There has been so much happening…

First, R’s older brother had his 40th birthday! He and his family came for a visit from Kentucky. It was great to see them, although we really wish we had been able to spend a lot more time with them.

We do not have a shortage of cute nieces and nephews in our family…

For the full set of birthday photos, click here.

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Then, we had our 2nd ever S Factor Retreat in Coronado. It was, once again, off-the-hook amazing, inspiring, beautiful and fun! I spent so much time in the sand – in my clothes, getting sandy and enjoying every minute of it.

Each morning we woke up at dawn and worked out on the beach, which was delicious (though chilly).

And on the last night, we had a campfire on the beach, with live drummers and danced and danced in the sand. I can’t really explain it, so the word I will write is: Freedom!

See all the retreat photos right here.

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Finally, R and I celebrated our Year Anniversary! I arrived home from the retreat on the day of our anniversary and the next morning, R woke me up super early (4:30am) and we caught a ferry to Catalina Island for a surprise overnight anniversary trip. Catalina is wonder-full!

We rented a blue tandem bicycle (but forgot to photograph it) and rode to the Botanical Garden which is filled with all kinds of succulents and cacti. This was awesome because I happen to love succulents and cacti. It was fun to learn their names and discover some we had never seen before.

This is my favorite kind of succulent plant…

And this cactus had crazy hair…

During our bicycle ride for two we also visited the Wrigley Memorial, built for Mr. Wrigley (of Wrigley Field and Wrigley’s Spearmint Gum fame – he bought Catalina Island way back). It was a lovely memorial with delightful details and a beautiful view.

I had never been to Catalina Island before and loved, loved, loved it. And I love, love, love my husband for being the guy he his, for loving me and for being my partner in the adventure of life.

View our anniversary trip photos here.

I am so grateful. So grateful, indeed.
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