Linley Brooke is 6!!

  On the 21st, this chick had a birthday.  She began her day with new makeup and clothes.  Because she insisted.  And she is a (self-professed) princess.  And it was her birthday.  

 Then she got to take three of her friends (okay, well two and Tessa.  One had to drop-out last minute) to an adorable salon in Millburn for a spa day.

 Because my girls just aren't high maintenance enough.

 I'm pretty sure they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  And more sure I need a spa day.  Or month.

A dinner excursion at Cheesecake Factory followed by

 cake and presents capped off a pretty dreamy 6-year old day.

Happy birthday sweet and spunky Linley Brookie Cookie!!! We love every last pizzazzy piece of you!!

California Adventures: San Francisco

 Our last stop in our little vacation was also our shortest.  We had an early flight out of San Francisco, so we decided to go up Wednesday afternoon- allowing us to catch some fireworks and not wake up at a gross hour Thursday morning.

We stayed at the Ritz (Allen has become a full on hotel snob...such a crying shame we all have to indulge him...), which was a mile and a half from the pier.  And so, we put on our walking shoes and headed to the water.  The kids were so excited to see fireworks, they forgot to complain about the walking.  Sometimes they are accidentally angels.

 The show did not disappoint.  And the uphill hike back ensured every little being was sleepy enough to crawl into bed and instantly take off to dream land.

 The kids kept saying the hotel was the white house.  Because that's how we roll.  Presidentially.  Except not when the president is a democrat.  Because that is most certainly not how we roll.

  Some day we will give San Francisco the appropriate attention it deserves.  Until then, we will always have the 4th of July.  Which, by the way, was pretty perfect.  

Let it be written: My children were all (finally!!) the perfect age for flying.  They took it all in stride.  No complaining, no screaming, and even some napping (bless you Tessa).  I fully realize this last child will take us back to square one.

I also fully realize this last child has ensured I will not be doing any more traveling so long as she is occupying my belly.  Holy rib kicker.  I will be found on the couch, in my bed, or at the pool until she arrives.  In two, very long, months.  

Finally, our getaway was fabulous.  Action-packed, dynamic, and satisfying.  That said, my bed and 100+ degree temperatures have never felt better.

California Adventures: Carmel

 Remember the White's??  That beloved family that shared their lives with us in New Jersey a distant three years ago?  Well, it just so happens that they would be in Carmel at a most opportune time and are privy to a house located at the 15th hole on 17 Mile Drive. Not too shabby, eh??  The company was even more supreme.

They have three children magically matched in age with my three children.

  But the real magic is in the friendship these six little beings share. I was nervous they wouldn't remember.  Or connect.  Or enjoy.  Wrong was I.  In the most major way. Those six little pairs of eyes were always sparkling.  

 To break the ice, we started with some sandy, windy, beachy, kite-flying time.  Mission accomplished.

 Nightly we would stroll along the greens, climb on the rocks, and scrape every.  single.  knee.

 Blissful.

 Serene.

 Dreamy.

 There just aren't enough adjectives.  It was a most amazing, restful, peaceful, content, happy few days.

 The girls playing in Monterey.  On the way to Ghiradelli.  Did I mention the trip was dreamy??

 Oh how I adore this lady.  April embodies every good thing there ever was.  I am desperately drafting ideas to keep her permanently within my reach.

 These people rock our socks.

 Since staying on 17-mile Drive, we decided to full advantage.  Starting with a trip to the Lone Cypress.  Which is looking lonelier than ever.  And sad.  And saggy.  Sort of like my...bellybutton.  No seriously.

 The White's in full glory.  Who couldn't love those faces??

 The crew admiring Bird Rock.

Carmel was a truly rewarding experience for each member of the family.  Which I am pretty sure makes it priceless.  Thank you so much Glenn and April for giving us something to reminisce for many summers to come.  We are missing you too much already!!

California Adventures: Granite Bay

 Our next stop was to head back "home" to spend some time with the family.  We spent a day watching the kids run wild at Wacky Tacky, which is basically a humongous indoor jungle gym/ball pit thingie.  Needless to say, the children were entertained.

 We perused and fed our faces at The Fountains.

 We basked and swam in Allen's aunt's pool. 

 It does my little heart good to see my children in love with the water.

 We posed for gratuitous family shots, including: 

all cousins residing/attending California,

 all siblings residing/attending California,

 and all preggers residing/attending California (one of which was due to give birth 10 days from the shot, the other, 10 weeks #notfair, #bitter, #iamabeast).

We spent another day at the rad Folsom pool, complete with obstacle courses, much to Ryder's delight.

 We ate up every second we could with the grandma's.

 And the zebra drums.

 And we kindly allowed Uncle Aaron to play with the children while the other adults conversed.  Poor kid.

We were well-entertained, well-fed and most certainly well-pleased with our sweet little visit.  Thanks to all for indulging/not killing us.