Happy Anniversary!

Seven years ago today...

Goleta Railroad Days

Daniel and I went out to the Goleta Depot for the Goleta Railroad Days. The best part of the day (for me) was discovering that Daniel is finally tall enough to ride the trains! He just barely squeaked by the height requirement. I think they should change the name from "Goleta Railroad Days" to "Daniel Days"- this boy was in heaven for the 3 1/2 hours that we spent there.

We rode the diesel circus train, rode the steam train (twice) and explored the many model train displays on the grounds. Daniel matched all the volunteer engineers in his blue and white striped overalls. We had lunch and then attended storytime where Daniel enjoyed hearing five train books! Daniel loved handing over his train tickets to be punched before the rides and shouting "All Aboard!!" It was a perfect mother-son weekend date!

Summer Dinners

What's better than bruchetta with homegrown heirloom tomatoes, fresh pesto linguine, followed by toasting s'mores in the backyard chiminea with red wine? Not much? I didn't think so. Ahhh... the simple delights of summertime!

Seven Years

Brian surprised me a few days before our 7 year wedding anniversary and took me out to dinner at The Boathouse. When we arrived, the manager (who is a friend of ours) greeted us with champagne and then whisked away our menus and told us that the restaurant had already selected all the courses and wine parings especially for us that evening. We ended up enjoying four different appetizers, two entrees and dessert! We spent over three hours enjoying the food, the drinks, the view and each other. Even the local dolphins joined in the celebration and entertained us with fantastic jumps out in the ocean.

This was such a huge surprise and special treat for me! Brian and I don't usually celebrate big on our anniversary- in fact, our one year anniversary we spent painting our bedroom. We definitely don't usually go out for long meals, I guess you could say we are more of the "hey let's grab a burrito!" couple. It was incredible- thanks, Bri for making it happen!

The only downside was that we had to wake up early the next morning so Brian could get back to the beach to work at 7:00 am and I could make triathlon practice at 7:30. But it was still definitely worth it!! I have to admit I am certainly not opposed to bucking tradition and celebrating our anniversary big from now on.

We were welcomed with a special anniversary card from the restaurant.

 I should have taken photos of all the courses that evening- the one shot I did manage to get was of our delicious dessert accompanied by chocolate martinis!

Concerts in the Park

Santa Barbara also has a summer concert series every Thursday during the summer. We've never gone, because well, frankly we are too lazy to go "all the way" downtown from Goleta. This past Thursday, my cousin Melissa and I decided to go because the Hawaiian band "Hapa" was playing.  I love Hapa's music and we even used a couple of their songs during our wedding ceremony. Brian didn't join us because he was on a chartered boat surfing the Channel Islands. (I'm sure he was really bummed to miss out. Ha ha!)

Anyway, apparently you need to stake out the good spots earlier in the day. We got there late and ended up in the back of the park and couldn't see the band or hear them too well. We still had a great time- especially Daniel! The back of the park seemed to be where all the little kids congregate and it was so amusing watching the toddler mosh pit.

Future Buddies

Stephanie and I have been friends since 7th grade and were both bridesmaids in each other's weddings. Last week she came home for a quick visit with her 3 month old son, Nathan. Daniel and Nathan are destined to become best buddies!

Beach Boy

Summer Frenzy

Summer is here and we are enjoying every moment. Less frequent blogging can only mean one thing around our house- we are outside and living it up! Here's a glimpse of what we've been up to in the last month.

We got to see Uncle Robbie-Bobbie when he came home from Texas. He checked out our new pad and hung out with Daniel.

Charley Boy enjoyed some quality beach time at Campus.

Daniel got to hang out with Abigail at Campus again.

Val, Melissa, Daniel and I headed down south to visit PoPo in Laguna Beach. We stopped to see Angela's new house in Huntington and took the kids to the beach.

Adorable Kenzie was one day away from her 1st Birthday. Happy Birthday, cutie-pie!

Big sister Kayla is gorgeous just like her mommy!

Auntie Val with Daniel.

Kayla and Daniel crashed on the way back from the beach. 

While in Laguna Daniel picked up a homemade beanie and chocolate-chip cookie from Uncle Herb and Auntie Nancy's.

Daniel and his Tai Tai!

We celebrated KC's college graduation and said bon voyage to him as he moves to Costa Rica.

We had to celebrate with a Feeley family Hootenanny. Brian rocked out on his guitar.

Good times with good friends.

Daniel's been super into building high towers with Legos.

Don and Will checking out the guitar after the first "Music at the Ranch" of the season.

Will and Daniel dig the music, food, and wagon rides.