Dan and I surprised the girls and took them on a little day trip up the Coast. Our old stomping grounds growing up...Huntington & Newport Beach. We reminisced about taking the bus from Orange County down to the beach with our friends when we were the ripe old age of 12! It's amazing that our Moms allowed us. Back then it wasn't so dangerous like it is now days. We were considered "free range" kids in the 80's. We took our trip with Liza & Emma on a week day which made all the difference in the world. The drive was beautiful! We took the Auto Ferry across to Balboa Island - that was fun in itself! Had a fabulous lunch at BJ's. We walked around the little town - stopped in at the shell shop and bought the biggest starfish ever. Also enjoyed the "old time" candy shop - yummy taffy. The best part of the day was our time spent at the beach. It was so quiet and peaceful. For the most part it was just the girls playing in the sand. They had a blast digging for sand crabs and hunting for shells. The water was mild. What a great day!

Balboa Island

View from the Auto Ferry

Our Girls - lunch at BJ's

Cool Surfer Ride!

Neat-o!

Off to the beach

Sand crabs!

Since we are celebrating our 20th anniversary this month we had talked about getting away to somewhere beautiful. Someplace new. An adventure. Away from the busyness of life. A place to remember - for just the two of us. Sounds romantic, doesn't it? We discussed many different places - one in particular sounded really great - why not plan a trip to New Mexico? It's not far and we haven't explored that area before. Oh the possibilities! So where did we finally decide to go? The far away city of Carlsbad! Yep, that's right. We chose the very location in which we already live. Heck, people from around the country flock to our fine cities here for vacations year-round! We have the best weather, nice beaches, so why not just stay home to celebrate and enjoy our surroundings? That's exactly what we did. Our favorite B&B - Pelican Cove Inn right across the street from the beach. Nancy, the proprietor and wonderfully sweet lady that she is, welcomed us to our 3-day abode.

Pelican Cove Inn - Carlsbad

Our room, the "Newport" was perfect. Loved the vintage decor and coziness the soft muted colors brought to the room. Everything was fluffy and comfy - get a load of that feather bed! The best night's sleep I've ever had. We have a wonderful feather bed topper on our own bed, but Nancy knows how to "fluff her nests" for her guests. Not only does she have a topper, but she also spoils us with a down feather comforter to snuggle up under. Oh my. Heaven. I loved the bright cheerful windows - the beautiful sunshine welcomed us each day. Notice the cool ceiling? Loved the green wood beams. And last but definitely not least, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast hand made by Nancy each morning. The picture doesn't do justice! We had ham and asparagus quiche with fresh fruit the first morning. Yum. And the second morning we had a dreamy cream cheese french toast that was to die for. Nancy - you really outdid yourself! We highly recommend this B&B to anyone who comes to visit! And even for those locals like us who just want to get away somewhere special.

Our "Newport" Room - look at all those windows!

Comfiest feather bed in town!

Great reading corner

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

Cool ceiling!

Look at this neat antique oval frame! The old picture of Balboa Island in Newport was fun to look at.

Balboa Island - Newport Beach, CA

Heaven on a plate - yum

See you next year Nancy!

Since we were a stone's throw from the beach, we spent a lot of time there enjoying the scenery and hunting for shells. I found a bunch of beautiful ones to bring home to my kitchen to remind me of our fantastic time together. I found a neat heart-shaped rock for our oldest son, Brandon. He and I have this thing since he was a little boy (now almost 19!) where we find anything "naturally" heart shaped and give it to each other. I have quite a collection of rocks, leaves, etc. Once he took a picture of a potato chip that looked like a heart and sent it to me! Oh I love that boy|! The weather couldn't have been more gorgeous. Just look at that sun shining on the water! We are so blessed to live here.

Sweet hubby taking a picture on my phone for the screen saver!

For Brandon!

Today my bff, soulmate, hubby (all-in-one) and I are celebrating 20 years of marriage. The sunshine and birds chirping welcomed our day. The weather outside couldn't be more gorgeous. This morning I am reflecting on these last 20 years (actually 23 if you go back to our first date!). There have been countless good times with a little not-so-good sprinkled in...but it was in those not-so-good times when we came together even stronger. We've shared laughter and tears - joys and heartbreaks - all in the name of LOVE. I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else. Sweetheart, you are my one and only, my rock, my soulmate. God chose you just for me - a thought that's difficult to fully grasp. I thank Him for you every day. Here's to another 20 beautiful years!

He is Risen - He is Risen indeed! We enjoyed the day. Great church service. Wonderful luncheon at our dear friends, the "other" Walter Family. Mike roasted a pig in the ground. It was tastey! We had an easter egg hunt. Mike's wife Kim got a big surprise - a new bunny! She's so cute - white and fluffy. Of course the girls immediately said "Mama, we want one!" Maybe someday. We ended the day relaxing at home together.

Coloring Easter eggs!

Colorful Creations!

Easter Morning

What would Easter be without an egg hunt?? Our church puts on a fun "Easter Block Party" for the kids - it's a great outreach opportunity for our community too. Complete with games, egg hunt, and photo with E. Bunny. Emma had fun searching for eggs. The best part was the candy. Not that we really need any, but seeing she scored a few Tootsie Rolls Mama couldn't resist. Our kids know that Easter is not all about the commercialized Easter bunny - that it's really about Christ dying for us and the miracle of His resurrection - He Is Alive! But I have to admit it's fun to be a part of the little traditions too. I have fond memories of going to bed on Easter Eve knowing E. Bunny would be visiting our house, then waking up on Easter morning to a goodie basket. I have carried on the tradition.

Egg Hunt - Las Flores Church

Sweet Emma with her eggs