Well I just got back from the most relaxing weekend ever. At FORD WOOD, my best friend, Heather’s, new home under the redwoods. It’d been a year since I’d been back to Santa Cruz, so I was looking forward to getting back to my roots and catching up with friends. Good friends. Truly the best if you ask me. Heather was the most perfect host. She set up her little guest house for me with fresh sheets, toiletries and flowers, even some water for my bedside. It was my little sanctuary away from home. Here were some of my favorite moments from the weekend . . .
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Friends
National Best Friend’s Day might be my favorite non-holiday ever. It’s my chance to tell my bestie how awesome she is. If you already don’t know, Heather has been my bestie for .. how many years now? Oh, jeez. 10 years?! Holy crap, we’re getting old. I think we both have been secretly shopping for each other, like it’s our birthdays, in preparation for this special day. I found some goodies for her, including this clever “Why You’re My Bestie” book. And these Aid Through Trade friendship bracelets. Oh, and some lavender soap that reminded me of her handwriting, called Hand in Hand. Sound familiar??? ;) With all my gifts in hand, one night last week, I sat myself down with some red wine and started filling in my bestie journal. I must admit, I cracked up a few times thinking of old times. It was such a fun little activity. Made me smile thinking of my bestie who’s far away. I hope she loved her goodies. And I hope you spoiled your bestie, too!
Jace’s first birthday was an absolute hit. I planned a very colorful and fruity birthday for our little pineapple. Even the weather felt tropical with the rain and warm temperatures. I’ll let the pictures say the rest! A big thanks to all of our friends and family for celebrating this special day with us. Such a blast. And Mr. Jace was the happiest, cake-eating, attention-loving little 1 year old ever. Such a ham. I must say, I had so much fun planning this party; more fun than any other. Especially the little goodie bags for the kids. We love you Jace. You’re the light in our life.
A HUGE thanks to Heather for taking all of these pictures and for the beautiful album to put all of our mini polaroids in. Isn’t her handwriting and sketching skills absolutely amazing?!! She is seriously the coolest person.
Party details:
Jace Turns 1 pineapple tattoos
Balloons
DIY Pinata
Fruit garland
Pineapple flowers on cupcakes
Pineapple cups
Straws
Pineapple sangria
BBQ pulled pork sliders
Pineapple album, including calligraphy
Party favors:
Bags
Calligraphy
Sunglasses
Christmas came and went faster than ever this year. We just got home from our trip to see family and friends in Arizona and are pretty dazed. If that’s a word. We’re pooped. Between the holiday shopping and travel and work schedules, we did our best to do a few things to keep the spirit of Christmas glowing in our hearts. I didn’t do half as much as I wanted to, like watch Hook, finish David Sedaris’ Holidays on Ice, make Jace’s first year ornament, decorate a Gingerbread house out of berries, etc., etc. My Christmas cards were rushed {but fairly clever!} — my gifts were last minute {literally day-of sometimes} — my flight was almost missed — my luggage delayed — my hair a mess. It was a scrambling, rushed holiday. I obviously over did it. And to my dismay, I caught a nasty stomach virus over the holiday, and then gave it to everyone around me, including little Jace. On the bright side, we were spoiled with love from our family and friends and that alone made up for all the hustle and bustle and sicknesses and stress. It’s really the best time of the year and there is so much to celebrate – the birth of Jesus, the Christ and the promise of grace and hope forever more. So, what am I complaining about, right? Right. Here are the fews things we DID do to celebrate here in Cali and in Arizona:
One of our little Christmas outings was to the lighted boat parade in Santa Cruz at the harbor with some good friends. It was so much fun. Love the smell of that ocean!
We had some friends and family pass through. Surprise visitors are the best. Jace loves Krista & Gus! ;)
Rob enjoyed his seasonal beers ;)
And little boy had his first ear infection early in December and did a lot of face-down, butt in the air motions. I think it helped his head.
Holiday work part-ay!! Full of food, sushi, games and the money tree!
My Dad and Jace waiting with me at the Phoenix airport for my luggage that didn’t make it on my flight. 3 hours later :( Thank God for Starbucks.
Oregano’s to the rescue, after a long travel day.
My little reindeer xoxo…
Christmas Eve with the Johannes. I truly love it when our families come together to eat and exchange stories and gifts. So heartwarming to see Jace among all of his Grandpas, Grandmas, Great-Grandmas, and Uncles & Aunts. And our holiday specs were so rad.
Christmas #2 in Cottonwood with Rob’s Mom, step-father and Tay & Ri. We made gingerbread houses, ate a ton of great food and strolled through Jerome before heading back to Phoenix. Such a nice visit and so comfy, too!
Biggest coffee cup ever! Thanks Tayler.
Miss Tayler made us the most thoughtful scrapbook of Jace’s first year. I can’t even imagine how many hours she must have spent on it. It’s beautiful. In it is this quote about family and it couldn’t be more perfect:
“Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present and future” – Gail Lumet Buckley
Thanks, Tayler. we love you so much.
Last weekend we went to the new Cremer House in Felton for a little Christmas dinner with good friends. It was the most perfect place for dinner for the holiday with friends, and we had heard great things. Built by Thomas Cremer in 1874, The Cremer House is the oldest building in downtown Felton. For many years it functioned as the Grand Central Hotel, a restaurant, bar, and boarding house. And now it’s come alive once again and has attracted quite the crowd. Only open for dinner right now, the line starts pretty early. Thankfully, we got there right at open. Their coffee BBQ wings, chicken pot-pie and turkey meatloaf are to-die-for. They also have fried chicken, apple cider donuts {heaven} and serve Vertigo coffee from San Juan Bautista. It’s cozy, romantic and delicious. And I almost forgot about the beer. The beer! Yes, they have beer and plenty of it. Go for the full tasting. So many good things to say. I really can’t wait to go back.
{heated patio seating.}
{We’ve learned to entertain and distract the little one while out to dinner. Such a task!}
{Jace & his Auntie Heater}
{Thanks for such a lovely dinner friend! Had so much fun. I’m sorry I ate all of your donuts.}