Wow - what a fun and busy last 2 weeks we've had. My dad retired after 39 years of working at the community college in Santa Maria. What an accomplishment! Talk about dedication. We celebrated amongst friends and family - with a few beers and a delicious tri-tip bbq, it was just what my dad had ordered.

Jim had to leave on a work related trip to New Mexico for a week, so the girls and I decided to stay in SM for the week. Oh how a week flies by. Miss S was busy with all her cousins, and Baby S got spoiled by her Pop who held her the majority of the time. These little girls learn quick, that if you just fuss a little, Pop will pick you up and hold you until your little heart is content.

We all came home for one day, did lots of laundry and repacked for 4 days in Newport Beach, courtesy of my parents. Oh the life! The Marriott Newport Coast Villas are amazing! Miss S swam and swam and then swam some more. She can now officially keep herself above water and swim from point A to B. Baby S napped poolside and trucked along with us on a venture to the beach and mall. We had a great time relaxing, sipping our drinks, and gazing from our lounge chairs out at the Pacific Ocean. Not to mention, we got rocked by a 5.7 earthquake! It was 926pm, both girls were asleep, and we were all watching "The Bachelorette", when suddenly the chandelier starting swaying, Baby S' swing started rocking, and it felt as though we were out in the middle of the ocean on a small boat. It made me feel car sick and dizzy. Mother Nature is amazing, but she sure scares the heck out of me! You just never know what is going to happen.

Now back at home after almost 2 weeks on the road. Miss S is a tan "brown bear", Baby S is back on her routine, Jim is back to work, and I'm trying to get reorganized and cleaned up around here. Cheers!

"How do you get this job"???