DRIVE

1) to send, expel, or otherwise cause to move by force or compulsion
2) to cause and guide the movement of (a vehicle, an animal,etc.)
3) to convey in a vehicle
4) to force to work or act
5) to impel; constrain; urge; compel

Another year -- another President's Day weekend celebrated with a girl time. I can't even explain how much I love three-day weekends that include a mini-road trip. They are the perfect opportunity to explore somewhere close and get you out of your normal weekend mode. 

Despite the fact the weather (read: crazy pass conditions) tried to stop us from making it out to Yakima this year, we pushed through anyways. The drive was stressful and took double the amount of time it should have, but the trusty Subaru got us there in one piece. 

Weekends with my girls are always filled with catching up, laughing, and wine-ing -- and I wouldn't have it any other way. I truly hope that we can continue this President's Day tradition. And if we are keeping the wine theme -- maybe next year will be Napa (OK-- maybe just Walla-Walla or somewhere in Oregon)?

Also I have to share that while in Yakima, we tasted the BEST rosé I have EVER from Treveri Cellars. It was so good that our bride-to-be picked up six bottles for her wedding day -- and I bought one that I am saving for a special occasion. If you love sparking wine, everything at Treveri is good! Beyond the sparkling wine, we loved the food, service, atmosphere and the stories from our sommelier -- we stayed for hours just soaking it all in (or up?). If you aren't going to be in Yakima anytime soon but want to give these sparkling wines a try, we were told that Wine World in the University District carries Treveri Wines.

There are so many places to be explored right in your own backyard. So, next time you have a three-day weekend, back your bags and go for a DRIVE! 

PS. If you want to check out my post from last year's President's Day Weekend in Yakima, you can view it HERE. 

EXCLAIM

1) to cry out or speak suddenly and vehemently, as in surprise, or strong emotion

May 4th made my heart swell. 

On May 4th, one of my very best friends got engaged to her knight in shinning armor. Shannon was given the day she had been waiting for, and it manifested itself on a pier in New Port Beach, CA. I am so thankful there were family members planted nearby who caught the most priceless pictures -- because Shannon, your smile is one of the most beautiful. 

I was elated to hear news of her engagement and LOVED talking to her right after it happened. I could hear a smile on her voice and I could hear her heart laugh with excitement. A new chapter is beginning, and it is destined to be a wonderful one. 

A few weeks ago Shannon made it home for a visit, and she told me she had an important question for me...

"Will you be my bridesmaid?", she asked. "YES!", I exclaimed. 

Shannon, I am beyond thrilled to be one of your bridesmaids. I cannot wait to proudly stand by your side and bear witness to the love that you and KK share. You two have been through fun times and hard times, laughter and tears and I know each moment has made you stronger as a couple. I love the playful nature you and KK share, and most importantly I trust him as a provider and life partner for you.

As you prepare for your wedding day, here is my wish for you: 
"Love, be true to her; 
Life, be dear to her;
Health, stay close to her;
Joy, draw near to her;
Fortune, find what you can do for her,
Follow her footsteps the wide world over--
And keep her husband always her lover." -Anna Lewis

I am here for you every step of the way as your best friend and bridesmaid. The countdown is on for your big day when you EXCLAIM, "I DO"!

DREAM

1) to see or imagine in sleep or in a vision
2) to imagine as if in a dream; fancy
3) to pass or spend (time) in dreaming

I am so glad that I started following the Seattle Met blogs -- I have found some awesome events, local happenings, and news this way!

One event I found through their blog is "Chateau Stay-cation" at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville. This event brought food trucks and exotic cars to the winery -- every "dude's" dream, right? And by pairing it with the beauty of the winery, the ladies enjoyed themselves too. 

We knew this is something SGT's dad would love so we brought him up! It was awesome to watch as father and son had some solid bonding time over some unbelievable cars (we are talking Maserati, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Tesla, Ferrari, etc.). It was also fun to talk to the owners about their cars and see their eyes light up as they shared their stories with us. 

Despite the questionable weather (and by questionable, I mean schizophrenic -- raining one second then clear and balmy the next), we were in good company and the wine was delicious. I truly enjoyed the taking an easy afternoon stroll, listening to music, looking at exotics cars and letting myself DREAM.