Cotugno Family Blog: Annual Birthday Trip with Em

Back in Redondo after another epic birthday trip with my sister!

Tuesday, February 6 💜

On the road to the Rancho!

Easier drive than I anticipated considering all the stormy weather - just under 6 hours with 2 stops.

Dog snuggles and champagne upon arrival

Super special dinner at the Grand View with lots of toasts to Mom

Wednesday, February 7

Morning sweat

Off to Rotary with a surprise special guest - Peter had a 1 hour meeting in Sunnyvale and flew into San Jose! He stopped by for a cup of coffee in the Summit Center lobby.

Lenoir and I have a mutual friend in Hermosa - always SO fun when worlds collide like this!

The sun peeked out for a moment after my afternoon nap

Closet clean out means - some new-to-me clothes coming home!

Another champagne toast (always a reason for one), a delightful dinner with Barrie and Deb, and dessert at Papa's house

Thursday, February 8 🥳

Started Em's birthday with Lunar New Year Zumba - so fun!

And now the girls' trip officially begins! Off to Napa.

Helloooooo Archer Hotel

Hellooooooo first bottle of bubbly

Mid-afternoon bed spread (get it?!)

Post-warming ginger stone massages

Cleaned up and headed out to dinner

Back to the hotel bar. A lot of hilarity ensued!

Friday, February 9

Getting our blood pumping with a 3+ mile walk all around downtown Napa in 42 degree weather

Stop #1: Wine Girl

Stop 2: Super surprise for me! Em met a local designer and vintage shop owner, Kim, on one of her previous visits to Napa. One of Kim's specialities is taking old clothes and material and repurposing them into new garments. Em brought Kim a huge bag of things from Mom and Bubby and Kim created incredible custom dresses and skirts for us! So much meaning and so much beautiful craftsmanship involved.