Kansas comes to Cali

Living in California has its perks, one of which is that people love to come visit! In February, my dad bought my mom a ticket to come see me!  He got a great price on a ticket from Kansas City to Santa Barbara, and it was quite a pleasant change to go from a snow storm in Kansas to blooming roses in California. I picked her up at the airport and we headed to Monticito for a mani/pedi at Shine Blow Dry Bar. We picked out a pretty pink and they got to work! We were given a cupcake and glass of champagne to top off our experience there!

After  that we headed home and made some homemade pizza  and snuggled with Millie. The next day we had reservations for a tour of a winery in Solvang. Rideau Winery is a vinyard that offers tours and tastings year round. Its a beautiful estate, unfortunatly in Febuary the flowers were not in bloom. The tour was still very interesting and the wine was tasty!

This tasting was a walking tour, so you would get a glass at each little destination and at the end they had you sit and try a few more with little snacks to pair with the wine. Mom isn't a big wine drinker but I think she enjoyed it! We spent the next couple of days hitting up the farmers market, cooking delicious food, and just enjoying the weather!

I got lucky again in March when my brother and his fiance came to town! She had a friend who was getting married in Santa Barbara so they flew out for that and then hung out with us for the next few days. I picked them up and we headed to the Harbor for some dinner on the dock overlooking the boats. We indulged in calamari, wine, and great conversation! They filled me in on all the wedding plans while we were soaking up the sun! 

Miss Caitlin and I at the Harbor

I only had one other day off while they were here so we decided to go to a wine tasting. Do you see a pattern here? :) This particular vineyard we stopped at was Roblar Winery. It was GORGEOUS! We did our tasting outside where the wisteria was in full bloom and smelled like heaven! The santa ynez valley has such a country feel that we felt right at home!

This is a part of the outside area at Roblar Winery. I want to live here!!

We finished off the day with dinner in Los Olivos at the Cafe and Wine Merchant. We sat outside under the pergola and drank more wine!! It was so great to have them here and I cant wait for the wedding!

                                                                                                                                      -Kels