Visiting Brook in CA

I went to northern CA to visit Brook for 3 days last month. It was my first 'fun' trip without the boys since Leo was born. I had been away from Leo for 2 work trips. It was hard to leave but also so nice to spend some baby-free time with a great friend. We had a great time, fit in so much. Grape smashing (Brook lives on a grape farm), farmer's market, pedicure, walk in the red woods. Then we went to Mendocino and kayaked in Big River and watched the sunset over the ocean. Also hit the Mendocino Botanical Gardens. Dave and Leo had a fun weekend in Delta Junction with the Masons (pictures to come) while I was gone.

I learned several things on this trip: Dave and Leo are fine without me, it's OK to take some baby-free time to spend with friends, and I miss that time with friends. But I also missed my boys terribly! It was a good amount of time to be away.

Brook! Fairbanks misses you so much! It was great to see you thriving in the sun and warmth. I'm starting to think that I could live in northern CA...

Albino red wood

Crazy beach bums on the beach in Mendocino

Nap on the beach

Dahlia garden at the botanical gardens

Fall colors were amazing

Kayaking and birding in Big River

We saw 3 river otters, they saw two wigged kayakers

Smashing grapes

Mendocino coast

Redwoods

These trees are huge. Something magical about these forests.

The BEST roasted brussels sprouts EVER

XOXO