We have had a busy week or so since I last posted. We took a trip to visit John's family in Cincinnati for a few days and also combined another trip to celebrate our upcoming 10 year anniversary (in September). John's sister, Jennifer, is turning 40 this year and to celebrate she wanted to run the Flying Pig Marathon relay with anyone in the family that was willing to participate. So, we headed up for the marathon on Sunday and had a great time running with Russ, Jennifer, Dan, Jason, John, and myself along with a few of Dan's friends. The weather was warm and sunny and the course was lined with lots of spectators. Most importantly, Jennifer and Russ finished the relay together and everyone enjoyed celebrating afterwards. Happy 40th Jennifer!!
After a fun-filled weekend of festivities with John's family, we headed out of town to celebrate our upcoming 10 year anniversary. After much deliberation on what we would/could do, we decided on a trip to the California wine country. We landed in San Francisco on Monday and spent a couple days touring Sonoma Valley on bikes and by car. We loved the extra sleep, uninterrupted dinners, and time to relax and actually have extended and meaningful conversations (something that often does not happen here until the boys are in bed and then we are too tired!). The landscape is gorgeous in this part of California with mountains, valley, and lots of vineyards. We visited the redwood forest, several wineries, and stayed in a small town called Healdsburg. The town was quaint with several shops and great restaurants.
We are particularly thankful to John's family for taking such good care of the boys while we were away. During the 12 hour trip back to Minnesota, Luke kept reminding us that he wanted to stay in Ohio a little longer. The highlights of the week for the boys included trips to the Zoo, a local farm, the park, McDonalds, fishing, and a couple baseball games with Aunt Jennifer, Grandma, and Grandpa. After their naps and school for the older kids, the boys enjoyed playing with their cousins Zach and Seth (and Ace, the dog). Zach taught the boys how to play Angry Birds and I am pretty sure we will soon be investing in an i-Pad since they have only asked about it a couple hundred times! Aunt Ann, Caitlin, and Ella also provided some fun playtime for the boys and took them to the local children's museum. Since we returned from Ohio, the boys have not stopped talking about going to see Caitlin and Ella very very soon. Thank you all very much for your assistance with all three boys over the week!
The whole family (all in green shirts for the marathon relay to celebrate Jennifer's 40th)
After a fun-filled weekend of festivities with John's family, we headed out of town to celebrate our upcoming 10 year anniversary. After much deliberation on what we would/could do, we decided on a trip to the California wine country. We landed in San Francisco on Monday and spent a couple days touring Sonoma Valley on bikes and by car. We loved the extra sleep, uninterrupted dinners, and time to relax and actually have extended and meaningful conversations (something that often does not happen here until the boys are in bed and then we are too tired!). The landscape is gorgeous in this part of California with mountains, valley, and lots of vineyards. We visited the redwood forest, several wineries, and stayed in a small town called Healdsburg. The town was quaint with several shops and great restaurants.
We are particularly thankful to John's family for taking such good care of the boys while we were away. During the 12 hour trip back to Minnesota, Luke kept reminding us that he wanted to stay in Ohio a little longer. The highlights of the week for the boys included trips to the Zoo, a local farm, the park, McDonalds, fishing, and a couple baseball games with Aunt Jennifer, Grandma, and Grandpa. After their naps and school for the older kids, the boys enjoyed playing with their cousins Zach and Seth (and Ace, the dog). Zach taught the boys how to play Angry Birds and I am pretty sure we will soon be investing in an i-Pad since they have only asked about it a couple hundred times! Aunt Ann, Caitlin, and Ella also provided some fun playtime for the boys and took them to the local children's museum. Since we returned from Ohio, the boys have not stopped talking about going to see Caitlin and Ella very very soon. Thank you all very much for your assistance with all three boys over the week!
Luke, AJ, and Liam with Cousin Ella and Ace (the very tolerant dog)
Practicing Angry Birds with Cousin Zach
Dinner with Cousins
The whole family (all in green shirts for the marathon relay to celebrate Jennifer's 40th)
Fishing with Grandpa and Uncle Jason
At the Zoo (dressed in their matching green shirts which Jenni agreed makes it easier to keep up with them)
Playground and a Walk with Ace
Souvenirs from the Zoo with Aunt Jennifer. Liam's giraffe is "Ace", Luke's is "Seth", and Aiden's frog is "Puppy." Thanks again Jennifer!
We drove around in a convertible (and no carseats!)
Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge heading to Sonoma Valley
Beautiful Coastline
This was a super fun day, but a rather long bike ride after we kind of got lost. We finally found the redwoods and made it back safely. I was ready to be off the bike.
One of the wineries we visited called Ferrari Carrano with beautiful Italian architecture and gardens
Just a few wineries to visit in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County (the arrows are all pointing to various ones)
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