Saturday, August 13, 2011

Neha and Shimon's wedding in Fremont, CA

We spent our first anniversary weekend back in NoCal for Neha and Shimon's amazing wedding.  This wedding was spectacular:  good friends, perfect weather, lots of dancing, excellent food, and wonderful hosts.

Pranav and I spent the day of the sangeet exploring the Marin Headlands.  We found our way to Nike missile firing site SF-88, one of 280 Nike missile firing sites that served as the last line of defense against Soviet bombers during the Cold War. Thankfully, except for a few tests, none of the missiles were ever fired.  Today the sites are inactive, but a dedicated group of volunteers works in partnership with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area on the continuous task of restoration at site SF-88, which has been turned into a museum.

Our National Park Service guide, entering a random yellow door into the ground ...


The ground slides open ...

And a missile emerges!


Gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and SF skyline from the Headlands:

These birds loved the view as much as we did:

The mist begins to lift -- you can kind of see the bridge now, right?


Someone's ready for lunch.

At the sangeet:

One of MANY choreographed dances during the festivities:

The groom arrived at the gurdwara via rickshaw:

Another lovely California gurdwara:

The radiant bride arrives with her brother and father:

We're married!

The ladies.

Jai-mala and rings outside the gurdwara:

The reception venue was beautiful -- a cloister with lots of giant trees and an expansive lawn.

Someone wore flip flops so her heels wouldn't sink into the lawn ...


Colorful cake:

First dance at sundown:

But wait:  it's a flash mob!

After dinner, we went into the house for the dancing.  

Neha and her mom hand-made individual leis to string everyone's reception place cards -- we're sporting them in this pic.

The next morning the Ajmanis hosted a delicious Hawaiian brunch back at the hotel.  We were impressed by how many Indian uncles own Hawaiian shirts.  

THANK YOU for a fantastic weekend, Neha and Shimon!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Vineman weekend in Sonoma

Sandeep was racing in Sonoma's Vineman half ironman, so we just *had* to join Cincy Mom in going out to cheer him on.  We surprised Sandeep early Saturday morning at the Palace Hotel in San Fran (he thought the bellhop was at the door -- nope!) before heading to Sausalito for breakfast. We stopped at a couple wineries in Sonoma before heading to our evening accommodations, the beautiful Bodega Bay Lodge.  After a tasty dinner at the hotel's Duck Club restaurant, we rested up for the big day. Sunday was race day, and Sandeep did amazing!  Total time for the run/bike/swim:  6:53. As Soph would say:  "Woo hoo, Daddy!"

A late night followed by an early morning for the Chicagoans -- it ain't easy surprising Sandeep:

Everyone loves the palace lobby!



Cincy Dad loaned Pranav his camera.  Mission: take good pics.  And do not bungle.

Breakfast in Sausalito:


The Imagery Winery -- our fave.  They commission artists to design their labels and have a small art gallery onsite displaying the pieces that inspire the labels.

Mom stuck to tasting chocolate.

Sandeep's final workout before the big race.  Practicing his victory pose.

Ledson winery.  Mediocre tasting, but gorgeous building and grounds!


Another surprise guest!



 Fun's over.  Time to WORK.  Race day registration.

Bodega Bay.  Looks like Great Britain!

Race day!  Another early morning.  

Pranav's Wash U friend Riz also raced.

1.  Swim
 2.  Bike


3.  Run
 4. Dazzle

5.  Fall to the ground in an odd position.

Team Deep and the champ himself.  Thanks to Chaita for making our team shirts!
 Too tired to smirk:


We spent our final night in Sonoma before Pranav headed off to Oakland for work, Sandeep & Chaita took off for LA, Mom headed off to see the Mashianas, and I took the Bart to SF (suitcase in tow) for some city exploration before my flight.  I had a great time walking up and down the hills and taking a quick boat tour of the bay.  I caught some gorgeous views of the city on a rare sunny and warm day!  This trip definitely showed me why folks can't get enough of NoCal.  Such a beautiful region.