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Sunday, March 30, 2008

The Napa Valley




Janay and I were raised as orthodox Mormons, therefore our parents never took us to see Napa Valley because Satan himself was known to reside there...or it might have been that both our families were poor as all get out and couldn't afford the luxury of a trip to Napa. (But that doesn't make sense because Napa is a little over an hour away, and I do remember countless trips to Utah which is much further away than Napa. The trip to Utah seems even longer when we have to smell vomit that is having the heater of a Volkswagen Vanagon blown full blast on it, thank you very much Sarah) Janay's family much prefered Disneyland as their vacation of choice.

Janay and I decided to venture off into the unkown, even if it was only an hour away. We were delighted with the beauty that Napa has to offer. We first went to a couple of wineries and enjoyed the views they had to offer, but couldn't take the tours because no children under 14 were allowed. I guess they think that our 11 month old would turn into a raging alcoholic if she were allowed to see the wine making process.

After the wineries we headed to downtown St. Helena, filled with cute "shoppy-shops" as Janay would say. Here we found the most delicious olive oil known to mankind. For all you Mormons out there, go to Napa for the olive oil tasting, forget about the wine! We bought a bottle of roasted garlic and parmessean olive oil, that if my cardiologist would approve it, I would drink with my Italian meals. There were some other cool shops, like a little chocolate shop and kids boutique store that Janay enjoyed.

For lunch we went to Taylor's Automatic Refresher, as featured on the food network's Drive-ins, Dives, and Burger Joints. Good burgers, amazing garlic fries, and shakes that were simply "top of the line, top of the line."

We'd like to take this moment to thank Tammy for opening our eyes to the splendor of Napa. And thanks to Ethan Michael Butt for being such a good boy on the trip.

We left Napa still feeling worthy to hold a temple recommend, and recommend to all of you a visit to this gem in our own back yard.

15 comments:

Laura C. said...

So did you find 'Satan himself' while you were out roaming the town?

Pollock Palooza said...

This post made me laugh out loud!

Trevor said...

HUH-larious! I give this post 5 stars. Quality writing, great organization of comedic thought coupled with clever references to orthodox Mormon culture, the ironies of never driving an hour away yet crawling across I-80 in Nevada (the place where the Creator ran out of all the colors in the crayola box except brown), and pimping gourmet olive oil. CLASSIC!

The JNJ Hasleton's said...

Glad you guys enjoyed satan's land. Isn't gorgeous?? Cute pics.

Taylor said...

I am so jealous of your Napa trip, it looks like a lot of fun. Guzzle down some of that glorious olive oil for me, it sounds so yummy!

Stephanie said...

Sounds like a great girls trip...shoppy shops, gourmet olive oil and yummy burgers. I'm in. When's the next mecca?

The Gainors said...

that's awesome- i've only ever been to napa for weddings and never fealt like i really "experienced" it since i don't drink,(usually). i'll have to give it another go. we are so excited to see you guys.

Pollock Palooza said...

Ok I'm playing on the computer instead of cleaning before American Idol, but I just remembered you asked for the AMAZING sugar cookie recipe so here it is...
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 beaten eggs
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

cream butter and sugars, add eggs. Add dry ingredients then put into the fridge for 30 minutes. Roll out with powdered sugar (not flour) and cut into shapes. Bake 350 for 8 min. NO MORE! Cookies should look a little uncooked, but let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes. They are sooo good!

The Mid-Cart Parentals said...

Forget the trip to Napa...I'm stealing the Pollock's sugar cookie recipe - of course roll them out in powdered sugar instead of flour - why didn't I think of that! Seriously, Paul & I took a trip up to Napa & did a hot air balloon ride...all the vineyards from a bird's eye view was breathtaking - Gold Hill Olive Oil right here in Coloma has an olive tasting room - delicioso!

Natalie said...

love it. Janay- It's true... dan is the funny one. :) haha just kidding. ooh! and dan- could i get your email?? mine is: nfoell18@gmail.com
That would be amazing! Oh, and i agree with "tbone" 5 stars... way to culture your kid before her memory kicks in... :)

Jill said...

I was laughing my brains out!

I love you guys! (even if I can't talk to you anymore since you visited Satan's den)

Oh BTW, can I join you on your olive oil jaunt next time you go?

:)

kristin said...

Hey Janay,
I feel sort of weird rsvp'ing on your blog, but oh well. So you said to remind you that there will be 8 people: 4 adults, 4 kids. Two of those hardly eat anything. Thanks! The girls are looking forward to it! You guys do an amazing job!!

kristin said...

Hey Janay!
I'm writing you back on your blog from the comment you left on mine. Yes, you can change your template without losing links. Call me or e-mail me and I'll tell you how!

Trevor said...

It has been determined that you have waited too long in between posts, therefore you are in jeopardy of losing your "most favored friend" status. Please be aware that in losing MFF status, you will no longer have rights to invite yourselves over to the Newcomer compound. It is also important to note that only MFF are able to enjoy bratwursts and smooth-sippin rootbeer at Newcomer family functions. I strongly urge you to post something new immediately, in order to maintain MFF status.

BradandBecca said...

Hey guys you know I love you but it is definetly time to update your blog! We know you have Utah pictures to post!!