Ohhhh sooooo pampered....

There's more blessings than being a Grandma & Papa than I ever imagined. Who knew you could fall in love over and over, again and again. I finally understand what I've been told by so many besotted Grandmothers before me. I never imagined I could love another child as much as I love my own children. Wrongo marylou!!! Then do it again. Caleb and Lillian have so effectively stolen our hearts, we would risk life, limb and pocketbook for them. So far, only the pocketbook has been sorely effected. hee hee! Come to think of it, my life is turned upside down, and my limbs have never been as sore. Hmmmm, me thinks possibly we've given over our all. And that's just fine.

And just when you think the blessing jar is overflowing, more blessings pour forth. Our surprise blessing arrived in the way of a full court press "thank-you" from Jake and Deana, for watching the babies while they were away, vacationing in Italy. They set it up so that we were home last Sat. awaiting their arrival, and unbeknownst to us, never even planned on coming. They arranged for a masseuse to come to our home and give us the most delicious, hour long, full body massage, ever. While one of us was being massaged, the other waited with a good book and the chilled champagne that was sent over for us. Thank you, Mickie for an incredibly relaxing, and thoroughly lovely massage!!! Then came the next "phase" of the thank you gifts......Our own personal, professional chef arrived, bringing with him our dinner that he would be preparing in our kitchen. Charming & friendly Ryan, formerly of Justin Winery, not only prepared one of the most delicious meals we've ever had (certainly the best ever cooked in my kitchen!!!) but showed us how he effortlessly created each dish. He started with watermelon soup, garnished with crispy pancetta crumbles and a tangy but sweet balsamic reduction. Soooo refreshing! The main course was seared, baked, lamb chops stuffed with swiss chard, onion, and garlic that he sauteed in olive oil. He set that over potato risotto (to die for...) and paired that with glazed baby carrots. Our final treat was the chocolate souffle, lighter than air....with a dollop of whipped cream. Yummmo!!!! Jake had sent over one amazing bottle of pinot noir to enjoy along with our meal....and so we did! It was an incredible thank you to us, so imaginative and generous. I'm babysitting again tomorrow, and honestly guys....being with my babies is truly thank you enough. But if Ryan or Mickie are available....so be it! hee hee

So....Jacob & Deana....thank you for the amazing "thank you"! You did it up big, and set the bar waaayyy too high!

More beach and Kayak pictures!!!

Here's some more photos of our great beach day. I'll include a couple of another highlight of the week.....kayaking with our good friends, Gary and Kate in Morro Bay. We were out for over 3 hours, and had a picnic on the dunes. Another great day! What a wonderul find these kayaks were. Thank you Craigslist!!!

My babies are turning 30???? It can't be!!!

I can't believe it.....my babies are 30 years old!!! That makes me officially O*L*D! We celebrated on one of our favorite beaches in Avila with a BBQ with family and friends. Lot's of sun, food and fun. We were blessed to have a bright, sunny, but not hot day. A bit windy, but not too bad. Jake made his famous hamburgers, and they lived up to their reputation, dee-lish!
And many brave souls took advantage of the opportunity to try out the kayaks, which was fun. Caleb had a wonder-filled day....he loved it all. Lots of food, playing in the sand, eating a bit of
sand, and throwing a bit too. Lily napped, ate, smiled, and gave everyone that wanted to a chance to hold her. She's generous that way. She's soooo incredibly easy. Such a happy, contented baby. Now, if only she had a little hair. She's her papa's girl...hee hee. Sarah was feeling a bit under the weather, but she made it through the day, keeping on her sunglasses to hide her weepy, puffy eyes. She made a killer fruit salad. Yum! It was great, watching everyone visit and have fun, and enjoying the beauty that God made. We are so blessed to be able to live here. Raising our kids on the coast gave us the opportunity to spend many a day basking in the sun in Avila. I have so many good memories of summer days spent there with many of you that we love. I smile just thinking about it....warms my heart to remember. Thank you God for those precious days when my babies were small....and for these days to enjoy with them still. And now the next generation of babies will grow up here as well...disovering the beauty and fun of our favorite little beach towns like Cayucos, Morro bay, and Avila. God willing!