Two Years (a little late), Part 1.

Our anniversary was over a week ago. Two years. Lucky for us being back in SF, we were able to sneak away for the weekend to wine country. We went further north this time, a little past Sonoma. However, there were still plenty of wineries to enjoy, and what was even better was that many of them were free! Can't beat that.

We drove up on Saturday (the 18th) and made a stop in Point Reyes Station to go to Cowgirl Creamery. We split a cheese plate and it was delicious! I was slightly disappointed though, because I was under the impression (based on their website) that you could watch them making the cheese. And, sadly, there was no cheese making to be seen. But, still a detour worth making.

From there we made our way to Geyserville, CA, which is a small, small town. We tossed our stuff in the hotel room and decided to try out the town's numerous tasting rooms, all nicely located in "downtown." Did I mention they were all free? Wonderful! Our favorite was Meeker. We seriously contemplated joining up for their wine club. We liked almost all the wines we tried. And the tasting room was an old bank, complete with vault and cute, wooden teller windows. We took one of the wines we purchased next door to Catelli's Italian Restaurant and enjoyed a no corkage fee for bringing a locally grown wine. The food was surprisingly wonderful, definitely won best of the trip in my mind.

I was up at the crack of dawn the next morning (for who knows why), so I dragged Micah to the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic!

This was the first balloon that we saw make it off the ground.

It was impressive. I don't think I've ever been that close to a hot air balloon taking off, at least not that I remember. In fact, I was a little concerned for people that kept getting closer and closer. Parents that would carry their children up to the balloon, close enough for them to touch it. I mean, we are talking about a balloon that is being filled with cold air, then blasted with fire, you want your children that close?

All the balloons had distinct names.

Here's Bob's Cat (I just noticed that you can see the moon in this picture!)

This one is Sushi (it was my favorite)

When it got off the ground, it just kinda turned around

and swam off.

Planet Earth was also a big hit, although by the time it got a chance to get off the ground, it was too windy to do so. Poor Planet Earth.

A couple of my favorite pictures I actually took on my phone. This one

and this one

And to think, all this balloon watching occurred before 9am! We went to breakfast right after and it was by far the worse breakfast I've ever partially consumed in my ENTIRE life. If you're ever in the area, steer clear from Singletree Cafe (I don't even know how it has 3 & 1/2 stars!).

Oh well, at least the day started off right!