And the Journey Continues...

It was fifteen years, four months and seven days earlier that this same scenario played out.  And I fell for it twice. 

It was a beautiful San Diego evening and Brian and I were on a wild goose chase to run a random errand all the way across town.  The first time, I was a little surprised, but this time I was shocked!  As we made our way around the back side of the Hotel Del Coronado in search of what I thought was the gift shop, I was slightly thrown off guard when Brian nudged me onto the sand.  And then really thrown off guard when he confessed there was no pendant that were supposedly in search of. 

But...why go through all the trouble of getting me here?  He could have just said "let's have a date" and I would have happily obliged. 

Because it wasn't just any date.  In fact, we found the exact spot where he proposed fifteen years earlier and made ourselves comfortable on the rocks to watch the sunset.  And still, I thought it was just special being together in this place, and that it was an intentional moment created to reflect on life and prepare ourselves for what's to come.  I was right, but I didn't expect him to take it one step further.

As we sat on the rocks marveling at the picturesque sunset, Brian summarized his first proposal about setting out on life's journey together.  He talked about the journey so far- the adventures of unexpected storms, the beautiful places and the four passengers we've added along the way.  And the journey that's yet to come.

He presented me with my original wedding ring (which I had not been wearing it since it was in need of repair), which he not only had fixed, but embellished with four additional diamonds- one for each of our passengers (children).  And as we watched the sun set together 15 years later, we agreed to continue our journey together and as a family, whatever adventures life brings.

Feeling content with life is a beautiful thing.  Thanks to my amazing and incredibly thoughtful husband for making me the world's luckiest wife. 

Bon Voyage!

Scooting, Skating, Shooting and Scheming...

And lots and lots of sparkles!  That pretty much sums up Christmas 2011.  The twins finally got the scooters from their third birthdays (just in time, too, since they are just pounds away from the weight limit- oops).  Garrett got a skateboard, Blake a pogo stick.  Garrett has yet to conquer the skateboard but thinks he looks pretty cool.  Blake picked up the pogo stick and didn't put it down until he'd mastered it.  For all the kids (and grownups) we bought a basketball hoop for the driveway.  Have you noticed the theme yet....?  We are up to our eyeballs in toys, so we decided that it was a much better investment for all our sake to gift things that were for outside use and that promoted anything but sitting in front of the computer/iPod.  And just in time for winter break!  The only down side is that I lost my prime parking spot (either that or the minivan serves as a sideboard), but it's nice to see the neighborhood boys congregating in front shooting hoops.

I think someone just got caught eating the cookie decorations...

Our Christmas eve tradition of new pj's and a Christmas movie.

 

If the big boys are doing it, he's in!

If Ella had her way, she'd be riding a motorcycle instead of a scooter.

Love Blake's reaction to finding out that they were getting a basketball hoop for the driveway!

     
Christmas was nice but felt a little rushed this year.  In part, because it wasn't as well planned out...and in part, because life is just moving WAY too fast.  The twins kind of "get" the whole Santa thing- not because I was crazy enough to take them to a crowded mall and torture them with pictures- but from the dozen Christmas movies we bought to try bring the excitement home.  And it wouldn't be the same without Christmas cookies, a midnight gift wrapping session and gorging on all the holiday favorite foods.  Everyone seemed pretty content with their gifts, and I was lucky enough to be spoiled by my boys- not one, but TWO (faux) gold rings bought just for me by Blake and Garrett who were too excited to wait until Christmas day to give them to me.  There is no better gift than to see your children filled with excitement about giving (except for being the recipient of their thoughtfulness and generosity).  But they are lucky to have an outstanding role model for a father...in spite of his scheming.  I'll save that for the next post.  Here's a hint: it sparkles!