10 Years Together in California

We had the best time in California this past week.  Matt and I flew out to San Francisco for 3 days to enjoy some time together.  And it just so happened that this trip fell on our 10 year anniversary.  

We flew in on Tuesday and grabbed sushi, shopped a bit, and were in our bed by 7:00.  We were exhausted from getting up so early for our flight and it was so nice to just curl up for the night, watch TV, and relax.  

Wednesday morning we took a bus to Sonoma.  We spent the day in wine country and it was beyond perfect.  The weather was amazing and I loved walking through the vineyards looking at the grapes and learning about the wine making process.  We were in an area around Glen Ellen and the wine tasting was 👌🏻. After our tour, we had lunch at Viansa. The food was great and the views were amazing.  It reminded me so much of the rolling hills of Tuscany. 

That afternoon we came back to our hotel and slept for 2 hours because we had dinner reservations at Foreign Cinema at 9:00.  Yes...you read that correctly...9 pm!!  I felt like I belonged in the city going out this late, with all the cool people😉 because let’s be honest, we’re normally in bed around that time.  Dinner was even more amazing than I remember it being 6.5 years ago.  The venue is magical.  The twinkle lights, the movie playing in the background, and the heaters keeping you warm as you look up at the night sky...I love it!  And it was by far our best meal while in the city. 

Thursday morning, we decided to tour the Muir Woods.  These redwoods were over 1,000 years old and just beautiful!  We had lunch down at Fisherman’s Wharf and Matt and I devoured 3 lbs. of crab legs.  They were delicious! (And a perfect anniversary meal if you ask me.) We opted for Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and then went back to our hotel room to get ready to go see Hamilton.  

I cannot say enough amazing things about August 1, 2019.  Seeing Hamilton that evening was the highlight of the day for me.  I love musicals and have been so eager to see this.  The talent of the raps, songs, and the story line was just impeccable.  The Orpheum Theater itself was beautiful.  We ordered drinks and sipped them through the entire show.  It was the perfect night!!

This trip was such a blessing and I’m so thankful that the Lord allowed us to go.  I’m thankful for a Mom and Dad who always volunteer to selflessly watch our babies so that we can invest in each other and our relationship. When we jet off on these little vacations from time to time, we feel reenergized and revived.  I feel that we are better parents because we take the time to put our relationship with God and each other before anything else.  I pray that there will be many more trips we get to take together in our future.  

Brooks’ 5th Birthday Party

Brooks had his 5th birthday party at Fast Lanes again this year, the Saturday before his big day.  He was so excited to invite all our neighbors and his cousins.   I can’t believe you are 5 sweet boy!!

Brooks Vaughn Is 5

Our sweet boy turned 5 years old on July 23!!  I don’t know how this is possible. I still see him as a sweet two year old with that little ornery grin.  Well, he still has that grin, but weighs about 20 pounds more.  Brooks Vaughn, you are such a joy.  Your laugh is contagious and you’re one of the most inquisitive little people I know.  You always have questions...and even when you know the answer, you still ask the question just to make sure.  You have begun staying in your bed ALL NIGHT LONG.  I’m not going to lie, it’s a little sad not to roll over and see you squeezed between me and Daddy in the middle of the night.  You still love to cuddle and snuggle, though, so I guess that will suffice. I’m proud of the big boy you are becoming. 

You’re starting to take an interest in Legos, love to play with our neighbors (especially Henry and Shep), still have a love for Thomas the Train (thankfully-I feel like this keeps you little), love all things Toy Story, and will play with your sister even if she wants to play baby dolls.  5 years old seems too big, so time can slow down as soon as it wants to.  

Here are some of my favorite things you’ve said over the past few months...

You call baseball, ”Gaseball”.  You seem to get golf and baseball mixed up at times.

You call the attic, the “Akkit”

Anytime you hit your forehead, you say, “ I just hurt my sorehead.” 🤣

The other morning we were at church, and one of songs we were singing just had me in tears. The words were so powerful and I could feel the Spirit moving me. It was a good and happy cry.  You were concerned though. You looked up at me and said, “Mommy, why do you have raindrops on your cheeks?”  - It was one of the sweetest things you've ever said. Melt. My. Heart.

You asked me the other day why you didn’t have a “bruber” (brother).  I told you that God had given you a sister and that she was your sibling. You told me you wanted a bruber and I said, “Well sweetie, Mommy is getting too old to have a baby brother.” You looked at me and said as serious as could be, “Well, I guess I will have to go buy one.”

We celebrated your birthday a day late because you woke up with the stomach bug on the morning of July 23. It made me so sad, but it didn't deter you from opening all your presents ;)  You were feeling so much better 24 hours later, so we went to eat at "your choice,"  McDonald's. 

We love you to the moon my sweet boy! Don’t ever forget WHO’S you are.  Listen to you heart, be kind to others, and always have faith in God and the plans He has for your life.  Happy 5th Birthday Brooks Vaughn!!