Day 1: Airport Bound

I can't believe today has finally arrived! We are going to be in flight for our trip to Italy.
Connections: SFO - Chicago - Rome
I'm so lucky that with Greg's frequent flyer miles we are able to fly first class to Chicago and business class to Italy; that makes flying so much more comfortable and fun (I love the hot fudge sundaes)!
Soon we will be at the Colesium and walking the quaint streets of Rome. Can't wait to send another update soon.
Stay tuned!
Caio,
V

Caio

Hi friends,
I'm off to Italy! I will be sure to share some photos and stories upon my return.
I know I will have to work double-time at the gym upon my return from all the goodies and gelato I'll be inhaling.
Happy trails,
V

Over the Teens

I can't believe it! My little girl is not a teenager any more! She is 20! Mandy's birthday is Sept 24 -- we went up to Chico to help celebrate. We had a great time with her friends/roommates. We took them all to Casa Ramos; the best Mexican restaurant I've ever been too. After the yummy meal, we went back to the apartment to open gifts and have some delicious birthday cake. Mandy loved all her gifts! (She's always loved surprises!). After the festivities, we all played Taboo (7 against 3 -- of course Breanna, Greg and I won)! We love that game (especially when we win). It was a great day in Chico and Mandy had a great birthday! We love and miss you Mandy! Can't believe you're no longer in the teens!
I love you,
Mom

Fun with a View

Hello All,
Every year our company participates in the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge in San Francisco. This year we followed tradition. We had a team of 25. My friends and I were the official "flag bearers" (which mean we got out of running the 3.5 miles). It was a beautiful night at the base of the Golden Gate. We all had fun during the race but the real fun kicked in at the after party -- we porked out on pizza, pasta and salad. They had some good tunes playing (and yes - I did my John Travolta). It was a blast! Just another excuse to get together with friends and colleagues, eat and be merry. Check out the photos! It is a scenic backdrop.

Wine, Women and Wishes

Hi all,
Sunday, Sept. 14, we had a bachlorette party for our friend Erin (who is getting married in 7 days). We had a fun day we had.
We started off with some wine tasting at Darioush Winery in Napa off Silverado Trail. It has a beautiful, contemporary tasting room. The girls had 5 samplings of their wine as we all giggled and shared shories. By the time we left the winery, the sun was shining brightly and we all had smiles on our faces. We proceeded to go to lunch where I had made reservations at the Silverado Resort. We ate at the Grill at Silverado on the patio overlooking the golf course (I know -- life is tough). We had a great meal; some enjoyed the french dip while others favored the shrimp louie salad. The meals were delicious and the venue was very relaxing. Erin opened some gifts while all opened a favor bag filled with goodies. After a full belly, we headed to our next appointment at Joseph Phelps. They had a divine setting on a back patio overlooking the vineyards. The girls did more tasting as we relaxed in the shade admiring our surroundings.
Let the fun begin! We headed into Napa to Compadres for a little bachlorette action and a "to do" list for Erin. Erin was a great sport as she proceeded to do lap dancing, blow job shots, more shots, collected odd items, and did even more shots. It was a hoot and she completed her list with the exception of the bonus item -- standing on the street corner as she performed a dance including a little pole action. It was quite entertaining!!
We all brought home some good laughs. This will make for a memory-keeper for Erin. Congratulations Erin -- good luck to you and John for a happy, fun marriage.
V

After the Crush Party

Greetings,
The After the Crush Party is a tradition around Brentwood; it was the first year we've attended and it was sure a memorable one. Not only did we attend the stomp, but our very close friends got engaged on this special day. There were some fun events at the party: pool, a swimming pool, Texas Hold'em, wine tasting, laughter, meeting new friends, regrouping with old friends, and the congratulatory toasts for the newly engaged couple. It was great fun! I made a lot of new friends and look forward to our next gathering. Thank you to Anthony and Monica for hosting this great day!
Cheers,
V

Lovebirds take Flight

Do I hear wedding bells?? I knew I did. I'm so very happy to announce that my dear friends Monica and Anthony are officially engaged. Having a proposal in the barrel at the beautiful Hannah Nicole Vineyards is quite a unique event! Anthony got down on one knee and popped the question (while crushing a few grapes) during the grape stomp on Sept. 13. His beautiful bride-to-be quickly accepted and the party started. All our friends and family gathered around for the shocking news and congratulatory hugs/kisses. We are all so very happy for them and can't wait for "the first wedding" to be held at the new tasting room at the winery (to be completed in 2009). Anthony will continue being the biggest fan of Hannah Nicole and how proper it will be for him to wed at that venue. CONGRATULATIONS! We are all elated and so very happy.
Best wishes to the lovebirds,
V

Stompin' that Juice

Howdy,
Always up for virgin experiences -- on Saturday, Sept 13 we attend our first grape stomp at our local Hannah Nicole Winery in Brentwood. What a fun event! This consisted of the blessing of the grapes, the grape stomp, live music, delicious food, and fun raffle prizes. This gathering was held outside right besides the vineyards -- beautiful, peaceful setting. We were amongst close friends; did a lot of laughing; and they did lots of wine sampling. This will become an annual event for us as we watch the winery grow.

Remembering

Today is a day of remembrance. I encourage you to take a few silent moments to reflect on all those that lost their lives on that September day; for all the families who have lost loved ones; for all the heroic efforts by our nations fire fighters and police officers; for complete strangers that were there to lend a hand; for all the courageous flight personnel aboard the two planes; for our nation.

Too Much Fun

Hi all,
Had another jam packed weekend of fun (I live for those)!
Here's an overview of our fun:
- Dinner/Comedy show with the Comedy Cop of the Year (voted by Jay Leno)
- Grape Stomp Event
- Wedding Reception
- Casual drinks with friends - so much fun
- Wedding Anniv. Party
- Shopping
- Eating
- Laughing
It was a great time with friends! Met some new people along the way and enjoyed some new experiences.
I love 3-day weekends.
V