My Beautiful Bride

I've been a blogging slacker lately. Actually, I've just been super-busy with work, travel, kids' activities... and trying to take advantage of this amazing weather we've been having in Seattle. I've got lots of updates to write about, but I'd be remiss if I didn't first give a heart-felt shout-out to my amazing wife on the occasion of our 19th wedding anniversary!

First (of course), some photos. (Special thanks to Karri's mom, Donna, for sending these!)

Our wedding ceremony was held at the Mission de Alcala in San Diego. I blogged a few weeks ago about our return trip their this past Easter. What a beautiful setting.

Courtyard at the Mission de Alcala in San Diego

Mom & Dad looking good, as always

Beautiful bride and her wonderful, adoring parents

The reception was at Karri's parents' ranch in Jamul, CA. They generously and graciously hosted 200+ people!

Nice effort by the extended Lange family, making the trip to San Diego

Looks like a studio backdrop

The band was great and the dance floor was packed all night. The band tried to play a 'last song' around 11pm (I think), but Karri would have nothing of it. They stayed for another set.

Bill presided over one heck of a great party!

Watch out for Party Girl!

I couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate our marriage - surrounded by friends and family, all having a great time in a spectacular setting.

Karri and I were lucky enough to sneak away for a nice, quiet dinner tonight to celebrate. We headed to Phoenecia on Alki Beach, here in West Seattle, for a delicious meal. I know it's cliche, but we talked about how it seemed our wedding day was just yesterday (it does!). Then we reminisced about all the amazing things we've done in the intervening 19 years - not the least of which is starting our own family and raising three great kids. We feel very blessed.

I know I've been blessed.

Happy anniversary, Karri. I love you!

On my way

My blogging has been hampered by travel, work, and a nasty cold. Feeling better now. Just in time for more travel.

I'm sitting in Denver International Airport waiting to board my connection to Cleveland. My Dad turns 90(!) on Monday and we are celebrating this weekend. The 3 out-of-town siblings (Jim/Sage, Bob/Reverend, and me) all arrive in Cleveland tonight. We're planning a small celebration on Saturday. I'm just really looking forward to spending some time with the family.

Quick update... Victoria is in San Diego with her cousin Rachel. She flew down solo after school on Tuesday. All went great with her travels. Reports are that the kids (and grandparents) are having a ball. Here's a picture Mimi just sent.

Happy cousins

Karri is going to have her hands full this weekend, even though it's just her and the boys. Thomas is playing in another AAU basketball tournament with games Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. Matthew has lacrosse on Saturday. And our school auction is Saturday night (Karri is helping with setup).  Plus Victoria gets home Sunday morning.  I'm thankful she granted a 'hall pass' for me to make this trip. I wish the whole family could join me, but it wasn't in the cards.

Flight is boarding. Better run. Hope to make time to post over the weekend. If not - definitely when I get back.

San Diego Trip - Part II

I had hoped to post a second update from San Diego, but never got around to it. We've been home for a few days (the rainy Seattle weather makes it seem longer), but I thought I'd write a quick wrap-up anyway. Lot's of pictures...

Easter Sunday started with our traditional egg hunt for the kids.

Not a bad setting for an egg hunt

Homemade Easter cookies... mmm.

Victoria and Pop-Pop

After the egg hunt and breakfast, Karri, the kids and I headed to the Mission San Diego de Alcala, (where Karri and I were married in 1994) for Easter mass. It was packed - we had to stand in the back - but we're glad we went. Afterward, we wandered around the grounds and took some pictures. It's a beautiful spot. 

In the courtyard

The not-so-newlyweds!

Front entrance to the church

From the Mission, we headed to Old Town San Diego - a restored, historic section of town with several original buildings, museums, period actors, dancers & performers, restaurants and more. We go to San Diego a lot, but rarely do touristy things. This was a fun way to spend a couple hours and grab a light lunch of delicious tacos. Afterward, we headed back to the ranch.

The rest of our week was spent at the ranch - never left until we headed to the airport on Wednesday. There's really no reason to, with so many fun things to do...

Taking in the views

Enjoying the sun poolside. That's Matthew doing an underwater hand-stand!

Climbing the rocks

Riding the go-cart

Hunting varmints

The kids all enjoy riding horses - and Pop-Pop loves sharing his passion for riding with them. 

Brushing Bo before a ride

Matthew on Chuck

Karri was able to get out for a nice long trail ride with her Dad on Monday. Donna & Bill went for a ride on Tuesday. And I even got in on the action... Bill and I went for a beautiful ride on Wednesday before we headed to the airport.

City slicker

We stopped for a couple 'blessings' along the way - in honor of Grandpa Johnny - Donna's dad who got Bill into riding

Heading home: You can just barely make out Donna & Bill's place in the distance - on the hill in the center of the picture

All-in-all it was a great visit - as always! We are so fortunate to be able to enjoy Donna & Bill's beautiful home and amazing hospitality.

Greetings from Jamul, CA

We arrived in sunny San Diego Friday afternoon. Donna picked us up and drove us back to the ranch. It's always beautiful here, but especially so in Spring time after they've had some rain. The fields are green and the flowers are blossoming. It's really spectacular.

We had a relaxing afternoon, watched a couple of the Sweet 16 games, then enjoyed a delicious swordfish dinner that Donna had prepared. After dinner, we watched more basketball, then Matthew, Victoria and I went for an evening swim. We were all tired and in bed by 10:15.

Here's the view we woke to this morning...

The 'back 40'. Backdrop to Karri and my wedding reception (19 years ago).

Swollen orange tree means fresh-squeezed orange juice for breakfast!

Bill (Pop-Pop) had arranged for Jessica - a woman who helps tend to Donna & Bill's horses - to come to the ranch this morning to give each of the kids a riding lesson. Jessica is wonderful - patient, with a calm, nurturing disposition. Victoria really enjoys taking lessons from her and so was up and ready to go while the boys were still rolling out of bed.

Victoria's riding Bo under Jessica's watchful eye

Teaching Bo who is boss

Donna (Mimi) and Mr. Fluff watching Victoria ride

Karri decided to give (old, reliable) Chuck some TLC...

You can take the girl out of the ranch...

Thomas running Bo through the paces

 Bo was having problems from a recent leg injury, so Matthew got to ride Chuck...

Matthew on Chuck

Nudging Ol' Chuck into a trot

After riding, Matthew and Victoria were ready for a swim.

"I promise I won't flip you Victoria"

 Karri and I joined them for a bit - so refreshing. Thomas decided to relax in the sun.

Future's so bright...

We're having a relaxing afternoon. Thomas wanted to put his learner's permit to the test of California driving, so he and Karri are out running a few errands while Matthew and Victoria help Mimi make cookies and climb the rock formation in the back yard. We'll probably catch some more March Madness and enjoy happy hour. Mimi has a lamb dinner planned for tonight that I'm sure will be delicious.

Tomorrow, Easter Sunday, we are planning to go to mass at Mission de Alcala of San Diego - the church where Karri and I were married. We've never taken the kids there. I'm excited to see it.