3.31.2011

Birthdays in Sonoma

 This past weekend was amazing! We celebrated with our friends' Sarah and Jason Mann (and baby boy Desi) in Sonoma California. Sarah and Jason both turned the big 3-0 the same week so they decided to go out with a bang and rent an amazing home where their friends and family could all be together. Everything was perfect (well maybe not the weather!), but even that didn't matter because we were so busy and when we weren't busy we were "busy" just lying around recovering. James, Pen and I drove up on Thursday so we could have all weekend to relax. Friday I checked out the spa at the Kenwood Inn- gorgeous! Saturday Sarah and Jason spoiled us with a private wine tour. Now this wine tour wasn't your average chauffered trip- we started out by visiting the home of the owners of Deerfield Ranch Winery. We sat at PJ's table while she told us her life story basically, and all that goes into making their delicious wines. And let me tell you their wine is delicious! Next we had a private catered lunch in the wine cave of B. Wise Vineyards, again an unforgettable experience and to top it off we had a chance to visit with the winemaker of Audelessa at his tasting room. Every night we all chipped in and made family dinners that were absolutely scrumptious (I contributed with my very own crawfish etoufee!). The kids had a blast too. I must say the way to travel is to just get some like-minded friends together and stay in a house. It was sooo easy with the kids, cost effective and we were able to get plenty of quality time. I'm so glad these guys turned 30. I love them so much and we were so happy to get to celebrate with them. Sonoma was pretty awesome too. ;)
aerial view of the Greystone estate where we stayed
me, Sarah and Kate in front of the B. Wise Vineyards    

pool at the Kenwood Inn & Spa

sisters Sarah and Kristen



This hotel was gorgeous!




Barbie shows you the way to the ladies room at restaurant Girl and the Fig in downtown Sonoma

James and Pen chillin at the Girl and The Fig

Sonoma park pit stop/play date






our waiter recommended this cheese shop- his friends great grandfather owns it and its famous for the monterey jack cheese




the view from the home of the owners of Deerfield


sitting around the dinner table learning about their wines




PJ one of the owners- very cool lady








this is the wine cave at B. Wise winery- the owner used it as a living space for a while so some of the rooms are converted into bathrooms and bedrooms











lunch was fabulous!




what you lookin at?!!!





this statue was workin it!

Sarah with bff Lisa

and no Kate didn't drink yet she's the only one ready for a nap! Imagine that...


so our last stop at Ludenessa was hilarious because their was a singles group also meeting there- they were very confused when they saw us go into this room. Some of them thought this was the next part of the evening. They eventually had to be escorted out. It was hilarious!


I think this lady had an eye for Jason