34 And Snow Boots

I bought my first pair of snow boots ever last month, right after we booked a cabin in Tahoe. Because Tahoe and snow boots, right? If not now, when?

It began as a trip to San Francisco to Dad 2.0, and I was so excited to bring Scott with me for his first official blogging conference. A few months ago we decided to tack on a few days and a visit to Napa/Sonoma. Then we got the opportunity to stay at a friend’s cabin in Tahoe, so we added a couple more days.

We left on February 18th, and got home 8 days later. We left the kids at our house with my saint of a mother.

Somewhere in the middle of all that, I turned 34.

On our way from San Francisco to Napa we stopped to get this cake (Vanilla Celebration Cake from Susie Cakes) that I had when I visited Stitch Fix last year. I’ve been dreaming of it since!

And then we drove up to the Muir Woods. When we parked, there was this little spot off to the side of the parking lot, and I was like, “You know what? I want a picture with my cake. Yeah. It’s my birthday and I want to take pictures in a forest with a cake.“ So I did.

Speaking of Stitch Fix, it’s basically all I wore the entire week. So nice to reach into my closet and have clothes I actually LOVE to choose from.

Of course, we didn’t walk through the whole forrest with my cake. Mostly because there’s no way I was going to risk something happening to my precious. Certainly not because I was above taking more pictures in a forest with a cake.

We dropped it off at the car and got in a quick photo walk before sunset.

The next day we spent in Napa, stayed at the River Terrace Inn (fantastic- GREAT deal on Travelocity) and took the Wine Trolley (also fantastic).

 

I really wanted to get some great shots to hang in the new house, so I was that crazy person taking pictures of every. thing. And no children. Such a change for me! The subjects totally cooperated.

That evening, we had dinner at the Oxbow market in Napa, which I’m obsessed with, and we stumbled upon the Napa Valley Distillery where we had a life-changing experience. WHOLE separate post about THAT (and video!) tomorrow!

Okay, so this whole time, from the drive out of San Francisco, we were cruising in our red Charger, which was like Scott’s teenage dream come true. It wasn’t planned. I booked us for a sensible Altima or similar, but they were out of the sensible cars and offered us a “free” upgrade (that wound up costing us $10 more in insurance/day, but whatever). Not the most practical vehicle for driving up the mountains and into Tahoe, but the good news is there was NO snow.

Which, of course because I bought brand new snow boots just for this trip. Sorry Tahoe!

Are you cringing at the cheese factor here? Ha!

Scott told me he had to take a picture in front of the red hot rod with his “hot girl” on the hood or his 17 year old self would be so disappointed. This is what grown people do when they have free time, I guess. Free time and wine and gin.

We are so easily amused.

Tahoe was a real jackpot for pictures. There was an amazing view just a short walk from our cabin.

I got to play around with my Lensbaby Spark for the first time, and was so happy with my very novice results.

I think I came away with plenty to print and hang.

Including this image of Venus and Mars over the tree line- a request from Scott.

We did go up to Northstar to walk around the ski village and then had a drink at the Ritz while watching people ski by. That and the gondola ride was as close as we needed to get to actual skiing this time, though I will say it looks like something that might be fun to try if we have more time to visit again.

And plus there was snow up there, so I felt very prepared with my snow boots.

Then we came back to Dallas and received 3 inches of snow, so I now call the snow boot purchase “totally justified.”

Look out, life! I’m 34 and now the proud, prepared owner of snow boots.