Savoring Summer

Our summer was probably the busiest we've had as a family to date. Our Hawaii / Dallas trip, a beach vacay, and the California trip.

Oh...that California trip!!!!!

Animesh and I had a blast....celebrating our friends of 15 years (Kyriacos turned 50). He and Kiley used to live in San Antonio...where we met. Then they were in Houston for several years before moving to Cali. Kyriacos had NO IDEA so many of his former students and friends were traveling from Texas just for him.

Animesh met Kyriacos when Animesh was a medical student...MANY years ago. Kyriacos is a Biomechanical Engineering professor...so Animesh did some research in that field as it relates to Orthopedics. I met his wife Kiley through our husbands...and we became fast friends.

Kiley planned 4 events without Kyriacos having a clue. OK...he probably had a clue after the 2nd or 3rd party, but he never let on. Here are the students with their beloved professor at a breakfast at his home. Yep. Animesh is the oldest student. He's the secret service agent in the picture. : )




This is their backyard...which they've turned into the most beautiful walking path surrounding their INCREDIBLE garden. Apparently this region of California boasts the climate for growing amazing produce. The cool morning temps made it even more enjoyable.





The birthday dinner at their home. Kyriacos is a vegetarian...and the catered meal included some of the most delectable fresh produce I've ever tasted.

Judging by the blurriness of this photo I'm guessing that the photographer was really enjoying some wine that evening.





To all my stamping friends out there...Kiley is the one who is responsible for my massive stamp collection. She introduced me to hand-making cards, etc. I think she has more stamps than me.



The next day we boarded a party bus rented by Kiley. To head to the winery. Fun times.


Beautiful scenery.





Kiley is an amazing lady. She learned to speak Greek when she married Kyriacos (she already speaks French and Spanish), every business venture she's involved in takes off, and now she's started an olive oil press department at the UC-Davis campus where she serves as a director.

This is Kiley explaining the proper way to taste olive oil. Apparently you don't drink it. You SLURP it. It was hilarious to hear all of us in action.






Here we are. Smiling or slurping olive oil? You be the judge.



Wine tasting table at...JACUZZI VINEYARDS. Yep, this is the same Italian family who invented...the Jacuzzi tub.







We were so blessed to be able to spend time with our church friends from..BOERNE! Krista and Darrin moved to Davis, California the same time as Kyriacos and Kiley. We enjoyed a lovely lunch outside with them and their four beautiful daughters. We sure do miss them.



The 3 little Indians and I are home this week...savoring the last few days of summer...cleaning out rooms, closets, and basically laying low. We're meeting the teachers Thursday and Friday...and the kids squeal every time the phone rings...awaiting a call from their prospective teachers.

I'm thrilled that they are thrilled. But, I'm a little sad. My baby is flying off to Kinder one week from today, and my heart is aching a bit.

Empty nest syndrome: Round One. Another lesson for mommy in letting go.