It's the Time of the Season...

....for loving.  My blog is back up!  I got to the point where my blog was FULL.  I decided I didn't have time to figure out how to fix the problem, until now.  I've had such a fun December so far I needed to share with my family and friends!  So, I'm starting over!

Back in May, they released tickets for the Straight No Chaser concert in Santa Rosa, California for December 2nd.  Being part of the super cool fan club, I was able to reserve my tickets early.  I remember being in Illinois on my brothers couch just as it was time to choose my seats for this years concert.  Second row, center.  SOLD.

December 2nd has come and gone and let me show you how it went!

I've never been to the Santa Rosa region before so I did some research and planned out a full day of fun before the 7:30 concert.  We started at the Charles M. Schulz museum.  He is the creator of Peanuts and Charlie Brown.

Did you know that he hated the title Peanuts?  It was given by a newspaper and he wanted the job so he went along with it.  By the time he had the right to change it, it was too late.  He never liked the name.

Charles Schulz was always 8-10 weeks ahead of schedule.  So when it came time for him to retire, he had planned that his last strip would publish in the Sunday newspaper on Feb 13th, 2000.  He had stopped drawing at the end of 1999.  Ironically, he passed away in his sleep on Saturday Feb 12th, the night before his last comic strip was to be printed.

We spent the rest of the afternoon at the Francis Ford Coppola winery.  It was a little in the middle of no where.  As we were walking up, I thought this estate should be in a Halloween movie, a little eerie. Once we got inside, it was spectacular!  There are several levels of wine bars, gifts, and movie memorabilia.   We saw several of his Academy Awards and the actual desk and chair used in all three of the Godfather movies.  On top of that, his wine is great!  David marked this place as if favorite.  There is also a restaurant as part of the estate where we had dinner before heading to the concert.  So. Good. 

I know, what a great day already.  BUT the finale was second row seats at the Straight No Chaser concert.  I know, I know.  We sat front row last year.  BUT this theater was set up so much different.  The stage last year was raised and we were looking up at them.  Check out our view this year ....  literally right in front of us.  When we stood in applause at the end of the concert, I could reach out and touch them.

 This year they did an "un-miced" finale of O Holy Night.  To be THAT close to something THAT amazing was .... well amazing.  I've seen them do this song from afar and you don't really appreciate the passion and talent that goes into it until you see it like this ......