California Love

We just returned from our family vacation to San Diego. It was nice to have some quality time together and the boys loved being able to hang with dad for 9 days. We also were privileged to be joined part of the time by my sis and her husband, as well as Scott's parents. The boys were really spoiled with all of the attention and Scott and I were spoiled with all of the help. Needless to say, we had a great time and fit in a lot of fun things.

One of our favorite things was a kayak tour that Scott and I got to go on together. It was in and around the caves off the shores of La Jolla. We had an amazing tour guide who grew up in San Diego and therefore knew everything there was to know about the area. We kayaked alongside a seal, many sea lions and lots of small sharks. The guide showed us where Dr. Seuss used to live and pointed out many of the inspirations for his books. Scott and I were lucky to be able to go in through the backside of a really large cave. It was against the rules, but since it ended up being a private tour and our guide was cool, we got the VIP tour of the cave. Unfortunately, I have no pictures because my camera is not waterproof, but you can take my word that it was incredible. Scott and I hung on the beach after to watch the sunset.

During the remainder of the trip, Scott managed to fit in a baseball game and I managed to fit in a movie. The boys took almost daily trips to the park and we hit the beach as often as we possibly could.

I think Scott and I might have been a bit crazy because we thought it would be a great idea to fit in 4 major attractions in 2 consecutive days with 2 small children. The boys were real sports and we all had a blast, but at the end of the second day and the fourth attraction, here is how Tate and Miles ended up. Don't ask . . . . . .

Here is my tribute in pictures to our incredible vacation:

Wild Animal Park and San Diego Zoo

They had a special feature at the Wild Animal Park this summer called "Dino Mountain." Miles went crazy for the T-Rexes.

"Otis" the hippo. He was a favorite of both boys.

I desperately wanted to take this adorable baby panda bear home with me.

Not sure how cute he'd be as a pet though.

Scott in blue, while smiling and posing next to a cougar.

The day has finally come. :)

Miles' version of rhinoceros horns.

Legoland and Sea-Life Aquarium

This is one of my favorite pictures of Tate.

It just seems to fit his personality so well.

Times Square created out of Legos. Amazing!

General rule of thumb: at least 2 hands on Tate at all times.

Pool Party

Beach Bums

Scott's tribute to all of the Europeans on the beach.

The backside of Scott's Euro tribute.

My handsome boys. Such a fun time!

Lucky #7

Scott and I celebrate seven years of marriage today. Scott surprised me with a little getaway to a bed and breakfast in Midway over the weekend. It was really lovely to have a little time for just the two of us, and it was fun to be able to look back at how much our lives have changed since we got married. We have been through many challenging times and have enjoyed more blessings than I could ever begin to count. It is such a privilege to have someone to go through life with, who is a wonderful provider, a fabulous husband and a really cool dad.

Over the last seven years, I can say that I gained a best friend who would hold my hand through difficult times and who would make me laugh harder than I ever imagined I could. Someone who knows how to handle my moodier moments (rare as they may be) and who supports me in whatever my wildest imagination can dream. Someone who is not afraid to be goofy, to appreciate the lighter moments in life, or to be anything less than his most authentic self. Someone who is completely comfortable in every situation he is placed in, someone who makes everyone around him feel at ease and someone who brings out the best in me.

While it seems difficult to wrap my mind around 50 years together or sitting on our front porch, gray and happy in our rocking chairs, I will gladly take what we have today. Happy Anniversary babe. I love you!