Our Family Reunion
Today I have decided to share the wonderful weekend we had with our four children, their spouses and of course the grandchildren. Friday afternoon following an afternoon at the ocean at Torrey Pines State Park, we drove over to a designated site in LaJolla. Our four children gave us an anniversary gift early allowing everyone to participate in the fun of watching the take off and the landing. The gift was a Hot Air Balloon ride. If you ever have the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride, my advice is to take advantage of it. The view is absolutely spectacular. Our pilot Mark pointed out the homes and the identity of the owners as well as many of the landmarks as we lifted over some of San Diego's most exclusive neighborhoods. Just drifting aloft with the breeze and an occasional "shot" of propane was such an exhilarating experience.
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It was so interesting to see how the balloon is inflated which was approximately one-half hour of physical work with a crew of three people. Fans powered by small gasoline engines are used to inflate the balloon which took almost 1/2 hour. The crew of three later are also used as the crew in the "chase vehicle" once the balloon lands. They return the passengers back to the area where you originally boarded the vans to be driven to the launch site.
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Following the hot air balloon ride we went to our favorite Haunt in LaJolla for dinner with the family. The children were served dinner first while the adults enjoyed some "adult time". The children then retreated to the beach where they sat in a circle on the sand and just had a fun "cousin time together". It is so great to see this relationship grow.
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Saturday afternoon we gathered at the home of our daughter Anne and son-in-law Greg. We had our family photo session with neighbors Christine and Dennis as our photographers. We are truly amazed to see what changes two years has made with our grandchildren not to mention the adults. Our two fifteen year old granddaughters have become such young ladies. Both girls are now taller than grandma.
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Daughter Mary was the featured Saturday dinner chef with her great Italian cuisine. Mary prepared Pasta Carbonara and another pasta with a tomato-roasted pepper sauce. Everyone oohed and aaahed with delight as they devoured some of the tastiest pasta ever. Of course this is routine for Mary to hear when she is our cook! Son-in-law Silvano carefully selected the steaks which were grilled and served with a salad. Son Tom who is our wine expert paired the wines for the courses of dinner. Many hands assisted in the kitchen with the prep-work and that is what makes for great camaraderie as well as "sharing the load".
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This week I will try to share many of the dishes that Mary will prepare. I am sure you will be surprised what real Italian cooking really is. Most American think tomato sauce and oregano makes the dish Italian. Stay tuned!
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We do the family talent shows or plays by the grandchildren which is our finale. The two oldest granddaughters acted as emcees. The older girls used to preform such clever acts as magicians, tricks with the cards, mind reading and that was so much fun! This year we had dancers and guitar players. It is always interesting to watch the grandchildren develop their self confidence and talents.
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Today we send the families back home with much regrets that the weekend has come to an end. It is a rare occasion for us to have our entire family together and we do appreciate our Milano contingency making the effort to come to California and spend their vacation time with us. It was a wonderful weekend.
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Remember to check back this week for great Italian cooking. Mary and their daughters will be with us until August 29.
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