Napa Getaway

Nathan was invited to Oracle's "User Group" conference this year because his client, Gallo Wine, was hosting the event. When we heard about the opportunity, we had a few days to throw things together so we could also try to make this a bit of a getaway. The day before we left, there was a family emergency and Nathan's mom wasn't able to come and watch the kids. So we had some touch-and-go moments there at the end, but I have to say, my "village" stepped up and said they would make sure the kids were taken care of. THANK YOU to my mom and dad, Cindy & Stuart and Kati Castellanos for making this trip a reality. You will never know how much it meant to me. I needed this so badly. I thank you, thank you, thank you!

Literally every moment was perfect. It was just one of those easy, laid back, fun, no stress, smooth sailing kind of trips. It was heaven.

A few highlights:

• We flew into San Francisco and drove to the pier. We were able to see Alcatraz, the Sea Lions at Pier 39 and make the scenic drive from San Fran through Sonoma into Napa. We ate clam chowder in bread bowls outside and walked up and down the pier. It was a picture perfect day.
  
• I had the opportunity to meet all of Nathan's clients. It was such a honor to be his date. He was
  a hot commodity ;) So proud of you!
  
• Nathan surprised me with a facial at the spa and it was so wonderful. I packed a bag and spent time in the sauna, steam room and even laid out by the pool to read. It was a rough day!
  
• We were upgraded to the "Honeymoon House" at the Silverado Resort. It was just unreal. We had our own balcony that opened to the golf course, a fire place, full kitchen, plasma TVs, etc. Um, thanks for the upgrade :)
  
• While Nathan worked on Tuesday, I drove all way through Mt. St. Helena, and up to Calistoga to the Petrified Forest. I've always wanted to see the Redwoods! It was such an adventurous day. I just took off and the day unfolded as I stopped here and there to snap pictures, shop and dine. I had a fun date with God in the mountains :)
  
• We both had a wonderful time away from everything. Although we didn't get much time together, the moments we shared were awesome. We didn't take anything for granted.

Here are some pics -- enjoy! I hope we come back again soon.

On our balcony before dinner

Resort snapshot

Nathan in our rental car-- headed to the pier

That is Alcatraz from a distance

Pier 39

Sea Lions!

Mel with shark

Driving on the Golden Gate Bridge

Love this pic

Golden Gate tunnel

On our way to Sonoma

Sonoma & Napa

Scenic views

Love these with my camera in the shot

On the gondola ride at Sterling Vineyards

Trying to capture the moment on the gondola ride :)

Amazing views

Sterling Vineyards

On the way to Mt. St. Helena

Amazing trees in Calistoga

Grapes in the fall

I didn't eat them, promise!

On the way out of Sterling

Over 250 year old tree in the Petrified Forest

Can we go back already? Pleeeease?!