Zion

I headed out to southern Utah in the middle of October. I went with a few others from my office and we went to visit two of our projects. You may remember if you've been around awhile that I've done a ton of Utah work. Back in years 2015-2018, I went to the Salt Lake area about every three weeks. It was great to be back, this time down south in the St George area. 

We got our work knocked out the first day and before we flew home the next day, we hiked Watchman Trail at Zion Canyon. It was stunning. We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Springdale and it was perfect. We walked to Switchback Grille for dinner and that was nice. Nothing wild but fine. 

Springdale was a cool little town. I'd say you can probably do it for a night or maybe two but that's about all of the time you need. I'm not the most experienced hiker (I never hike) so I probably would be too nervous to take my kids but there were a ton of kids there. But they've all probably grown up hiking. There's just not much room for error and that makes me nervous!

Pretty view at the top. 


It wasn't a rough ride to get out there. We bounced around a few airports to look at some sites. It was good. Our pilots even hiked Zion with us. But one of them is like family to our company. 


It was an amazing one night trip and great time with my coworkers. 

Big Weekend

Well, I doubled the legal drinking age yesterday and I feel it today! 

Kids wore their camp sweatshirts for National Camp Tshirt day on Friday!

Last Friday my friends Hilary and Kellie took me to lunch at Postino. Soooo good if you're in Charlotte. 


Fancy bruschetta and roasted cauliflower. 

Friday night my friend Jen had a crockpot party where you bring a crockpot recipe to share with everyone. It was a good time. Maybe too fun?! Haha. 


Saturday morning tennis. The kids played with Coach Joe while the moms played with Coach Wade!


Saturday afternoon we had family pictures taken by Karen Morneau who is a neighbor and friend. I cannot wait to share more!

Saturday evening was pickleball potluck in the neighborhood! Played pickleball then we took a dish to the clubhouse and hung out. For a long time with fun friends and loud music!










While we were at the party, Molly Anne had a babysitter and Grady went to a birthday party for his friend Nolan. Brittany took him so he was super excited!


Sunday morning Molly Anne arrived downstairs with this box filled with adorable crafts she had made for me. Best part of my day. 


We hung out most of the day then Hilary and crew came over and brought dinner and cake. It was the perfect evening with my people. 

And the most fantastic card from Hilary. Because I do not like cats and this is just funny if you really know us!

Inside it said, "Choose wisely!"

Talk soon friends. Back to the grind today! 

This Week's Finds

ONE - I'm a real wreath girl but this year I ordered two of these and I'm going fake! You can use this link for referral and get $50 off and also I get $50. Zero pressure obviously but thought I'd share. 

TWO - I know a few friends on here like seeing some Molly Anne things - this headband and this velour magenta skirt are big winners for this time of year! 

THREE - this skirt with a black top for a festive night out. 

FOUR - this textured sleeve top in 4 colors including ivory and black. 

FIVE - how about this stunner?!

Napa Day 3

Saturday in St. Helena started at Gillwoods for breakfast! California Benedict of course! 

Our driver Travis picked us up and we headed to AXR. Wow this was an incredible experience. Ritchie who hosted us was an absolute HOOT! The interior design of all of the buildings was on point. 

And pics in the redwoods! 




The wine was amazing. The simple kettle chips with sheep Gouda from Whole Foods finely grated over it was so good. 


Next up was lunch at farmstead. It was delicious. It's also the place to see and be seen. Such a vibe. 

I'll dream about the deviled eggs forever. 

Second winery of the day was Taylor Family Vineyards with Danielle and Nana! Such a special place right at their home. 

Saturday night we had a quick turnaround and had cocktail hour with Walt and Katherine, with her famous guac. She mixes sour cream and salsa with avocado and done! Isn't she beautiful? Inside and out!


This night we had dinner at their favorite restaurant called The Market in downtown St. Helena. It was wonderful and such a locals spot. Loved it!

Their amazing property. 





Sunday morning we were up super early for our ride back to San Fran. We got to watch the sun rise while going over the Golden Gate Bridge. Our driver showed us some amazing neighborhoods on our way to the airport. 

Overall the trip was amazing. We have 37 bottles of wine heading our way from 5 wineries. Those will be awesome to receive. It was great time away with Kevin and our next door peeps that we do a lot of life with. It was truly a once in a lifetime trip!

Don't worry, it wasn't all rainbows and sunshine. There was a lot of stress and worry leading up to leaving town. Childcare is very tough for us with no family that can keep them nearby. My Saturday/Sunday babysitter canceled on me the afternoon before we left. That threw me for a HUGE loop. Got it figured out thanks to an amazing gal but whewwwww. Mills is also a whole situation to leave/board right now. Thankful for his golden retriever camp that love him so much. And basically my life does not exist without Julie, my kid's other Mom, who made all of the things happen so we could go!

No more Kevin and I trips for awhile! Soooo hard to leave right now and that's okay!

Napa Days 1 and 2

We got back last night from the Napa area. Kevin and I went out there with Drew and Hilary for a trip that Drew bid on at a Make A Wish event. It was incredible. Super special and one that we can't ever replicate. We stayed at the Denali Estate winery with their owners Katherine and Walt. Talk about outstanding people. Wow, it is an honor to know them!

The first night we had dinner at their home with their winemaker and his wife. The winemaker is a pretty big deal in Napa so this was super cool. 

Their backyard. Can you even?!




Katherine served us caviar as an appetizer. 


Their winemaker Jean Hoefliger. 


And his wife Chelsea. 

Friday morning we were up super early due to being on East coast time zone which we actually never got out of. Headed into St Helena and grabbed breakfast at Model Bakery. 

This trip we only did two winery tastings a day plus lunch. When we were out there a few years ago, we did 3 tastings a day and that's too much. First stop was Fraiche group wine on Caldwell Winery land. They gave us a tour of the property on a golf cart and it was stunning. 







The lab where the science of wine making takes place! 







Lunch was at Norman Rose Tavern in downtown Napa. Kept it causal. 

Next stop was Boyd Family which was interesting but nice! These smaller vineyards are a very different vibe from the big names like Caymus. There are 1,110 vineyards in the Napa Valley. You could go out there a zillion times and have a totally different experience every time. Super cool!




That night the four of us went to Goose and Gander in downtown St Helena. It was good but nothing crazy and we were pretty zapped from drinking all day ha. 

I'll be back with the third day soon!