catch up

I guess I should jump back on the blog train. It moves way too fast for me most days. But for today, full steam ahead! (Read: Lots of photos.)

Mark and I went to Santa Barbara, CA for a weekend trip he won at work. It was wonderful: great weather, great company, great food. We ate at Jeannine's bakery twice. The glazed banana french toast was so good!

We spent an afternoon in Solvang, just 45 minutes from Santa Barbara. It's a 100 year old town settled by Danes and it has retained it's Danish charm. (Lots of Swedish influence here too). It is very touristy, but pretty fun, and I found more of my favorite Marabou chocolate (for a pretty penny).

We missed the upcoming annual Danish Days celebration by a week. I hear they have a parade and lots of good Danish fun.

 Mmmmmm. Aebleskivers.

We went to church in Santa Barbara and then headed back to the cutest airport ever. Virtually empty. Beautiful Spanish architecture and art. And a darling old painted piano right smack in the middle of the baggage claim area.

Yep. I played, by request of a fellow passenger: "The Rose" and "God Speed the Right." No, he did not request those particular songs, but when I sat down, he did convince me to perform. It didn't take much. Let me be clear, I do not actually play the piano. I just have a few songs tucked away for special occasions.

  Love these tiles.

 And the murals.

A week later, I threw a little 40th surprise party for Mark at The DUCE. He was totally surprised and thrilled! YAY! I can't believe I pulled that off.

the lighthouse life

Scenes from our visit to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse in San Diego, also called Cabrillo National Monument.

As a child, I thought living in a lighthouse was the stuff of dreams, but here's a reality check: cramped living quarters, isolation from the rest of humanity, staying up all night to make sure the light stays lit, I could go on.
Wasn't Nora's lighthouse roomy and comfortable on Pete's Dragon? And I don't remember her keeping watch all night either. No. Clearly, my version of lighthouse living has been tainted by Hollywood.

When I was 15 or so, our family got to stay overnight in a lighthouse near Los Angeles: a perk of my dad's service in the Coast Guard. At 15, I didn't appreciate the charm of it all. The lighthouse was not cute and homey. It was military-plain, and I have to admit, a little spooky. My shattered lighthouse dream began that day. 

In hindsight, I should have appreciated it as the once-in-a-lifetime adventure that it was. Who wouldn't love to stay in a lighthouse? Well, not my 15 year old stubborn self, that's for sure.

OK, no more lighthouse complaints.

Hank and Papa raced at the lighthouse. George made some prank calls at the visitor's center.

but that IS my good smile

We headed back to San Diego this past weekend - this time with the whole family. It was a drive-on-Friday, come-home-on Saturday kind of trip for a memorial service for my grandfather, who passed away recently. I did not know him well, but the military service was lovely and I'm glad we were there. I will post photos of the beautiful national cemetery, etc. eventually.

Friday night, we went with the cousins and Nana and Papa to the Mormon Battalion visitors center in Old Town San Diego. It is a must-see. The kids really enjoyed the interactive movie and panning for gold. They kept saying "this is the best vacation ever!" and "can we come here again?" I am not sure if Owen was trying to convey that elation, or some sinister plan, in this photo. But evidently, there are no retakes on the Mormon Battalion's watch.

let the photos do the talking

scenes from our quick trip to southern california. 

sans kids. 

yes. it was perfect. and yes, we missed them.

A very big thank you to Grandma Mary, for watching our children. They loved every minute of it!

the beach and the best italian food ever

The beach sounds awefuly good this time of year, with 100+ temps already here at home.  So off we went.  San Diego did not disappoint.  The beach and water were chilly, but a welcome kind of chilly, you know?

Molly spent hours in the frigid ocean - boogie boarding to her heart's content.

 Owen had his own version of boogie boarding.

 Jonah loved it too.

Grace spent hours building sand castles and perfecting her running long jump skills.

The babies were content to play in and eat the sand. And chase birds.  They were not interested in the water, thank goodness.

We also discovered the most delicious Italian restaurant: PIATTI.  I can safely say, it is my new favorite, Italian or not. Bar none. Everything about it was perfect: the bread and dipping oil, the food, the decor, the white tablecloths - everything! I had the RAVIOLI AL LIMONE: House-Made Ricotta & Basil Ravioli Served w. Lemon Cream or Tomato Sauce. I ordered half lemon / half tomato sauce, but quickly wished I'd ordered all lemon.  It was to die for. I have dreamed every night of Piatti and that ravioli. I am not kidding.

This was really a fun trip and a great way to kick off the summer.