bilal's full moon birthday

Yes, just when you thought we couldn't go to yet another wine tasting adventure...we did.  We went to Ripken winery in Lodi (again), but this time they had a Full moon event from 6-9 with a live band and wood fired pizzas. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate Bilal's birthday. I discovered my mom's camera and was eager to take some shots of the moon at different times in the evening. We had a great time, the girls even danced with Bilal. The winery even had a jumpy house for kids, definitely not something you would ever see in Napa..where they actually cater to families. Our friends Vikram, Sandhya and their two adorable kids, Riya and Ritham came as well to celebrate.  It was definitely a night to remember with a full moon in the vineyards.

strawberry fields forever

The girls and I headed to Brentwood at Berry's Best to pick some strawberries for ourselves. They had been asking to go for a while and since summer is about to end, I couldn't think of a better time to head out with one of Rayna's buddy Alyssa and her mom, Maria who live out here in Concord.  It was a 40 minute drive, but well worth it. They gave us 12 baskets for picking and the girls filled up those little baskets in no time. Although the farm had already picked some of their better berries to sell, the girls had so much fun picking all the little, over ripe ones. They did a great job picking them, and they are ready for another farm adventure...peaches here we come:)

strawberry picking

                                    

alyssa sweetie

nikoo sweetie

girls in the garden

maria picking her own

totally happy baby

bell pepper field

Susan's Napa birthday

Susan, Taruna, Lynn and I headed out to Napa to celebrate Susan's birthday.  What's not to love about a roadtrip with the girls? We went to Andersen Conn Vineyard, Signorello and Chandon. Napa has definitely lost it's charm, but we had fun almost getting kicked out of Signorello because Lynn pulled out her picnic basket.
Hostess: ."no picknicking..i'm afraid" 
Lynn : Can we eat in our cars? 
Hostess: "I don't know how the manager would feel about that" .
Give me a break lady.

It was great day out and we had an amazing lunch at Bouchon, can't go wrong with that birthday.
We were definitely surprised that we didn't need reservations and just got seated right away with great service. Happy Birthday Susan:)

the girls: Susan, Taruna and Lynn

Infinity Pool at Signorello

View from Signorello

Lashes anyone?

Trout with almonds and blanched french beans--yum

Happy Birthday (Profileteros-yum)

Light painting

Light painting, also known as light drawing or light graffiti is a photographic technique in which exposures are made usually at night or in a darkened room by moving a hand-held light source or by moving the camera. 

 

Susan decided to do set up "light painting" for her birthday weekend at Taruna's apt. in S.F. Susan had the camera, the lights, makeup and glitter clothes for the photo shoot.  Chris and I did the behind the scenes setting up with setting the exposure, and basically running around the models with glo-sticks and flashlights. The rave without the drugs and crazy kids...Party in Taruna's closet!  She pulled out some glam clothes of her own from her party closet. The pictures are worth a thousand words, totally cool! Thanks for introducing me to light painting Susan..you rock! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Susan (cake in the foreground)