On the road again...

On my 7th night in a hotel I thought I'd kill some time recapping our last few days in California before we arrived in Baltimore this past Saturday. All in all, for a cross country move I don't know if the move out process could've been any smoother. Here's hoping the move in process goes just as smooth!

Saying goodbye to some of the girlfriends that I so much enjoyed getting to know while in Sacramento

A candlelit wine tasting in the caves of the Schramsberg Winery- behind those candles is a wall of wine bottles with wine that ages right there at least 2 years- I asked and there are about 75 rows deep of bottles set up just like that behind that one you see here. The Schramsberg Winery is the 2nd oldest winery in Napa Valley and their Crement Sparkling Wine is the preferred dessert wine of the White House :)

Enjoying Schramsberg with The Ferraro's - a definite MUST if visiting the Napa area

Lizzy and I secretly planning a trip to Napa every year

Back to where we had lunch for the first time in Napa- Rutherford Grill, a favorite!!

Lauren and Mike quickly learned why we love it so much

We were a little nervous about random people packing up all of our stuff, but that worry quickly subsided when we saw how fast they packed. This living room and dining room was packed up in about 1.5 hours

The rest of the downstairs including the den, library and kitchen was packed up within the next 2 hours on Day 1. AND each box had a numbered sticker with every item inventoried as to what was in each box.

The entire upstairs including 3 bedrooms and Whit's office was packed up within 3 hours on day 2

The huge 18 wheeler truck arrived promptly at 8am on Day 3- ready to load!!

Supervising- but trying not to get in the way

We were super curious about how all of this was going to get organized in that truck since somehow they also had 3 other moves to put in there- all going to the East Coast

The driver was happy to show me how he does it...it's like a jigsaw puzzle - they literally do not leave any space open - there are about 10 other rows just like that behind this one

Whit in the midst of telling me how many shoes and clothes I need to get rid of after he saw how many wardrobe boxes there were....whoops!!

The truck is gone - About to enjoy one more sunset from the park across the street from our house

One last moment at our first home together - a very bittersweet time as we start a new chapter

Once the truck was off with our stuff we spent a few days at the Residence Inn with Henley in Sacramento. I indulged in a massage one day, I deserved it, right? Whit did some work from the hotel and we enjoyed several awesome meals at some of our favorite places that we had found over the past few years. But most importantly we spent some good time with those that we will miss. Especially The Ferraro's...let's just say it took Lauren and I two days to say good-bye. I'll have to say, not being 15 minutes away from her will be a hard adjustment for me. But we're looking forward to hopefully celebrating our 30th birthday together somewhere exciting! Plans in the making...

Things we'll miss in California- Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, weather, more restaurants than we could ever begin to try, fresh produce, our house, Lauren/Mike, palm trees, the cliffs over the Pacific Ocean (so different than the Gulf and Atlantic), the airport (we love the Sac airport!!), all the outdoor activities and festivals, and of course we never took advantage of being a hop, skip, and a jump away from Hawaii. 

Starting at 4:30 am on Saturday with this little guy trapped in his carrier ----- (who was a complete angel)

We made the haul across to the East Coast. With a layover in Phoenix and about 7 hours in the air, then another 1 hour in the car, we made it to Baltimore! Fun times to come. 

A Real Life Angel

I am sure most of you have heard of a sweet woman that graced the doors of my office a few months before the wedding. Josephine Mancini. Long story short, she is a retired woman who walks in the park, where I have worked in Sacramento, on a daily basis. One day she appeared in my office and wanted to know more about what we did at our Foundation. After a lengthy discussion and chat that first meeting, I knew she was someone special. (You might recall more of that first meeting from the ministers story in our wedding ceremony and in a speech at the rehearsal dinner). Later, I come to find out she had our wedding date in her calendar and had been praying for our happiness.

