World Cup - 2006

In honor of the World Cup fever that has taken over, I thought it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane. In 2006, I was lucky enough to spend a few months during the summer studying abroad in Rome, Italy. My time there happened to coincide with the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which Italy won! As you can imagine, it was an amazing experience to be there when they won, and be able to celebrate right along with them.

We lived in apartments only a short distance from the Vatican City. But the area had a very local, neighborhood vibe to it which I loved. My friends and I found a local pub that we frequented often, it was a hang out spot for locals but they accepted us into the crowd. We spent quite a bit of time there in the evenings after class, and figured it would be the perfect spot to watch the game.

It's so fun looking back at these pictures, what an amazing celebration! The only time I've experienced something similar was when the Giants won the 2012 World Series (sadly I didn't live here in 2010)! The streets were PACKED with people cheering, singing and celebrating Italy's victory. People were running on top of the cars parked in streets, spraying champagne on the crowds, hugging strangers...it was awesome.

Sorry for the poor picture quality, I just snapped pictures of my scrapbook with my iPhone!

Love this one: He's pointing to the 4th start he drew on his shirt because it was Italy's 4th Wold Cup Championship! 

This year, of course, I'm rooting for the USA! Looking forward to cheering them on in the next round! We've been watching the games at work....no complaints here!!

Twosday: Symmetry

 Symmetry in Nature

Flower blossoms and ferns....
A little glimpse into our hike in Sequoia National Park this past weekend!

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Already looking forward to next week's theme! 

Happy Fathers Day, Dad!

Happy Fathers Day, Dad!

Thank you for being the greatest Dad there is. I'm so lucky to have had a wonderful role model and parent. You always believed in Christine and I and encouraged us to follow our dreams. I'm so lucky that you've always been so involved in our lives, I'm forever grateful for everything you've taught us and what I've learned from watching you. 

I hope that I make you proud, and that I have grown up to be the person you'd hoped your daughter would become. I am so glad we're so close are are able to do things together like hiking, climbing and visiting on the deck at Sunnyside. I always love our conversations, there is always so much to learn. And you give the best advice! 

I hope you have a wonderful day, I'm sorry I'm not home to celebrate with you. But I look forward to seeing you next weekend, we'll just celebrate a week late! 

I love you very much! Happy Fathers Day!

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To celebrate, I thought I'd share some of my favorite memories....

When you read to us growing up. 

As a little girl, meeting you at the front door (or in the garage) when you'd get home from work. 

Our trip to Yosemite with just Christine, you and I - "Ditch the Dodo"

Our East Cost trip as a family - "No more old buildings, Dad" - and now I love visiting old buildings! No question where I get that from! 

When we went skiing at Squaw Valley

Rock climbing in Tuloumne Meadows

Jumping off our rock into Tenaya Lake

All our trips up Lembert Dome

Climbing Mt. Whitney with you and Mom

Backpacking when I burned my foot and we went fishing

Walks along the canal 

Learning how to drive in the Colfax High School parking lot.

Frozen yogurt in Colfax

Many long road trips in the Vanagon 

Camping in the Red Rocks

Holiday's at Grams House

Christmas Mornings

The Bracebridge Dinner in Yosemite

When you come to visit in San Francisco

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I have so many wonderful memories, but I wanted to relive just a few! Thank you for being the greatest Dad there is! We're so lucky :) 

Love you! 

Dinner overlooking Tuscany in Assisi, Italy

Sharing our favorite meal: Steamed Mussels in Switzerland

Tillamook Farmer's Market

As you can imagine, for a cheese lover like myself, getting invited to an event revolving around my one true love cheese, is cause for celebration. But when the invitation comes from non other than Tillamook, my favorite sharp cheddar, it's basically like Christmas morning! 

Needless to say I was thrilled when Kelly from Soda Pop PR extended an invitation for the Tillamook Farmers Market Launch Party! And of course I RSVP'd yes in a hot minute! 

Andrew and I were looking forward to the event all day, and couldn't wait to check it out after work. When we arrived, the place was bustling. Everyone couldn't have been nicer. They were so kind and genuinely excited about the product.  We were lucky enough to speak with the CEO, Patrick Criteser as well as some of the Marketing team. I loved learning more about the company, and what they stand for. I didn't realize that they use all local fruits and dairy for their products. I just love that. It's obvious that the people at Tillamook take pride in their product, and want to make sure they're providing the best quality possible. Unfortunately, I think that is becoming rare these days. It was refreshing to see how dedicated they are to producing the quality products that their clients are looking for. 

Somehow, after all these years of being a Tillamook fan, I didn't know they made ice cream?! Well, I'm glad I'm finally in the know because that stuff is awesome! I may or may not have tried ALL of the flavors! #sorryimnotsorry I am not usually a huge ice cream person, but their flavors are unique and delicious. Since they use locally sourced produce, that is reflected in their flavors. My favorites were the Oregon Blueberry Patch, Marionberry Pie, and the Oregon Hazelnut and Salted Caramel! Fun Fact: Hazelnut is the official Oregon State nut! 

Another one of my favorite surprises was the dessert yogurt. I eat quite a bit of Greek yogurt, and love the thicker texture so I was happy to see they now have a line of Greek yogurt. But I hadn't seen or heard of dessert yogurt before, and it was heavenly. The texture is very similar to Greek. The flavor was just like fresh berries blended for a smoothie, light and tasted like summer. It's definitely something I'll continue to buy, especially since they'll be coming out with smaller sizes in the next few months. I could see how the large container would be a bit dangerous! 

As always, the cheese was wonderful, my favorite continues to be the aged sharp white cheddar. And Patrick told me they're coming out with a 4 year aged cheddar soon, so keep your eye out for that! 

If you're in the city this weekend, you have to stop by the Tillamook Farmers Market, you will love it! Plus, it's FREE! So it's the perfect outing with the little ones, or a fun date night. Who can say no to free cheese and ice cream?!

It's going on all weekend, Friday - Sunday:

Address:

403 Irving Street

San Francisco, CA 94122

Time:  9 AM - 8 PM 

so cute - loved these little buttons!

How did I not know TIllamook made Ice Cream!? You guys, it's seriously, THE BEST! 

Greek Yogurt and Dessert Yogurt

The America Grilled Cheese provided grilled cheese sandwiches that were to die for! 

Wine AND Cheese - It seriously can't get better than this...

Everyone having a wonderful time enjoying all the Tillamook products! 

And if I didn't already love Tillamook enough, they have vintage VW buses, even a baby loaf! So basically the company is even more amazing than I already thought possible! 

so cute!

We didn't come home empty handed! They had the cutest little tote bags for us to bring home our favorite Tillamook products. I can't get enough Sharp Cheddar and you can bet that dessert yogurt will be gone in no time!! Seriously, it's delicious!

I seriously had a great time, and am so thankful to be a part of the first Tillamook Farmers Market!