California

Well, we'd been planning our trip to California for quite some time (before Christmas), so when it was time to go we were pretty excited. I even managed to convince Colin to let me get a new camera to capture the moments. Needless to say, I had to take TONS of pictures on the trip to teset it out! We were to ultimate in tourists! It all started way back when Uncle Aaron popped the question to my newest auntie Irene...We new we'd be in for a trip. Then we decided to do a little sight seeing while we were at it. We left on Tuesday for Sacrament, CA and drove to San Francisco. Here are some of the pictures!

We spent our time on the Wharf. We had an amazing time enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the area! Thankfully our hotel was super close, because we were in for a lot of walking.

We had dinner the first night at Bubba Gumps. It was super yummy, despite that fact it may have clogged a few arteries in the process. Above is the view from our table.You can't go to San Francisco and not check out the cable cars! Here they are spinning it around. We even captured video of it, but let's be honest...my blogging skills are not up for posting a video right now. Besides, it's already taken my FOREVER to upload these pics (maybe I went a little overbaord, but I had a hard time narrowing it down as it was).

Here I am ready and waiting on the cable car Wednesday morning. Being the early riser that my amazing husband is, we were ready to go for all the city had to offer bright and early...Turns out, there wasn't a lot open, so we were second on the cable car. We rode down to Union Square where we dinned at a cute little coffee shop with delicious pastries!

The lovely view from our alfresca breakfast!

Lombard Street aka the "crookedest" street. We walked down, which was fun. We didn't feel the desire to fight off tourists at the top of the street while driving our fantastic Prius rental just to drive down it ourselves.

Ever since the all-time-greatest TV show, Full House, I have been in love with the homes in this town. While this isn't a picture of the street of the Tanner's TV home, I still think they are super amazing!

Ever since I've know Colin's family, his grandma has always oohed and awwed about the Chocolate Sundaes at Ghiradelli Square. We had to go there-Several times!

Grandma wasn't kidding...the sundaes are "change your life" sort of yummy-ness.

I also had to try the hot chocolate...besides I was freezing by this point of the night, and, yes, I'm wearing a fleece in August. Believe it or not, I also have a short sleeve and a long sleeve shirts underneath the fleece. With only a high in the mid 70s on a warm day and even cooler nights with breezes off the bay, I was cold!!!

Colin posing with "The Rock" in the background. We didn't get to go for our tour, but it's still cool to see at a distance.

Our last night in the Bay Area, we drove to Half Moon Bay. The drive there was really pretty, but foggy. I can't imaging how perfect it would be on a sunny day. We went to the beach long enough for pictures and look around, then headed for dinner.

Before we left San Fran., I had to see the Golden Gate Bridge, up close and personal. We ended up driving over it twice since I'm not so good with maps and directions, but it was pretty cool. I think my fascination with also stems from the Full House days.

We finally made it back to Sacramento for the Rehearsal Dinner. Here are Jay and Colin just hanging out staring at their beautiful babes across the table (ha).


Lindsey and I at dinner!

Joe (the BM-Best Man), and Holly


Not only was it the Rehearsal Dinner, but it was also Irene's 30th b-day! This picture doesn't show the cake much, but I think it was the best cake I have EVER had!!!



Before the wedding on Friday, Colin took the girls for a stroll in the park. Our hotel was just a couple of blocks from the capital. Here Holly, Lindsey, and I are admiring the spectacular rose garden near the capital building. It was so stinkin' hot, Holly said her shoes were melting (but that's another story).



The Capital! The best part of all was the AC after our wandering through the park.



I am a HUGE fan of the Governator! Of course, I had to check out his office! There was an armed guard outside the door, but who knows if he was there. I was pretty bummed I didn't get to see him. Although, we think he drove by us while we were eating breakfast on Sunday Morning! We also got to watch legislation being passed (and rejected) on the floor...it was fascinating! The Reps were quite a sight to watch.



Finally....The WEDDING!!! Here's the outside of the Vizcaya, where the joyful journey begins.


Joe and Jay as 2 of the groomsmen.




One of the Bridesmaids ( I LOVE these dresses) and one of the three flower girls. The flower girls were all the bride's cousins, and the CUTEST girls I have ever seen! They were a huge hit!



The beautiful bride and her groom (my uncle) exchanging rings.


They had the best first dance ever! Well, maybe not as cool as the one all over they internet with Sir Mixalot, but I think this one was genuine and impressive!




Again, more ymmy cake...Plus I really like the "H"


As if we hadn't traveled enough, my brothers and the girls headed out to South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City. Both were beautiful. The best views were from the drive between the two towns which overlook the lake.


Jakes on the Lake in Tahoe City for a great lunch. I think it's starting to sound like all we did was eat; though at times it felt like it too.



Finally, Colin and I with Lake Tahoe behind us.

All in all we had a terrific time. The San Fran was super, the wedding was stunning, and the laughs were endless, but the best part of all is coming home to crawl into your own bed!