James and I had such an amazing anniversary! Savanna was a doll and watched the littles for us for the afternoon and early evening. We decided to do a progressive lunch/dinner and try out three different restaurants for an appetizer, entree, and dessert. We started with clam chowder from Hoagies in Pismo Beach. We walked around the beach area and chatted. To be honest we weren't super impressed with Pismo. Besides the food there are just a bunch of T-shirt/souvenir shops that appear to have the exact same merchandise! But it is always nice to get away with my love WITHOUT the children! We checked on the kids briefly and then headed to Jocko's, the best steak joint on the Coast (which happens to be 3 blocks from our house!). I'm not sure how we have managed to go 5 years without going to Jocko's but I have a feeling we will be going there as often as possible now that we have tasted their steak! We are not super steak people, but the steak at this place is out of this world! We found out later that James gets a pretty nice officer discount and he has already been back with his partner to take advantage of that (he brought me home leftovers too)! We were going to go somewhere else for dessert but we were seriously full so we rented some movies and cuddled up for the night. Before our movies we pulled out the letters we had written to each other over the 2 years he was on his mission. Oh my gosh, I haven't laughed that hard in a LONG time! We were so funny, and immature, and funny, and cheesy, and did I mention funny? It was a blast! We stayed up way too late but fortunately the kids let us nap the next day! :)
James' parents had a time share in Avila for the week and on top of our fun day, Kathleen watched the kids for TWO nights while we snuck away! It was like a Happy Anniversary to us week! We watched the Olympics, swam, walked on the beach, played board games, and slept in- it was perfect and just what we both have been needing for a long, LONG time! I just adore my husband. He is truly my best friend. I enjoy his company so much and it is great that after 10 years and 3 more babies that we can still connect and have fun together. 10 years down and eternity to go, and I couldn't be happier!
The kids made us Anniversary cards and the boys gave us their very last dollar because they knew our anniversary budget was not very large. :)
We saw this place in Pismo. Excitedly I thought it was a raw vegan cafe but after glancing at the menu and seeing chimichangas, taquitos, and carne asada, I am thinking their sign means something completely different to them!
This little guy liked the pier in Avila.
Our little princess will be two in less than a week! She is getting so big and is talking so much- and singing (as you can see above)! She sings constantly, and every morning for family devotional we have to sing her favorite, the ABCs, before we are "allowed" to sing a hymn.
Emma's birthday present from her Auntie. She LOVES this baby! She carries it with her everywhere and pushes it in its stroller. She won't sleep with her two other dolls she has been sleeping with since birth. All she wants is this baby. It's darling. Girls are so much fun!
James has been working hard as usual! He has one last night of training and then he is finally on his own!! He will be on probation until next March, but he will get his own car and beat and will finally be able to spread his wings a little bit. Bradley has been taking over some of his Daddy duties on his work nights by rocking Emma Leigh to sleep. Love those two!
Ben has been doing my Les Mills Pump program with me every day for over a week. He told me that he wants to see results so he is going to exercise with me for at least 2 weeks- must be nice to see results in two weeks! I am 30 days into this program, and I absolutely love it! I will be posting more pictures at the end of the 90 days. Who knew lifting weights could be so much fun??
We hit the big rock show a couple of weeks ago and the boys are all excited about rocks again. We have been reading books from the library and they have been playing "rock show" in the front yard. I love how Brad soaked the rocks in water in my Tupperware and made his own "jewelry" out of plastic rings. They have been rock hunting around the neighborhood and sampling garden rocks from various properties (Shhhh). Now to convince them that they can't "borrow" other people's rocks and then try to sell the rocks back to them!
Poor Brad dropped a hot bowl of Shepherd's pie on his foot and it totally blistered up for days! Who knew mashed potatoes could be that dangerous? He is finally able to walk and put on shoes. He had his first soccer practice today and all went well. He is in the "big kid" division now with larger fields, goal keepers, and referees. He seemed intimidated but I know that he will try his best and do wonderful.
What else? We started school this week. It is going great! The boys have been studying geology and math. Savanna is gearing up to start her Algebra lessons and has recently started her own YouTube channel with hopes to put videos up about hair, makeup, etiquette, and modesty. I am reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy which have to be some of the best books ever written. I also was recently called to be the nursery leader for our ward so I will be starting that on Sunday. Seminary and scouts begin next week. We are dropping formal piano lessons for the Fall to simplify some scheduling issues. Savanna is going to mentor Bradley in his piano and practice on her own in the mean time.
As usual, very busy here. Still a little too busy but I am making time for myself every day to exercise and making sure that I get out on dates with my husband and children and friends each month. Balance: it is always what we are striving for and very hard to achieve. I will keep trying!
At the pool at San Luis Bay Inn.
