Wednesday, June 25, 2008

California Bound!

We're back in the USA! This trip really snuck up on us- there was hardly time to get excited about it. The reason for the trip back so soon was my cousin Hanna's wedding in Santa Rosa, CA. The flight was okay. Not nearly as easy as the last time around (when Connor slept pretty much the whole way), but not terrible either. It was just a lot more work for Andrew and I this time around since Connor didn't sleep much (he just couldn't get comfortable). There were only a few minutes of tears though, guess I can't ask for much more than that! We stayed at a gorgeous place called the Vintners Inn, I could probably live there. What a change of scenery from the concrete jungle of Tokyo!! We got to visit several wineries while we were there, and got to sample so many incredible wines. It was nice having my family there to help watch Connor too! The highlight of our winery visits was to Gary Farrell. My cousin Micah is a "cellar-master" there. He gave us an awesome behind the scenes tour- we learned so much! We were also given Micah's employee discount- so needless to say- we bought a ton of wine from there. THANK YOU Micah!! Gary Farrell is most definitely my favorite label. Their Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc are out of this world. Not just because a family member works there either!

The wedding itself was a gorgeous affair and Hanna was a stunning bride. It took place at De Loach winery. What a backdrop! We had a blast and Connor was so much fun to have with us. He looked so handsome!

On Sunday Andrew headed back to Tokyo (so sad!) and Connor and I headed to Maryland with my Mom and Grandma. We'll be in the US through most of July. Am looking forward to spending some time in the US and avoiding what I can of the hot and sticky (unreasonably hot and stick in my opinion) Tokyo summer.

Half of the family the night before the wedding:

Andrew and I at Passalaqua winery- another one of our favorites!


The Vintners Inn had its own vineyards.

At Ferrari Carano- they had the most beautiful winery (next to Gary Farrell of course).

During Micah's winery tour.

Look at all that wine!

Connor and Micah.

The day of the wedding.

The family with the newlyweds!

Connor hanging out with my Dad.

Andrew and my Grandma Alice- she's quite the dancer!

Four generations!

One of my favorite pictures. Look at Connor making a move for that wine!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Thanks Carter!


Connor's best pal Carter gave him this outfit. It used to belong to Carter but it just wasn't "his style." Looks like it gets a thumbs up from Connor though! Thanks Carter- hope you're enjoying your cruise!

Monday, June 16, 2008

General Connor Cuteness

Friends Larisa and Dana were here visiting this past week (more on their visit to come). Larisa has another one of those super-awesome cameras and snapped some great pics of Connor while she was here! Thanks Larisa!




Don't worry- he's not always an angel...

Happy Father's Day!!






Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there! In particular, the Dads in my immediate family- my Dad, my Step-Dad Gerry, Andrew's Dad, and my Grandpa Don. I've said it before but I'll say it again-- I never truly realized and appreciated all the sacrifices parents make for their children until I became one myself. So thank you oh so much! I love you all and am so thankful to have you all in my life!

And of course- an extra special "shout out" to Andrew- a most incredible Dad. I adore watching "my boys" together. I love you!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Smile!

I just can't help but smile whenever Connor does. And he's ALWAYS smiling. So I'm always smiling! It's infectious. Hopefully this will make you smile too!

Look who's sitting!

Connor is now able to sit comfortably by himself these days. He doesn't stay upright for very long- as there's crawling to be done! It's fun to see him viewing the world from his new perspective!


Ok- enough of that. I need to move!

Beautiful Day!

We're in the height of rainy season at the moment. What this basically means, is that most days in June are cloudy and/or rainy. I hardly ever leave the house without my umbrella. It makes me truly appreciate days when the sun is shining and today is one of those days! Here's some pictures I took this morning.

From our balcony:

Andrew and Connor hanging out before Andrew had to get ready for work:

Connor is a man on the move! He doesn't care if he loses his pants on a mission to retrieve one of his stacking cups!

Have a great day!