Alison

Alison is such a wonderful person to know -- strong, and funny, and insightful, and no-bullshit. She can be tender and ferocious at the same time, but in a lioness kind of way, wanting to protect her cubs. Ben and I had a lovely time celebrating her and Don's wedding this weekend. On Friday we were invited to Vibrant Table, where everyone was dressed to the 9's, and we all drank yummy beverages and ate scrumptious appetizers & treats (my fave? the chocolate cookies dipped in more chocolate, drizzled with icing, with lollipop-esque sticks jutting out the bottom for easy holding and eating....yum!).

Saturday was such a treat. After a lovely day of getting my ducks in order at home, Ben and I headed to the ceremony at the Rex Hill Winery, where we looked out over the rows of grapevines, and were able to mingle with all of Alison and Don's super-wonderful and fun friends and family. We felt blessed to be a part of the festivities. They had some Jewish traditions mingled into the ceremony, and as they stood getting married on the grassy slope, the sun was setting, the rays shining through the thick Doug Firs behind them. Quite a moment, let me tell you. Everybody ate, drank, danced, and was merry! I looked over right after the ceremony, and Alison was hugging Don and crying and their love was just bursting all over the place! And, again, her family and friends: Jyl....Kendall....the three girls (Sarah, Lauren, and Leighton)....Jenny....so many others.

Yesterday I had a Nathan-Day. Just soaked in the couch, and hanging with Ollie, and getting ready to pick Mom up from the airport. Aaron is all Safe-and-Sound in Glasgow, and I can't wait to hear about his adventures. He was crying when we talked on the phone as he rode in the taxi to the airport, and I could tell they were tears of missing us, of excitement, of fear, of hope and adventure. Mom, Jordan, myself and all the rest will miss you SSSOOO much, and we're so proud of you, Air Baby. So proud of you.

Getting a hug from Mom, and giving one to her, were the perfect ways to end my very awesome and introspective weekend.