Broin' Down in High Winds

Yesterday I got to hang out with two of my favorite dudes.

And my favorite sister-in-law.

We had a yen for the Pacific, and braved the fierce Bodega Bay winds. We grinned in the face of 20 mph wind gusts ...

... posed for a few pics ...

... and then searched for the perfect fish tank rock. Mine was a sparkly green one, but was a couple hundred pounds overweight.

My father helped me identify some native plants, which I then promptly forgot.

If you've never been to Goat Rock, it really is that beautiful, even on a gusty day.

But boy, was it windy! Here's the hair to prove it:

Broin' Down

It's time I introduce you to some of my family.

I have never been more of a family gal than now. I lived on my own on the other side of the country for five years and since returning to California, have an entirely new appreciation of having relatives close by.

Last night I got four of my closest right in my own cozy cabin. Here is my godmother, father, brother and his beautiful wife. I don't get many opportunities to see my bro in my own digs, so the past day with him was euphoric.

We had a gorgeous dinner at Underwood in Graton. I wanted to show my fam where the locals go. The entrees were the only thing that finally quieted our rowdy bunch.

This included roasted beet salad and flatbread ...

... while I quickly devoured my Catalan fish stew.

On our way out, we met the world's tiniest dog.

And now I'm dreaming of barbie doll-sized sweater patterns I want to knit her.

To all the little sisters out there with a pesky big brother or two: one day you'll realize how lucky you are to have them.