10.30.2010: Family BBQ in San Antonio

Sat evening Vince Jr and Sarah hosted a little BBQ at their house for some friends and family. Vince (Sr) got to see some of the old gang and people that he knew while he lived there. It was great finally getting to meet some of the people I have heard so many stories about! Sarah's parents were there, Vince Jr's mom and her boyfriend came, some friends that the kids grew up with came over as well as one of their parents that Vince Sr knew well. So nice just to hang out and visit!! Not to mention the amazing fajitas that Jr grilled!! Yummmm!!!

A great way to end our week in Texas! Was so nice spending time with VJ & Sarah and the kids at their home there. Way too long since we had seen them...but promised to get out there more often this next year!

Guys in the backyard visiting, telling stories, and BBQ'ing

Sarah in charge of the kitchen
Sarah & her parents...Robin & Jose

Vince with his old friend Stacy....has known her since he entered the AirForce. She has been friends of their family for over 30 years and lives in SA with her husband and kids.

Ahhh...always a cutie for the camera (both of them!)

Hit of the party! Toni's baby girl...Taylor Sarah & Taylor

Vince & Taylor

She loved Miesha!!

VJ & Taylor doing the white girl dance

VJ & his best bud Darrell

The guys....

Me & Sarah...yup see I was there too!

10.30.2010: Charger Game...Texas Pop Warner Style

On Saturday morning, Darien had his first playoff game in the TX pop warner league. He is #22 and plays for the Chargers (good choice!!) and Vince Jr helps coach the team. They were playing the Raiders on this chilly morning...and am happy to say beat them!! Darien had a few really good plays...got to carry the ball on a few runs, and even had a fumble recovery on defense. There were a lot of people there watching...as they take these games very seriously!

Game face....

Leg injury on a defensive play...Dad had to carry him off the field. Couldn't walk, but came back out on the next drive....tough little guy!!

Coach Dad...and Darien ready to get back in there

Proud Granddad...

Vince and I with the lil stud

10.29.2010: RUDYS, RUDYS, RUDYS!

The absolute only thing (besides family) that I miss about visiting Texas is RUDYS. The most amazing BBQ ever...besides Vince's of course. But, you have to go to Texas to get it....so when we are there, we HAVE to get our fill!! And that we did....yummooooo. Got some BBQ sauce & rub to bring home...but just not the same as getting the meat straight from the source. They need to franchise this and bring it to AZ....we would keep it in business for sure.

Darien cleaning his and everyone else's papers (not plates...papers). Don't mess with this boy while eating his Rudys...

VJ showing off some brisket...

Gabby is full...paper cleaned!

10.29.2010: Texas Wine Tasting

Yup, that's right....your eyes did not decieve you. I said Texas Wine Tasting! Vince and I were in San Antonio for a week for a federal conference for work. Brian Greene was there with us as well and we staying with Vince Jr & Sarah. It was great being able to be in their home and hang out with them inbetween work. Vince got REALLY sick during the entire conference but toughed it out. My birthday fell on this Saturday, so on Friday Vince and I took the day and went up to Fredricsburg to go wine tasting. Texas Hill Country! Always wanted to go there while Brent and Alisa lievd in Austin area, but we never made it down. It is a little German town...very cutsy...similar to Solvang for you Californians. Solvang is much more "dutch"ish...and Disney looking...but Fredricksburg was a great little town! Lots of German restaurants...we got to have some schnitzel...one of both of our favorites!

We walked the town, did a little shopping, bought some nice gifts, ate great food! Later in the afternoon, we went a little ways up the road to the local wineries for some Texas wine tasting! Vince & Sarah suggested Grape Creek Vineyards, which they had been to before. Instantly impressed with the grounds...and actual vineyards! Did the wine tasting thing and met some really nice people there. Got our fill of TX wine, bought a few bottles for the road, and headed back to SA for dinner with the family. Great day of wine tasting!!! Great way to spend my birthday too!

Little did I know that Fredricsburg was the home of Admiral Nimitz....ironic because Brent was stationed on the Nimitz air craft carrier while in the Navy....so felt a little connection with the town because of that :)

Who wouldn't want to eat their schnitzel, spatzel & kraut with large stuffed moose, deer and elk heads looking over them...haha!
The Nimitz museum...funky looking bldg

Town center walking gardens...very cute

Vince smoking the peace pipe with the locals....closest he gets to smoking anything

Ahhh...the trees, the weather, the vineyards in the distance, the wine.

Enjoying the moment....

Happy Birthday to ME

Done daydrinking...

10.23.2010: Dinner Party at the Durbins

On Saturday we drove out to Riverside. That night Mom & Dad had a little dinner party at their house to celebrate Kent's birthday...and the fact that they were in town for the Patriots game the next day. Hesketts & Sparks all came over as well. The Spark girls (Sophia & Gracie) got lots of attention & also got passed around all night. We had a great time catching up with everyone and visiting.

Look at those eyes....

Watching football....

Guy talk....

Spark girls...

Girl talk...

Steph showing off her Chargers-pride!! Erik wouldn't let her in the car when it was time to go home with the sweatshirt on...she had to give it back. We know which team you wish you could cheer for!! Closet Charger fan! :)

Not happy...but still so cute!

Giving the finger....

Soooo cute!!!!

10.22.2010: Dinner with LexTina

Vince and I went to Brubank to visit Christina & meet her new boyfriend Lex. Super nice guy!! And a plastic surgeon...which will come in handy later in life as wrinkles develop :) We are already putting in our orders with the family discounts...haha! Anyways, you would never know he is a surgeon...very down to earth and funny! Nothing against doctor types...he just doesn't seem like one! So we all went out to dinner at Spark in Hollywood. YUMMMO! It was a great little find....we sat upstairs in the wine room...had lobster mac & cheese...and many other wonderful creations....delish dinner from start to finish! Can't wait to do it again soon...