Can't go wrong...

...with a day in Monterey!
We love Monterey. It is our "go to" place when we want to get away, even if it is just to get away for a day or even a couple hours. It is always beautiful, even if it is freezing cold.
My parents came this week to visit, so we took them on Wednesday to spend the day in Monterey. It was indeed cold, but still so pretty by the beach.

We enjoyed a yummy lunch at El Torito, which sits right by the water.



We took a stroll down Cannery Row(I was on a mission for caramel apples) and stopped to explore on the beach. Didn't find any seashells, but we did find $15!



My parents are Thomas Kinkade fans, so we went to the Thomas Kinkade Gallery. This is Jason waiting outside.


Our last stop was Dennis the Menace Park. It is the most unique park with some of the coolest things to play on.



It was a fun day!

Heavy Heart

I don't know what it is lately, but I just can't get enough of my boys. They push my buttons, they wake me up way too early, they fight with each other, they don't finish all their dinner, they pull out every single article of clothing from their drawers and throw them on the floor to get dressed in the morning, they make a mess in their bathroom sink when they brush their teeth, they turn everything into a gun...and shoot people...in Costco... but I love it all and them so much it hurts!

At the end of the day I wonder did I really have to yell at them for that, did I give too many time outs, was that spanking out of anger, did I ignore their pleas for me to play another game of hide and seek, why was I too lazy to let them go outside and ride their bikes for the 6th time today, did I give enough kisses and hugs, would it have killed me to read one more book before bed.... I could beat myself up every day about being a "good enough" mom.

I have had a lot of friends have babies this month and the majority have become first time moms. It doesn't seem too long ago that was me and now I am about to have a 3 and 5 year old. I know... they are still babies, but too me they are growing up way too fast.

I miss toddler Josh and baby Jason

I have looked forward to the day Josh starts Kindergarten and now I desperately don't want it to come. I have longed for Jason to start talking and now he won't stop. There is so much change happening that I just want to freeze time. I love these ages and love my crazy boys so much!!!

I am trying to enjoy every early morning, temper tantrum, sibling fight, dinner table battle, clean up time refusal, spontaneous "I love you", games of hide and seek, couch time cuddles, and bed time kisses. It all goes by too fast.

Bravest Ever

Joshua had his health exam and shots for Kindergarten today. Kindergarten enrollment..... when did this happen???? We are still praying about homeschooling or private. Trying to be patient and see where God leads us. Either way we still have to complete all the medical requirements.

He did awesome! I was worried about the shots part of it. We talked to him about it, the boys played doctor this morning with their doctor kit, Daddy gave him the "take it like a man" speech and he wasn't nervous at all. He was actually so excited to go this morning.

Waiting for the doc


He laughed through his hearing test because he had to keep raising his arms when he would hear beeps


He had already taken the eye test before I thought about pulling out my phone and taking pics. Poor boy may have his mama's vision... doc says we should take him to the optometrist before school starts.

My weird kid kept asking when it was "shot time". When the time came he sat there, didn't flinch, didn't cry and just said, "Yep, that hurt a little."

He was so brave! He definitely earned his frozen yogurt.

Race #2

Today was by far the most perfect weather for a run on Ocean Blvd at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. The setting and scenery were just as perfect. My friend Rachel (who totally rocked it today) and I ran our second 5k this morning. These races are just so much fun! We, once again had a great time doing another race together.

Rachel and I pre-race


I took this picture as we were walking to the start line.There were so many people running and spectating.


Can't get much better than running next to this


That's me in the black sprinting to the finish line. I was trying to pass that girl in the white. I about died, but I passed her.


Post-race... again, look at that view and Rachel's adorable little girl trying to hide


Next month is Race #3... Bring it on!

Wordless Wednesday