California, part 1

I have majorly slacked on my precious blog. My two loyal followers, Duane and Cynthia, have reminded me that I need to blog again, so here I am! I have been busy with work and getting our house ready for our visitors. My BFF Autumn and her daughter, Milla, are coming to visit at the end of June and then Brandon's Mom and Step-Dad are coming in July. We have been working extra hard on starting and finishing some house projects...but I can blog about that later. I need to tell everyone about  the first part of my California trip.

I landed in San Diego on a Friday afternoon. As I waited in the shuttle to go to the car rental place, I noticed the windows were open and there was a light breeze. The air just felt like home and I was happy to be there. I had left freezing rain behind in Pittsfield, and was ready to be warm again. As the shuttle was driving to the car rental, Lindsey, my BFF was texting me where I was. I finally put it together that she was coming to surprise me! But my flight was early, so she just met me at the car rental place. I teared up a little (or a lot) as I saw her walking into the building. It had been 7 months since I had last seen her in person and I was overwhelmed with joy that I was going to be spending the next 5 days with her.

First things first, I met my family (what's left of us in San Diego) at BBQ (my favorite) as soon as I landed and got my car. And because Lindsey is family, she came too. I cried when I saw my brothers, even though they didn't. I have always been in San Diego and have always been around. It was rare to even go a week without seeing one of my family members. So to go months, was pretty rough. It was nice to be back with my family. And I got to see my crazy niece, Teyana. She lost all her teeth while I was gone!

After eating yummy BBQ, Lindsey and I headed back to her place, where I was greeted by her awesome bearded husband, Duane and Great Dane, Sebastian. They let me stay at their house during my visit. I loved being around them, because they too, feel like home to me. I loved snuggling with Lindsey and Sebastian on the couch each night, and having Duane make me laugh each day. I love them. 

On Saturday, I got to see my nephews and niece, McKenna. We went and got frozen yogurt, our favorite thing to do together. They had gotten so big. 

At night, I went out with my friends to celebrate my birthday. Eleni joined Lindsey and I for a delicious sushi meal before going out. I have known Lindsey since I was 15 and Eleni since I was 16. I am so lucky to have lots of old friends. 

Afterwards, we were joined by Duane, Kelsey and Julia!

The rest of my trip was visiting with friends and family, and eating lots of Mexican food, and just food in general. Every date I had involved food...breakfast date, lunch date, dinner date, ice-cream date, coffee date, etc. Next time I come it will be, hiking date, running date, walking date, gym date, yoga date. Ha!

 Yum! Desert date at Extraordinary Deserts!

 Bridging in San Diego with Lindsey, Duane and Julia!

 Mexican Food in Old Town with Lindsey!

 Taco Tuesday with my Edwards peeps at Hooley's!

 Cupcake date at BabyCakes with Lindsey and Julia!

My niece, McKenna. She has gotten so big since I left. 

I love this little girl. She will always have a special place in my heart. 

My last night in San Diego with my littles. 

I am so lucky to be their Auntie.

My gracious and entertaining hosts, Duane and Lindsey. 

Love these hotties. 

Not pictured are my dates with my friend Sara (we had some catching up to do!), my friend Monique and her TWO kids, our friends The Wagners (who are moving to Japan!) and breakfast with my crazy Dad. I felt so loved during my trip to San Diego. I am so lucky to have so many people to visit! Thank you to everyone who made an effort to see me. It was so much fun and I can't wait for my next trip to California!