dear friendships

“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.”

There are few friendships that last a lifetime and I am blessed for the dear ones I have. It especially means a lot when our children begin to develop those early friendships as well. I have a friend that we have known each other since our toddler days. Her daughter is three years older than Nat but became fast friends when Nat was just two years old. It's so nice to visit with the girls spending time with one another as my friend and I do the same.

I also am extremely blessed to be given a second chance with another that I have known since I was about 15 or so. We became best friends when I was about 18 and have had gone through tough times as well as good ones. I can't deny the presence and closeness that is so much a part of me and my own history. I am thankful to have her back in my life again. Now, she has a daughter that Nat calls her 'newest' friend. They came over today for an afternoon tea and it was lovely.

I know not all friendships are the same, varying in so many ways, but I am grateful for those He has put in my life...

“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.” - anon

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.” - anon

walk for fun, walk for life

The Liver Walk Newport Beach was this past Saturday. Rick's family has been participating every year since the passing of his Uncle Phil. This was the second time we were a part of it and it was a blessing in so many ways.

The day was overcast and started a bit chilly.  Some of the walks, I believe are 5K but this was about a mile long. There were plenty of complimentary snacks and drinks (yay for Pirate's Booty and REvolution 3D!) along with bagels, fruit, and other snacks. After the walk, we had a picnic along the shore, watched the kids swim, ate and relished in the cool of the day and the late coming sun. 

The first time we walked with the family, it was at the San Diego Zoo. That walk was amazing and had a lot of people participating. The family came last year to this one at Newport Beach and really loved that it was a bit downsized and laid back. I didn't know that the kids would be swimming but fortunately there were enough towels to go around to help our drenched daughter. :) 

We had little ones there too, like my one year old nephew and my three year old niece (who definitely knows how to hold her own next to the bigger kids).

Truly a great day, of remembering, of family and of relaxing too...

counting blessings...

big and small and everything in between..

for imaginations

for being silly in your own home

for trades and sales

for thoughtful friends

and the beginning of things

summer finally begins..

Finally, her last day of school arrived and what a nice day it was. Once school was officially let out we spent the day celebrating the end of kindergarten and the beginning of summer. We went to Downtown Disney to see Toy Story 3 in 3D which I can't say enough how amazing Pixar gets with every new movie. If you haven't seen it, go see it! We also visited Compass Bookstore, Disney Vault 28, D Street and a bit of a scenic route around and in a few Disney Hotels...

I'm a big fan of Disney Art and would love to have a whole room filled with vintage illustrations...

A couple of notable faces visiting the park (Vincent Price and Dick Van Dyke)...

Pretties at the D Street shop...

I love vintage Minnie and this plush is just so adorable...

Again, a wonderful, beautiful June day! We are so very blessed for our little dear family and for Nattie's great year in Kindergarten! :)

a good june sunday

After church Sunday morning, in the late afternoon, we all went to Shoreline Village in Long Beach to grub on some Bubba Gump food for Father's day. When our bellies were full and happy, we walked along to enjoy the day, the sites and each other. 

One of the shops I do like to visit when we are there is The Village Hat Shop. It's so much fun looking at all the hats and more fun watching Nat try them on.

She became the Mad Hatter, the Red Queen and of course, a Hogwarts witch. My favorite though was this huge pink sun hat that totally devoured her sweet little head.

A cute little plaid hat was found and bought by Nana for Nattie. Once back outside the shop, we just lingered a bit having the warmth of the sun on our faces and Nattie making bubbles with her bubblemaker.

The bubblemaker and the Papa.

We made our way back to return home but not before we noticed the pretty landscape, a bit of green and flora to play in and appreciate.

There's a little something lurking behind..

Of course, we all seemed to notice this beautiful giant of a tree and wish we all had one just like it back at the house. My dad was already imagining a little tree house way up within the branches.

More fun with bubbles and a great time celebrating Fathers and Family.