We started our day off just right with a bite on Lakeshore avenue and a redwood hike that David had scoped out in advance. Trees are good medicine and I think that every person enjoyed our tree time. The kids were a constant source of entertainment as they maintained a spirit of inquiry for the hour duration of our mini adventure.

While we were off the cellular grid our numbers were growing. My mom, Roger, and Scott had all arrived and were making their way toward us. Next stop was the scavenger hunt that we had planned with Gabi and Mark at the helm. David and I had minimal roles to play and for an hour or so we just got to hang out in Rockridge which was a nice little break from our busy schedule. All players gathered at Sirena and Harris’ house to find out the rules of the game, I was there for a bit and there was a lot of activity. I realized that I had forgotten the prizes (made with love by Ajay) and so I dashed back home to get them. By the time I returned the house was perfectly quiet which was a surprise to me. I had figured that the kids were going to stay back at the base but it turns out that they were a part of the fun out on the Avenue.

Each team was super and delivered some fabulous results. Highlights include Roger being dressed in drag (Mark pointed out within just 3 hours of landing in California, he’s a quick study), that each team thought they had to buy me a chocolate bar (my idea was that they’d just pick one out and I’d be there to give it a yea or nay) and yes, I did share, The Rockridge Moms setting David straight and telling him which cafe he was supposed to be in (he was confused), and I can only hope many more since our hope was that everybody would have an excellent time getting to know each other. The poetry was delightfully entertaining. Most of all, I was so happy to see our friends and family having fun together, it was great to sit back and watch them all.

Please add your tales to the record by posting a comment. David and I were only privy to a small portion of the good stuff that was going on.

Here are the literary works that these quick-witted folks came up with:

The Ridge Walkers: Scott, Alicia, Laura

At last Faye and David have come along
their lonely day are over and their love above the fog
yeah yeah, at last
Mr Twist got down on one knee
and said Faye grab a hold of me
will you program an application
one that insures our future
because at last we are jumping the broom
and English square dancing
because I love you.

The Rockridge Moms: Becky, Janelle, Anne, Angela

There once was a young Michigander,
A redheaded lad she did gander
She said, I’ll have somma that!”
And she gave him a pat,
And then she allowed him to land ‘er!

The Rockridge Rockers: Elizabeth, Tom, Cole, Margo

Let’s talk about David and Faye
who met in an interesting way
He critiqued her swing
she dug his thing
who knew they’d be married one day

Fast forward 4 years to today
To the kookiest pair in the bay
A couple of hotties who practice Pilates
Their wedding week well underway

Let’s glimpse the fortunes of David and Faye
As they evolved in a magical way
They birthed their visions with perfect decisions
and filled their lives with beauty, commitment, and play

The Rockridge Shoppers: Tim, Sirena, Roger, Alexa

There once was a lady named Faye
who had to plan events all day
But nature intervened with her dance
and slugs ate all of her plants
poor sad, sad Faye

Along came a man named Dave
from which a dark cave she did save
he tucked her in every night
with ne’er a fight
good, well behaved Dave

And then they were a fairskinned pair
their need to control they did share
She worked all day, he worked all night
so no one quite knew
how they’d make an heir

With another big push on Friday, we were ready to go. Alexa had arrived midday on Friday and she was ready and willing to go to work. David was busy getting our canopy frame set up and completing his other projects. We were counting the minutes that we had to get everything done and anxiously awaiting pizza time which marked the end of our allotted time for preparations. We finally arrived and were happy to join up with David’s family as Becky, Clara, Dorie, and Dick all were getting settled in. We had a mellow evening, perfect for gearing up for the week ahead.

Saturday morning we got to Slide Ranch via a windy road which gave a few of us car sickness. I’ve learned to be an active passenger which seems to help. I watch the road as carefully as I would if I were driving and imagine that I am executing the turns. This seems to put my mind in control of my body so that each jostle doesn’t come as a surprise and I avoid getting nauseated.

