We have been in Sonoma for three days now and just about everyone has plotted how they can officially move here for good. The weather is still amazing, the food to die for, and the laughter still loud.
We started out the day celebrating Suzanne's 28th birthday! Perry's mom is very loved and looked super cute in her birthday dress the rest of the day. After opening her presents and reading the cards, we all relaxed on the couches and finished off the coffee.
One group decided to go on a hike to Muir Forest to see the Redwoods. Eight of us loaded up in the suburban and drove to the trail head. With Lisa leading the way, we hiked a little over 4 miles and trekked through a forest that is apparently in a Star Wars movie (you'll have to ask one of the boys for more details). After so much relaxing, it felt good to be active and get a little workout in.
The redwoods were gorgeous and ginormous and now we appreciate the "This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land" song even more.
On the way back from the hike we stopped at the most amazing farmer's market any of
us had been to. We bought limes for fresh margaritas and snacks for the rest of the day.
All this produce is another reason to move out west.
Back at our bungalows, everyone took time to lay by the pool or nap--the ultimate luxury. We all knew we had to rest up for what was to come next... The Birthday Dinner... the reason we are all on this fabulous trip... celebrating Blancheetah and her fabulous 50 years. Our al fresco table had been set with sunflowers, the boys played a few rounds of bocce ball, and we kicked the party off in true Texan style with delicious margaritas. It was the beginning of the perfect evening.
Our first course was a sardine. A whole sardine. After initial skepticism, we all decided we agreed with Chef Moaya that they were indeed "sexy sardines." Who knew?
Following our sultry first course, we enjoyed a "palette lifting" melon and champagne soup, and an amazing lamb dish. Our plates went back to the kitchen very clean!
As the cake was being served, Blanche opened her presents. I think we were all so happy to see her happy and it was fun to finally be on the giving end after receiving so much from Blanche and Bill. The toasts to the birthday girl started and
Alex gave us a reason for kleenex right away. The tears kept flowing as we went around the table sharing funny stories, fond memories and all the things we love about Blanche. As the newest member of the family, I felt especially blessed to get to not only share what I love about my wonderful mother-in-law, but also to hear the other kids, spouses, and uncles praise and love on Blanche. I feel very lucky to be a part of this group. Blanche has been more than a mom-- she's a good friend to all of us. Annie summed it up well by saying (through tears) that we "could never thank her enough."
After all the sentimental words and meaningful tears, we of course moved on to the most logical next activity. Bounce House Wars. Yep, that's right. Jousting sticks and all. Most of us stood around laughing as people challenged each other to a duel. Uncle Corley went undefeated for a long time until Adam entered the ring. Annie surprised herself by beating Lisa and Bill kept us laughing by just walking and not bouncing. After several glasses of wine and a full meal, we didn't last long though. The bounce house beat us all.
We finished the night with some hot tub time and more laughter. It was the perfect end to a pretty great day.
Oh, and we made a pact to do this again for Blanche's next 50th birthday...
Now I REALLY wish I could have been sitting around hearing all the sweet things said! (Scott says had he been there he could have videotaped all the loving on Blanche-time!) But I trust Blanche's razor-sharp memory to fill me in later! :)
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