Vacation Recap

It seems like ages ago now, but our trip to California this year was awesome. Since I've already posted about 'auntiedom', I'll use this post to share just a few of the other highlights of our trip.

1. Orange County- Every year we travel back to Orange County to catch up with our friends and family there. I am always thankful for a few days to enjoy with all my grandparents- I know we talk through email, skype and on the phone throughout the year, but there is something so sweet about just getting to hang out in their living rooms, look through old photos, laugh with Curt, pick oranges and talk like we did when I was growing up.

This year during our stay Ross experienced his first earthquake! We also discovered Portola Coffee Lab, I took Ross to Watson's in Orange, and I was able to hang out with my Treegroup School friends. (I love that we can meet up after months of being apart and still have a laugh together. I am really blessed to have such crazy, loyal and generous friends, and to have had them in my life for so long! I love you guys- thanks for always making time for me.)

2. Celebrations- June is a month of celebrations in my family. Ross and I celebrate our anniversary and my birthday during our visit each year.  This year Ross and I enjoyed lunch and a frozen banana at Balboa for our anniversary, then Grandma and Grandpa took us to Cheesecake Factory for a celebratory dinner. We also had a tasty family dinner at my Aunt Barbara's to celebrate my birthday (thanks to all the Nobles and company for coming out). 

3. Rodeo- Mom and Dad like to ensure that Ross experiences something new each visit. This year that new thing was the rodeo in Reno. You'll have to ask Ross if he liked it, but he still keeps talking about wanting to ride a bull...

4. Feasting- We always eat WAY too much during our trip. This year was no exception, as we stuffed ourselves full of fresh fruit, strawberry pie, Mexican food (especially carnitas), Belgian waffles, dill pickles, and, of course, Dad's bbq chicken.

5. Togetherness- I am blessed with an amazing family and living halfway around the world from most of them most of the time, makes me cherish those few days I get to spend in their presence each year. For me, there is no greater gift than the chance to sit surrounded by the people I love most, talking, laughing, playing, eating and just resting.

It really is the simple things in life!