“a portrait of Ezra, once a week…every week, in 2015.”
Sidecar Doughnuts…..our favorite little treat in Newport Beach.
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“a portrait of Ezra, once a week…every week, in 2015.”
The second half of our 10 year anniversary trip was spent in Newport Beach. The last few times that we’ve visited CA…..I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time with a few new sweet friends and their families. They are so refreshing and so good for my soul. Whale watching California is a popular thing for tourists to do, and it’s no wonder why. Good times! I love seeing Ezra with little friends….it’s so sweet to see kids engage and play, freely. They don’t approach friendships like adults do, at times. They are happy to see another person their size and they welcome them in. No judgment. None of that “what can you do for me” attitude. It’s pure. It’s lovely. Truly encouraging. Of course we hit up In-N-Out…..and Sidecar Doughnuts….a time or two. HA! We enjoyed the sunshine, walks on the beach and did a little shopping, as always Ezra made out like a bandit! Oh, and momma may or may not have popped into Sids Tattoo shop. Good times! Our trip was super fun…..loved every moment. Here’s a peek into the second half of our trip! OH! But first….. Our must-eat/drink list from our trip: Bear Flag [best fish tacos!] Sidecar Doughnuts [made from scratch doughnuts and they serve Stumptown Coffee!], Nekter Juice Bar, El Matador [yummy mexican food], Milk & Honey [fabulous ACAI bowls] & Haute Cakes Caffe [best breakfast with outdoor seating]
// …& some iPhone photos, because carrying around the BIG camera isn’t always fun on vacation.
We spent last week in sunny Southern California…..just the three of us. This was Reed and I’s 10 year anniversary trip, but also a special week of laid back family time [& some friend time here and there, which is always refreshing to the soul]. Our initial trip was to be in Newport Beach for the week, but while I was photographing the O2 Experience tour this past Fall….we spent a few days in Santa Barbara, and needless to say…..I immediately called Reed and said that we must spend a few days of our trip there. We made it happen…..and it was so worth it! As we were planning for our Santa Barbara accommodations…..Reed suggested the Four Seasons. I’ll be honest, I was hesitant of the idea….only because I was nervous about having a toddler in tow at such a nice When I reached out to the Four Seasons, a unique opportunity came about to collaborate with them. I tell you, our experience at this resort was like none other. They know customer service…..and not as highly paid robots, but they genuinely care about and serve people well. I certainly left inspired in so many ways. From the handwritten welcome / anniversary note left on our bed upon arrival….to the little details that were put together in the crib for Ezra….everything was carefully thought of and executed well. Above and beyond. There are just a handful of cottages at the Four Seasons, and we got to stay in one of them! AMAZING, right?!? Our cottage was spectacular. The breakfast we had overlooking the beach was so peaceful, especially as Ezra was filling up on the [kids eat free] buffet! The resort grounds were breathtaking….to see such beautiful greenery and flowers everywhere I looked was incredible. Our flower season here in Montana is so short…so it’s in the little things like this that made walking around the resort so much fun. We spent one full day split between Butterfly Beach and the Resort Jungle Pool. Ezra loved the sand, sunshine and all the water! A dear friend [who just so happens to make the very best cupcakes in the world- who has a little shop in the Santa Barbara Public Market] met up with us as well, so that was so much fun….to catch up face to face and watch our kiddos play together. Of course a trip to Santa Barbara wouldn’t be complete without an authentic Mexican meal….and so we enjoyed dinner at Los Agaves. Oh my goodness….no words….so good! Can you tell we had the best time ever in SB?!? We sure did. We only stayed for two nights, but it was the perfect start to our vacation [after this we headed to Newport Beach for the remainder of our trip]. Our must-eat/drink list for Santa Barbara: Bella Vista at Four Seasons [fabulous breakfast & buffet!], Enjoy Cupcakes, The French Press & Handlebar Coffee Roasters [tied for best coffee], Los Agaves & Los Arroyos [our absolute favorite Mexican food spots] and Jeannine’s Bakery (for breakfast, lunch &/or dessert) Between all the splish splashing pool fun, sandy beach hangs…..and just being together as a family….this trip was a special one. So much fun sharing our trip with you! And now…..our vacation in photos!
HAPPY EASTER, FRIENDS! Easter is such a special weekend for our family…..and it’s such an honor to be part of the amazing events that our church, Fresh Life, puts their heart and soul into. On Good Friday we have a Skull Church event and on Easter Sunday we come together at the Majestic Valley Arena. Hours and hours are put into this very weekend by some incredible staff and volunteers…..so it tends to be a busy one for us, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. A highlight of our weekend was when one of our baristas from Red Caboose stood up at Pastor Levis invitation to accept Christ. Oh my goodness! Chills and tears! This sight never gets old to me….and when it’s someone that is dear to your heart, it takes it to a whole new level. Im so proud of this girl….and thankful for all the bold invitations that were given to her, year after year, while working for us. God is so faithful….as we continue to trust Him with our lives. This was such an encouragement to my heart as we continue to pray for others near and dear to us who need Jesus desperately. Ezra, of course looked like a little dapper man…..and so did my husband. I love boys so very much and I have so much to be thankful for.
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