just a couple a lucys...

A couple of weekends ago, my parents along with Tison, and I experienced our first couples date together. A first of many to come I'm sure. We piled in mom's car and hit the road toward East Texas. On the west side of Marshall in Harleton, Texas lies a vineyard named Enoch's Stomp where acres upon acres of rolling hills are covered with grapes on the vine. I'm awfully glad this fifth generation grape grower found his way from South Africa to America. The evening was filled with wine tasting, dinner, grape stomping, and vineyard touring. It was extremely hot, especially after Mom and I completed the grape stomping competition, but the atmosphere reminded me of A Walk in the Clouds.  Remember that one?

My coworker and friend Katie and her roommate Britney met us there.

After dinner the grape stomping competition began. My mom and I split the 10 minute stomp in two. I can tell you, it is a real workout stomping for 5 minutes straight. and don't get me started on the pressure! Mom and I are competitive!

I really thought we had it, but alas. Someone out stomped us. Isn't the color of that grape juice disgusting? Who wants a glass?

There was some confusion with the purchasing of our tickets, but when Dad upgraded Mom and I, a perk was getting t-shirts! Thanks, Dad. (even though you called me and Mom a couple of Lucy's)

All in all, it was a wonderful first date with my parents. ;)

after ballooning...

{Saturday: birthday weekend}

I was up so early for my ballooning adventure on Saturday that I wasn't even sure what to do with myself at 7:45 am when I was done. I went and had coffee with my parents, then met with Chessi and Stafford for a champagne breakfast. We picked up Another Broken Egg to-go, played with Stafford, and did some yoga. {my hamstrings are STILL sore!}

He is such a ham ;) After I left Chessi's house, Lauren and I went to Hollywood Nails in Pierremont Mall for pedicures. The electricity when out in the middle of it, leaving the massage chair punching into my back and my feet in cold water, but my toes look pretty in purple! When I got home, Tison asked me what I wanted to do for the evening and "lasagna" burst out of my mouth. Soon we were on the way to the store to get ingredients for homemade lasagna and a bottle of wine, of course.

Blame it on my age or on my early wake up call, but a tv tray with my favorite dish and complete control of the remote is my idea of a good night.

Thanks for the excellent service, Tison. Dinner was delicioso! Do you like my outfit? Fancy, right! And yes, I have Strawberry Abita in my hand and wine on my tray. After all, it was my birthday weekend!

red red wiiiiiiine...

I met up with one of my favorite people last night at Frescos to break bread and share a few glasses of wine. It has been too long since I have seen my friend Chessi and her brand spankin' new baby boy, Stafford. We had so much fun on the patio that we decided not to leave until they kicked us out. Our waitress was all but mopping the floor to let us know they were not closing, but CLOSED. It was unintentional, honest. Chessi and I were just enjoying our conversation so much. It is one of the coolest things to watch your friends (and sister) playing/being mommy. I love watching their life completely transform into something new- that  revolves around that little bundle of wonder. It is beautiful. 

This chicken florentine pizza and I have a love-hate relationship. I'll just say it's so delicious, I can't even help myself. Aaaand have you heard of Dave Matthews wine, The Dreaming Tree? mmmmm...perfection. No excuses now. Go get some this weekend.

"I make wines for people to drink. I don't make wines for people to put in their cellar."

 - Steve Reeder on wine