Just a quick shout out, there are fires in Santa Barbara again. This is the second time this year, please keep our family and friends in your prayers if you have a moment.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8037211.stm

Well we have been home over a week now.

The first few days we were home, I could tell I had actually gotten a good vacation. When I left work, I was able to take off my work hat and leave it at work. It was wonderful to leave each day and not feel burnt out or burdened. Now I am back to reality and despising this whole working full time thing! It was so much better to lay in the sun, read, go out with friends, shop, take walks, and explore new areas. Anyway, I am not trying to complain- SO happy we got a vacation. It just made me realize how much I really needed one and how important it is to literally remove yourself from all your habitual surroundings every now and again.

On our vacation, we were actually quite busy. In a good way.

The first weekend was Kim & Henry's Wedding. Their reception site was so beautiful, but also very low key. Park side beach setting. It was ideal!

Then we headed to Palm Springs. (We were actually in Rancho Mirage, which is one of the cluster cities around Palm Springs, but no one has heard of it, so I just say Palm Springs). My parents were actually also out for vacation/work so we spent some time with them in Palm Springs. It was unseasonably hot for this time of year. Got up to 108* You know what they say though... "It was a dry heat". I don't mind heat, I would take that over snow. It was definitely a little toasty though!
Above: Dinner with Dolans at Pacifica


Above: Hiking at Palm Canyon

After a few days there we headed to the Marina Del Rey area of L.A. to see some friends. Don't have pictures of everyone, but we spent time with Ben & Brigetta, Ryan & Brigit, and Josh. The Olsen's brought us to a boat party, which was very fun!

Then we headed back to Santa Barbara to celebrate Montecito Covenant Church's 50th Anniversary celebration. This is the church that Jon grew up in. His dad was a pastor there for 23 years before moving to Chicago to take a position with the denomination. It was great to be there for this special event. This community was such a huge part of Jon's life! I should say it is his very large extended family. Of course, we also saw "real" family and more friends while there too.

Jon & his Grandma Lucille (who amazes me, she is quite a fire cracker for 92!)

Noel & Jon

and then- we did get back on the plane and leave the beloved and beautiful state of California.