Once everyone was out on the property and the wine was poured, the real celebrating and toasts began. I made a short-and-sweet toast to T (wow, the big 3-0!!). It’s crazy to think back on that summer we first met, actually right around his birthday here in Chico (we were just kids–I was 18, he was 19),… and how much has changed since then. I’m so proud of the man that he’s become, all that he’s accomplished over the years, and can’t wait to see what the thirties will bring.
Family means everything to my guy and I so it was really special to be in that setting together, ringing in this milestone birthday and exciting upcoming year. We’re feeling especially thankful to be back in California, after 3+ years spent on the east coast, and closer to everyone again. So of course there were lots of cheers in celebration of that!
My cute parents.
As far as food went, I asked my mom and mother-in-law, Kacey, to help me create some of T’s favorites. The Dads barbecued steak, chicken and veggie shish kabobs, Kacey made mac n’ cheese per T’s request, and my mom made my personal fave, her spicy chinese noodle salad. My contribution was my “summer salad,” (a mix of peppers, avocado and blueberries on butter lettuce).
T happens to love funfetti cake so Kacey made this awesome masterpiece for him, which was as much of a sugar shock as it looks. (The marshmallows on top were a pretty genius addition if you ask me. What can I say, my guy has the tastebuds of a 4 year old.)
We ended the evening back at his parent’s house, hanging around in the kitchen finishing the last of the wine (and there may have been a few more slices of cake as well). All in all it was such a memorable evening with the fam, and we’re now hoping to make dinners out on the property an annual occasion.
So what are you celebrating and toasting to this summer? Share and tag your toasts using #AToastTo and #ToastContest here, on instagram, twitter, or the Chateau Ste. Michelle facebook page, for a chance to win a trip to the Chateau Ste. Michelle Summer Concert Series!
* Thanks again to Chateau St. Michelle for sponsoring this post! As always, thank you for supporting all CITNB collaborations.
Photography by Michelle Drewes