Date Night with Chris Botti

Back in April we received a postcard in the mail for Wente Vineyards upcoming concert lineup.  I saw that Chris Botti was playing in August and left subtle and not so subtle hints all around the house for B.  A few red circles around the postcard taped to his computer, reminder post-its about when tickets went on sale on the refrigerator and bathroom mirror and voilà - what did I get for my birthday?  FRONT ROW TICKETS to see Chris Botti.  Thankfully my husband can take a hint.

I have always been a huge fan of Jazz and Chris Botti is my favorite living Jazz musician hands down. The concert was this past Monday night and the whole entire night was amazing from start to finish. This was the first date night we've had since Emma was born and we headed out before the show to eat at The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards - 4 courses and 2 bottles of wine later we headed out to our seats outside at the concert and I was amazed at how close we were to the stage. It was a beautiful setting with vineyards on either side of the venue, temps in the high 70's, and there was a huge dry lightning storm in the distance which was amazing to watch right behind the stage.

Chris had a fantastic lineup and some accompanying musicians that could easily have been touring on their own, pianist Geoffrey Keezer, guitarist Leonardo Amuedo and drummer Billy Kilson. The most impressive guest was George Komsky an opera singer who grew up in our home town of Danville and is making a name for himself.  He was amazing and closed the night singing one of my favorite songs, ''Time to Say Goodbye."

I was so totally engrossed in the show that I didn't whip out my phone until the very end to grab a few shots.

Chris and his band

Chris came out and played in the audience for a few songs and was right behind us. 

Closing the night with 'Time to Say Goodbye'

After we got home B's mom snapped this shot. 

It was a perfect night and hopefully we'll be able to have many more special date nights once Emma gets a little bit older. 

I'll leave you with my favorite song which they opened the concert with, 'Emmanuel.'

Darling in Denim

 Emma was in a particularly happy mood this morning and I was able to capture these cute shots of her all dolled up in her denim romper.

Water Baby

This summer I made a point to get Luke more comfortable with the pool and swimming, not only for safety, but because it's hot here in Danville in the summer and the pool is a perfect way to stay cool AND get some exercise during the summer months.  Last year he loved the water but would start to get fussy after about 20 minutes so we didn't end up using the pool as much as we would have liked. He was also too young to sign up for any swim lessons so we just held off trying to teach him all together.   

B has been great about getting Luke comfortable with the water and after taking him to swim lessons the last few weeks, Luke now can blow bubbles, kick and dunk his head.  We still need to work on his arm strokes and floating on his back, but I am so happy he has acquired a love of swimming and hope we can continue his lessons through the winter at a local indoor pool.  

Cucumber Jalapeño Margaritas

My sister and her husband came into town a few weekends ago to meet Emma for the first time.  We had a great visit and my sister cooked us a freezer full of meals and introduced us to the most delicious and refreshing margaritas.  We're big fans of the margarita, especially on a hot summer day and these went down quick... a little dangerous, but so yummy!

Cucumber Jalapeño Margaritas

Kate whiping up her delicious drinks!

Cucumber Jalapeño Margaritas

Ingredients
- 4 Large Cucumbers
- 4 Jalapeños seeded and sliced
- Margarita Mix
- Grand Mariner
- Tequila
- Orange Liqueur (We used Patron Citronge)
- 8 Limes

First, juice the cucumbers and sliced jalapeños (make sure they're seeded otherwise they'll be super spicy) in a juicer or food processor.  Pour the mixture into a pitcher and stir.

Next fill glasses with ice and pour 1 shot of margarita mix,1 shot of tequila, half a shot of Grand Mariner and half a shot of Orange Liqueur.  Squeeze the juice of one lime into each glass then top off each glass with the cucumber/jalapeño mixture.

Stir and enjoy!

Emma 4-6 Weeks Pictures