Anniversary Getaway

We were fortunate enough to be able to take a night away for our anniversary. We celebrated by driving down to Monterey to stay the night and enjoy a fabulous dinner at Roy's Restaurant (thanks Dad and Mom!!). We took a very relaxing stroll by the beach before heading down to Pebble Beach for dinner. The weather was perfect!

A big thanks to my parents for taking the kiddos so we could enjoy this wonderful getaway!

We did not take any pics of dinner, but I had to search for a pic of this amazing appetizer we devoured! It is a kobe sushi roll filled with tempura asparagus, avocado, and crab then topped with kobe beef. I do not normally enjoy sushi at all, but I could have eaten the entire thing. It was probably one of the best things I have eaten. We also enjoyed szechwan bbq baby back pork ribs and caesar salad. Jaron ordered the lamb and I had the rib eye steak. It was such a fantastic meal. Yum!

Avery's day

A special birthday breakfast followed Avery's scavenger hunt to discover her gifts. Jaron made waffles, eggs, and bacon at Avery's request.

All dressed up and ready for a field trip with school. Avery had her party the following day.

A not so yummy tasting icecream cake made by mom...next time it is Baskin Robbins. :)

Avery really wanted a number 5 candle on her cake. She was very happy to see it was super sparkly.
We had a playgroup-like party with friends. Avery wanted a Hello Kitty party complete with a pinata and cake (not cupcakes like last year.) She told me she will be alternating between cake and cupcakes every year. :)

Friends from preschool - Tristen, Guilia, and Lena

A big hug from our friend, Ocean.

This cake was a much bigger success. Thank goodness Hello Kitty is relatively easy to make.

Here is Riley hiding out in the corner with her cake, Woody doll, and Buzz Lightyear. These are her absolute favorite toys and she does not let them out of her sight.

Natural Bridges

Over Christmas break, we decided to spend a day over the hill in Santa Cruz. We enjoyed beautiful weather while spending some time at Natural Bridges State Beach. The tidepools were a bit disappointing, but the girls absolutely loved the beach. Riley was not so sure about the sand on her bare feet, but Avery would have stripped down and headed into the ocean if we had let her. We went into Capitola after that and watched the sunset and the surfers at Pleasure Point. We ended our day at Aloha Island Grill- one of our favorite restaurants. It was a wonderful day. It makes me miss the ocean and the time we spent living over that way.

Ready for fun!

Tomorrow we celebrate Avery's 5th birthday! We also celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary. Let the fun begin!
I still have balloons to blow up, but everything else is ready for tomorrow morning. I made a happy birthday banner along with a line of pics from Avery's 5 years of life. My creative friend, Kelci, made tissue paper flowers to hang for her daughter Bella's birthday and they were so adorable that I had to do the same! Avery requested a scavenger hunt to find her present so I am making Jaron set that up when he gets home tonight. :) He is also making her birthday breakfast in the morning- waffles and bacon. Yum!
Her birthday outfit is hilarious- cute birthday shirt, pink tulle skirt (which we will pair with leggings) and pink glitter sneakers. I know she will love it.
More to come tomorrow...