Donate Life Race

Brett and I were just searching through the inter-webs a few weeks ago when he stumbled upon the Donate Life Run/Walk in Great America. Before we knew it, we had signed up with a team and received sponsors immediately. We were really excited to run this Saturday morning 5K through Great America's theme park. I knew I was going to be out of town all week for work, but my excitement outweighed my hesitation with having a hectic week prior to the event.

Before I knew it, I was flying home on Friday night, realizing what was ahead of me in about 12 hours. We made our way over to the theme park about an hour before the race to check out all the free giveaways and have a quick snack for energy. We also got to meet Snoopy and take a picture with him before the race. Then we gathered everyone together for a quick team photo before the countdown started.. and we were off! It was a great race through the park with lots of people cheering and encouraging you along the way.

The run/walk was put on by the California Transplant Donor Network and all the funds that were raised will go towards helping patients who need organ donations to extend their life. A lot of families who were at the event were walking and running in memory of their loved ones who either received a transplant or donated one. It was so inspiring to see everyone there who's lives were touched because of the donor program.

We ran because we wanted to pay tribute to the cause and the donor who gave up an organ for Brett's father a few years ago.

Below are a few pictures I took from the morning.

I also took some video of the race, watch the video here or visit feel free to visit my YouTube page:

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Editors Note: All photo's and video were taken with a GoPro HERO3 Black Edition.

Heather & Ryan 2013

One of Brett's childhood friends got married at the Carmel Mission on September 7th 2013.

 

It was such a special day and amazing weekend. We arrived down to the hotel in Carmel early Friday afternoon. Since Brett was a groomsmen, there was a rehearsal in the church that afternoon. After that was finished, a bus took the group to an amazing little "beach house" that was part of the Monterey Peninsula Country Club for the rehearsal dinner. The sun was just setting as we arrived and there were no clouds to be seen as we looked out over the ocean. It was the perfect intimate setting to celebrate into the evening and spend some time together before the wedding.

We woke up on Saturday morning and had a wonderful champagne breakfast in the hotel with a waffle and omlette bar where you could make your own breakfast. Brett went early with the other groomsmen to get ready together and make their way to the church. Nicole's boyfriend was also a groomsmen, so we made hair appointments ahead of time and went together and had our hair done. After that, I just slipped my dress on and we made out way down to the church.

The wedding ceremony took place in the Carmel Mission at 3pm. It was a picture perfect location and the ceremony was absolutely beautiful. After Heather & Ryan said their "I Do's" it was time to celebrate!

The reception was held on a golf course in Monterey and was absolutely perfect. As we ate our dinner, the sun set behind the mountains and we danced late into the evening. The cake was cut, the bouquet was tossed as the champagne continued to flow. Eventually it was time to say goodbye, we all stood in two lines and held sparklers as Heather & Ryan ran through our tunnel of light and love and drove off into the night. It was such a magical night as I am reliving it through these pictures in this post to share with you.

Congratulations Heather & Ryan! I was so honored to be able to be a part of your wedding & throughout the weekend. I wish you all the happiness in the world and I can't wait to see you after you get back from your honey moon.

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The Greek Festival

All Labor Day weekend, the Greek Festival in Belmont was happening. Somehow Saturday and Sunday just slipped by so on Monday Brett & I made sure to carve out some time to check out the festival.

There were tents set up outside with all kinds of meats being cooked and sold, Gyros and lamb kebabs had the longest lines. There were various jewelery, clothes and souvenirs being sold as well as traditional Greek dancers performing.

We also were able to get inside the church and learn about the history of Greek Orthodox and admire the beautiful ceiling and wall decor that has recently been done.

There was a theater set up behind the church with plays happening throughout the day, performed by children & teens on Ancient Greek history.

A lot of what we saw and smelled reminded us of our travels last year to the Greek Islands {read about it; here, here, here and here} and how we wished we were back there soaking up the sun, lying on the sand and swimming in crystal clear waters.

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