The spring fling at Slide Ranch was absolutely amazing. The weather could not have been more perfect. Given that we were going to a farm a short walk from the ocean, we anticipated cold, fog, and wind. Instead the sun was shining hot and the view out to sea was crystal clear. It was lovely. Between milking goats, watching a sheep get shorn, letting baby goats walk on our backs, making flower crowns, listening to fun music, and seeing baby chickens, there was plenty to keep us occupied. The kids were all completely engaged in the variety of activities and the adults were just happy to enjoy the beautiful day and share in the fun with their little ones.

Because the weather was so perfect a trip to the beach was just as interesting to the adults as to the kids and the tide pools offered all sorts of views of marine life. True to his mountain goat nature David climbed up the big rock that shelters the little cove we were all in. Alexa snapped a picture. I tried to steal a nap atop a rock but couldn’t quite get comfortable. This would be the first of many moments during which I could relax for a bit. Because I had been burning the midnight oil for so many days leading up to our week of fun, I was rather tired. It turns out that my enjoyment of the week came more from seeing our loved ones partake of the sorts of activities that we would choose for ourselves on any given day. For my part though, I was too tired to revel in the fun at my usual energy level. Hearing from everybody, what a fun time they had and witnessing the genuine enthusiasm of each kid was a great treat and I felt a real satisfaction knowing that we’d picked a perfect activity to kick off our week together.

After we’d tuckered ourselves out with fun on the farm we headed over to the Marin headlands. We had time to take with Luis and Andrea while their kids snoozed in the car and it was just nice to look out over the majestic entrance to the bay as we chatted about this and that. Afterwards we headed to India Village for a really nice meal with Dorie, Dick, and Margo. Knowing that so many people were joining in the celebration and knowing that typically a bride and groom can’t possibly get to see everybody in one day’s time, especially if that day is also the day that they get married, I was hoping to have time with as many guests as possible throughout the week. That first day, my wish was granted and I was grateful for it.

On our way back to the east bay, Alexa and I were gearing up for the little party that we had planned as a loose version of a bachelorette party for me. Of course we were running late, but luckily Shelley was there on time and together with Susan transformed Bayside Pilates into a dance hall (use your imagination). The belles of the ball party was super fun despite technical problems and a completely flustered presentation of the folk dances by yours truly. Each and every gal was an excellent sport and did their best to learn the moves. I am so appreciative of the dance teachers who helped to put my idea into action: Barbara, who picked up the Polonaise in a flash; Gina, who on the spot helped me transmit the folk dance moves; Sirena, Laura, and Gabi, who did an amazing job with the perhaps a bit too complex country dance; and Carole and Pam, who made The Stroll the coolest dance of the night. I had to be convinced that it really was time to head to the tiki lounge even though polka-ing around my little studio seemed like the best way to knock myself out.

We did it!

Our 8 day long wedding celebration was magical. We feel so grateful for our family and friends who shared in the making and enjoyment of so many perfectly wonderful events. We each have many fond memories of watching our loved ones turn our visions into reality. We will do our best to acknowledge each and every loving act that made up our wedding, please know that we are overflowing with gratitude and that we realize just what an amazing feat was collectively accomplished.

Post wedding FAQ’s answered:

Our married names
We will remain Faye Stevenson and David Twist. Our family name is Stevenson Twist which, should we be so blessed, will be our children’s name.

Feel free to refer to Faye by any of the following names:
Mrs. David Twist, Faye Twist, Faye Stevenson Twist, Faye Stevenson, Ms. Faye Stevenson, etc. You get the idea.

This choice came after much heartfelt deliberation. While we embrace many aspects of the marriage institution, we just didn’t feel that attached to the idea of changing our names legally. Perhaps it’s partly that we both like our names as they have always been. We do not mean to slight the notion changing names with marriage, but we felt that above all else it was best to honor our individual wishes and so that’s what we did.

Children
In the midst of fatigue on day 7 of our wedding extravaganza, my father was overheard telling my mom something to the effect of, don’t worry – the reward for your toils will be a couple grandchildren. We hope that he’s right!

Honeymoon
We enjoyed a restful retreat up at lake Tahoe. Despite Faye’s ambitions for lots of physical fitness we pretty much loafed around like a couple of beached whales. It was great. David could have used 2 more days, but duty beckons. A very special thank you to the Schneider family for their hospitality at the Tavern.