After 5 years without seeing my entire family in Costa Rica, to include my father, I was finally able to make the trip out there! So much love, it's amazing... and it was so great to go back to that warm and affectionate culture that exemplifies the lives of the TICOS!! I introduce to you all my family, but most importantly, a big piece of my identity that is so far away from my daily life here in the US. I honored my trip for my paternal grandmother, who passed away while I was off serving in the desert. She was the first Miss Costa Rica, a beautiful woman who inspired so many.

The girls came across from Washington D.C. to my side, here in Cali! Mary Ann (my co-ruler of this site), Amy, Michelle, and Aaron... Jen and Aaron from Sacramento. I was unable to be with them the whole time, but Matt and I came up Friday/Saturday. These pics mainly include the Union Square area and Napa Valley... Robert Mondavi and Darioush wineries. Beware!! Once we got to Darioush, we were pleasantly 'wined-up' from Mr. Mondavi's estate.  It was great to see you guys again, and to meet Aaron for the first time.  Where we going to next?  Love you guys!