bye, mom & dad :(

this visit from my parents was my 

favorite one yet, and we've had some

pretty good ones... but this was extra

special (and semi - sad) because it was

the last time they will visit for the next 3

years as they are moving out of the country.

to make up for the tinge of sadness on this 

trip, we did what always brings happiness:

we ate well. especially in napa, food capital

of the world! two words to remember if you

visit napa: oxbow market. it's foodie heaven.

^^ the famous oxbow market...home to some of our

favorite food in the world. the best of the best!

we have two favorites from oxbow that we love most.

^^ these two classy parents strollin' napa

^^ we chose very well by eating at c casa, one 

of the most unique, fun food places i have been.

catherine is 1) the cutest person ever and 

2) an amazing culinary genius. i'm serious! she

takes tacos and makes them into works of art.

also, her desserts. i can't even! they are too

cute and delicious for words. plus, that

lemonade? too good. she recently opened

cate & co. right across from c casa, and it's

a little bit more traditional lunch stop with 

sandwiches, salads and desserts. they are both

so great in different ways, and it shows her

versatility as a chef and caterer. we loved both!

every single thing at c casa and cate & co. is handmade.

from the tortilla chips to the desserts to the truffle potato

chips, all made in their kitchen. you can taste it!

we tried the lobster taco and my dad tried the buffalo (!!!) taco.

these are no normal tacos. every bite, so incredible! 

^^ i am a dessert girl, and these are to die for.

the names + displays alone are my favorite, and

then you try them! we did the olive oil upside down

cake because it's so unique and so napa. delicious.

'sin'-namon buns. i love it!

^^ catherine, AKA darling chef behind these two places!

our other must-stop at oxbow market is in 

the south building, called model bakery.

even though you'll most likely be full while

visiting oxbow, you have to stop for a bag

of their famous english muffins. you won't regret

it the next day when you toast one up with 

honey on it...it is not a normal english muffin!

trust me! they have something special going on

and they melt in your mouth. this bakery has such 

great pastries and just came out with a 

cookbook. the english muffins are the hit, and 

they sell out by noon pretty much every day. 

loved this place!

^^ their yummy morning bun + pastries were so good,

but the english muffins really won all competition.

---

we headed back to SF after such a nice weekend, and

the night before they left to go home we made a late-night

run to bob's donuts (a san francisco favorite). like i said,

good food helps ease the pain of saying goodbye :)

^^ hhaa, i can't even comment. pure joy.

^^ love these two!

they came to church with us before heading back home.. 

(tears!) love you parents, thanks for a memorable 

visit filled with biking, eating, laughing, hot tubbing,

more eating, and being together in san francisco,

napa, and sonoma. i will head home to salt lake city

once or twice before they move, and our entire family

has a trip in newport beach in may...but then we'll

have to look forward to our visits to south africa

to see them! i know they will be even more memorable.

xo