2014 IN REVIEW

2014 was truly an eventful year and probably my favorite so far. In 2014, we trekked back across the country to a new life in Central California, explored our new home in the lovely Monterey Bay, bought our forever (or at least for a very long time) home, Shawn turned the big 4-0, and we had some very fun visitors. We cannot wait for what 2015 has in store for us!

Happy 4th of July!

Shawny is 40!

1st day of school

Happy Halloween!

Noah turned 5!

Happy Hanukkah! (this is Noah in costume for a Hanukkah play)

Merry Christmas!

And a very Happy New Year!!!!

LIFE LATELY

When my parents were here, Shawn and I were able to go on THREE dates, which is totally unheard of since we've moved. Honestly, the first date was a little awkward (sort of like a real first date), but we slowly got re-adjusted to uninterrupted adult conversation by dates two and three. I think we'll try for that fourth date when Grandma and Grandpa visit again.

Date #1 - Thai in Pacific Grove (slightly awkward first date)

Date #2 - Really amazing Chinese at Full Moon in Monterey (much less awkward)

Shawn broke out his best senior picture poses for our third date (super good Indian food at Ambrosia in Monterey). Btw he may kill me for posting this - that last picture cracks me up.

Backyard fun: 

Park fun: 

Sand Angel

And dinner with Jordan and family: 

GRANDMA & GRANDPA WERE HERE

During this past week, my parents came for a visit. It was sooooo wonderful to see them!!

Unfortunately I ended up having the worst cold I've had in years and had to spend too much of their visit in bed. By the way, do you ever reach an age where you don't want your mama to take care of you when you're sick? Because I'm a grown mother of three and I still want my mommy when I'm sick. 

Anyway, it was so amazing to have them here. They just left this morning and we're already missing them terribly. 

Mom & Dad: I promise to be a better hostess next time. Love you and thanks for everything!!

Here are some shots from their visit:

A beautiful scenic drive we took out to San Juan Bautista 

My dad's name is Jim and he is known for having a crabby exterior (he's a total softie underneath it all -- shhhh don't tell him that I told you though), so we thought this was the perfect restaurant for him :-)

Holy group cuddle

We had so much fun flying kites at Asilomar Beach yesterday!

An attempt at a family shot:

Come back soon Grandma and Grandpa!!!

A VISIT FROM LAURA & ALLY

This past week was spent with my sister-in-law Laura and youngest niece Ally. They were only here for a few days but we crammed A LOT into those days (Big Sur, Pacific Grove, Fisherman's Wharf, The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Carmel, etc). Warning: MANY pictures ahead!!

Ally's first look at the ocean (Big Sur)

It was a beautiful and warm sunny day...until we headed to the beach in Pacific Grove, where it was hazy and cold. We joked that Ally and Laura brought the Michigan weather with them. 

Then we headed to Fisherman's Wharf (in Monterey) and, luckily, the sun decided to join us again. 

I so wish that I had gotten a picture of the seals that were swimming very close to Ally and Noah

Ally is best buds with her littlest cousin

Seals sunbathing on the beach in Pacific Grove

We're now members at the Aquarium, so come for a visit and we'll get you in for free :-)

I'm a little obsessed with octopus these days

The kids were in charge of the command center

Carmel: You are beautiful! 

We need a house with a view like this. Can someone lend me several million dollars??? I can't promise I'll pay you back, but I will invite you over for a bbq :-)

Cannery Row:

Make a wish!

It was so good to see them and show them around our new home! And we're stoked that Grandma and Grandpa are arriving at the end of this week!

(My campaign to convince them all to move out here has officially begun! Bwahahahaha)