This week…

we visited Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s in Texas? That’s right, they are now in Texas and we are thrilled.

And while we were at Trader Joe’s, I smiled back at the wine selection.

And California in a box arrived on our front door.

We opened the box and Emma danced in the dress Grandma sent.

Eli and I cuddled at Chick-fil-a while Emma played with a friend.

And I melted at the sight of this girl.

Happy weekend.

We’re back in Texas.

We stumbled through our front door early Monday morning. The smell of home was overwhelming to me. Made me sigh because there’s nothing like the walls I live in. I noticed the small details that I haven’t seen in nearly two weeks. The newly hung crisp white curtains, the freshly painted walls, the white glass cake stand on the kitchen counter. It feels amazing to be back in our home, but, at the same time, bittersweet.

As my dad drove us to the airport on Sunday afternoon, I hid behind my sunglasses. I turned my ipod on and started listening to THIS song. I stared out the car window and tears started falling down my face. I reached into my purse to find a kleenex that I knew wouldn’t be there. You see, I never have a kleenex when I need one. But, this time, I found a package. I remember my mom telling me to put a package in my purse before I leave because she knows Emma and I seem to sneeze a whole lot. I never put the package in my purse, and my mom knew I wouldn’t, so she did it herself. I didn’t need the kleenex for a sneeze, I needed it for tears. I don’t think my mom realized that because I do everything I can to not show tears, ever. Character flaw, don’t ask me why.

Tears fell as we drove down the freeway. I felt so incredibly lame that even after 6 years, I cannot let this place go. It’s hard to explain. I can only describe it as an awe that comes over me as I look at the mountains, a calmness that comes over me as I see the ocean, an insanely delightful feeling as I drive down the familiar streets and see the little details that are only found in historic homes. I messaged a friend telling her that I’m in tears and at the same time I feel super lame. “It’s because it’s home to you,” she responded. And there, because of those simple words, the tears didn’t feel so silly.

I shared my feelings with David and got nothing but support. We sat there dreaming up a plan to one day return to the beautiful state that is home to us. And with that, I felt comforted that we had a plan, a dream of a plan, but it’s still a plan. I’m not saying it will be in a year, or five, or even ten. But, all I needed to know was that we had a plan. And that means the world to me.

As if visiting Disneyland wasn’t enough excitement, we also had to hit Legoland. It’s no secret that my boy is obsessed with Legos. I totally encourage it because he uses his imagination to build some pretty amazing things. And it makes this mother proud that he’d choose Legos over video games or television.

So, on a beautiful day in Carlsbad, California, we went to Legoland.

My mom bought Eli a Lego knight outfit. He wore it proud. Emma got a Lego princess outfit and was thrilled to see real Lego princesses throughout the day.

Everything was made of Legos!

And we went on Lego ride after ride.

And saw Lego villages.

Lego Star Wars was Eli’s favorite.

We also visited the Lego aquarium at the end of the day. By this time, I was pooped. I found a seat and enjoyed the view.

And we drove home to a beautiful sunset along the coast.

The end.

There’s no words to explain how I feel when I am near the ocean. The smell, the sand, the sound. David and I dream about one day living close to the ocean. A quaint little cottage would suit us just fine.

When I was in 5th grade, my family went to Maui around Christmas. Christmas felt so different being there. Since then, my love for the ocean has been deep.

A beach trip was in order so…

…we headed to one of our favorite spots.

And the gps map never looked better.

The afternoon was beautiful. The sand was warm. The sun was shining.

Eli and Emma couldn’t have been happier. They had sand everywhere…just as you should at the beach.

And I felt at home.

At the end of the day, we cleaned the sand off our feet and drove home as the sun was setting.

Until our next visit…soon, I hope. The end.

Just a random photo essay of more fun in California.

I noticed a seed swap is scheduled for August 11. Can I extend our vacation?

I hung out by the pool with my furry friend. It’s gotta be rough being a dog.

And my mom always finds the most interesting things. That’s one huge beach ball.

We browsed the 2 buck chuck selection at Trader Joe’s.

And listed to some good tunes.

And I taught the E’s the art of ding dong ditching.

And we ate the worlds BEST spaghetti!

And walked the quaint sidewalks of my favorite shopping area.

And stayed there until night.

And then saw the most obnoxious truck ever. Complete with a “cowboy up” sticker and a personalized license plate reading, “IMA FIN2.” Seriously people!?!

The end.

I remember going to Disneyland as a kid. The drive was only 30 minutes from our house, but it seemed like forever. That’s exactly how Eli and Emma felt. The 30 minute drive to Disneyland was filled with questions like, “are we there yet?” And, “when are we going to be at Disneyland?” Finally, we arrived and our day of fun began.

The E’s were giddy! And I was giddy just watching them.

The weather was perfect. We went on ride after ride including Small World.

This boy rode Big Thunder Mountain. I was talked into riding it as well and my ultra sensitive motion sickness body didn’t like it very much. I had to sit out the next few rides to recover.

And the Buzz Lightyear ride was so much fun. I remember taking Eli on this ride when he was just a little toddler. Sniff, sniff.

And this girl spent the day wearing her happy birthday button. Cast member after cast member wished her happy birthday.

And this face is the reason why we go on vacation and go to Disneyland.

We ate dinner outdoors and it was perfect. These little stars were just too darling. I so want one for our home.

We stayed well into the night and it was beautiful!

And the E’s sat on the curb of Main Street waiting for the fireworks to begin.

The clock hit 9:30pm and the fireworks started. Tinkerbell and Dumbo flew over the castle and Emma was thrilled. “Tinkerbell is real!!” She yelled.

The next day, we were exhausted. We decided to stay around the house and swim. This is the view from my parents kitchen. Isn’t it lovely? I want to live here!

And I relaxed in the sun and chatted on the phone with my best friend back in Texas.

The end.

Today my Dad and I headed to the city library and browsed through old maps and photographs. We could have stayed there for hours. I picked a few of my favorite photographs and two maps and the librarian was more than happy to scan them for me. I can’t wait to come up with something creative to do with them!

We also…

enjoyed lunch.

Visited the office building where my Dad had his construction company. He’s now retired and recently sold the property. I have been visiting this office building my entire life and even worked there for nearly 8 years.

Emma found a vintage typewriter.

I went shopping!

And found these beauties at Anthropology.

I walked over some great tile work.

And the E’s enjoyed some too.

And we ate yogurt.

And sat outdoors while we did so.

And finally drove home.

Today, Eli and I cuddled up and took nearly a 3 hour nap together. Moments like that, even when on vacation, are so precious. Here’s some scenes from our weekend at my parents house.

My favorite nursery. I used to spend nearly every Saturday here in the spring and summer months. I’d walk around, just to walk around, even if I didn’t need anything.

And it took everything within me to not buy every packet of seeds.

I got my wedding rings cleaned. These poor little gems were looking pretty shabby.

We have been in the pool daily.

And I’ve been dreaming about this being my backyard. Perhaps one day.

And my parents perfect retro doors. I love these doors and if their house was mine, I would never change them. Ever!

And the walk up to the retro doors.

And a Sunday evening at the park.

And a stop at Trader Joe’s.

And a drive at nearly sunset back to my parents home.

The end.