Napa - Day 1

We try to do a couple's trip (sans kids) with our 'besties' at least one time a year. For years, we have discussed Napa but for five and a half years, one of us girls have been either pregnant or nursing and a trip of this nature just didn't seem timely.

But 2011 couldn't have been more perfect for us four 'Napa virgins' and we were beyond excited for this trip with the four kids safely being juggled between four sets of grandparents, we were confident they were in great hands!

The vacation gods were watching over us when we were mysteriously upgraded to a 2012 Convertible Ford Mustang. They had gotten wind of my bucket list and knew that "driving a convertible down the California coast" was #5. Although the San Francisco Bay would have to count as the "coast line" this trip, we crammed our over two hundred and fifty pounds of luggage into the sports car and braved the fifty minute drive to Napa.

One of Blake and my fondest memories of that first day was putting the top down at 76 degrees at 3:00PM and watching all our hair blow in the clean and crisp California air. Although completely unplanned, the convertible was a must, to fully enjoy the sights and smells of the Napa Valley. Thank you Mr. National rent-a-car man.

After checking into the hotel, we quickly headed to the southwest section of Napa - Domaine Carneros was our first stop.

This will always be the picturesque memory of watching Blake smell and sip his first glass of bubbly and Pinot Noir.

Our first toast to one fabulous trip!

What's it gonna be Blake... whites or reds?

With out doubt, he said he prefers the RED! Very decisive!

We knew, without a doubt, we were in for a memorable trip.

We had reservations the first night at the highly acclaimed Mustard's Grill in Yountville, just about a ten minute drive from Napa.

It was very California chic, with a upscale casual feel. Megan and I both had the specialty of the house - the pork chop, which were amazing. One of my favorite wines of the week happened to be a Pinot Noir our waiter chose - 2008 Maranet. It was great just to look around at all the people around us and to see how much wine was being opened no matter which way you looked.

That first night, we found the hotel's hot tub and slept like babies in anticipation of our first full day.

Marathon Monday - 8 MILES!!! (Wk #2/16)

This was a monumental week.

I took dozens of people's advice and introduced myself to the energy replacement supplements. You should have seen me standing in the HEB aisle late Wednesday evening trying to decide between the twenty and which one to get. I looked so confused, I even had a guy stop and offer to help me out.

I bought about six different ones and they didn't carry any of the GU I have heard such great things about. So this week, I randomly choose one... The Power Bar chews.

To be honest, I probably reached for these because it was morning number TWO on our recent trip to Napa and the night before, our dinner reservations at the hotest restaurant in town, weren't until 9:30PM!!!! If you combine that with the fact our first wine tasting appointment that same morning was at 10AM, then that 2X CAFFEINE was really SCREAMING my name before walking out that hotel door. I had originally thought my long run would be a six or perhaps seven mile run and was lucky again to be able to have Blake with me and we started through downtown Napa heading north towards the famous Silvardo Trail where all the vineyards were to be found. I don't know how to explain it, but I got that incredible feeling at miles 3-5, that I could run forever. If it wasn't for our 10AM appointment at a winery quickly approaching, I think I would have run another mile or two easily. For the first time, I NEVER even had to stop to walk! I know what you are thinking... "it's those darn artificial energy chews!" But the funny thing was I only had TWO and the package said a serving size was TEN!!! So it may mean nothing, but it's the best run thus far I have had and the even better news about my unplanned distance was that I've had some mental block about eight miles since I started training almost 8 weeks ago. I was dreading Aug 22, when I was supposed to run my first eight miles. I don't know why but the great news is, that I'm over it!

My other find this week that made the run and the couple of days after SO MUCH better was discovering Body Glide and MAPMYRUN routes when you are in an unfamiliar city! Thanks to all the comments and tips on my blog dear running friends!

Scheduled Running: 3 miles, 4 miles, 3 miles, 6 miles=16 miles

Actual Running: 4 miles, 3 miles, 8 miles=15 miles (only 3 days with traveling)

My Wilderness Woman!

Lots Of Exploration.

There were several trails outside our door to keep us busy everyday.

Beautiful streams and of course, lots of walking sticks, which were definitely a big memory of this trip.

I mean LOTS of walking sticks.

Lots of bridges to cross.

Lots of natural occurrences for us to test our balancing skills.

The boys were in rock heaven. We know Carter could have stayed in this area for hours if not days.

Of course the big "boys" had their fair share.

Even the "big boys" found their own walking sticks...

There was even a random abandoned ski lift that we found...

Colorado in the summer is truly the best place for kids who LOVE to be outdoors!

My Nature Boy!

Family Fun!

Special thanks to the incredible Metcalf family for being such awesome traveling partners. We loved every second with you guys!