**Warning: LONG POST**
After MUCH, much deliberation...Kevin and I decided to actually use our "lottery" tickets to the US Open at Pebble Beach! I mean, I only turn 30 once, right?!
I dropped Hudson off with Mimi on Tuesday. Grandma D arrived late Tuesday night for her duties to begin on Wednesday. Grandpa D & Omi arrived Friday night to finish out the babysitting duties with Grant & Hudson until Monday night.
We flew out to San Francisco on Wednesday, the 16th {my bday}. We arrived and headed to the rental car desk. Now, some history -- Kevin has not had the best luck on his business trips with rental cars, so he ends up talking with the VP at this lovely company & she hooks us up with a deal on a convertible. B/c if I'm going to Cali, I'm putting the top down! Bad sign #1::his name is not on the "preferred customer list" when we walk in. Bad sign #2::after standing in the face of not 1, not 2, but THREE workers, Kevin finally waves his arms & says, "Any help here?" Bad sign #3::manager comes out & tells us for the FOURTH, yes 4th, time that there are NO convertibles available! HUH?? Kevin all but demands the CEO of said company, and somehow they "find" a convertible for us.
Now, on to Hwy 1! Soooo very beautiful! It was a little chilly, but the top went down & the camera came out! I loved every minute of it!
We stopped at the Ritz-Carlton at Half Moon Bay - GORGEOUS! Just wish I had the $600/night to stay there! The food was fantastic, of course, and the view was even better!
We arrived in Carmel/Monterey Bay in the late afternoon. Carmel was angelic and classic. Other than being a little too cold for me -- all year long -- it was the most quaint town I've ever seen. Since we didn't make it to the practice rounds, we don't have any pictures of golf - but believe me - Tiger is bigger than I thought, Phil Mickelson is even more handsome in person & {the winner} Graeme McDowell is a Q-TIE!!
While in Carmel, we visited 'Anton & Michel' restaurant. It is owned by our neighbor's cousin. If you go to Carmel - EAT HERE & ask for Bert!! We got to meet Tony, his wife - Marie, son - Anton, Anton's girlfriend, and Marie's sister & brother-in-law. {Come to find out -- the in-laws are in town from Ireland to see their buddy, GRAEME! As in, winner of the Open. Um, that information would've been helpful before we left town.}
Friday late, we headed back to San Fran for the weekend. Saturday, the weather in Napa was going to be fantastic, so we headed over The Bridge & into Napa.
Either the rednecks follow us or we follow them?!?!? The Nascar race just happened to be in Sonoma that weekend.
Winery #1: Mondavi Vineyards
We really had no clue where to go; Mondavi was close & familiar so we ventured in. It was really pretty but definitely glad it was first - each got better & better as the day went on.
After lunch at Rutherford Grill {aka Houston's headquarters}, we headed with our "new friends" to Winery #2: Rubicon Estate Winery
Rubicon is owned by Francis Ford Coppola - and he actually lives in the back of the chateau! It was the most amazing piece of land! Just a dream!
At lunch, we met a really wonderful couple, Bill & Ann. Bill was quite an interesting fella - many a story to tell!! I wish I had the strength to write them all out -- corner me at a party & I'll tell you all about it. This was totally out of our comfort zone & not something that happens to us...meeting 2 random people, having them take us to 5 wineries, "fear" for our lives {HA}, not pay for a single wine tasting all day, then going back to their home!!!
Winery #3: Alpha Omega
Best Sauvignon Blanc of the Day
Best Scenery & Conversation of the Day
Not to mention, the main Vineyard House is my Dream House!
Also best sign of the day!
Winery #5: Plumpjack
It was closing, so we didn't spend much time here. Quite an interesting setting though.
Winery #6: Silverado
Owned by the Disney Family - Mrs. Disney lived on the property until her death last year.
By far, the BEST view!!!
Bill & Ann's Labradoodle, Gabby
Not quite sure what I'm doing with my face!
Sunday in San Fran
Yep, we hiked ALL the way up! {Powell Street at California}
Isn't he the cutest?
the operating cables!
Lombard Street--
I kept laughing the whole time; it was just comical and so pretty; just like Spring!
the City
Our $10 Ghirardelli sundae -- worth every penny -- just wish I had gotten my own!
my FIRST In-N-Out Burger
Fisherman's Wharf - like a movie
Boudin Bakery
Pier 39 Sea Lions - the baby
what in the world are they fighting about?
On your mark...get set...
...TURN!
Just craziness!
My favorite street -- Mason Street
We came home Monday to 2 of the sweetest boys! Apparently, we should leave more often! They sure missed us, and we sure missed them. Gotta love when you come back to kiddos acting better than when you left! And I'm pretty sure both boys grew while we were gone!
