road trip 2009: third set of clues

This is the real reason that we took this road trip...

To see these people...

And these people...

And these people...

And eat food cooked by this amazing woman... my sister-in-law, Kathy, who can capture the attention of small children almost as well as she can whip up a batch of homemade ravioli.

Not only have we had a wonderful time visiting with Charlie's family ... our children have had a wonderful time bonding with their big cousins.

I'll have to admit, it's impossible to spend any period of time with family members and not wonder what it would be like to live closer.

I definitely think I could get use to having nieces and nephews chase our kids around family more closely involved in our children's lives.

Although, seeing as most of the exercise I get on any given day comes from running after my offspring, I would definitely need to come up with an alternative strategy for increasing my heart rate.

Unfortunately, it seems standing around at approximately 167 feet above sea level, 38° 31' N 122° 49' W, taking pictures doesn't constitute an aerobic workout. Nor does drinking champagne made from grapes grown in this world-famous region.

I know ... bummer.