A Farewell to San Fran

Like most moves I have made in my short little life, San Francisco had its own to do before we leave list. Most of the list consisted of seeing people who we had come to love in the city or had been a part of our lives for a long time and just happened to reside in the greater bay area. So we spent the 5th week of our honeymoon (I'll explain in a later post) doing just that: seeing friends of old & new.

Monday while the movers packed all of our belongings, I got the pleasure of meeting little Adella Mary Pollaro, nee Addie. She is absolutely adorable, and she belongs to Tarrah & Joe. Tarrah and I worked together at IMG- Bank of the West Classic while ironically Ryan & Joe both work for JP Morgan. It was so much fun following the journey of Tarrah's pregnancy, even throwing a surprise office baby shower for her in August. Little Addie is so snuggly, and she even woke up to greet me during my visit. Their new house is amazing and beautifully decorated especially with all of the Christmas decor. Tarrah was such a mentor in my career here as well as my road to becoming a wife, and I will miss our life chats!

Tuesday after heading into the office for a few goodbyes (to Rhea, Emily, Kim, Doidge (despite him being an IU fan!), and Steve), Ryan & I headed north to Petaluma for dinner and a sleepover with Kim & Jerrad. It was a must to check out their new pad and catch  up prior to storming the east coast. Their house is awesome, and I had to admire Kim's craftiness throughout the 3 bedroom spread. With a fenced in yard, Beau & Miller will enjoy playing together when we come visit. We enjoyed a gourmet dinner, lots of wine, and great story-telling. It felt like grown up college ;)

gossip girls

the chef

their outside lights!

their fireplace

her "B" craft from pintrest

Jerrad's pick for their tree!

We kicked Wednesday off with a drive to Napa and a pit-stop lunch at Grace's Table. The world gourmet kitchen offered some lovely selections as we fueled ourselves for wine tasting. Of course we had to stop at the antique shops just to have a peek. We drove along St. Helena Highway up to Duckhorn, a fab recommendation from Kim & Jerrad. The winery was tucked away in the beautiful landscape of Saint Helena. The picturesque tasting room sits back behind the vineyards, and they offer table service for your tastings while your view consists of the pristine garden off the side of the house. We enjoyed a nice sunny afternoon of wine.

French Laundry

just a little drive by

Duckhorn

the tasting menu

reading the wine makers guide

wine expert

Then we headed back south to taste German fare with Jules & Stan. They have the best insight into the San Francisco restaurant scene, and literally know all of the best kept secrets to dine. We met Jules when we were apartment hunting before moving here, and we have really gotten to know them as individuals and as a couple over our time here. We really will miss them a lot and have already planned trips all over the globe to visit one another. Always a good time, Wednesday night was no different with recaps from the wedding, honeymoon, New York, and Stan's famous Scotland stories.

Thursday, the finale as I have deemed it, started with a mani from Pampered Hands as I bid farewell to my friends who own the shop. If you live in SF or are ever visiting, this is a must for a mani/pedi. They are the best and provide the utmost customer service. Ask for Lisa or Nancy (the owner). Next up was a lunch date at Town Hall with Jeb. Despite being nearly inseparable quasi-siblings in San Diego, his job and my travel schedule didn't allow for too many get-togethers this year while both living in SF. But when we are able to hang out, we have a roaring good time. Always. It meant so much for him to be at the wedding, and I know that he will be in the northeast sooner rather than later...hint, hint Jeb! Our lunch was divine, and we talked life which is bittersweet given our lifestyle in SD. We have definitely grown up a lot since then!

Part two of the finale day included happy hour with Ryan's co-workers from the SF office. A fun bunch who I have gotten to know thanks to weddings, weddings, and more weddings. The Berry's hosted this festive gathering in their place on Berry Street. I just love that the Berrys live on Berry. We capped off our adult bevs and headed towards the Marina for a few sweets. Hosting the UHS tennis girls, we indulged in American Cupcakes which I will miss somethin' terrible in NY. Must find cupcake spot immed upon relocating to the Big Apple. Then just for fun we walked around Union Square to see it all lit up for the holidays. The perfect way to end our time in NorCal.

American Cupcake farewell

toasting with champagne

Union Square

Jingle Bell world record

Adios California. It has been a great 3 years, and it is ultimately where my life as I know it today began. I owe a lot to you, but we are thrilled to be starting a new chapter in our lives!