Happy Birthday Ron!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON! Take my word for it, it's all uphill from here! As always, we arrived to an enormous feast of exceedingly delicious food that seemed to replenish itself. No matter how much you eat in this home, it is never enough to make it disappear. Best in-laws ever!

Dear Ron, we wish you the best in this coming year. How does it feel to be 72 years young? You certainly deserve a fantastic pat on the back for your many accomplishments and successes and look forward to many more. Thank you for being you, a deep well of calm in our increasing busy family. You make everything look so easy!

Pat's "Birthday"

Pat and Molly are making it official! CONGRATS!!! CONGRATS!!! CONGRATS!!! Sounds like a perfect proposal on top of Mount Tam, one of the most beautiful places in the Bay Area! This guy tricked us all into flying up to SF for his big, gigantic 29th "birthday party"- fishy for a guy who never even mentioned his birthday when he was living down the street from us. But really, who cares??? There is nothing better than celebrating engagements except, maybe, for the way these two did it!!! Surrounded by fantastic friends (you're welcome) and a never-ending stream of wine, beer, and cocktails. Carting between wineries in Napa, pre-party champagne, and a fantastic party at a private corner of the Starlight Room overlooking Union Square. The type of celebration I can get on board with! The best part is that these two are CLEARLY fantastic for each other. We are so happy for them and definitely eager for the upcoming wedding! Oh yeah, "happy birthday Pat."

starting 'em young

Introducing Attie - our friend Joy's beautiful baby girl! Bobby also happens to think she is the smartest baby we have ever met and really, REALLY likes her. It's easy to see why!!

4th of July

We had a fantastic 4th of July up in northern California, beginning with a delicious southern breakfast of biscuits and gravy at the Southern Kitchen in Los Gatos, followed by a peaceful hike along the hills (thanks to Gentle Leader head collars!!), and ending with a spectacular fireworks show choreographed to live music by the San Francisco symphony.  It was even better because we spent the entire day with my mom and our two doggies - so everyone was happy.  I think the only thing I would change is probably walking to the amphitheatre for the fireworks - we were stuck in the parking lot for over an hour after the show!  Poorest planning I've ever experienced in my life on the part of the City of Mountain View!

Gentle Leader

THE MOST AMAZING PRODUCT EVER!! This thing actually makes our dogs act like they are well-behaved! Never, EVER in our lives together have either of them just walked alongside us - they are always pulling, or lunging at other dogs, or running circles around us. But no more, this thing acts in the same way a bit would act on a horse, allowing you to turn your dog's head if he gets too far ahead or walks in the wrong direction. It is very gentle and requires very little pressure to correct your dog. Our last couple walks have been then most peaceful I've ever experienced - I feel like we've wasted 7 years of dreading walks with Rusty and/or Kona!!!

Sylvia + Phil

How sweet are these two? We were thrilled and honored to celebrate with Sylvia and Phil as they officially tied the knot during a beautiful ceremony and fun reception at the Garden Court Hotel in Palo-Alto. The wedding was full of joy and smiling faces - it was so touching to see two people grow their relationship with all the blessings of their family and friends. I loved seeing Sylvia beaming as she walked down the aisle and it was good to hear all the wonderful things said about the couple - they clearly complement each other in the best way and I can not wait to see what the future holds for these two. p.s. the food was fantastic.