Uno, Dos, Tres Gates!: Cali!

I am finally writing another blog post; how did a month go by?!

So my first agenda is to share about my trip to California last month-- what a treat! First of all, I must say that I feel very blessed to have a husband who encouraged me to take a little vacation and to have in-laws who were willing to stay at our home and help care for Micah while Tim went to work each day. After some challenging months, this trip allowed me to take a much needed break and revive my spirit.

Emily and I headed to San Francisco early Thursday morning (almost 3 weeks ago- second game day of world series I should add). The flight was tiring but not too bad with a great friend along for the ride. We arrived around noon and had the rest of the day to explore the city and spend time with my "other little sister," Sarah, who has been living in San Fran for about three years now. She was a wonderful host and tour guide, taking us around to popular attractions (Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, the Presidio, Alcatraz), as well as some of her favorite local spots. It was so fun to see her at work and with her roommates, to get a more personal look at her life in California.

giants stadium

trolleys!

steep streets!

golden gate bridge

Lombard Street, crookedest road in U.S. (not a great shot since sun was setting)

love you, sarah!

After a delicious brunch Friday morning, we headed two hours south to Monterey to visit our dear friend and roommate, Erin, her husband, Kevin, and their three month old baby boy, John Michael. Erin and Kevin have been stationed in Monterey for a little over a year now with the navy. It was so sweet to see them as parents. John Michael is quite the charmer and the happiest baby I think I've ever met (I had him rub my belly and send good vibes to this little one in my belly!). We packed a lot in during our 3-day stay with visits to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel, and several scenic spots along the coast. While on the beach in Carmel, we saw five or six dolphins swimming and diving about 150 feet from the shore-- amazing! We were also able to attend the weekly NavNite on Friday and get a closer look at Erin and Kevin's ministry to the students in Monterey. And of course there was lots of time spent just sitting around chatting together as if no time has passed since our college days. It was such a blessing to be with such dear friends! I am looking forward to next fall when Kevin and Erin will be moved to the east coast. It will still be a bit of a drive to see each other but I'm sure it will make visits a bit more do-able than now!

What more is there to say? Wonderful friends + beautiful scenery = 1 great vacation!