San Francisco

It had been a long time, but I finally made my return to SF. I got to see/do/eat lots of beautiful/fun/tasty things. Photo highlights:

The Davids take in the fresh sea air at Sutro Heights Park.

The Superior Palace Chinese restaurant in the Outer Richmond advertises the Land of Enchantment.

Napa in winter. Note to self: next time go easy on the wine the night before a wine tasting trip.

David and Casey admiring a piece at the MOMA.

Posing at the Lands End Trail head. Awesome views all around.

"The Gonzalesi" prepare empanadas. Success!

Christmas Tree Hunt!

Thanks to the Schuch family for inviting us to their annual Christmas tree hunt in Las Vegas, NM! Aaron, David, Michele, and I had a lovely, mix cd filled drive, a hearty breakfast at Spic-n-Span, and a brisk afternoon at the camp site. And I got me a Christmas tree!

We came in varying degrees of preparedness.

Could you be the one?

We don't know who David is waving at, but Aaron is tough, and that's one damn fine tree!

Conference at the University of Hawaii

Meghan and I celebrate 17 years of being dorks together. She was the best conference stowaway ever.

Balloon lands on runway in ABQ.

Trees in Hawaii are good for hiding (near Waikiki).

Pearl Harbor Memorial.

This is NOT Waikiki (Ala Moana).

Some good old fashioned hole-diggin' on Kailua Beach, our favorite.

Some kind of weekend

Between the balloon fiesta and Michele's party, I probably slept 6 hours that whole weekend. But it was SO worth it.

Zach rolls up in the Vanana.

Joe, Michele, David, Daniela, me, and Zach do the Balloon Fiesta.

The Copper Family Band celebrates Michele's 27th at Zinc.

My friends are super fun.

Santa Fe with the Boys

Our annual La Cueva High School Drumline Santa Fe trip to remember our old friend, Dean.

Aminal and Kevin

Brian and Joe

Craigen, me, and Brian

More facial hair, less head hair, but still friends after all these years.

La Luz Trail Hike

Can't believe this is the first time I've done this hike. Also I can't believe those crazies that race up it every year. This time we took the tram down...maybe some time I'll make the round-trip.

Start

What a view

So that's what this rock looks like from over here...

Finish. Nuthin' too impressive, but I'm proud :)

New Mexico Wine Festival, Bernalillo 2009

Our goal for next year: have a booth at the Wine Fest to sell Blessings. This year was lovely, and I truly love our tradition of taking the train to Bernalillo, dancing and drinking at the wine fest, and enjoying dinner at flying star. Wine Fest 2009= great success!

David, Aaron, and the lovely Sandias.

Clinky clinky!

David continues to peer pressure us into drinker faster by signaling discreetly that he has already finished his glass and is ready for more.

The more wine we had, the less things made sense.

David strikes a pose in front of our D.D.: the Rail Runner.

Full of wine and cake-in-hand, Aaron and I are ready to call it a day.