Fall break {part 2}

Mid week, we were joined by Daddy, Papa Kurt, Auntie M, and Uncle Casey.  (We missed Matt, Kristin, Sam and Maggie so very much…love you guys!)  

A major highlight of our trip…the beach!  It was William's first time and Lily was thrilled to show him the ropes.  He was tentative and nervous at first, but once Nanny dipped his feet into the waves, he couldn't get enough.  And Lily was impressive…she somehow convinced Auntie then Uncle Casey to take her far out in the water so she could jump the waves.  The water was freezing, at least to this wimpy mom!

Fall Break {part 1}

Ryan and I try to do a mini vacation (or long weekend) every quarter.  It gives us something to look forward to and motivation to work hard knowing we have something fun on the horizon.  Our school district has a one week fall break, so over the summer we decided we'd plan a trip to San Diego for a few days.  However, after mentioning our idea to my parents, we decided to turn it into a week long family vacation!

Mom flew to Phoenix, we packed up the mini van and the two of us drove the kids to California.  We had three days on our own before the remaining crew joined us, and stayed in a great house in La Jolla within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the coast.  Most of our time was spent exploring the neighborhood, experiencing an amazing farmers market, scoping out all the restaurants, and enjoying the beautiful coast line.  A favorite spot, which we revisited multiple times, was the harbor seals at the Children's Beach…Lily loved how close she was to the wildlife.  

{Those are not sharks in the water, but surfers.  We loved watching all the surfers in La Jolla!}

Firetrucks!

Our neighborhood Mom's group scheduled a play date, plus a special surprise…a visit to the Fire Station!  Lily and William were under the impression we were just playing at a new park, and had no idea what they were in for (I was nervous the firemen would be called out and we wouldn't be able to tour…and was NOT in the mood for the meltdown that occurs with those disappointments, ha!).  To say they were excited might be an understatement...

Such a fun afternoon with sweet friends!

The Big 3-5

I can't very well let October 4th pass without a shout-out to the absolute best husband and father this gal could imagine.  

We had a blast celebrating with him over the weekend.  The morning was kicked off surprising Dad with Grandma O's sticky buns for breakfast.  Lily was up early (or shall I say her normal time) and immediately begged to wake up Ryan for his birthday breakfast.  I held her off until 7am and then birthday celebrations began!  

After our tasty breakfast, we were off to Lily's soccer game.  Twisted Lizards for the win! (Coach Ryan for the weekend while our head coach was out of town)

The afternoon was spent napping and relaxing after gorging ourselves on The Peanut wings (thanks Nanny and Papa Kurt for the birthday present.  I think I enjoyed them almost as much as the birthday boy.  I'm still full!)  And that evening, Ryan and I snuck out for an adult only evening at Top Golf.  It's basically darts and bowling combined with a driving range.  Seriously so much fun (and I'm a HORRIBLE golfer!)

But I believe the highlight of the birthday weekend was as pictured below.  A quick trip to KC and a once in a lifetime experience for the boys.  GO ROYALS!

Happy 35th birthday Ryan.  We love you more than you know!