Wine & Happiness

Every day we do what we have to do. We get up, feed the babies, make lunches,

find lost shoes, lick our fingers to smooth down stray cowlicks, breakfasts, snacks, diaper changes,

read books, do laundry, pay bills, dance class, play dates, baths, blog, homework, cuddles, discipline...

and that's just on Monday. I'm breathless just listing it all.

Amidst the every day craziness, amidst the millions of things that run through my head,

amidst the to-do lists, there is always a need for some time away. To recharge, reconnect and recuperate.

It makes us better at what we do: try to raise good, kind, smart people.

When the opportunity arose for Eric & me to go celebrate my little sister's 30th birthday in Temecula

with most of my family and some old friends, we were so excited to go.
We haven't had the chance to go on a trip, just us, without kids, for a little while.

Jaclyne graciously took the babies so I didn't even need to think twice about

whether or not they'd be well-taken care of. She loves them like they're hers.

I love vineyards. I love the rows of grapevines, the hills, the jazz bands,

the happiness that exudes from everyone
(probably because they're all a bit tipsy)
...swishing the wine around your glass, feeling like you're an old pro because you know about the
"legs" that signify a full-bodied wine, letting it wet your lips a little, and then the burst of flavor.



I love the quaint towns in wine countries. They house antique stores and soap shops. They're home to

wooden sidewalks and 80 year old breakfast joints that serve short stacks and kick ass chili omelet.

I love it all.

It certainly isn't Napa, but I'll take a little weekend trip here, any time.

 

What I love the most though, is coming home to my sweet babies who run

as fast as their little legs can carry them when they see me and throw themselves into

my arms and then squish their beautiful faces into my neck. The whispers of mommy into my

ear makes going away worth it, if only for the overwhelming welcome when you return.

Since my return, I get a lovely reminder of our trip every time I wash my hands at the kitchen sink.

Lemon-lavender soap. Heaven.