Pictures can speak a thousand words, but how 'bout a thousand pictures?

I cannot possibly capture the bliss that was my latest trip to San Francisco. Flying in solely for Andre's 30th birthday bash, we ended up filling the weekend with wineries, beaches, mountaintops and more!

This was day 1. Following champagne in Sonoma (?) we hit the beach and toasted the sunset. It was exquisite...

But of course, it's always better in person.

We still had a good time laughing and teasing Zachey, who always ends up with his eyes closed in photos.

And per tradition, Shellbell and I ran off into the sandy sunset holding hands, like the high school girls that we are, apparently.

If I was any happier on this day, I'd be dead.

The next day was Andre's big night. Steve (long-time friend of theirs---and by extension, mine) stopped in unexpectedly and I was so excited to see his face! Later, we all had a discussion about what an amazing person he is.

But invariably, technology calls and a recess or two was required to "catch up" with the motherland.

The next day, Michelle and I embarked upon what was likely one of the most memorable hikes of my life.

The scenery was simply riveting.

And my sweet little pink Sony didn't let me down, despite the fact that it was likely one of her last voyages.

Ahhh, the summit.

On the way back down, Michelle and I pretty much laughed the entire time. I think we're the funniest people I know!

Brunch, earlier on, consisted of one of the best omelets I've ever tasted. I think it contained pear, walnut and brie. I must return!

And, wow, I'm totally out of chronological order here, but this bar-fest took place on my first night in town.

We've decided this is the best photo of the trio in HISTORY!

In short, these are three of my favorite people on earth! We spend our hours laughing, bantering and having a good time. I don't think there's anyone else I'd rather travel with. 2010, I'm counting down for a repeat!

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, my few Halloween photos are long overdue. The holidays this year will likely ALL be a blur, since my work schedule permits little family interaction on any of those days (cursed 24 hour emergency clinics). But on Halloween, at least, I was able to rush, and I mean rush, home from Salt Lake, just in time to catch an eerie moon for trick-or-treating.

Topaz wanted to be a cat, but was very particular about HOW she would wear her costume. She was adorable, nonetheless. This was the first time she was brave enough to knock on doors and say "trick or treat." I felt very cheesily sentimental in the background, my little heart bursting as she made her way on her quest, candy-bag in tow, up each and every unknown stairway.

Later we met up with the Christensen crew. Ammon there, was the Grim Reaper. Why I'm still alive, I just don't know. Topie loved pairing up with all the kids. She'd waited all night for Little Kevie's arrival.

And that was our best attempt at scary faces. But it just goes to show, even whirlwind holidays can be fun!

This is one of the most handsome men I've ever met in my entire life...

Black Island Farms, Davis County's hot-spot for toddler-friendly Halloween events. Mildly on the cold side, yes, but delightful nonetheless.

They had lots of slides that we played on repeatedly. No, honestly, I was all "slided" out for the day. Half the fun for Topaz was the climb. Isn't that always the case?

But I don't know why teeter-totters are so fun for kids when their parents sink the other end like a battleship!

If you've never ridden around in an old spray-painted crate pulled by a 4wheeler, I highly recommend it. I'm sure we maxed out at 2 whopping miles per hour, but the bumpiness made up for lack of speed.

There I am, about to get lost in a maze of corn shaped like a Twilight character's face. In my opinion, that's a bit TOO creative...

Um, yeah. I was definitely lost...

Luckily, Topaz saved the day---climbed on that bridge hovering over the golden sea of cornstalks and pointed us to the hot chocolate stand. Why didn't I think of that?

Later, we went on a hayride that stopped midfield so that everyone could pick out a pumpkin. Topie was pretty happy with her prize.

I suspect she was smirking a little at having drunk all MY hot chocolate too, as evidenced by that little mustache on her lips and not mine.

Finally, we rode back toward the parking lot. The cold air was filled with that autumny energy and the little pumpkins bobbing against a pink sky were unexpectedly serene. I'm so glad I take a camera with me everywhere I go!

And with this, we conclude our summer...

Or do I mean, begin our Fall? The Harvest Moon Festival in Ogden is my favorite event for celebrating the turning of the seasons. 25th ST is decorated with an array of horse statues that the kids absolutely ADORE. Topaz and Kayden (my friend Tiffany's son) climbed on just about every single one!

And that's Tiffany herself! That girl has the most contagious laugh I've ever known! I'm starting to see a trend with attaching myself to people who posses great laughs. Anyway, I met her while working at North Ogden Animal Hospital and we were constantly giggling to each other behind the desk. Behind us in the photo was a live band and a huge crowd. Topaz and Kayden danced the night away.

Moving along, I later babysat my godson Jax. He was the most adorable little poodle puppy that I'd ever seen. His owners were going to euthanize him until a doctor at my work had them relinquish him to her. Now he's alive and well.

And CUTE as ever!

Although, between dog sitting and hanging out with Topaz, I felt as though I'd earned some time for myself. Reading at the park in the sun is one of my favorite pastimes.

Along with feeding the ducks...

And eating tomato and goat-cheese sandwiches with fellow picnickers.

I LOVE this picture with the autumn colors all around me and the wind in my hair...

It's hard to hate Utah entirely when its views are so pretty, don't you think?

There's another friend of mine who gives great hugs and apparently likes to take a lot of pictures. This was one of the best days I've had in a loooooong time.

But I couldn't let my summer end with a delightful time at Liberty Park. I began Summer '09 at Hogle Zoo, why not end it there? Here, Topie was pretending to be mad at me for something. Rather than feed into it, I took a picture instead. I hope to get mother of the year sometime soon ;)

It didn't take long for the little Tope-ster to cheer right up and excitedly run from display to display. She said the giraffes were the best---they had a baby on the other side.

It was the best zoo trip I've ever had! There were baby tigers, the baby elephant (Zuri) who played like a puppy; in fact, all of the animals were active. The crowds were small too. LOVE THAT.

And with that, we say goodbye to warm weather and lazy afternoons in the sun. Until next year...

When it comes to tradition, there is no place like The Bayou for friends and fun. We've reunited at said location for years. There's nothing like familiarity and sweet potato fries to satisfy nostalgia.

And that handsome fellow is one of my favorite people on the planet. Words cannot express how much it makes my heart sing that he will be returning to Utah more frequently!

There's another long-time friend, Nique. This girl is so exquisite that she can get away with wearing a snuggie out on the town; seriously, men eyed her across the room. Here you see her modeling that soft blue contraption only sold on infomercials.

This picture seems to be missing someone. It's rare for the three of us to be together without Michelle :(

Even so, we had a great time. I included this photo of Andre because he has such a great laugh. I feel like the funniest person on Earth when he's around!

Another blast from the past is Wendy, there on the right. She used to work with us all at that Italian restaurant, but now serves at The Bayou.

Later, I hung out with Andre at his room in the Sheraton. I wonder if he was looking out that window feeling sentimental about his old stomping grounds or whether the view was simply appealing...

Must've been the lovely view. I stepped on the balcony to try to capture the city lights in the background, but this was the best I managed. One thing will never change---we're both shameless posers!

After hours of fun (shopping at Fashion Place, walking to Red Rock, then trekking further to The Bayou) it was time to face that lonely hallway that would take me from one of my closest friends. I miss...