Then, shortly after the wedding she came back to see how it went...we shared stories, pictures, words of wisdom and more. She left and I was sick I hadn't gotten her address. Low and behold when she had been in there the day before she lost an earring so she came in to see if we had it. I was then able to get her address and phone number so I could assure we stayed in touch. Often I find myself looking out our office window to see if I would see her walking or hoping she would walk in the door. So, as I was packing up my office yesterday I couldn't help but be sad that I may never see Josephine again...I even stayed later than normal at work just in case she decided to stop by as she normally came late in the afternoon. However, no sign of her and I left.

Today, my last day at work, I was only working a 1/2 day as Whit was flying back from Baltimore and I wanted to get home and spend time with him, and well, uh we have a lot to do before we move next week. Well, literally as I am walking out the door with my things the door opens and it's Josephine!!! I couldn't believe it. She saw me with my things in my hand and my desk cleared out and all my pictures down and immediately teared up. She thought I had been fired. I assured her that Whit had gotten a great new job and we were moving to Maryland. The tears really started flowing and she spent a few minutes telling me how much my kindness has meant to her and, as she often does, told me a few stories from her past and shared some very valuable advice. She promised me she would continuing praying for us and think of me often. We promised to stay in touch.

As I was driving home, it dawned on me that I would never see her sweet face or that glow she seemed to have about her. I should've gotten a picture!!!! Well, I turned the car around and  knew the apartment complex she lived in so I drove straight there...all while thinking how in the world am I going to find her. As I am driving around the parking lot I see her sitting on a bench with another older couple. YES!!! As I approached her, she yelped with joy and said to her friends "This is the angel I have been telling you about!!!" and then went on to formally introduce me to her friends, who of course already knew about the wedding and about us moving to Baltimore. She definitely didn't waste any time telling them. I told her I came back to find her so we could get a picture and she was overjoyed and made me promise to send her a copy. With tears in her eyes, she said she's often thought I was an angel sent to remind her there are kind people in this world. Now with tears in my eyes, I told her I know she was angel sent to watch over me in California. She always appeared right at the exact time that I needed her to.  I don't think anything with Josephine is by accident.

My angel, Josephine

The Kitchen Restaurant

We were surprised with the most amazing wedding gift from my dear sister, Lauren and her husband Mike...a gift certificate to a restaurant here in Sacramento that we had been dying to go to and never really thought we'd be able to go. The Kitchen Restaurant. It's been rated in the Top 100 restaurants in the country. Each month the menu changes and they only take 50 people in the whole restaurant for a 7:00pm reservation. We called 3 days after the 11.3.12 wedding and weren't able to get in until 01.11.13. Now we know why!

When you first get there they let you walk around the whole restaurant including back in the kitchen as they are prepping and getting ready for dinner. They answer questions about what they are doing and even let you taste a few things if you want.

  We enjoyed walking into the walk in fridges and freezers to see what kids of products, etc they were using. And Whit especially like looking through their spice collection. No McCormick though, said they use all fresh.                                                        

We literally had the best seats in the house. Front and center right in front of the main stove and preparation area.

       

             Ready to stuff our faces



Order of Events!


Introducing the crowd to what we were about to eat for the first course. 


Buttered Main Lobster with Puff Pastry, Taragon, Celery Heart, Marscapone

Putting the finishing touches on the Guinea Hen Pot Pie with parsnip, onion, potato, and gravy

Sadly, I didn't get any photos of our sushi course outside on the patio. So use your imagination :)

Head Chef explaining the Wagyu Beef Tenderloin. This stuff was the best meat we'd ever eaten. 

Wagyu Beef Tenderloin with mushrooms, pork jowl, black truffle, cheesy potatoes, and cabernet

Dessert!! Orange Custard Cake with chocolate, walnut, raspberry sorbet, and creme ice cream

It was a 4.5 hour dining experience we'll never forget. Thank you Lauren and Mike for a very memorable evening!

And we're live! When I moved to California over 2 years I promised myself and a few others I would keep a blog to document my journey and all the adventures we would have on the West Coast. Well, clearly that didn't happen. So, now that we are moving to the East Coast I decided to keep my promise...just two years late!

