California

I tried to get the pictures in order, but it just didn't work.

Rhe, Ava, and I drove up to St. Louis Monday morning to shop before the trip. We were shopping in one of our favorite areas when we saw a stage set up in the parking lot and a big sign that read, "Fergie, Live, June 11, 3:00". We looked at the clock and it was 2:55. We got a spot and got to see her sing Big Girls Don't Cry and Fergilicious. It was really cool that just by chance we were there at the right time.

Tuesday morning we flew out at 6:55. We had a layover in Phoenix and an unexpected stop in Orange County. The take off from there was very strange to say the least. They warned us before we left what it would be like. Literally at the very start of the runway they opened up the engines and we were off the ground in 5 seconds, straight up in the air. Then there was a slight drop to level out. They had to do it because of noise regulations. Since I'm not the greatest flyer, it was very intense. When I use to think of Orange County, I only thought of a great movie starring Jack Black. Now I will think of this crazy take off. We were so exhausted when we finally got to Vacaville. Omar, Heath, and Anne went with Craig to San Francisco to a Giants game.

Wednesday was our day in Napa. The scenery was just beautiful as were the Tuscan inspired buildings. The wineries we visited were Cakebread, Baringer, Maryvale, and V. Sattui. Baringer was really cool. They gave us a private room with a dining table and had us taste the wine with different things, like an apple slice, lemon, and salt.

Thursday, we went to San Francisco. First we stopped at Muir Woods to see the Redwoods. The scenery on the way was amazing. We crossed the Golden Gate bridge and went to Lombard street. This is the curviest street in either America or the world (I can't remember). We drove through China Town and tried to find a parking spot to no avail. We finally found Ghirardelli Square, after going the opposite direction on the map, but we did get to see rainbow flags lining a street. The best thing about Ghirardelli Square was not the chocolate at all, it was a trendy little shop called Kara's Cupcakes. These were the most heavenly cupcakes, perhaps even the most heavenly dessert, I've ever had. My favorite was Fleur Del Sel (salt). It was a chocolate cake filled with caramel ganache, topped with chocolate frosting and a sprinkle of salt. YUM. We went from there to an art gallery. Keene Eyes Gallery. This is the witness artist that drew children with HUGE sad eyes until she learned the truth, now they have happy eyes. Still HUGE. We met a brother that runs it that is in one of her paintings. She now lives in Napa. We went to Pier 39 then and saw the sealions and the other touristy things. San Francisco was a really cool city. It reminded me of New York.

Friday was the beach day. I have never been so cold at a beach. The scenery was beautiful, but it was in the 60's and the wind was blowing hard. I prefer Florida beaches, more packed with people and no pretty scenery, but it's warm.

Saturday we rested and toured the Jelly Belly factory then we went to Sacramento to Ikea (my all time favorite store). And to Mark & Rhonda's for dinner.

Sunday we went back to Napa. Back to V. Sattui, did the tour and tasting. Had a picinic on the grounds by the vineyard under the shade trees. We went to a couple of other wineries too.

Monday we had lunch at the best Mexican restaurant I have ever eaten at. I will crave that place forever! Mexican food in CA is really nothing like it is here. We went to a great little market in Dixon on our way to the airport and got dried fruit and nuts. Our flight left at 5:30. We had a layover in Las Vegas. Colton got sick at the airport and our flight was delayed 2 hours. We landed back in St. Louis at 3:00AM. And pulled into our driveway at 5:30AM. We were going to spend the night in STL, but there was a Baptist convention and not a room in the entire city was open. Almost a week later and I still have jet lag.

We had a great time. It was non-stop but very fun and exciting. We need a vacation now from our vacation. There is just so much to see. We needed at least a month to see everything we wanted to. I'm sure there will be more trips to Cali.