2-5

The BIG 2-5

Quarter of a century

Half way UP the Hill

Tim's "golden" birthday was this year and my man is now a quarter century!  25 is really not that old, but it's fun to make this birthday a big deal.

On Tim's actual birthday we had the opportunity to go to some really cool gardens for free.  It wasn't the original plan, but it was really nice.  Perfect weather, an incredible old house, and beautiful landscaping.  It turned out to be a very relaxing and enjoyable morning.

Then we stopped at In-N-Out for lunch (pretty sure that was Tim's favorite part).

 

Tim had to work in the evening, but I joined him at the temple for dinner and brought chocolate souffle, our favorite treat from the local bakery- honestly out of this world good!

Instead of birthday cake (which the birthday boy doesn't love) I made a cherry pie (which he does love) from scratch.

 

I was pleased with how it turned out.  I know Tim enjoyed it, but he said filling from the can was still his favorite (good to know since canned filling will save a lot of time the next go around.)

Make a wish!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE!

 Funny note about the candles.  We invited a friend over to share the pie, but were not making a big deal of the birthday part so I figured we'd do candles really fast. (In my opinion the best of birthdays have candles!)  The pie had only been out of the oven a 10 min or so, by the third candle the first had fallen over because the pie melted it!  Hence only five candles, a very rushed Happy Birthday to You, and some residual wax in the birthday pie! Oh well live and learn!

Another World

The sea is as near as we come to another world

-Anne Stevenson                           

Looking through the glass at the Monterey Bay Aquarium was really like looking into another world.  Here are a few of the lifeforms we saw!

We had tons of fun looking at all the different animals. The sea otters were our favorite because they seemed so playful.  We made it just in time for a feeding which was a lot of fun to watch. Sometimes I feel bad for animals that should be out in the wild, but it seemed like they took good care of the otters and from what they said each otter had a reason they couldn't be released again.

Really every thing was amazing.  It is incredible to think we share a world with such fascinating animals.  And so many more we haven't even discovered! Our beautiful earth is truly a gift from our loving Father in Heaven.  I know we hear it a lot and sometimes get tired of hearing it, but it really is important to consider the impact we are having on the world, this world that is home to so much more than just you and me.  As our Heavenly Father's children we have been given this earth to enjoy, but we also have been given it to take care of.


In Monterey we also enjoyed some beach time. 

Just  chasing some waves...

and putting our feet in the sand...

Life is truly grand!

 Love from the land of wind, waves, and sand

 - Margo 

Vacation Destination: San Fran

With the beautiful area, fun city, and the Golden Gate Bridge the Bay area is a place worth visiting!  I love this aspect of where we live. People want to come here... I like to think people would want to come see us no matter our location, but let's be honest the idea of some Cal sun and riding cute little trolley cars might help draw people to our door.  And even if that is your real reason for coming, please don't feel guilty (I completely understand the draw to a fun destination) and come see us any time (we enjoy the trolley rides too)!

At the end of May, Mom paid us a visit and we had a grand time!
Some highlights:

Ole's Waffles- Just a couple block from home... it''s lick your plate good! (Just ask my Mom!)

Conservatory of Flowers

Golden Gate Park

These were the funniest turtles.  They were sunbathing on the log, but as one would get off or try to get on the log would get a little unbalanced and all the other turtles would scramble to adjust.  Every now and then a few would get in a pushing war trying to get comfortable and one would end up falling in. Turtles and ducklings were just some of the animals we enjoyed watching as we explored San Fran.

Boudin Bakery- Rock your world sourdough bread bowl with clam chowder!

Chocolate anyone?  YES please!

No words can explain! It's really that good!

Louis' Diner- Good food.. and oh what a view!

The newest members.  Super good deal and now we can take you when you come to visit too!

Our porch beautified.  (Thanks for the upgrade mom!)

Mom, We love you. Thanks for being our first house guest!  We'd love a repeat anytime! (And I'm sure we will have no trouble finding new things to do too.)

Really it could not have been a better time.  Lots of conversation and laughter, incredible sights, yummy food, and the best of company to enjoy everything with!  We loved showing off our new stomping ground and would be glad to do it again anytime!   So now it is your turn to make San Fran your vacation destination.

Awaiting your arrival,

Margo