California Babymoon

President's Day weekend Micah and I decided to leave Kaylyn with Grandma Chelle and fly to warmer weather to enjoy some time with just us two lovebirds before 'lil Bandito joins our family and takes over our lives and hearts next month. Kaylyn slept better those 4 days at Grandma's house than she does at home and Micah and I had a fabulous trip filled with an unlimited food fund, the beach, two movies at the theater, warm weather, and fun.

To kick things off we got a very appropriate fortune...I'm due in a month! Can't wait to meet that short stranger:)

We flew into LAX and drove south on Friday afternoon. I got fish and chips and Micah got wings at a busy little bar restaurant in Seal Beach. We slept in every day and had breakfast for lunch - my favorite! Saturday we spent all afternoon on Balboa Island near Newport Beach.

Saturday at noon on Balboa Island we were driving for quite some time looking for parking when suddenly a spot opened up right in front of this delectable little restaurant.

Those hash browns were gooood!

We loved this unique little gift/art shop on Balboa Island's main shopping strip.

I love this! I must have baby on the brain...and in my belly:)

They did so many cool things with license plates in this little shop, but this was my favorite. Each state cut out of its own license plate - very cool and creative.

We walked along the water looking at all of the expensive houses crammed together on the island.

I loved seeing this kind of snowman...er, sandman...instead of the ones we've had in Utah lately. So nice to get a break from the cold!

Famous Balboa Bar.

We couldn't resist when we saw this sign. We got two beach towels (we didn't pack any with us), a few old books, a cookie cutter, and a cool old coin purse all for $3 and some change. 

I was sooo tempted to get this. I love the frame and am so curious to know the story behind this beaded diary cover from the 1800's that belonged to Marie Louise Seiffert. I'm having non-buyer's remorse.

After Balboa we drove further south to go to the beach.

I ended up falling asleep and waking up to this lovely scene...

...while Micah surfed the net looking for our hotel for that night. So classic. 

Saturday night we went to see Les Miserables at the movie theater. I cried like a baby. The story is just so moving and filled with lessons on selflessness, sacrifice, and forgiveness. So inspiring.

On Sunday we attended church in San Clemente. The chapel is set on the top of a hill  with a huge parking lot and open land next to it. It's a prime piece of land with an awesome view. 

San Clemente Pier.

You'll never believe what we just saw...
jk - just a great shot captured of Micah:)

Monday - lunch for breakfast at The Sugar Shack in Huntington Beach. One of our favorite places!

Huntington Pier.

We went to see a matinee on Monday afternoon before catching our flight home. We saw Lincoln. Quick review - the story itself is amazing because the history is incredible, but the movie was just okay. It focused more on the workings of politics than the stories, heroes, and inspiration of the Civil War and abolition of slavery. That said, I did come out of the movie feeling so grateful for freedom and those who fought - in actual combat and in the government - to make that possible for everyone in this beloved country. I'm proud to be an American!

It was such a well spent weekend. After being there alone together for a little while I quickly got over my nervousness about leaving Kaylyn (every mom feels that, right?) and told Micah that we should do this more often. Micah commented about how couples often stress the importance of having regular date nights together and that for him it's about getting my undivided attention. With kids Mom is always a little distracted in taking care of their constant needs, which is right and good, but Dad needs that care and attention too. I always thought of date night as being a way to keep the romance alive - and while it serves that purpose as well, I totally agree with Micah. We always laugh and say that Chancha steals Dad's tickles (Micah loves back tickles) so I was sure to give him lots of back tickles on our trip:) As we were driving to the airport to catch our flight home Micah said that in the end it's our relationship (as husband and wife) that is most important - not the kids. They'll grow up and get married and have their own families and it will be him and me again. We're working toward eternity together and we should be each other's priority. We only have one kid and as more come I can see how easy it could be for me to get so wrapped up in their needs that I neglect Micah's. I'm grateful for the reminder of what's important and for those moments of truth and clarity - thank goodness Micah provides those for me quite often! I'm one lucky and blessed girl.