Love And Marriage

Dear Diary,
Jeff and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary last weekend in Santa Barbara.  It's rare that we have an overnight away so this was definitely a special treat.  It's also special because it's been 25+ years since we've been there.  We drove 2 hours north Sunday morning, stopping at Kings in Calabasas on the way.  When we arrived the weather was gorgeous and stayed that way our entire trip.  We dined at The Waterfront Grill and Moby Dicks on the Pier.  On Monday we spent the day in Solvang and Santa Ynes.  I loved our long walks, the delicious sea food and of course, the shopping.  It was so nice to have alone time to ourselves.  We put our home life away for 3 days and reconnected again like we were dating.  Jeff and I have been together for 17 years and although at times it is difficult, our relationship overall is loving, meaningful, comforting and passionate.  I love Jeff, I trust him and can't imagine life without him!  I love our life together and am happy and fortunate to grow old and gray with this man :) 

 We stayed at Hotel Milo.

 On the Pier.

 Loved everything about Solvang.

Loved the beautiful scenic drive through Santa Ynes.  Stopped at Cold Springs Bridge and had a drink at the old tavern.  Definitely an eerie feeling in the air passing the crosses along side the road.

 Our tour of the historic Santa Barbara Mission founded by Father Sera.

Love you Jeffrey and look forward to the next 13!

Girls Day Out

Dear Diary,
How lucky am I to spend the day at the Balboa Bay Club with my dear friends Angie, Jaime and Michelle.  We were able to step away from our busy lives to meet in Newport and chat, laugh and catch up on the latest, all while celebrating sweet Angie's birthday.  It's so important to spend quality time with your friends... they make you smile, they give you insight and they're just so fun to be with.  We sipped on the most delicious bloody mary's by the pool then had a bay view lunch at Waterline.  The time always goes by so quick with my girls but I savor every moment and look forward to the next.

 Jaime, Angie and Michelle

Happy Birthday Ang!

Jessie's First Holy Communion

Dear Diary,
Jessie's First Holy Communion was a very special day for her to receive Our Lord and us all to be a part of.  The First Holy Communion is a Catholic ceremony, which marks a child's first reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.  She has prepared for this day for the last 2 years through her CCD classes at St. Lawrence.  She wore a beautiful white satin dress worn previously by Gigi and Josette and was surrounded by our family and friends during Mass.  We then had a late lunch celebration at The Red Onion.  So much fun and so much joy filled the day.  It was a blessing for me to see my youngest daughter receive the Eucharist and I am so grateful to everyone for coming out to join in this special day.

 The Lewis gang

 Jessie bringing up the gifts.

 With Jonah, Raquel, Josette, Gigi & Natalie.

 Ginny & Gene

 Grams Furnare, Grandma & Bruce

 Jed, Jess & Susie

 Cousins table

 James

 Raquel

 Michael & Cathy

 Sylvie & Joe

 Jeff, Natalie & Christyne

 Giana, Van & Jess

Big Bear Quickie

Dear Diary,
We made the most of our 24 hour trip to Big Bear.  We squeezed in family time, visiting with my bestie, games, shopping, dinner, jacuzzi and The Village.  Although Josette wasn't feeling well, she made the trek in good spirits.  We always enjoy spending time with our good friends.  Thank you Sherry and John for hosting a great weekend and hope to do it again next year!

 

Lily, John, Sherry and Georgie

 Poor Jojo needed a little R&R

 Family dinner

 Gymastics

Jacuzzi

Sherry and John

 The Village

John and Jeff