Let it snow & snow & snow !!

 Michigan is NOT holding out on the snow this year. I don't want to admit it but I'd much rather have the snow than just have the cold weather. The kids absolutely love it !! As if Ava's face doesn't verify that statement....

 Austin could stay outside for hours. He must not feel the cold temps because we often have to convince him its time to come in.

Lola loves it too. Poor thing is wearing last year's sweater. Not that she minds, but she is a grown up puppy now. Every morning when I let her outside she immediately starts eating snow. She can't get enough and loves to get it all over her face. such a silly puppy!

It's rare I get in front of the camera in comparison to how much I am behind the camera. But this 'out of focus' pic the hubby took has to be one of my faves.

 I have to say I am head over heels in love with these leather earrings by Lovable Lobes. A local company and the creator/owner is a gorgeous friend that deserves all the recognition for a fab company with an amazing product.

Keeping my hair looking good through the dry winter goes to Maple Holistics and their products that are all natural and made in the USA.

Getting me compliments on a daily basis is this awesome fur jacket from none other than Lee & Birch

I am hoping to make it through winter with our Winter Bucket List. The kids got snowboards for Christmas so we are planning to hit up the slopes as soon as we pick up some helmets for the kids. The lake is finally frozen so we can't wait to get out and do some ice skating. Many more things are on the list....hoping we can make it through them all while keeping our sanity through the long winter.

Cheers to a winter without cabin fever! (fingers crossed)

First trip to Cali

Our first trip to Cali !! I got asked to speak at the APAO conference (physician assistants in oncology) and the conference was in San Diego. Jason and I took the opportunity to make it an anniversary/work/birthday trip and it was no disappointment.

 We first headed out to La Jolla.

 We took turns using my 'big girl' camera

 the lazy seals and sea lions were enjoying an afternoon nap

 Until Jason came along and tried to interrupt. This big guy was not having it!

 Hidden along the crevices are little crabs

 And Jason was determined to catch one of those little buggers

 Ta-da!!

 I didn't want to get too close to this cute little pup cause I didn't want to make any mama's angry.

 And since J had my camera, he got up closer and snapped a good one. Makes me want to wrap it up like my newborns back home!

 Our next little trip involved checking out the San Diego zoo.

 It's so big!!

 I got lots of great pics on my phone since my travel lens doesn't zoom

 We booked a day trip to Tijuana

 and learned much along the way about the boarder between Mexico and California and how the walls came to be

 We traveled from Tijuana to Puerto Nuevo and then to Rosalito Beach.

 One of the other things on the wish list was to visit the Cabrillo national monument. On your way to the monument you can drive down to the tide pools and we made it just in time before high tide set in.

 I couldn't help but tear up when viewing all these stones. especially noticing all their wives were buried right with them.

 The views were breathtaking. I am so glad we went. Incredible to see.

We had such a great trip and can't wait to go back to other parts of California some day. San Diego was awesome to say the least! Amazing food around every corner with lots to see and do.