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)

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM

This weekend we met up with my friend Jordan and her little ones, Santana and Jade, for a day of exploring The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Pacific Grove.

Don't litter!!

Noah MAY have jumped into some of the displays. Oops!

Always the entertainer, Noah did a dance show on a balcony on Cannery Row:

Then we stopped off for lunch at Cooper's Pub. They have the most amazing curried fries! Seriously. We need to get back there for more of those bad boys. 

Little Jade loves hugging on baby Eli

Noah stole my camera to snap this one

Lettuce!!

Santana

Jordan & Jade

We ended the afternoon by taking a walk in Pacific Grove:

Not a bad way to spend a day!