StepHan and UndErwoOd ToUr De WasHinGton! ... (part one)

The day after my parents moved to Oregon (still crazy to think about, but we are so pumped to visit their new place in Bend - we'll be there tomorrow and can't wait!), our friends Brian and Andrea drove up from Cali to visit us and check out the beautiful state of Washington! Curt and I were so excited to have an excuse to check out parts of the state we hadn't yet explored; bring on the adventures! Our dear friends Jill and Corey were kind enough to house all four of us, since our pool-side pad was now in new hands (thanks guys!). The first night they arrived we had dinner at Sweet Basil (sooo yummmy; best pizza ever)... and then took them on a drive around the near countryside, catching a gorgeous sunset up in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Here's Andrea and I chewing on a little wheat and Curt and Brian doing... I don't know exactly what...(pretending to be some kind of creatures??)

We tried to catch an action shot of Curt -- and this is the best of what we came up with: Blurry face, aka: slightly scary. Haha.

Our fantastically amazing generous hosts and wonderful friends Jill and Corey.... A million thanks again you two!

Saturday found us up bright and early and on our way for a day full of wine tasting! We'll be able to hit up 10 or so wineries, right? ahahahhhahaha. Here's stop number 1: Cougar Crest - which actually ended up being some of our favorite wine of the day. Brain and Andrea toasting our tour off - Cheers!

Next stop, Reininger Winery, where we grabbed a quick shot out front and Curt had a chance to do a little bull roping (which he LOVED).

Then it was on to Three Rivers (another fav. with great wine). Oh! And just so you know, we did have a designated driver. That would've been me. Note to self, great time was had, but even better time could be had next time if someone else is given the job. :)

After a yummy lunch at the Farmer's Market in downtown Walla Walla, giving us some much needed food in the stomach, it was on to Patit Creek Cellars where my dear friend Amy works serving up wine in the summer!

Here's Amy pouring! Curt and Brian checking out the goods in our behind-the-scenes tour (would not recommend Grain Alcohol people - and we didn't sample it, but we imagine it's close to rubbing alcohol), and Curt also helping himself to some bulk wine. Uummm, I'm sure that's kosher... and sanitary, right?

Amy also showed us the barrel room... Ooooooo. (Is that what it's called??) Anyway, it was cool.

From there we checked out a little winery across the way (that's Andy and I in front of a huge wine barrel), and then K Vintners out on Mill Creek Road. SUPer cool winery -- probably the most unique we visited (that's the four of us by the large K. I'm also sure I needed to include this explanation given its name, haha). :)

After a quick stop at Klickers for some much needed cheese, fruit, and chocolate (Our snacks were perfect for wine tasting, were they not?) We were off to our final winery of the day, Basil Cellars. Gorgeous winery up on a hill overlooking part of Walla Walla valley and a killer view of the Blue Mountains. The wine wasn't too shabby either! Andrea and I can be seen taking a load off below (my feet had it in for me! So much for being cute - Give me some flip flops or slippers stat!!)

Needless to say, we did not make it to 10+ wineries. What were we thinking??! Even so, making it to 8 was quite respectable! Or should I say, ridiculous. Ha :) Anyway, it was a blast, but we were happy to hit up some delicious Walla Walla tacos before heading back home and taking in a quick nap before getting ready and heading out to Whoop-em-Up Hollow Cafe for dinner in Waitsburg. (If you haven't been, and are planning a trip to WW anytime in the future - I highly recommend it's scrumptious, southern style, Cajun food... Uummmm).

Here's just a couple shots of us girls at dinner and outside the restaurant. So fun!

We unabashedly asked one of the staff to hop out and snap our picture, though we're pretty sure she was slightly irritated at our being so excited for a group shot outside the place. The look on her face screamed: You are SO annoying; please leave already. (needless to say, we did not linger long. Thank you sweet bus-girl!)

Ahhh... Our adventures with Brian and Andrea have barely begun! Next stop, a drive to Chelan; camping; a ferry ride up the lake; backpacking; driving over the North Cascade's Pass... and then on to Bellingham! More to come, so stay tuned.... And happy adventures to you all! :)