Girls Only!

I've been spoiled lately...but I'm not complaining. The weekend after Charleston, the Romney girls headed out for the 1st official girls weekend in Newport Beach. It was heavenly. Can I just say how much I love these women? 10 years together and they feel not like in-laws at all but like family.
Day 1 was spa day. Marci pampered all of us for the entire afternoon at a completely posh spa, and we enjoyed every minute of it. Marci has taught me so much about enjoying moments, taking in beauty and appreciating the small touches that make average things great. I love that about her.
Then we ate a delicious dinner. Day 2 was spent wandering Balboa Island. Our favorite store was Olive Oil and Beyond where we sampled the best OO I've ever had and Balsamic vinegars that were good enough to drink. It's a must see if you are ever in Newport. You should have seen what Marci left the store with :)!

We took the ferry to the island. We all discussed if we could describe ourselves with only one word what it would be. It was a fun game to get to know each other even better. Interesting too how we all have a great word for each other but can't think of one for ourselves.

We all had matching pink beach cruisers for our island tour. We were all perfectly content riding by beautiful homes and people watching. Amazing that we all vacation so well together.

We got the famous Balboa bars.

Cassy made me jump off the lifguard stand. Somehow Jenni and Marci got out of this one...

We spent a little time sunning ourselves and watching the waves crash on the beach.

That night we had one of the best dinners I've ever eaten at The Cannery. It was fresh, inventive food and everything tasted just right! Even better than the food was the company. Christina and Kelly drove down to join us. We stayed forever and had the BEST time.

Day 3 was shopping day! We shopped ALL DAY LONG and I loved it. We got Jenni lots of cute stuff before she had to catch her flight and Cassy and I didn't do too bad either. H & M was my jackpot this time. We even got Marci some hip, new stuff that she looked great in. Overall, it was just an absolutely perfect weekend. I couldn't have asked for anything more or better. I love these ladies so much! Thank you Marci for all the incredible plans and letting us all unwind. Thanks girls for all the chats and the little moments we spent exploring together. And thanks Rick for...well, you know. I hope you let us out of the house again!

Charleston: You should go

I was lucky enough to tag along with my parents and Beau and Sharee on their trip to see Katie, Spencer, Luke and Ez in South Carolina. It was such a great time for a whole lotta reasons.

Reason #1...the cutest rugrats ever!
Katie and I have had all of our kiddos at about the same time, so I've never been able to be the cool, fun aunt. It was a blast to just be with these boys and really get to know them. I'm crazy about them both and they loved me too! Reason #2...the chance to see their home, Columbia, which was beautiful and watch these boys play soccer. Oh how I love watching little ones play sports.

Reason #3...the Charleston beach. Beaches on the Atlantic Ocean are just completely different. On our morning walks we ran into jellyfish, starfish, coral, sea anemones, crabs and all kinds of other ocean life...plus even in May the ocean was warm-ish, the sand soft and the sun just right.

Reason #4...Downtown Charleston. It is so rich with history, beauty and fun. There was shopping, activities, great food and a carriage ride that introduced us to the city. The mansions were authentic and well preserved and made you want to sip lemonade on the front porch in a white rocking chair breathing in the salty sea air. The cobblestone streets were picturesque as were the colorful row homes and gorgeous foliage; and the bright and worn doorways alone were enough to make a photographer drool.

Reason #5...Magnolia Plantation. This sprawling, well cared for plantation gave us an in-depth history lesson and wildlife extravaganza all in one. The house, slave quarters, gardens, swamp, and aviary gave us our best look at what South Carolina used to be in its glory days and why it still remains a beautiful piece of our country.

An American alligator

A white peacock

My boys snuggled up to me, just the way I liked it.

My sister is having the first girl grandbaby in July! We are all so excited and came bearing gifts for the only girl. She looks great!

We were just a few feet away as many mother birds found food to feed their newly hatched babies. The wildlife was incredible.

Reason #6...Fort Sumter. On my last day in South Carolina, the rain poured out its good bye. We took advantage of the less than stellar weather to explore Fort Sumter (where the first shots of the civil war were fired). I couldn't believe how well preserved it was and the history it holds.

It was such a great trip with so many memories not captured by the camera...late nights with intense 5 deck and deep discussions, shoulder rides, shoe thieves, grocery store runs, too much food, 10 take out desserts, shared clothes and make-up, a short shopping trip, long car rides, dad naps, beach house rooms, snuggles, count downs, good books, great company and lots of love. Thanks mom and dad for letting me tag along (and paying for me to get there). Thanks Katie, Spencer and boys for letting me be part of your life and family. Thanks Beau and Sharee for just being your easy-going you and not thinking I'm too annoying. Thanks greatest friends for taking on extra kiddos. Thanks Mike for holding down the fort so well and encouraging me to go and thanks to my boys for being so great while I was gone and loving me just as much when I got home. No matter how fun the trip, there is nothing quite like coming home.

Payoff!

Being a mom is truly a gift. I love it. With my boys at these ages, nothing is more fun than watching them learn, grow and love. Each day is full of new delights and I'm in constant awe of the way they see the world, people and each other. I try to be more like them and mold them into the person I wish I already was.

I was spoiled on Mother's Day (not to mention the 2 trips I went on the week before--posts to come). The boys woke me up with roses and breakfast in bed, small gifts, and a candy bar poster they were oh, so proud of and ready to eat by 7:15 am. Mike got the boys ready for church and everyone was so good to me all day long. Jace kept telling me to "go rest!" It was just nice to be back with my family. We really enjoy each other. (Parker was not up for a picture here, obviously.)
Here is a little note that Jace wrote to me. Is this just the cutest? Mike and I cracked up about it!
And here is Parker's card. Love that boy!

I am so grateful for the many, many mothers, grandmothers and great friends in my life. They have truly made me the woman I am today and are the people I aspire to be more like. I'm so grateful that this day has been set aside for me to reflect on how blessed I've been to have women like this guiding my life. Happy Mother's Day!