For the very first time in over 2-years, Paul and I went away for the weekend...by ourselves!!
My Aunt Kathy, who is actually a professional nanny/childcare provider, had offered her "expertise" when the girls were first born for such an occasion. 17-months later, we finally took her up on it.
This allowed Paul and I a chance to run up to the wine country for a modest but well-deserved birthday/anniversary celebration. Without the stresses of the house remodel or the girls, we got to take naps, watch 10-thousand movies in our room and hold hands while walking to dinner.
Most people warned me: "You'll be gone, but you'll be constantly worrying about the girls and will be calling home all the time." Didn't happen to us; we were talking about them often, but only once did we call to make sure everything was alright.
After an intimate Saturday, we woke up Sunday and visited Domaine Chandon, one of the more popular Champagne cellars in the area. We did a small reserve tasting, but most just took in the beautiful grounds. We got married just 10 miles up the road in St. Helena 4 years prior. I always love seeing the wine country decorated in reds and yellows.
After our tasting, we met up with some colleagues of Paul's from work for a "business" lunch; really just an excuse to entertain and treat themselves to a very fancy lunch. We met at The French Laundry in Yountville - very hoity-toity. People fly from all around the world to eat here - it's one of the most famous restaurants in the country and certainly the most famous in Northern California. Ridiculous prices, but an experience that you'll remember for the rest of your life. Too bad the image of the bill sears itself stronger into the memory than the 4-hours of luscious food and pampering waitstaff.
Anyhow, all was quiet and good as we pulled up Sunday night, proving that the girls can survive 36-hours with someone besides ourselves caring for all their needs. Good to remember for next year's anniversary!!
