Napa Valley Getaway

Last week Kirk and Lindsey were on vacation and drove up the California coast eventually landing in Calistoga on Wednesday. I got a phone call early in the evening with the two of them talking excitedly about how beautiful it was and that C and I should take Friday off and spend the day with them. It sounded good to me and after getting the "Okay!" from C I booked a room for the night. C was in Baltimore but we planned for me to pick him up on Thursday after I was done with work and we would drive up to the Napa Valley. Any chance to visit that area is one that we'll take!

The drive up was beautiful. For us it was like going home. We arrived in Calistoga just after 7pm and drove to Aurora Park Cottages which is where we were staying for the night. Our cottage was absolutely darling. It was quaint and perfect! If you are ever in the area, this is definitely a place I would recommend. Soon after depositing our overnight bags in the cottage we headed to Brannan's for a delicious dinner. It was hard to choose what to have with so many options but I finally chose the asparagus and polenta. Lindsey ordered the spinach and polenta, C had the steak and Kirk had fish. We spent our dinner making plans to eventually move back to the Napa Valley as we all miss and love it there. The following morning we were greeted at our door with a basket full of fruit, juice, and scones for breakfast. What a treat! Too soon it was time to pack up and we headed out to do some sightseeing. We had lunch at the famous Guigni's in St. Helena and soon after we headed back to Redwood City in hopes of making a matinee (which we did). Saturday was kind of a gloomy day but we took a walk to Chuck's donuts for our almost traditional donuts and coffee/hot chocolate. Later on in the afternoon we decided to brave the weather and have a barbecue at Huddart Park. Lindsey and I enjoyed watching C and Kirk attempt to light the briquettes in order to cook their chicken breast and our Grillers. After many failed attempts Lindsey saved the day by asking a nearby group if we could borrow their lighter fluid! The weather got colder and colder as we stood their waiting for our food to cook and after all but inhaling it we packed up quickly and headed back home. Sunday, after a visit from Janet and Brandon, everyone was on their way back home and C and I were left feeling happy and blessed.

Happy Valentine's....er, I mean St. Patrick's Day!

Thought you might enjoy this short clip of my classroom after having been visited by Murphy the Woodside Kindergarten leprechaun.

The heart of an angel

There is a 4th grade boy at the school where I teach who is nothing short of a hero. His story will warm your heart. I have known his family for four years and had the privilege of teaching his younger sister and brother. This little boy has the heart of an angel. It just goes to show how even just one person can make an incredible difference.

http://web.mac.com/benwerdegar/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html

Pausing...

This week has been an incredibly hectic week. Balancing the demands of a full time job, fulfilling my Masters requirements and the obligations I have at home has taken it's toll and I am exhausted! Oh yeah, and the unnecessary time change didn't help either. Now, that aside, I have to say that I have been blessed the most wonderful, supportive, dedicated, understanding (I could go on and on) husband a girl could ask for. All week long he has cooked, cleaned, washed, dried, folded, vacuumed, organized, filed, emptied, listened, hugged, shopped, advised, supported.....he's amazing!
Last weekend I had the opportunity to fly down and visit with my biggest brother, my sister-in-law and my two-year-old niece in Southern California. The weather was gorgeous and provided us with the opportunity to be outside a lot. My "SIL" is very skilled and crafty and spent Saturday morning building a potting bench for their garden oasis on the front porch. I was, to say the least, impressed by her handiwork. It's beautiful! I could definitely learn a thing or two about "green thumbness" from her. I also give her big kudos for dressing up like a matador for a work event, although I have yet to see the proof of such acts. *hint, hint*
While she was working away, my brother, niece and I headed to the nearby park. The swings, slides, bikes, balls, dogs and other kids provided all kinds of excitement! Shortly after our park visit, "mom" and "dad" got to have some alone time while niece and Auntie got to spend some quality time together and joined by my father-in-law. The next day we got to go to DISNEYLAND! It was bright and sunny and the crowds were out! It is such a different experience when visiting Disneyland with a two year old, but it was so FUN! My favorite moments were when I would watch her eyes light up and see the smiles that would shortly follow. The day passed by far too quickly and before I knew it the time had come to board the plane and head home. C picked me up and too me home to an immaculately clean apartment. He had told me he'd be busy all weekend, and he certainly was! Now another week is over and we are finally given some time to relax at home and hopefully catch up on some other things that haven't gotten done yet. Have a great weekend everyone! Wear green on Monday....or watch out for leprechauns that might pinch you!