I'm celebrating early.

Last night, as we sat down for a late family dinner in Sonoma, our son Sam unexpectedly reached out to hold my hand and his sister Megs on the other side. All seven of us looked at him somewhat confused as we'd been together for several days sharing meals. We'd made toasts, lots of toasts, but never held hands, except at holidays.

"I'm so thankful," he said with tears filling his eyes. "I want you all to know how this time together so rejuvenates my soul."

Chills raced through my body, up from my toes out to my fingers and into my heart. I was bursting as one by one, around the table we shared what we were thankful for.

This unplanned moment reminded me I'm so lucky my children love spending time with me, making memories laughing and playing, exploring and learning about our beautiful world.

On our Mud Season break, we came to California to celebrate Megs and Matt's marriage and my 60th birthday. As we've cooked together, hiked and kayaked together, played card games into the night, and have drank lots and lots of wine, I realized Mother's Day came early and honestly, I wouldn't want it any other way.

(Celebrate Mother's Day with us, seating from 4 pm - 8 pm. Menu here. Call for reservations (802) 263-9217.)