cole's first tooth

lost (2/28)...

found (2/29)!!

back to cali

Eight years have come and gone since we left.

So last fall, when Paul, the kids and I made our plan, bit the bullet, purchased tickets and decided that 2012 would be the year we would go on our first, grown-up, (sans extended family) family vacation, we knew exactly where we were headed...

Per Cole's request, our first stop was in Carlsbad.

We spent good time with old friends...

returned to our alma mater...

And for the first time since Paul and I exchanged vows nearly eleven years ago, we revisited the courtyard where our family began... 

We spent eight exquisite days together and in the company of dear friends -- soaking in sunshine, remembering what was and feeling grateful for what is. It was an amazing week. Amazing.  

snow days

Flakes fell, the island shut down, school was canceled and the kids enjoyed a surprise, week-long, mid-January break! Day one, during what would have been morning class, we were homebound... 

And, I don't think they could have been happier about it.