We've Got the Travel Bug, Part II

Mid June 2013  Road Trip: Virginia to Massachusetts

In mid-June we flew toVirginia. From Virginia, we drove through West Virginia to Maryland, then to Pennsylvania, through NJ, NY and Connecticut to Rhode Island with our final destination in Boston, Massachusetts.

First we drove with friends to The Wisp Resort in McHenry, Maryland, at Deep Creek Lake, for their son's "destination wedding!" This resort has summer and winter activities, including, snow skiing, golf, and an adventure park. The happy couple were married on the top of the mountain overlooking the valley and lake, and the reception had a picturesque view looking up the green mountain! It was a beautiful wedding in a beautiful setting.

Following the wedding, we ventured on our road trip with friends, Marc and Nancee. Our first stop was Emmitsburg, PA, where we walked the grounds of the National Fire Academy, (our first visit to this prestigious campus), where there's the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and a replica sculpture of the firefighters raising the flag at the WTC site, entitled "To Lift a Nation."

Our next stop was Gettysburg, PA. We visited the Gettysburg National Museum, and marveled at the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama Painting, "a breathtaking canvas that measures 377 feet in circumference and 42 feet high;" then we took a "CD Guided Auto Tour" of the battlegrounds, which spanned miles of open fields. [awesome!] This year marked the 150th anniversary of the famous battle. It's hard to describe the feelings that stir when you walk on historical grounds such as these.

From a couple of days in the Gettysburg area, we drove through Lancaster County, the Amish countryside of Pennsylvania, and stopped in a couple of small towns.  Of course, I found a couple of wonderful quilt shops to browse the beautiful made quilts and fabrics. I bought just a few pieces of fabric (as a quilter, I just couldn't go to Amish country and not, right!?!).  While we were walking around an outdoor plaza, suddenly we were pelted with rain. Due to the rain we only saw one Amish buggy. The rain lasted the rest of our drive to Newport, RI. The scenery all along the way was so green and pretty (except while we were driving through the big city of NY).

We stayed a couple of nights in Newport, RI and toured several of the famous Mansions of Newport. They reminded me of an American version of Downton Abbey!

This is "Marble House."

We also walked and eat on the beautiful waterfront of Newport, celebrating my birthday!

Next up, West Yarmouth for a few days. One day we took the pretty drive all the way to the end of Cape Cod. (Found another cute quilt shop on the way!)

We took a "fast ferry" to the island of Nantucket where we went on an informative walking tour of the old buildings in the town. We enjoyed the quaintness of Nantucket, despite the pricey stores!!

From Cape Cod, we drove to Boston and returned the rental car. We then used the "T"(the Metro) to get around Boston for a few days, took a "Boston Old Town Trolley Tour," walked part of "The Freedom Trail," visited Cheers (of course), and walked on the campus of Harvard University [Mark that off my bucket list!!]; we visited the Fire Museum of the First Fire Department of the United States, explored a lot of history, visited the JFK Museum, enjoyed 'Lobsta' Rolls, and didn't much like the 90% humidity, but we love visiting Boston! We had toured Fenway Park when we stopped in Boston on our New England cruise in 2011, and had hoped to go to a Red Sox game. But it wasn't to be as the Sox were out of town.  For sure we will go there on our next trip to Boston!

Our two week Road Trip took us about 3,000 miles from Virginia to Massachusetts, and we saw so many amazing sights and soaked up the history!  We look forward to more travels like this!

More pictures of our  Road Trip from Virginia to Boston here.

Jazmin and Jordan's Wedding!

Mr & Mrs Anderson--Just married on May 23, 2009 !

Last weekend we attended the rehearsal dinner and wedding of our nephew, Jordan and his new bride, Jazmin. The wedding was held in the hills of Simi Valley at the Lost Canyons Golf Club . It was great seeing family, our mom, our Auntie Ruth, my sister, Kathy and her family. The outdoor wedding was beautiful--blue skies, bright sun, and a bit of a chilly wind! We are so happy for the newlyweds.

Our son, Alex and Jordan (friends and family since birth, 16 months apart in age)
just before the ceremony.

From l to r: Pastor, Jordan and his groomsmen: Travis, best man, Quin, Dane, Alex, our nephew, Josh, brother of groom, and Tommy.

