It’s that time. The temperature’s rising, I’m dreading the sweltering heat of the valley already, and we’re craving a Summertime getaway. We’re starting to think about this year’s family vacation.
Last week I pulled a few photos from last Summer’s vacation and sent them to Anthony, subject reading “Let’s do this again…”
Truth is, we always choose San Diego for our vacation spot. If we didn’t live here, we’d live there. The girls have travelled the road there multiple times already and we have a favorite bungalow we like to rent out. There’s a donut shop five minutes away, an Italian joint just past there, and the Sambazon (acai bowls!) shop is within walking distance. There’s a park just across the street, a giant hammock in the front yard, and the beach is just a stroll from the front door. You can order street/beach tacos at a stand that overlooks the waves. And the breakfast cafes, oh those get me the most.
I would like to venture other destinations, see new things and experience different surroundings, I really would. For simplicity’s sake though? Those sandy accommodations up there suit me just fine.
Ant and I found ourselves swooning (okay maybe I was the only one swooning) over this cute video the other night after my friend Somer mentioned it on Instagram. Two of my favorites, singing together, andplus – a ukelele. Swoon.
We are up north in the mountains and snow visiting Ant’s mom and step-dad for the weekend. I’ll be back soon with a few photos of our chilly fun.
We hope you have a safe and fun night tonight! Here’s to a new year filled with joy, beauty, and all the best of what you wish. Here’s to you and yours. Cheers!!
XoXo, Katy
And just in case, perhaps, you don’t have anyone to kiss, here’s an extra one from me…Xxxxxxx.
This weekend I took a whirlwind trip to San Francisco for my sister’s bachelorette festivities.
It was the first time I’d left my girls overnight (and the first time not sleeping beside Ant since we were married five years ago). My first note is about my Ella. This post is for my sister, on the other end of my trip.
For my sister,
We’ve seen each other off too many times to count. It all feels routine now – the swift jump out of the car at the drop-off, the hesitant hug (like if we put it off, we wouldn’t actually have to let go), and the inevitable tears that gather too quickly. We’re used to it. Only this time I’m the one leaving
And while that makes me sad, I am happy to go through that drop-off dance because it means that I came in the first place.
As the plane takes off, I am watching the millions of tiny glowing lights twinkle below me and it makes me marvel. In this giant city, so unlike the one you grew in and came from, you have found your home. Among all these lights, you’ve added your own. You have always shone brightly and you have found your place to do it.
This is not new to me. We’ve visited many times over the past several years, and each time I can see the fit. This weekend, though, made me know for certain. I didn’t come to see the sights around the city. In fact I came for the best attraction of all – a celebration of you.
I am honored to have met your “tribe.” This amazing group of women, each admirable in her own rite, who take care of one another. I was witness to the warmth and love that they bestow upon you every time you meet. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to feel all that joy and love directed to you.
You have found a match in them as well and I am so proud of you for finding that family.
Mommy, Daddy, and I, I think we always sort of hold out hope that one day you’ll change your mind and decide to come back “home.” We really know deep down that it won’t happen, but the idea is always there.
After this weekend, it won’t be so hard to accept that the place we refer to as home is different than yours.
I am incredibly proud of you. You’ve etched out a life to take honor of. You’ve found yourself in a family that inspires, nurtures, and promotes you to thrive as yourself. And you’ve found your Ben, and in 43 days you will be married.
What an honor to be a part of this celebration of you.
What an honor to get to know your tribe.
What an honor to be your little sister.
This weekend I took a whirlwind trip to San Francisco for my sister’s bachelorette festivities.
It was the first time I’d left my girls overnight (and the first time not sleeping beside Ant since we were married five years ago). This first note is about my Ella, written on the plane somewhere between home and San Francisco. The second (posted tomorrow) is for my sister, on the other end of my trip.
Above the Clouds
38,000 feet, and I’m looking down at the tops of clouds. They’re gloriously soft and lush looking. Some are like mounds of cotton piled high on top of each other, so high that it seems I could touch them from my seat. Others are thin and wisp to an end swiftly, reminding me of cotton candy…
Which then turns my thoughts to a carnival or better yet, a boardwalk lining a beach…
Which then brings me back to my girls. And tears well up and line my bottom lids. As high up as I am, I feel my anchor.
Them. My world.
I am tethered up here in the air, drifting through clouds, torn between emotions. Tethered like a balloon, and I picture Ella Faye back there on the ground, little hands clasping so tightly to the string, squinting up into the sky.
Last night as I gathered up any extra hugs and kisses she would spare me, I told her I wouldn’t be seeing her when she woke up this morning. Her little girl intuition flared – being so much more aware than anyone would think to give credit to – and she sensed my emotion.
She stroked my hair and said quietly, “We’ll always be together.”
And so she’s right. My tether, my world. I hope she’s holding up better than I am.
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