Update From Hannah

Hello! This is Hannah, the main blogger's daughter! Mom is extremely busy right now, and since I'm in bed from surgery, I thought I could catch her up!I know there are a few things that she would like to remain a separate post, so I won't touch those. I guess all I'm going to say is that mom has absolutely no time for blogging... She still has massive loads of homeschool planning, cleaning the house, doctors appointments, blood-draws, dentists, orthodontists, vet visits, Anniversary planning, organizing the entire house, and on top of all this, cooking three meals a day along with all her other mommy duties! I just don't get how she handles all this stress so well! Our life is so busy right now... Poor mom, she just doesn't have any free time! During all this, she has not said a word of complaint, and has remained an inspiring, outstanding servant of God. She is truly an amazing woman!

Update - July

Wow. I haven't posted anything in weeks! I don't think I can even begin to explain just how busy these weeks have been. We have had a convention, a short trip to Deep Creek, meetings at church, homeschool planning, a birthday, orthodontist visits (Ryan got his braces off!), art classes, and the real topper is that we got a puppy! (which entails hourly trips out to potty train, vet visits, training, loss of sleep, etc.). But this little guy has stolen our hearts - he is so adorable, and I must admit it is nice to have a sweet dog in the house again.

Last week I had a very special time with my two teenagers - it really was a blast - we went to the midnight showing of Harry Potter, which meant getting there at ten and waiting. People were in costumes - including Hannah! I love any opportunity to make memories with my kids...

Awesome movie, awesome time with my AWESOME kids.

Farewell, California...

Well, our trip is over. It was an amazing trip beyond words. We made so many memories together as a family, and saw and experienced some wonderful things. I believe we will all remember this trip forever, and it will stand out in the memories of our kids as they ponder their childhood.

I am so grateful to my husband for his planning, hard work and generosity. He spared no expense and made sure we all had a wonderful time and souvenirs to remember it. My whole life I have longed to travel, and he is making my dreams come true. In more ways than one.

I had to throw in this last picture - the faithful suburban that carried us hundreds of miles over desserts and mountains and oceans and bridges. The license plate happened to have "Mr. Po" in it... our affectionate nickname for Danny. How appropriate it was. Thanks, Mr. Po, for giving us all the vacation of a lifetime. We love you.

San Francisco

We spent our last day of vacation in San Francisco. It is truly a beautiful city. We were, however, unprepared for how cold it was. We came in shorts and t-shirts but needed jeans and sweatshirts! So we got out and walked around some, but it was quite windy and chilly.

We walked through Fisherman's Wharf...

And saw Alcatraz, but only from a distance...

The hills were quite something.

And we actually managed to drive down the famous, crooked Lombard Street.

We drove through Chinatown but couldn't find any parking to get out and walk.

And of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a foggy day so our pictures aren't so spectacular.

We drove out to Muir Woods - a grove of beautiful redwood trees. That forest was so peaceful, there was a stream running through it, and wildlife. We definitely would spend more time there if we could go back someday.

We went back to the house that night, sad, knowing our fabulous trip was over. We had to get up the next day and fly back to Maryland.

Our Last House in California...

We arrived at our final destination outside San Francisco on Wednesday. It was starting to hit us that our trip was almost over, and some of the things that we had planned to do didn't work out. We wanted to go to Alcatraz but had no idea you need to get tickets 3 weeks in advance! That was a bummer. But we made the best of it in this beautiful, hilltop home...

Many games of pool were played...

And we spent one night cooking an entirely organic, healthy meal with locally grown produce and fresh caught fish. We even tried California artichokes - never having tried them before I have no way of comparing them...

Danny made these absolutely amazing scallops! He cooks without recipes so I can only hope he can repeat them again.

Here's Danny serving the kids at this INCREDIBLE outdoor kitchen - I mean it was luxury beyond anything we have ever seen... tv, dishwasher, grill, bathroom, fridge, everything you could ever want for entertaining.

Danny was definitely in his element cooking out there... I really think he enjoyed it! It was so cute watching him cook!

This was the final product - three types of fish, mango salsa and sweet potatoes... mmmmm.... the best meal we had there. Delicious.

After dinner everyone enjoyed the view from the hot tub. I am sure we will never experience anything like that ever again. The view was just a million-dollar view.

No, Hannah is not dead, she is laying back, completely relaxed, and enjoying the water...

Happy Danny at the end of the day!

Monterey

Wednesday we went to Monterey to see the famous Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf and go visit the Aquarium. It was pretty interesting - especially the otters - but in our opinion, the San Diego Zoo was far better.

Danny took this shot - I think it belongs on the cover of National Geographic or something! Their jellyfish "collection" was absolutely gorgeous - they had them in tanks in a dark room with lights that made the jellyfish just glow.

And Sherry, this one's for you. They actually had a penguin display! They were so cute! Ryan got an amazing video of them jumping in and swimming, and one falling down - so funny.

I took this shot of beautiful Hannah - we ate right on the water at a restaurant called FishHopper. The kids had some awesome clam chowder and their calamari was caught the night before right there in the bay. As we sat there and looked out the window we saw more otters swimming right outside.

Our fearless leader trying to figure out what to do next. (with a little help from Hannah of course!)

Favorite sites of Carmel

First the cottage we stayed at won my heart, but then the entire town put an iron grip on that hold! haha I really felt like this was the most quaint, peaceful and charming town I have ever been to, and I really believe I could live here forever. Couldn't afford the price tag, but one can dream...

This little charmer is a candy shop - we just couldn't resist going in there several times and trying their British treats.

This little two-bedroom cottage is on the market for 1.5 million!

This is the entrance to an "alley"... even their little backstreets were loaded with charm.

Flower gardens were everywhere.

I absolutely loved their beach. It never gets hot, so you can just go and sit down there on one of these benches amidst huge, beautiful trees (I don't know what kind they are) and sit and enjoy the ocean. Most people wear shorts or jeans and a light jacket. Danny and I walked down there one morning and I could have just sat there all day.

Our home was close enough to walk into town in the mornings and choose from about six coffee shops and several bakeries to get morning goodies and coffee. Which we did. Our stay here was only three nights, but it was the most peaceful and relaxing part of the entire trip. I am already in the process of trying to convince Danny to bring me back someday...

One night we went to dinner at Hogs Breath - a quaint little restaurant that is owned by Clint Eastwood who lives in this town. That was a neat experience. Most restaurants here provide a lot of outdoor seating which is so neat. Not something we do much in Maryland due to heat and humidity.

As we were packing up to leave this cottage and town, I have to say I was almost in tears. I loved it here so much, and I really didn't want to leave. The people are so friendly, the town is small and quaint, and I knew I would miss the cool weather, the sound of the ocean coming in the window, the ability to sit and read a book and just enjoy God's creation, and our close family togetherness in this little house. It is said that Jane Austen came here for inspiration. I can see why. Ah yes... I can see why.