Healdsburg Antics

Last weekend, Uncle Rob and his fiance, Alicja, came over for the weekend. Since the house is being painted and things are just an overall mess, we high-tailed it over to wine country. Before I tell of our antics in Healdsburg, however, enjoy the picture below...It's what Izzy and Sam have been watching for two consecutive weeks-our painters doing random jobs around the house.



Healdsburg is about thirty-five minutes away from our house. It was gorgeous day. We traversed the downtown area, played by the fountain, and bought some books at a local bookstore. We decided to picnic at one of the wineries and so we picked up lunch. We ventured into deep wine country and settled ourselves at Preston Wineries. While we were there, Sam and Isabella made friends with lots of people entering the tasting room. Sam wore his jedi outfit the entire time and no one seemed bothered by it. In fact, I think they all felt protected. Izzy, on the other hand, ran around everywhere and made a very old lady feel very special by calling her grandma, taking her on walks around the grounds, and helping her out of her chair. Rob, Alicja, and Brad enjoyed their wine and I got to drink lots of water. Boo.

Below are shots of our day...You'll note that Rob looks particulary sexy in some of these shots (obviously its the camera and shades) and Sam and Izzy got to pick some strawberries, explore a small farm, and make Rob and Alicja do whatever they desired.








Unlce Rob, looking sexy:










Sidenote: Here Alicja and Uncle Rob practice being parents by performing the standard "run and lift" move.





After the day concluded, I had to drive the drunkards home. This is what I look liked:




This is what they looked like:

3rd Annual Father's Day Hike

For Father's Day this year, the kids and I took Daddy on a hike. Again. To the same place as last year.

Original, I know.


We went up to the West Point Inn where they have an annual pancake breakfast and the local fire department makes an appearance. This year, the St. Clair crew joined in for the fun.

We'll begin with a candid shot of Daddy with his favorite children...




Next, we have the opffspring from both families climbing the world's largest log pile:



This next shot makes me think of Golding's book The Lord of the Flies

Fire truck shenanigans:





Marsh and St. Clair Family Photo Attempts (not pretty but captured, nonetheless):




And this is what Chloe looked like during the entire 2 mile hike back to our cars:

Hams

On the way back from Izzy's baptism luncheon, the boys decided to play with my camera.


I plan on posting these to their Facebook profiles because I love them and what aunt wouldn't take advantage of this opportunity?

Adding More Spirit to Our Already "Spirited" Child

We finally had Isabella baptized at our parish. Despite the fact that it took two years for me to organize, the church is forgiving and the Holy Spirit is now part of Izzy's spiritual being...not that she needs anymore "spirit" or anything...Lord knows she has plenty of that going for her.

I will admit that I did not get the requisite photographs for this significant occassion. Truth be told, I do not have any pictures of Isabella with her godparents: Teri, Brandon, Sonia, or Meter. I also do not have any pictures of Izzy with particular members of the family like Nana, Abuelita, Grandma, Mama, Papa, or Nina Sandy. I suck.

I did , however, gets lots of candid shots that reflect upon the day. For example, let's begin with the people who brought her into this world...

Her lovely parents....


Her entourage....


Her cousins....


Her Nina and Abuelita (great-grandma)....


Her awesome older brother....


Her grandmother....


Los salas (Mama, Pops, Sandy, y Soni)


Candids:







After the ceremony, we all went to have pizza and beer because nothing says, "May the Holy Spirit be with you" like a pizza joint. Amen to that.

"Boys Only" Weekend

This weekend, Sam accompanied Brad and some of his college buddies on a camping trip. Here's how I can tell a good time was had by all:

1. The smell on both father and son when they arrived home.
2. The amount of dirt in the shower.
3. The glassy-eyed look of total exhaustion on both of their faces.
4. The overall "we missed you guys" sentiment from both of them

And, my favorite...

5. The fact that both of them fell asleep at around 1:30 this afternoon and were sleeping as if it were 9pm.

Below are shots Brad sent me to make sure I knew they were alive and well.....




Despite the fact that adults were present who have more experience at all things fishing, Sam caught the first and the biggest trout of the day:





As reward for his expert fishing skills, he got to eat his fish as well as turn all the adults at the campsite into his man-servants. At any time, he could call on any one of them to bring him anything he desired.

I really hope Sam realizes that the right he earned only lasted until he left the campsite. It's gonna suck at home for him if he tries to apply that philosphy with me.