Our niece, Ashley, sister of the groom, our daughter, Nicole
and our "daughter", Angelina right after the ceremony.

The bride and groom with their cousins!

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Angelina, Auntie Ruth, sister of our mom, Grandma, and Alex.

It was great seeing old friends:

especially John, our "brother", his wife and daughter and granddaughter from Washington state. Kathy and I grew up with John (he was our next door neighbor, and like a "brother" to us-went on many a vacation with our family over the years).

Pictured above are Cheryl and John's middle daughter, Lynn and her daughter, Claire, 22 months, standing with our daughter, Nicole, and her daughter, Gigi, 2 yrs.

Our wedding gift to Jazmin and Jordan was a queen size "How Charming" quilt I made and quilted in their colors! It was a true labor of love and a joy to make for them as their start their life together.
Click here to see all my pictures http://www.flickr.com/photos/72308330@N00/sets/72157618988532076/

Today is the One Year Anniversary of
our son Alex
and his wife, Angelina.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
We love you!

It's May Already! Our Big Month!

This month is a big month for us.
Gianna turns "1" and Alex an Angelina get married, not to mention Alex will be 23 on
the last day of May!!

It seems like only yesterday when Alex got engaged and they started planning for their wedding, which is now a mere 25 days away!! Nick has been working really hard on on the yards. He put in a new walkway on the side of our house using pavers (right).

It is so awesome and really opened up the area. He's also been busy planting, trimming and weeding.
Yesterday we bought a patio heater, which he had to put together, in case of chilly May gray weather the night of the wedding. Most of the plans are in place, much still has to be done, but not till the day before...... so, the countdown is on!!

It is hard to believe it is the 5th of May already. Many celebrate "Cinco de Mayo;" but really, it is two days before our sweet little kukla (Greek for "doll"), Gianna's, FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! Yes, she will be 1 ! Doesn't seem possible, does it?! Can't wait till they arrive for the wedding on the 24th--it's been almost two months since we've seen them, and now she is walking!! Yikes, she'll really be on the go here in our big house! Last time she was here she was barely crawling!

Last week we attended the Annual RSF Appreciation Dinner given for all safety personnel in the district. It was a huge success with the largest attendance ever, including several retired firefighters! (Sorry it's a side view of Nick-my camera took too long to take it!! Guess I need a newer one with a faster shutter!!)
The picture to the left is of the three recent Fire Chiefs of the RSF Fire Dept. Left to right, Irwin Willis, chief prior to Nick, Pete Pedersen, chief who retired 15 years ago, and the present chief, Nick!

The dinner was put on by the RSF Rotary and held at the Rancho Santa Fe Inn. The Rotarians served us a delicious prime rib dinner and lots of service awards were given out. Nick gave a special presentation on the Witch Fire, which was incredible !! Then all firefighters were given a special honor for their service to the community during this fire.


P.S. The last time I wrote our Padres were starting the season well. Not so true right now, but we are still cheering them on--hopefully they will turn things around soon. On Saturday, May 10th, we are going to the game as it is Firefighters' Night at the Padres, sponsored by the San Diego Burn Institute, and proceeds benefit this great organization.

PAVONE VELASQUEZ WEDDING

By now you've probably heard that we're having another wedding in May, and we're so happy to share this great news! It's an exciting time. Alex and Angelina will be getting married in Carlsbad, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The wedding is set for the late afternoon and the views will be beautiful. Here's a view with the happy couple in the front.
The reception will be held in our backyard, following the ceremony. Alex and Angelina are really organized. Most of the plans have been made. We are happy to be able to have this big event at our home!
Alex compiled both of the panoramic views of the locations. He's almost finished with his Digital Arts Certificate Program at Golden West College in Huntington Beach. He is looking forward to starting his new career this summer after the honeymoon.

If you need a place to stay for this big event we have a block of rooms reserved at the Hampton Inn, about a mile and an half from our house. It's located off Hwy 78 and Twin Oaks Valley Road, at 123 Carmel St., San Marcos, CA 92078 (760) 736-9249. Special rate of $119/night (mention "PVW") is available for all reservations made at least a month before the wedding, or by April 30.