Mexico Momma's Trip 2011

Night out at Xache. We went again. I could go back every night forever. SO BUENO!

I took relaxation seriously. I ended up printing an US magazine onto my torso.

Bikini Hour. Free "drinks" from 2-3 every day. I still kinda miss it!

Well, in between the lost post and now, I have had a birthday and celebrated in both Mexico and Chicago. I had an amazing time with 2 of my sweet girlfriends in Mexico. We danced, laughed, talked about kids, swam, ate guacamole, repeat. Ahh. I am still laughing from our fun times and wonderful memories made in Playa Del Carmen. I will post some oldie but goodies this weekend (I promise) from the last year that never seemed to make the blog. I only have a few Mexico pictures as they uploaded as a gif file? Hmmm. I have posted a few for you to view while I figure that all out...

It is March 30th (how'd this happen!?) and we are almost 2 months away from Ella's birthday. Can you believe our monkey will be 2?! We can't. She is so fun. I really love being with her. We chase each other and she demands that I act like "airpaaaannnne" and I more than oblige. She can be chased and play "airpppannne" for hours. She is really pushing her limits and ours but we are trying our best to show her who's boss. I fear that Scott will be the disciplinarian. I am not good when it comes to this sort of thing. I am trying to be better but who are we kidding? The dogs even know what's up and ignore everything I say unless there is a choke collar around their little furry necks. Seeing as how DCFS would be called to our house before we could say Chicago PD, I will opt to not explore this tactic on Ella D.

That's all for now, lovies. More pics to come this weekend.

xoxo

Northern California Getaway

Gramma's 30th dinner celebration. Our waiter wasn't excited about being a photographer.

Scott's and his parents at Gramma's bday dinner...Who do y'all think he looks like?

Sweet Alex. Almost 5! Where did the time go??

Blow out your candle!

Frightened Ella.

Carmel. Happiest place on earth.

Bliss. I don't know what flowers these are but they are so pretty....

Another view of the beach...

Ella went head first into the sand! She had a ball and her parents forgot a change of clothes. Lesson learned.

Me and my wonderful MIL.

Happy Ella.

So delicious!

I love this picture...

And this one...Gramma is showing Ella something but Ella's giving me her devil smile. Love it.

Me and Scotty + Golden Gate. Is there a better photo opp??

Ella and Daddy playing on Baker beach. She would not give me a smile. At. All.

We went into the city to see some SCU friends...We were able to meet 10 day old Lincoln, Nick and Yenny's little prince! Precious.

Don't they look so happy? They are a pretty family, huh?

Girl talk. Check out the view of the pacific from the Calabreses' pad!

Scott was SOO comfortable holding a newborn. He walked right up and scooped him up. After he sanitized, of course =) So funny how quickly you pick it back up....

Ella and Gramma lounging.

Trying on momma's glasses.

Downtown Sonoma....ahhhh!

Delicious place we ate dinner one of our 2 nights in Sonoma. SO GOOD!

Champagne flight at Domaine Carneros. Yummo...

Scotty outside of Domaine Carneros. So pretty!

Tasting at Etude.

If you squint, you can see the shrubs spell out the vineyard, Etude!

Tasting at Jarvis winery. My fave was the reserve, quite a deal at 185/bottle. Don't worry, daddy didn't spring for it.

Outside of Jarvis. Pretty impressive Cave winery! They don't turn a profit and the bottles START at like $100!?

Tasting some bubbly at Chandon. MY FAVE!

Yum.

The boys being silly.

Vineyards....

Cheers to us!

Our ride for the day!

We will be back!

Dinner in Sonoma at Estate.

First glass in Sonoma.

My girl, Jen. I am so thankful for Scott's introduction to her! She is the best and wish we could hang out more....love you mucho, Jen Bolger!

Boys at dinner. Cute.

Happy with her cousin, Alex.

Happy, california girl in the70's and sunshine!

Helping mommy pack before we left.

Well, we had an amazing trip back west to California. It was time. Time to leave the cold behind. Time to spend time with our sweet family. Time to get away, just the 2 of us to Sonoma, and have some fun. Unfortunately, the Francis Family Travel curse struck yet again and I ended up getting the worst cold! Body aches, fever, chills, etc. I was feeling so crummy the last night in Sonoma, of course!, but was so happy to have the time with Scott and hang out with the Bolgers. We had a blast. Out of all of the wineries, I think Scott and I liked Chandon the best. I am on a mission to find the Rose in the flight we tried at Binny's. So refreshing. So good. We had 7 hours in the limo but it flew right by! We couldn't believe it.

We headed back to Danville to see our family for the remainder of our time. It was so needed. Ella got to spend some time with her aunt Meg, cousing Alex, uncle Tom and Grams and Granpa. She ate it up. I wish we could give her time with her family more often =(

We have been back a week and it's 30's but sunny. Not quite the 60's and sun we left in California, but it's home and it's perfect for us right now. I was truly happy to be back in grey, snowy Chicago when we landed. Is that the feeling you have when you know you have made a place your home? I think I have it b/c we made our family here and it feels good to be back.

We are in town for the rest of the winter- woot- and hope to take is slow and easy. Our little bug turns 2 in 3 short months and this makes my heart beat fast. I want to treasure every single day before it's official that she's a little girl.

Hope all is well and that you are enjoying your time at home, wherever that might be..

xx,

Nicole