Visit back south

So 2 weeks ago I decided it was time to head back south, south west that is, to pay a little visit to my west side friends that I miss so very much. It worked out perfect as Brad was heading to Vegas for some boy toy time and to win us some mula! Vegas didn't get the best of him this time...he ended up paying for his entire trip. woohoo! We had an eventful weekend planned with a hike in PV, El Cholo dinner & James Beach drinks in my old neighborhood of Venice, Pinkberry/Penguins/Menchie's (we hit all three), Temecula Wine Tasting on a party bus and a trip to beautiful Dana Point to hang with the Longs. We didn't miss a beat. I am so blessed to have such amazing friends in my life. Huge thanks to Sara and Erin for letting me invand their home and being a permanent fixture on their sofa ALL day Sunday.

Beautiful PV






There were crabs everywhere underneath the rocks. Seems as though they were accustomed to having visitors.



and the rocks that we maneuvered around.



Tracey, Kristin and I at El Cholo. The best Mexican restaurant EVER and they have very yummy pomegranate margaritas :)



The entire wine tasting crew. We were a hit at every winery! How could you not be when you roll with 20+ awesome people.



Here is the fabulous party bus we took to Temecula!

What have we been up to for a year?

Okay, so I know I haven't posted in over a year so here is my attempt to get you caught up on what we've been up to...I'll just give you the highlights.

Hotel, Motel HOLIDAY Inn
We had a wonderful holiday. The parents of the Fines and Chaos finally met. Yes I know. You would think after 6 years of dating that that would have happened already. My parents came out to the "show me state" and we made the rounds to visit all the family...some in Fort Smith, some in Springfield.

We did a lot of eating, played catch phrase and had a few snowball fights, friendly snowball fights. Everyone seemed to get along very well. I guess they really didn't have a choice since we were getting married in 5 months :)


Not yet 30: 2/9


Mr. Bradley arranged a night out on the town with some of my bestest friends for my 29th birthday even my girl from NYC came. We had dinner at Katsuya, a sushi restaurant in Brentwood, then went to a club which was suppose to be having a DJ spinning, but the DJ didn't show so we celebrated with the African tribe that was playing earlier that night. They were great! We stomped the night away to the bongos and didgeridoo. My good friend, Todd Rone Parker, captured some great moments. My last birthday in L.A. was amazing. Can't wait to see what B has planned for the big 3-0 ;)




Cocolicious

My brother (Rus) and his wife (Kelsey) had their first child, Lucca Elizabeth Chao, on March 15. We call her coco because of her large, balled noggin'! She is as cute as can be with her beautiful blue eyes and fat little cheeks. She gives the Gerber baby a run for her money. She has an adorable little smile that makes your heart melt. Love me some Luccalayla!


She's smiling at her crazy aunt.



She finally went to sleep!



That coco is such a thug with her pink hat to the side!




A Fine Wedding

May 23. This day was a celebration of life and love with my closest friends/family.


I married my bestest friend. The one who inspires me. The one who pushes me. The one who just GETS me.

http://samuellippke.com/studio/Ashley-Brad.html

And here are some photos and a video clip from our Bora Bora honeymoon!







Venice to SF

After 6 amazing years in Venice Beach, we made the move to SF in June. Brad was presented with a wonderful job opportunity working for Stryker Medical in the bay area. After 3 months of interviews and a lot of praying, we decided it was the right move for us. We had a lot to deal with during the month of May...wedding, honeymoon, moving, starting a new life and new career. We told ourselves if we could make it through this, we could make it through anything. We did! SF is very different, but we are enjoying exploring the new city. And love having my bro, Kels and coco so close!

From Venice Beach



To San Fran




6 man Waterbugs (August)

This was our third year playing in the 6 man volleyball tournament in Manhattan Beach. This tournament is basically an athletes Halloween with half the clothing. This year we were sponsored by the Waterbugs, hence the name. We had some awesome athletes on our team, but we also have some heavy drinkers which usually results in some sloppy play. Let's just say we couldn't remember if we won a game or not :) Can't wait for next year!






...and here we are now! There will be many more adventures to come so stay tuned!