Yep, I said it. We're moving again. Leaving California and headed East to Maryland. Right outside Baltimore to be exact. Whit has been offered a position at his company headquarters there and it's a great opportunity for him and our future. We are looking forward to another adventure and of course I am very proud of Whit and all his hard work. But, I'd be lying if I failed to mention how much we are going to miss California. So as we are preparing to pack up the life we have started out here, I thought it would be fitting to document some of our favorite moments of living out in California. Enjoy! (Warning: Recapping 2 years=a lot of photos!)

Exploring our new surroundings

Our first visitors...Andrew and Christy Bryan! Thanks to Christy for taking such wonderful pictures (see below) as we were showing them around California for the first time. 

Napa Valley vineyards before blooming season

Golden Gate Bridge

More vineyards

Our love for Napa Valley and wine was beginning early on...

Trip down to Newport Beach

Living Large in Orange County, CA

Sunset in Newport Beach

Dinner on the Beach

Moved into our first home together...and Henley felt right at home!

Kliman came to visit...went to watch the World Series Champs the SF Giants play at AT&T park

Always have to take visitors over the Golden Gate Bridge

Showing Kliman the CA State Capitol

Shaking oranges out of the Capitol trees for a mid-afternoon snack

In the CA State Rose Garden

Happy 28th Birthday to me! (aboard the Delta King for a dinner and dancing cruise on the Sacramento River)

Another visitor!!! Sharing a Ghiradelli sundae with Sweet Angie :)

A trip to San Fran isn't complete without hopping on a trolley car

Lounging in a San Fran park waiting for Angie to get done at Alcatrax

Old sweet friends, Missy and Angie, meeting all the way on the West Coast for dinner in San Francisco. 

A day I'll never forget...segway tour in San Francisco 

In front of the Painted Ladies, aka "The Full House" house

Showing Angie why Napa Valley is so wonderful

4th of July dinner with Lauren and Mike on the river

Not really part of our California adventures, but definitely a big event in our lives...07/23/11 Mr. and Mrs. Robinson!

Contemplating his last birthday in his 20's before we ride off on horses

Happy 29th Birthday, Whit! Spent the day horseback riding  around Lake Tahoe

Whit got the slow horse

A little R & R on Lake Tahoe after a LONG day of horseback riding

Grant and Houston came to visit!! Fun night out in San Francisco 

And of course we took them wine tasting in Napa Valley :)

In front of Domaine Carneros (one of our staples when visiting Napa)

Showing them around Sacramento with a stop in front of the Capitol 

JenJen, Granddaddy, Susan, and David came to visit. Back to Napa we go!!

A picnic stop in between our wine tastings

Aboard the gondola to head up to Sterling Vineyards

View over Napa from the top of Sterling Vineyards

Touring the wine storage areas

Wishing we could do this every weekend...

Our last stop for the wine tour. A day we'll always remember!

Cheering on the Vols for my first time on the West Coast. 

Headed home for our 10-year reunion. Class of 2001!

A trip to Nashville in the fall wouldn't be complete without going to cheer on the Vols. Whit with his SigEp brothers. 

The Baltimore crew came for a visit and we enjoyed a limo wine tour through Napa and Sonoma

Michelle, Ashley, and me atop Gloria Ferrar vineyards

Celebrating a new job for me and a promotion for Whit

A day at Apple Hill Orchards 

Mom's first visit to San Francisco!

Mom and David came to visit all of us for Thanksgiving 

Showing them how beautiful CA is during the fall

No Black Friday shopping for us...We opted for Black Friday wine tasting! 

My surprise trip to Napa. Kuleto Vineyards overlooking Lake Berryessa.

Our first wine cave tour. Jarvis Winery. 

Joseph Phelps Vineyards- Whit's perfect plan B for the surprise trip 

Our view for the day- private picnic and wine tasting

I said Yes...finally!!

Our first Christmas in our first home 

Enjoying our own Christmas before heading home to be with our friends and family

2012!!!! (half way done...I can't believe you're still looking at these)

Welcome to the world, Jack Henry Dalton- January 24, 2012 

So alert and precious- Henry is the best baby. 

