Buckeyes Invade Cali

Fabulous. The only way I can sum up our week in California is by using the most overused word in Lindsay, E-beth and I's vocabulary. While I normally wouldn't post anything that didn't involve Grace in some capacity (sorry sweetheart), I couldn't help but share a few photos from our time out west. It was probably a few days too long to be away from our little girl, but the perfect amount of time to squeeze in everything we wanted to experience and see. I had no idea how much I missed Grace until I was literally running through Midway airport with tears rolling down my face about to see her. Thankfully the grandma's worked together to have her waiting for us in the car upon our arrival. Perfect ending to a perfect week. Thanks again to Lindsay and Kirk for hosting such a memorable reunion in Santa Monica. Lindsay, you continue to amaze me with your endless cooking and entertaining talents. I learn something new every time I'm with you, and plan to for many, many years to come!

We collectively took nearly 500 photos, so bear with me as I tried to pick out a few of my favorites to share...

Our wonderful accommodations while in San Diego.

View from the top of our hotel of Petco Park!

Feeling good after our massages - thanks again for the spa finder gift cards Brooke and Lauren! 

Gaslamp District - very fun.

Celebrating our belated Valentines Day and my 27th birthday.

Ivy Wine Bar at the Andaz hotel.

Delicious dinner at Nobu - thanks hubby :)

Found a First Trust friend roaming the streets!

LOVED this part of the trip. Had many more pics, but tried to pick my favorite animals .
Hard to choose there were so many!

Loved this guy. Called the Bamboo eating machine. Can I keep him? 

One of Zach's favorites - the giraffes!

Sloth bear.

Can't wait to take Grace here one day!

Craft and Commerce for a few post Zoo drinks in Little Italy!

Devanti's for dinner - yum!

Our ride down Highway 1 to Santa Monica. Definitely a check on my bucket list.

Checked out Torrey Pines for brunch. Zach was rather tempted to postpone our trip for a round of golf...  next time sweetie!

Finally made it to Kirk and Lindsay's beautiful casa! All ready for a fun night out with my long lost buckeye ladies (and gentlemen - wouldn't forget you here Eric) and our husbands.

Reunited after nearly a year and a half! Way too long.

The men.

Incredible patio!

Mexican birthday fiesta.

I have the greatest friends :)

About to explore Santa Monica. 

Beautifulness just a few blocks from their place.

Delicious farmers market.

Zach's favorite!

Bike ride to Venice Beach.

Muscle beach - who's are bigger?! :)

We're old, but we still got it!

Annnnnd the Freak Show (that I thought Linds and Kirk were joking about till we got there - yikes).

A place Grace will never go... Haha

Stamina for our second night out is picking up at this point thanks to Catch Phrase and a dance party. Probably one of the most college nights I've had since.. well... college :)

Best burgers ever.

Ate one too many sweet potato fries - yum!

Our first California winery - Malibu Wines.

Amazing!

The McKenney's

Already missing you both!

Wonderful day with wonderful people.

The Short's :)

Gorgeous sunset on the way home.

Soaked and loving it!

Perfect end to a perfect trip - breathtaking sunset, sand in the toes, soaked jeans, friends at my side and seafood in the tummy... life is good. Couldn't wait to hold my Gracie squish, but felt so extremely blessed saying goodbye to these girls. Very fortunate for the irreplaceable friends in our lives! Thanks again for everything - reunion number two is already in the works. Thinking a crazy trip to the Dirty D is in order... :)

Baby girl's 1st Valentines & Happy 5 months!

Happy Valentines Day everyone! While this is usually one of my favorite days of the year, it is more of a bittersweet morning in this household. Trying to soak up my last day with Miss Grace before Mom and Dad board a plane to California... tear. Despite my worry in leaving Grace for the first time, she is in the best hands possible with Grandpa and Grandma Ullrich, and I couldn't be more ecstatic to celebrate my 27th and Valentines Day with Zach visiting wonderful friends of ours! We'll be traveling to San Diego tonight through Friday, and then driving to Santa Monica to meet up with the Short's and stay with the McKenney's. I have a slight feeling we may come home a few more headaches (wine, lots of it) and tad bit more tired (staying up past my usual 9:30 PM) than when we left... but it'll be worth every second :)

In other news, Grace is 5 months old today! Hooray Gracie! Hard to believe we've experienced nearly half a year of parenthood at this point. She is continuing to grow and leave us smiling and speechless day in and day out. Therapy has really turned a corner in these past few weeks as well, making Mom and Dad happier than words can say. Aside from her rolling and moving (Mom can no longer jump in the shower with her on the floor), sitting has become much easier as her neck strength has improved leaps and bounds. Tummy time is actually semi-fun and Grace loves to amuse us with endless jabbering and monkey noises. She also surprised Mom and Dad with her two bottom teeth the other day! I couldn't believe it - they literally came out of nowhere. Praying that with a combination of Facetime, phone calls, i-phone photos and showering her with love this Valentines, she won't be too angry at me pending our arrival home from vacation... keep your fingers crossed! We love you Grace!