Daddy's Girl

I Obey GOD

Isaac is slowly learning how to control his terrible two temper tantrums.  Our little boy is growing up you could say.  But, there is one thing he still does when he's in one of his "moods" that I just have to write down for memory's sake.

This is how our conversations can often go:

Me: Isaac you need to come over here and sit down and eat your lunch.
Isaac: No.
Me: Did you hear what I said, you need to come over here right now.
Isaac: No I not!! I need to OBEY! (He usually emphasizes the word obey with great forcefulness.)

A year ago we began teaching him that it is important to obey mommy and daddy and that if he doesn't obey consequences happen if you know what I mean. 

And here's how our conversation went a few days ago.

Me: Isaac, go clean up your cars.
Isaac: No!
Me:  You need to change your attitude, be happy, and clean up your mess.
Isaac: No!  I need to OBEY!  I need to obey...GOD!

And suddenly, using his perfect two year old whiny voice, he says,
"I want God to come to Mommy's house... I want God....I want him"

Oh, this child keeps me smiling.  Even when he's whiny. Well, sometimes.:)

He also knows how to keep another girl laughing throughout the day...
.

Constantly.

And speaking of this little girl, she continues to enjoy the world around her.

I can't believe she will be five months old in a week.  I thought I just gave birth to her...
She reminds me so much of Isaac in a lot of ways and not just in looks. 

I went to Bible Study this morning and as I picked Savannah up from the nursery on my way out the sweet nursery worker said to me, "she sure likes to talk a lot doesn't she."  Where as I quickly responded with, "you haven't met my son have you?"
Hmmm...I don't really consider Savannah to be a big talker.  Let's face it, her brother talks enough for all of us.  But I guess I have to face the reality that I may have TWO big talkers in the house one day soon.

Lord, help me.

No really...help me.

Oh I'm just kidding with ya.  I love talkers, really I do. :)

Let's just hope it doesn't include conversations about tractors, trucks, cars, or balls.  I need more girly in my life. :)

I love my little stinker.

 

Napa

When thinking back on our time in Napa one word comes to mind.

GORGEOUS!!!!

Truly, in every sense of the word.  We rented a car with the Householders on Monday morning and took the hour long trek to the valley in which we planned to stop at three individual wineries.

The first wine tasting property we witnessed was actually a champagne brewery, if brewery is what you even call it.  The estate overlooked a magnificent view of the valley below.

 Savannah was particularly fussy this morning which is so unlike her.  We predicted it was an upset stomach due to the spicey, but oh so yummy, chinese food I ate the night before.  Sure won't do that again.  Because of her fussiness I didn't participate in the 90 minute tour but allowed Steven to go without me.  I really didn't mind at all.  The view from my stroller walk was splendid.

 

Napa really is what you would imagine it to be.  Rows and rows of grape vines dotting the horizon.

After the champagne tour we traveled to our next winery, Ladera.  By this time Savannah was feeling much better, we ate lunch on the way there, and the day continued to get more and more beautiful.  This winery was located more in the mountains of Napa and had spectacular views.  We were the only people at this wine tasting so we had the place all to ourselves.


It was built in the 1800's and I could have seriously stayed there the entire day.

 

Yep, baby in a bjorn while we wine taste.  That's how we roll. ;)

Don't let Savannah fool you, she enjoyed our tour too. 

Our guide knew more than I could ever want to know about wine and used words like "stoked" and "I'm glad you dig it."  Hmmm, he did mention he was from Florida...

They had just collected the grapes that day and put them in these giant metal pots.

I was tempted to jump in and squash them with my toesies.

Our surfin' tour guide even showed us around the underground cave system where all the wine is kept in these beautiful french oak barrels.  I think he said each barrel is around $2000.  Say what!?

He even allowed us to drink wine straight from the barrel.  Not really my cup of tea...I mean, cup of wine...but it was a neat experience nonetheless.

Lastly we toured a bit of the grounds.

I sure didn't want to leave, but leave we must.  By the time we got to our third and final stop I was so glad we did.  It was one of my favorites by far.  White Rock Vineyard and Winery.
We were greeted at the gate by a very tall, thin, older French man.  He was the owner of this particular vineyard and treated it with the utmost respect and passion.  As Steven said when we left, he talked about his wine as if it was his lover. Ha.

He first took us to his crop and showed us the gorgeous grapes he planted thirty years ago.  It took 7 years for the vines to produce even their first grape.

We even got to taste a grape off the vine and it was pure delicious sweetness.  I was sure to steal a few more when he wasn't looking.

There was an archaic grape smasher/juicer, along with his professional ones, that he still uses to make wine.

Looks very medieval doesn't it.

Speaking of olden days, cute Frenchman created a beautiful cave system for wine storage.

Here is the adorable owner himself, the Wizard of Wine we called him. 

I was so proud of my husband that day.  As we left the winery Steven made a remark that pleasantly surprised me as he said the owner reminded him of Dumbledore from Harry Potter.  I had to laugh as yes, he did remind me of a Dumbledore and hence the name the Wizard of Wine was born.  Steven has a tendency to make fun of all things Harry Potter so for him to make this connection was a key step in the right direction for Potter love.

I'll get you to read Harry Potter yet, Steven.

You can take that to the bank...I mean Gringotts.


We left as the sun was setting over the hills...

It made for quite the romantic setting...

And we made a few more attempts at pictures.

Steven was pretty sick of me taking pictures by this point so his smile was severly lacking.
I chose to tickle his side in this next one knowing he would perk up immediately.
However, it just looked like he was attempting the skinny arm pose and working those hands on his hips.

Love it.  Although he didn't. ;)


Over the past few days Steven and I have reminisced of our time on the Western Shore.  Like I said before, San Francicso is a must see city.  There is so much to do and see and not to mention resteraunts that are out of this world good.  As Steven said one could walk out of their hotel wearing a bra and panties and no one would give a second glance. Ha.  Tis true, the people are so unique and eclectic.  We loved it.

One day in Napa was definitely not enough but we made the most of the time we were given.  The scenery is breathtaking and the laid back spirit of the area sets this place apart from the fast paced City only an hour away.

As we looked back at pictures of the Valley Steven reminded me of the perfect scripture from our journey.
John 15 says...

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful...No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

What a beautiful reminder.

I hope you've enjoyed these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.  It's always so refreshing to have beautiful scenery to photograph.  I've still got A LOT to learn but it was never boring.  I'm really longing for a good wide angle lens these days...  Oh well, guess I'll have to wait until Christmas.


Enjoy your weekend Folks!