Harris Beach

We have a print in our home of a picture that we took in Oceanside when we were there in July that says:

You can shake the sand from your shoes but it will never leave your soul.

There is something about the Pacific Coast that makes us want to sell all of our possessions, quit our jobs and just make camp on the beach for the rest of our lives. Of course, we would never do this, but just dreaming about it is enough to get me from one day to the next!

Several weeks ago we woke up and told Freckles that we were heading to the Coast for the day! She was super excited and we were rewarded with mostly good behavior through the day. It was super windy and the waves were gigantic, and a little scary, but it was a much needed break from reality for all of us and we ended up having a great day at the always beautiful Harris Beach!

Happy "Event-Aversary" to Me!

This summer I hit my one year "event-aversary" at work!

We held the Fore Kids Classic and our Annual Winemaker's Dinner at the gorgeous Del Rio Vineyards.

 

Fore Kids Classic

The Fore Kids Classic was a big deal for me because this year, I actually got to help with the flower arranging (last year my flower arranging skills were not so hot), but my first vase this year got the "perfect" from our Special Events Coordinator, so it was definitely selfie worthy!

I'm so grateful that a year and a half later I still love my job more than anyone ever should - yes, there are days that are frustrating and politics that shouldn't happen (just like at any job), but overall, I feel so blessed to be able to do what I do!

 

Del Rio

This event has shaped up to be one of my favorite events, simply because Del Rio Vineyard is one of the most gorgeous places in the world! Acres and acres of vines, a little rain, a rainbow - what could be more gorgeous?

 

 

This year, I was asked to speak at the event about the Mentoring Program at the Club and about our experience with Freckles. It was an emotional few minutes in the evening, and I always hate crying in front of people, but I have been told multiple times since that evening that what I had to say was very moving, so I think I did a good job. My "speech" is posted HERE if you're at all interested in reading it.

Square Dancing

Okay, so I've given up on posting things in chronological order. The fact that I finally have a few minutes to post is a miracle in itself and I'm not going to worry myself with whether or not events are in order! :)

In October, our then roommate and good friend Talia moved to Texas to work at a facility for struggling teenagers. It was sad to say goodbye to her, but we are happy that she is happy there and doing well with her new life!

Before she moved, her family and close friends threw her a going away party with her favorite kind of activity - square dancing! Nate is always happy to get me in his arms and turn me around the dance floor ;), and this time was no different (I hope that you can sense my sarcasm). Nate happily took me in his arms but begrudgingly moved with me around the dance floor - although there are pictures of the evening in which he has a smile on his face - so I know he enjoyed it a little bit!

 

Anyway, it was a fun night! Freckles came along (I posted a pic on her blog if you're interested) but spent most of the night playing with the other kiddos - so it was a nice opportunity for Nate & I to have a little "alone" time!