already miss my little (big) brother and hope everyone who reads this will keep him in your prayers.

Pure fun

Anna looking very serious

Aunt Cat and Anna (Anna didn't touch any of that wine)

The birthday boy and Mimi

Anna eats solid food

This is just always cute. I know everyone with kids has taken these pictures. It is so funny to watch your little baby, who has only known liquids, to eat rice cereal. Anna wasn't terribly interested, but as my mom put it, would you be that excited about rice cereal? Good point. Moving on to the good stuff very soon (i.e. fruits and veggies). Anna is now a little over 6 months and growing like a weed. She is sitting up pretty much on her own and rolling all over the place. This age is so much fun.

Sun Valley

Last week Mike had a busy work week with Jarrett and Paul in town, then a fishing/camping weekend planned, so I decided to head to the mountains with Anna. Sun Valley is so beautiful in the summer, and since my parents are living there full time, they kept us busy all week. This picture was just after our first hike with Anna. My mom and I went to one of her favorite spots, Galena Lodge, and did a hike which was appropriately named, Psycho. There were beers hiding behind us in the picture. And well deserved. Anna was a champ. She slept through the first half, then just purely enjoyed herself for the rest.

Since Idaho received so much snowfall this year, everything was so green. This was another hike we took through the wildflowers. Just beautiful.

Anna loves to be outside. While we were eating dinner, she just played on the grass.

Happy Birthday Mike!!

Every year as Mike's birthday approaches, he begins to ask what we should do for his birthday. I think he is trying to figure out when (one of these years) I'll have a surprise birthday party for him. This wasn't the year. But it was a great day. We took our friends Tom and Angie, Catherine and of course Anna, up to Napa. We had a great lunch at then headed over to Domaine Chandon. We received the v.i.p. treatment which included a thorough tour and a wonderful tasting. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Anna learning about tank fermentation

I love this picture. This dress on Anna was mine as a baby. My mom saved some of her favorite clothes of ours (in duplicate of course).

Rio Viento Vineyard - Year 2

The name Rio Viento, which means river wind, was chosen because it represents the unique micro climate created by the cool delta breezes. This climate along with the rich soil creates an ideal location to grow grapes. Last weekend we took a drive out to the ranch to check the progress of the vineyard. This is the 2nd year and the vines are doing very well. Shortly, the vines will be split and trained to grow across the trellis which will enable them to yield more fruit. Next year will be the first year that fruit will be harvested. It is exciting to watch the progress!

Close up of the chardonnay vine

Rows of vines with 2nd year growth (upper field)

View of the lower vineyard