I knew nothing of Chico except a vague idea of location and the fact that there's a big university there. We flew to Sacramento (first time with two kids) but luckily it was a short flight and our friend Cody who was also heading to the wedding helped us lug all our stuff. Yes when you travel with kids you can't just take a carryon. It's: luggage, milk, snacks, pack n play, car seats, stroller, toys...
The weather was 90 to 100 degrees but didn't feel too hot with the breeze. There was a park with a natural swimming hole we explored and the town itself was cute.
The first night we were invited to the "un-rehearsal" dinner. Luckily, Jon matched us up with a babysitter who did not appear to be a psychopath--we set the bar high for babysitters you know. She was sweet and had a couple big kids that Collin was excited to see. Then we got to enjoy a six course custom meal with wine pairings designed by Jon, Julie and the chef. The chef explained each course and the way the wine matched the meal. My favorites had to be the "appetizer" which was really a meal in itself of a fried chicken and fried green tomato salad (yummy and naughty) and the second course, a beet and watermelon salad with pistachio crusted goat cheese. Everything was delicious and I managed to eat most of it and leave with a nice buzz.
The next day Jon took us to a river next to the wedding venue which was gorgeous. We sat on the rocks with friends, snacking and wading/swimming in the freezing cold water full of salmon. Collin loves "Uncle Jon" and had fun splashing and jumping in the water. Mike floated down the river although I'm pretty sure there was some shrinkage happening.
We also drove by an old fashioned covered bridge. I had to stop to snap a photo.
That night we went to another dinner that was specially planned for Jon and Julie and was positively yum. Mike and I shared small plates like bacon wrapped, chorizo stuffed dates (the best ever), caesar salad, and Thai chicken skewers.
Collin also met Millie the flower girl, (Julie's sister's daughter) who has Shirley Temple curles and proclaimed Collin her "boyfriend." The two hit it off and I was so glad that Collin met someone his age he could have fun with.
Milo also shared his cuteness with everyone and was proclaimed a good baby because of course he doesn't cry too much, smiles a bunch and as long as you provide him with food he will sit and be content. And yes this kid can eat! Milo scarfs down pretty much anything we eat now as long as it's not too hard or big. He loves bread, pasta, pretty much any vegetable and fruit, and except for trying out an Indian garden burger that was apparently too spicy, I don't think there's anything edible he hasn't liked. Of course he would also eat cat food, paper and bugs so I'm not sure if we can count on him retaining his unpicky appetite when he's older.
The day of the wedding we stopped by a monastery where they also happen to sell wine and maintain a vineyard. Mike and I tasted some wine, the reds being our favorite and snagged a bottle. I also overheard some monks chanting which was beautiful. Random moment, it also happened to be corvette club visiting day or something (which apparently the average age of corvette club member is 70?)
Collin had an important part in the wedding: ring bearer. He is a seasoned pro as he also bestowed this role at his Uncle Tom and Auntie Virginia's wedding (holding the ring in a vintage lunchbox). There's nothing much cuter than a 4 year old in a pinstripe suit.
Collin and Millie posed for the camera before the wedding. Let's all scream, "freaking adorable," together now. Millie appeared a little bored while Collin hammed it up and also looked a little smitten with his new friend. She warmed up as everyone continued taking photos and the two of them whispered to each other.
The wedding was beautiful with a view of the river, copious amounts of wine and beer and more good food. And of course we got to share it with friends.
The reality of taking two kids to a wedding however equals being interrupted in the line for food/drinks by a baby with a blow-out (twice), Collin sucking down Sprite and going on a sugar high with Millie and attempting to jump into a fountain or go down to the river himself. Still we enjoyed ourselves and did bust a move or two on the dance floor. Well, Collin and Milo and I did anyway.
The last day we enjoyed a big brunch and said goodbye to Julie and Jon.
Then we were delayed at the airport for a couple hours (sucky). But besides that annoying ending, it was a nice break from our crazy, stressful lives and we wish Jon and Julie many years of happiness and beautiful tall, blond children!
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