Trip down to San Diego- Petco Park (Home of the San Diego Padres)

Torey Pines National Park Hang Glider Cliff Jumping

Enjoying the coast

Walked right out onto Torey Pines Golf Course- dream come true for Whit 

Beach at Coronado Island

Our favorite monkeys at the San Diego Zoo

Spending the day with our dear friend, Jed on the cliffs in San Diego

Starting our batch of wine at Vitner's Cellar 

The perfectionist making sure it's mixed up well

First step of wine making completed...many to go!!

Andy came to visit. Touring Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico, CA

We took another trip to San Diego to meet Houston

Back in Nashville for my Bridal Shower hosted by Hilary, Angie, and Jenny. 

Felt so much love from old friends- Whitney, Diana, and Emily

Stopped by FRA for an engagement session

Loved going back to our old stomping grounds

Under the bleachers where we watched Whit play many baseball games

Home is where the heart is!

Sweet friends treated me to a weekend at the lake in Birmingham, AL 

My favorite tubing partner, Susan T

My one-millionth attempt at water skiing

I had to sneak a quick pic of my adorable nieces and nephews here- Summer 2012!

Filling the bottles with our personally made wine

Corking the bottles!

Labeling each bottle by hand- Getting them ready for our rehearsal dinner guests

The wine label we chose

The Dulins came to visit!! Go Rivercats!!

Whit's parents surprised him with his first Waterford piece for this 30th birthday

My present to Whit- 30 presents, 1 for each day until his 30th Birthday

Nearing the end of his 30 days...

Impromptu trip to Lake Tahoe- early birthday dinner at Christy Hill Restaurant 

Birthday Dinner at Mulvaney's in Sacramento 

My favorite 30 year old

A day trip to Napa...it had been a while!

Our favorite flower girls at the Tailgate Shower hosted at the Martindale home

And of course more love from our closest friends

Everyone cheering on the Vols at the shower

Not sure if there could be more orange than there is in this photo. They sure know how to dress for Vol games!

Bachelorette Weekend in Napa Valley 

The most perfect house for the weekend 

The view we got to wake up to each day- Villa Tuscamedi House

Showing Lauren and Jenny the spot Whit proposed- Lauren did a great job planning everything!!!

So grateful Jenny made the trip all the way out California

Whit and Henry bonding before he flew back to TN

The wedding weekend begins! Getting the marriage license. 

Officially feeling like a bride with some of my favorite girls surrounding me 

Loved being able to treat my bridesmaids to goodies

Almost my new sister!!!

One of our favorite things to do together...I love my Lizzy!

Thank you to my mom for throwing the best Bridesmaids party ...she went above and beyond!

Our closet friends with us at the Rehearsal Dinner

Thank you to The Dulins for throwing us the most spectacular Rehearsal Dinner

I love my sisters!

So ready to get married

My lovely ladies all ready to head to the chapel

You may now kiss your bride!!

Mr. and Mrs. Whit Dulin- 11.3.12

Perfect ending to a perfect day. Dream come true. 

Thank you to JenJen and Granddady for hosting such a nice breakfast the next day

The California Crew...the twins and their men

A little post wedding family football game

First married date night...downtown Nashville, enjoying the city before flying back to CA

First night of the honeymoon

Excellence, Playa Mujeres

View from our roof top deck

A very windy private beach dinner

Every afternoon included a nap in the bed on the roof

Followed by some relaxation in the hottub on the roof

Enjoying long walks down the beach

Time to say goodbye...one last meal before heading to the airport

Happy to be home for Christmas!

The Dulins and The Robinsons

Christmas at the lakehouse in Camden...loving my new family!

"Married" Christmas

It's definitely Christmas at the Dalton household

Happy to get my hands on little Henry...he's growing so fast

Whit and his buddy, Mia- these two are inseparable

And to see how we finished up our 2012 year...2 videos for your enjoyment below

SO there's the Dirt on the Dulins for 2011 and 2012. I can't wait to see what is in store in 2013...East Coast here we come!!!!!!!!!!