After MANY a cocktail.....can you tell???

My dear, sweet friend, Nicole.

A rare picture of the two of us.

We had the BEST time in Boston. Let me start with items that felt like a breeze without our children:

1. Packing for our trip--no diapers, medicines, thermometers, wipes, baby soap, or car seats.

2. Standing in security line for 30 minutes--no problem.

3. Sleepless night on a red-eye flight--who cares.

4. Waiting 3 hours for our room to be ready--no worries.

5. 90 degree heat with humidity--totally fine.

6. Being hungover--just sleep half the day.

It is amazing how everything that used to stress me out before children, now seems easy when I am only responsible for myself. We travel frequently with the children and don't plan to stop, but I will say that having a child-free trip once in awhile is such a healthy thing for a marriage and your sanity!!!

Back to Boston. This city is one of my favorites. I could walk around all day looking at the buildings, reading about the amazing history(Casey, I totally thought of you), watching the interesting people and street performers, shopping, and listening to the fantastic Boston accents(I seriously love their accents). The people were so friendly and helpful, and the food was DELICIOUS! We had a great time with Darin's company outing, seeing old friends and enjoying great conversation. It was also such a luxury to have some quality time with my husband, not discussing the children or household tasks.

Oh--and the children were perfect for the grandparents.....just as you all told me!

Late this evening, Darin and I leave for Boston......without the children! This will be the first trip we have ever taken without our children. Darin's parents are flying in tonight to stay with them while we are away. I am having some mixed emotions about this trip....a BIG part of me is thrilled to have a few days alone with my husband and some dear friends. On the other hand, I have never been away from them for more than 48 hours and Dane is a bit of a mama's boy. I know they will be fine and well cared for(actually I think Darin's parents will spoil them rotten), but I am still nervous about Dane being whiny and sad. Wish us luck, and pray that Dane is too distracted to notice we are away.

This man, this wonderful man. When I married him, I knew he would be a great husband and assumed he would also be a great father. Well Darin, you have surpassed all of my expectations, 10 times over. I love to watch the children's faces when you pull into the garage after work....they simply light-up. They give the most heartfelt belly laughs when you play with them and act silly. You are absolutely their hero, and mine, too. Thank you for always making us laugh and try new things. Thank you for working so hard to provide for us and thank you for loving us so deeply! Happy Father's Day! XXOOO

The whole crew.

I LOVED the homes!

My busy boy

Sassy, Ellery.

On Monday, we ventured up to Balboa Island to visit Darin's cousin, Denise, and her two children. They are renting an adorable house there for a few weeks, a mere block from the calm waters of intercoastal Newport Beach. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Balboa Island, it is located in Newport Beach, which is part of Orange County. It is this small island with charming shops, restaurants, and the most gorgeous homes. You can easily walk from one end of the island to the other and enjoy eating, shopping, beach combing, or house snooping along the way. The children had a great time combing the beach for shells and jumping in the calm waters.

Today is Ellery's last day of preschool. This feels like such a big deal and I am a little sad. She is more than ready for Kindergarten....she "gets" all of the academic concepts, she is social and mature, but part of me still sees my little baby. California is one of only three states left in the country with a December 1st cut-off date for Kindergarten. Ellery's birthday is Nov. 21st, which will make her one of the youngest, if not the youngest. Having said that, I am still 100% sure she is ready. Our little baby girl is growing-up and mama is feeling some twinges of pain with her maturity.....cliche, but it certainly does go fast!

While driving today, Dane kept rambling the same thing over and over. His language is developing quickly now, but I can not always understand what he is saying. Thankfully, Ellery can generally translate for him and help us figure out what he needs. Our conversation went something like this:
Dane: Dat a bbbeeeeee boobooooo.
Mom: What, Dane?
Dane: Dat a bbbeeeeee booboooooo.
Mom: That a big boo boo?
Dane: Dat a bbbeeeee booboooooo.
Mom: That a big baby?
Ellery: No, mom. He is saying that's a big booty to you!
Mom: Thanks, Ellery.