Dues paying members of the Jet-Setters Club…

Underrated: traveling in the great US of A...
I still cannot believe how fortunate we were to have 94 fabulous people clear their calendars, purchase/renew passports, forge the language barrier, and stare scary Senor Jose Cuervo right in the eye for our wedding last year. And believe me, we are doing our best to repay their efforts… one loyal friend/family member at a time.

We have always been easily bitten by the travel bug, but I will say that there are some fun places to visit in the grand ole 50 states. And if you don’t have a huge budget you can get by on a dime (or two). Here is a glorious summary of our travels in the past 6 months…most of you will make a cameo in this one- woohoo! The journey started in Vegas for Jaq's send-off party (see previous blog) and the rest is detailed below.

Thanks for the memories- looking forward to many more to come! Enjoy!

March 2009 Wine! Vino! Vin! Wein!
We should have never done it. After one amazing trip to the wine country our boring day-to-day lives of professional 20-somethings... in the crummy real estate market... in Phoenix... will never be the same. Damn the beautiful land of Healdsburg and the whimsical windy roads leading to all things that are good! Praise that glorious Aunt Mary who blessed us with a glimpse into her wonderful world of wine consumption (and beautiful house (look left!) and San Francisco delights.

We highly recommend the Russian River Valley Barrel Tasting Festival to any and all! Here’s why:

1. The festival is always the first two weekends in March – beautiful weather!



2. The cost: $20 per person for unlimited wine tasting at over 100 local vineyards. This includes a wine glass and usually hors d’oeuvres. The typical cost is $5- $15 per tasting, per vineyard – it’s a steal!



3. The Russian River Valley is the home of many very famous vineyards but is not as well known thanks to the big muscled neighbors of Napa & Sonoma. Seriously – here are a few examples near Healdsburg: La Crema (delicious!); Ferrari Carano (surprisingly amazing olive oil too!); Many more!
   


4. This region is very well known for its Pinot Noir’s so if you love a spicy red…

Also, for an alternative hotel (that floats on the ocean), near San Francisco but in a sweet little cove-town only 20 minutes away from the city center, check this place out – they were wonderful and the bar next door is famous! Waters Edge Hotel: http://www.jdvhotels.com/waters_edge/


June 2009 Lovely Lady Lumps & Baby Bumps!
So, the wedding bells have been ringing off the hook. And now...friends are taking the next (baby) step into the great abyss to come...We made a one-year-anniversary trip to Seattle in early June, which was coupled with a fabulous ELC reunion/surprise baby shower for our lovely Mrs. Lauren Johnson! After lots of Shirley temples for her (more vino for us!), and creative shower gifts we all caught up on life, love and the pursuit of money and celebrated little baby Luke's coming arrival!

A couple of my favorite things about Seattle:

1. Our hotel was superb! It made me feel like an 18-year-old Europe back packer again, but this time in style: The ACE Hotel has received some serious praise, and it's all deserved: http://www.theacehotel.com/
2. Oysters Galore!
3. Anchor Steam Beer!
4. Olympic Sculpture Garden - the weather was perfect and it was a great place for a quick make-out session.
6. 5. Local cheese, bread and cured meat! And you thought Pikes Place market was only for throwing fish. Think again! New favorite cheese: Cypress Grove Chevre's Truffle Tremor. Eat-your-heart-out cheese lovers!
   

July 2009 Ozarks! Ozarks! Ozarks!

We spent a lovely 4th of July holiday visiting family and crazy friends (ok, just one crazy friend...Mego!) in the great state of Missouri. Lots of card playing (much to Mego's dismay) and bags throwing (thanks to cousin Warren!) and beer drinking and just good old fashioned visiting. Oh...and eating. Bar-b-Que galore. Seriously, I gained 3 pounds eating all of that delicious goodness. it was worth it!

Jonathan learned how fun it was to play with matches... and explosives. They grow up so fast!

Also, who knew...lots of fun barrios in Kansas City and they all have an insane passion for fire works. This is not an exaggeration- we sat down on an outstanding roof-top condo in downtown KC at 6:30 pm and it was already in full force. Fast forward to 11:00 pm and the love of pyro still lives on! It was honestly the most spectacular display I have ever witnessed!

Next Stop: La Jolla for the lovely wedding of Julie & Grant! Travels to be continued...