Our Very Own France

One of my dreams is to go to France.

To me, France is synonymous with fields of lavender, great food, beautiful scenery.

Luckily, we have a little gem right in our back yards here in California

that helps to tide us over until we can make it to the real thing.

We don't have to go all the way across the Atlantic to enjoy the intoxicating

scent of lavender and a cold glass of white wine. We have Napa Valley, CA.

So, today we headed out to Napa early this morning. It's about an hour drive out of San Francisco

and TOTALLY worth it, if only for the Nutter Butters.

We had intentions to go have lunch at Mustard's Grill.

We'd always wanted to try the food there but have never gotten the chance to.

Unfortunately, by the time we arrived, there was an hour wait to be seated

and while we normally would have gladly waited that hour,

this time we had the kids with us and their tummies were grumbling.

And so we chose the less glamorous route and had lunch at the Yountville Deli instead.

Sandwiches and Cheetos, watermelon and cheese sticks.

Not exactly the Grilled Hangar Steak, pearl onion and wild mushroom ragout I would've had,

but it satisfied my littles and that's all that really matters.

It only means now we have a reason to go back, as if we really needed one.

After our lunch there was one treat we wouldn't pass up while in Napa.

We tried to have these beauties while in NYC but they sold out right as we reached the front of the line.

I'm talking about Nutter Butters.

I know, you're envisioning little peanut-shaped hard cookies from the market.

No, no, my friends, I am not talking about those.

I'm talking about THESE.

from the Bouchon Bakery.

There is always a line here at this bakery.

I couldn't see the kids waiting quietly there so while J stood in line and got our goodies

for us, the kids and I played & stretched their little legs in a little courtyard across the street...

The above photo was taken by Charlie. He is getting very good at this photography thing!

Our next adventure was driving another hour out of Napa to Santa Rosa.

There, is where I experienced my own little France.

I researched it and found that this winery, the Matanzas Creek Winery,

still had some fields of lavender that were late in blooming.

Normal blooming season is May and June.

The drive out there was trying. The windy mountain roads had us all a little queasy.

We saw a lot of this...

The second you step out of the car into that dry, hot air, you get infused with 

the heavenly scent of lavender flowers.

One part of my daydream came true.

There were flowers tucked behind ears, giggles, smiles and fields of lavender.

I was happy.

We then took the winding roads back to Napa to try to get some photos

in the vineyard at sunset.

"...and the wine is bottled poetry"

As the sun was setting, we drove to Taylor's Refresher to have dinner.

They enjoyed any time they could spend not sitting in a car. It's hard on them,

being still and strapped in and quiet for such long periods of time.

When they had the opportunity to run and stretch their legs, they definitely

took advantage of it.

Patiently awaiting our dinner...

Sharing between sisters

The Bleu Cheese burger and garlic fries were nothing short of amazing.

Seriously. As I post this photo, I drool.

I definitely recommend this place if you're in Napa Valley.

This picnic on the lawn was heaven for them.

Watching the Napa wine train go by...

A few tantrums came out of today. Why do they look so cute when they cry?

When the tears came, we knew it was time to get them home and

 let them unwind after such a busy day.

Our view of the city on the way back from Napa.

While we repacked all of our bags and the kids things, they made us crayon drawings

and had a really good time coloring together.

One of the best ways to keep little ones occupied and happy.

My kids love to create.

Our Milk & Cookies turn-down service each night...

What a great way to end a night.

France and I will meet someday.

I can assure you of that but for now, I have Napa.