Big Sur Vacation- June 17-22

The week after school got out was a week C and I had been looking forward to for a long time. We both were excited for the opportunity to rest and relax for an entire week! Our travel plans weren't really plans at all because neither one of us really had time to plan a vacation! Eventually we decided we would maybe travel up the coast and stay somewhere along the beach for the week, but just about that time one of my parents offered for us to stay at their home in Big Sur. Little did she know she was our saving grace. We were both elated! Neither of us had ever spent any time in Big Sur, just driven through, and we were so excited to have the opportunity. We spent a couple days in Huntington Beach with family, a night with Grandma Gail in Camarillo, and then headed up the coast to Big Sur. The drive was breathtaking as we zig-zagged up the 101 and then HWY 1 closer to the ocean. We stopped for lunch at the quaint little town of San Luis Obispo and continued on until we reached Big Sur. The place we stayed was a darling guest house just down the road from the main house. It sat right at the edge of a cliff and looked out over the ocean. It was a slice of heaven. Each day was spent lounging around on the deck reading and studying. C was able to work on some projects he had been meaning to get to for quite a while. We ate our meals at the local bakery and restaurants and became acquainted with several members of the community. We hiked around the property, gathered fresh fruit from the garden, toured the new guest house that was being built, climbed down the side of the cliff to the private beach, collected seashells, and relaxed, relaxed, relaxed. Our vacation was unforgettable! The unfortunate part of our trip happened on Saturday when lightening hit the mountain near-by. We saw the lightening strike and soon after, the smoke began to rise. As we walked along the beach that afternoon we watched the helicopters moving in and out of the smoke and sucking up water from nearby ponds and the ocean. Soon neighbors began to arrive and together we stood and watched the smoke come closer and closer. That evening we ate at Nepenthe, a restaurant just a few miles south of us and while we ate watched helicopters filling up right in front of us. We tried to drive further south but a road block was already set, just five miles south of us. The next morning we headed down the mountain from the house to get some breakfast only to find the restaurants had been evacuated and the road block had been moved closer. We drove back up to the house to have breakfast there and begrudgingly began to pack and clean for our departure. When the time came for us to head out we found the road block had been moved once again to just south of our road. The billow of smoke was getting bigger and closer. It was sad to leave and we, of course, were worried for the community there. We were happy to hear that the fire was finally out after burning for over four weeks and thousands of acres. The home we stayed in was left unharmed, thankfully the fire never jumped to the west side of HWY 1.

Surprise!

C and I had been planning for a while to go down south for Father's Day weekend. Little did he know that I (along with Danielle) had also been planning a surprise 30th birthday party for he and Andy! Andy turned 30 in February and C will turn 30 in October, so we figured we were pretty safe that they wouldn't have a clue....and we were right! C and I left very early Saturday morning and made it to Huntington Beach right about brunch time. After brunch with Roland and Daniel, the boys left for the indoor racetrack while I met up with Danielle, Janet and Lindsey to prepare for the beach party. Kirk had been planning a "Father's Day Adventure" for the sons and dads to keep C and Andy busy for the better part of the afternoon. Meanwhile, Danielle and I ran around town picking up decorations, food, and balloons. If only the weather had complied... By the time the guests began arriving the last of the balloons had already flown away and the wind was unceasing. But, it was a wonderful evening spent with family and friends and as C put it "The best surprise birthday party I ever could have imagined!!" I'm so glad! :)

Last day of school...

Today was my last day at Woodside Elementary. I have had a wonderful 5 years teaching there and it was sad to say good-bye. We saved the tears for the end of day and spent the rest of the day singing and dancing and playing field games. The kindergartners enjoyed every minute of it, as did the teachers. I am so blessed to have many happy memories of and with the children, parents, and my teammates. The community of parents and teachers have all been incredibly supportive and encouraging and wished us well on our new adventure in Portland. We'll see what awaits us! (The photo is of my team! L-R Tina, Tracy, me, Stacy and Sonja)

A visit from Babe and Dad

One of the most highly anticipated events of the spring was a visit from my little brother and my dad. First came Bret and Jessica. They began their vacation in San Diego where Bret was in a friend's wedding. After spending a few nights with Chad, they flew up to be with C and me for a few days. Unfortunately, it was a busy time for me with classes, work and Open House, but we made it work. They were able to see San Francisco and tour around the Napa Valley and Bret was even my Surprise Reader at school one day! We loved having them here and too soon it was time for them to go. We drove them to Southern California on Memorial Day weekend. Dad was already at Chad and Kelly's and it was the weekend of Kirk's Medical School graduation. I got to spend Saturday with my family while C spent the day with his. On Monday we picked up Dad and headed north. On the way we stopped at Pea Soup Andersen's, a fun stop we often make on our trips to and from So. Cal. Daddy even got a little silly with me and took a photo at the cut-outs. The week was a whirlwind, but we had a wonderful time! Dad visited my classroom several times and was able to meet my kids, co-workers, principal, superintendent, parents...he met them ALL! He visited the crick behind my school and also came to be Surprise Reader, except I talked him into telling a story instead. The kids LOVED it! Dad also had the opportunity to explore San Francisco, drive up to the Napa Valley and PUC to visit Aunt Shirley, and to explore the area around where we live as well. C and I took Thursday off to drive dad around on an excursion. We started at Alice's, the famed restaurant on the mountain. From there we drove the windy road down to the ocean and Half Moon Bay. It's a beautiful little coastal town that has many cute shops and cafes. We spent the afternoon walking up and down Main Street and in and out of all the little shops. It was a perfect afternoon! On our way back we took dad to our favorite running trail, Sawyer Camp Trail. It was fun to show him a spot where we have spent numerous hours running and walking. The rest of the week was spent relaxing and catching up. We went to Mountain View Adventist Church and were able to see some of dad's friends that he hadn't seen in years. Sunday came far too quickly and it was time to say "Good-bye!" as he hopped on a plane headed back to So. Cal. to spend a few more days with Chad's family. What a wonderful time for us! Let's do it again soon!!