27 on the 27th!

This year I turned 27 on November 27th. My wonderful husband treated me to a weekend full of surprises. We started out the weekend on Friday by driving north and stopping in at my parents' house.



After a short visit and lunch we continued north until we arrived at our hotel in Paso Robles. The hotel was gorgeous (even if they did make a mistake with our reservation) and we had an amazing suite.

The living room.

Hallway from the living room to the bedroom.

The beautiful bathroom.

Chris getting comfy on the bed.

Enjoying some time together!


The biggest surprise of the weekend was a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards Saturday morning. We had to get up early, but it was worth it, even if it was only about 33 degrees outside!

The sunrise was absolutely gorgeous and I am so glad that we were up early to enjoy it together! {thanks to Mom and Dad for my new camera that helped me get so many wonderful pictures}

We took off from the parking lot of Eagle Castle Winery. The winery reminds me of medieval times.

Our guide testing out the flame before the balloon was attached.

The balloon laid out before being inflated.


Chris holding the mouth of the balloon open so the air gets inside.

It's growing!


and growing...or is the castle shrinking?


Filling it up with the hot air.

All ready to go!

We're off to float in the skies!

The view looking west.

The winery from high up.

It was cold, but a beautiful day for ballooning!

Different varieties of grapes, with different colored leaves. I love the fall colors!

We were able to float right down in between the vines.

We flew over Castoro Cellars.

Looking up at the balloon as our guide increased the flame.

We ended the day with dinner at McLintocks and shared some champagne to celebrate.

It was the best birthday weekend I can remember having and I am so glad that we were able to have time together. I am one very lucky lady to have such a caring, romantic and loving husband!