Mainly Thoughts: Summertime and the Livin' is Easy

I've had an amazing summer so far. After a crazy year at work (my year always referring to the long haul of August to June) I was ready for a summer of freedom. It began with Josh and I celebrating our 10 year anniversary in Cabo. It was an amazing adventure. We reflected on where we've been in ten years and where we think we're headed. My parents kept the kids (ALL of them!) and we escaped for an entire week. I kept watching other people on vacation with their little ones... and not once did I wish I had made the decision to bring my kids - I didn't have to share my drink or put sunscreen on anyone else. It sounds mean and selfish and unloving, but really it's completely the opposite of that. It's happy and relaxing and filled with love. What more could children want than to have their parents come home ready to scoop them up and share stories, kisses and hugs without the stresses of everyday life hanging over their heads.

In a nutshell: Josh and I stayed at Barcelo in San Jose del Cabo. It is an all inclusive resort (drinks and food all included!!) so we felt as though we were staying for cheap (even though we had already paid the bill...). We had an excursion to Cabo San Lucas. Circled the peninsula in a glass bottom boat. Watched demon rays leap out of the ocean. Sat by the pool. Drank a pina colada or two (or three). Rode horses on the beach. Had our pictures taken on the beach by a photographer from the resort. Ate. Ate. Ate some more. The room was amazing with a view of the ocean - even from the shower. There was romance, there was laughter, there was sunburns and new friends. It was awesome.

Our next adventure was Los Angeles. This time, however, we took the kids and my parents. I felt this was a fitting "thank you" for keeping the kids an entire week and working around their own schedules. Plus this year is a big birthday for my mom so I wanted it to be a memorable year.

Happy birthday, Mom!

This vacation started out at Disneyland. We spent 2 1/2 days at the Disneyland Resort. The kids loved the rides and even Erin went on some of the big ones this time, like the Matterhorn and Space Mountain. I'm not sayin' she loved it but she definitely was brave enough to try new things! Kate was big enough this time to try new rides like Indiana Jones and California Screamin'. It was awesome to have her next to us on the big rides. The funniest thing that happened was on Indiana Jones, I got the front seat behind the steering wheel and Kate believed I was really steering the Jeep. It was the most hysterical thing to have her yell, "Watch out, Mommy!" and "Go!!!" Christopher did great and his favorite ride was Dumbo, which his mommy made swoop up and down. He giggled and screamed the whole ride. It was awesome. The days consisted of chasing Mickey and Minnie, deciding what ride to go on next, eating and ended every night with fireworks. Couldn't have asked for anything more.

After Disneyland, Mom and Dad headed south to San Diego to see Aunt Bonnie and Uncle John. Josh, the kids and I headed north to Chatsworth to see Shannon, Rob and their crew. Josh flew out the next day and I stayed with the kids at Shannon's house for the rest of the week. We had yet another amazing adventure visiting with some of the bestest friends in the whole world. We swam, went to the LA Zoo, hit the beach in Malibu and also the famous Brittany Spears "Baby on the Lap" Starbucks to see if we could have a star sighting. I think we filled every minute with kids, friendship and laughter. Good times!