Its the weekend

Saturday morning and what's on the docket?  A trip to old town Sacramento to link up with a buddie of Farrah's from her days in NC.  Lauren is here on a girls weekend doing some wine tasting and touring Napa.  Her and her buddies met up with our crazy crew for lunch at a Brothel.  Nice choice right?  At least we didn't have to 'work' for lunch

So maybe we didn't work for our lunch, but I'm guessing the lady in the picture above us did....

The kids did great while the ladies caught up.  They played poker (as you can see here) and I even indulged them in a great game of arcade golf.  Either way, I love and am fortunate for how well they just come along

It took some coaxing for Tate and Nick to get close to this guy at the bar....  He has been there for quite a while.

This part of the city had great flavor.  Wide board walk side walks.  Beautiful store fronts.  So glad we got to soak it all in 

I love this photo of these three almost as much as i love these 3.  We were just commenting at how well they play together.  Nick and Tate can really play for hours without a discouraging word - actually in the week I have been here I haven't heard a single one.  Macy loves to join in and every so often ruffle a few feathers - but nothing out of the norm for a younger sister.  The other day Nick went to Macy's kind to pick her up.  Macy was so excited and by passed Farrah to get a big hug to Nick.  Farrah just smiled saying - its her big brother's best friend - so that is totally expected.  But Oh How I love that.

Talk about maxing out the Cosco cart....  this is the ONLY way to keep your bill under $200.  We only managed to grab 2 bottles of wine

That night my Aunt and Uncle who live in Pleasantan CA drove an hour to meet us for dinner.  Honestly I cannot believe how time flies, but I hadn't seen them in 4 years.  It was wonderful to catch up and send hugs.  Nick and Drew weren't on their best behavior, but I can't expect everything right?  At least they were for this photo =)  But I am so lucky that family will make that extra step for a hug.  love them!

Nick Drew and I came home that night to Mr. Brian!!  He finally returned from his training in Hawaii (yes, the Airforce is the best!)  He was happy to be bombarded by hugs and to read the bedtime story (from Hawaii) for the evening.  Farrah and I can surely hold down the fort, but its nice to have the man of the house back!

With Brian leading the charge our adventures our getting bigger.  Sunday morning we enjoyed a wonderful family morning at their church.  Fabulous pastor, great music - what a perfect way to start the day.  Next a tour through the BEAUTIFUL rolling hills of California.  Looks like Drew is ready!

Now lets hit the road -  Point Reyes Station - its known for its lighthouse along the beach, but the idea of taking the 4 kids to the beach was NOT the idea of fun for Farrah and Sara (sorry Diane) so to a yummy burger joint instead.  More our speed.  All the meat (goat, lamb and beef) was 'grown' right there.  The kids didn't make friends with it, they really just ate it.  But sitting out at the table was perfect

Fabulous lunch.  Brian found this little 'diamond in the rough' when he was out hiking with his sister a while back.

We walked through the 'rippie' (rich hippie) town of point Reyes

At the end we found this cute little playground.  Of all the playgrounds we have toured through Europe, I would say this was the smallest (the one at the belguim monastery being my all time favorite).  Therefore after only about 10 minutes of playing, the kids really didn't protest when we said it was time to leave. 

Matter of fact, when we all got in the car, Tate chimed up - 'are we going wine tasting now?'  seriously, can I love that kid more?  Well, this is why they loved it so much.  They had free reign to the iPhones (a luxury to the McCullough/Leadbetter kids) to keep them entertained while.....

The rest of us got to do this!  They had 5 different flavors of Port wine.  I had no idea it could be so different.  From Chocolate to sweet to hazelnut.  They even do the grape stomping for a few of varieties in the room we were standing in.  After the final tasting I opted for their wine to be the first delivery to our new home!  Happy house warming from CA.

They also sold a local wine for a fabulous price - but really, we just loved the label.

Cheers to a simply perfect weekend.  Thanks to Farrah for Orchestrating it and for Brian for coming home after several weeks of training and diving right into tourist stuff.

with the stress of the move (if you can believe it, our stuff hasn't been confirmed as to leaving germany yet, our landlady is reaching havoc in the security deposit arena, and often times life just feels overwhelming and if I were to stop and think of it, it may just bring me to tears)  I am thankful that my husband knew during this time of uncertainty - being able to be in the homes of our closest friends would be the best place for us.  Thank you honey for letting me swipe 2 of our boys and separate from you for a bit.  We have had countless phone calls for logistics schools etc...  But every time I put down the phone I am in my friends home - the best place I could imagine right now.

so I will leave you with 2 pictures of serenity - can you believe I took this while driving?  I mean, I was in the back seat, but the car was moving!

this picture is serenity because the kids smell SO good!!

Thank you a million times over for the McCulloughs wanting us to spend so much time with them.  To Chris - we are in good hands but cannot wait for you to join us next weekend.

with love from both families.