Lady Turns 2!

I can't believe how fast time flies! Our baby Lady Bug turns 2 today. She completes our little family in the most perfect way and has been my constant companion since day 1. Her bright brown eyes bring such light into our lives, it's hard to imagine our life before her.

We celebrated with the cutest birthday hats and, of course, the birthday girl got HER VERY OWN ICE CREAM CONE!

I can't wait for the many more years and memories to come with the our Little Bug!

With love,
Kayla

Brunch and Dr. Seuss

We got to spend some quality time with the soon-to-be family of 4! Brunch was delicious, and after we took a walk through downtown Brea. We don't get up there nearly as often as I'd like, but it was fun to talk and browse the cute little shops with some great friends. The boys ended up leaving early to meet up with their buddies in Vegas for a bachelor party, but we had some fun of our own. :)

With love,
Kayla

A Picture Miracle

I must have done something to make the "picture gods" happy today, because I still can't believe this happened! The hubs is in Texas for work and I thought he would like to see a picture of our little family. It started out with me just trying to get Lady to open her sweet little brown eyes and it turned into a full-on photo shoot. It wasn't until after taking a few photos that I looked through my camera roll and realized I had SOMEHOW managed to get all 4 of us into one picture! And not only that, but the picture is actually pretty good! Haha. I absolutely love our fur-babies, but getting a picture of them all together is next to impossible!

Needless to say, he was admittedly glad and amazed to see all of us. :)

With love,
Kayla

Branch Baby #2!!

I got the most amazing text from one of my dearest friends today announcing that she is pregnant with baby #2! I got the text at work and seriously couldn't keep my focus for the rest of the day. Their little family is everything that I would hope to have if the hubs and I ever decided to start one. They are absolutely the best example of parenting and if I could have even a fraction of the patience and outpouring of love that they have for their son I would be amazed. Needless to say, they are excellent parents and I can't wait to meet the new little love!

With love,
Kayla

So Cal Bound

Headed back down south and the trip was smooth and relatively stress-free! Lady made this trip with me and it was our first time flying solo together. She is the perfect travel buddy and has truly been my co-pilot all her life. I sometimes jokingly tell the hubs that she is the best gift he's ever given me...but in all seriousness it's totally true.

I HAD to take a photo of the PDX carpet because it's apparently become a "thing" to do. They're taking the old carpet out and replacing it with something new but it's made a huge uproar in Portland for some reason or another. Anyways, I went ahead and took part in the tradition since the old carpet will be entirely gone soon. I guess I can see how some have may be sentimental about the PDX carpet, it is the last thing you step on before leaving home and under the first steps you take when you return. I'm a sentimental person, but it is just carpet after all. ;)

The hubs picked us up from the airport and Lady was SO excited to see her Daddy. She really does love him, and so do I. We got home and the first thing I saw were these beautiful bright orange tulips sitting on the kitchen counter. My "welcome home" flowers. :) This beautiful vase has become one of my favorite pieces, and I just love how it's going to go with our "Paris" theme for the bathroom!

With love,
Kayla

Pit Reunion

The primary reason for my long trip was so that I could have a nice weekend with some of my oldest girl friends! I have so many memories with these beautiful ladies and I can't wait for the many more that are sure to come. :)


Friday night Lady and I had a sleepover with the girls. I had so much fun catching up and chatting and Lady got to play with Bailey the beagle! They had the best time chasing each other around and were a perfect match for each other! Last night, after a big extended family bbq, I met up with the girls for some drinks and karaoke. We had a blast and I am so glad we were able to pull this weekend together! It's hard to believe that we used to spend so many weekends completely inseparable and that we traveled the country together. I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else, these girls are seriously the best!

With love,
Kayla

Home Again, Home Again

I absolutely love "home-cations". My family is pretty close, extended family included, and getting to go home for a few days here and there feels more and more like a reboot for me each time. I moved to So Cal to pursue my interests in Interior Design, which kinda got kicked to the curb because of some not-so-ideal complications; but another perk of moving was getting to be in the same state as the guy who is now my husband.


I've lived in So Cal for almost 4 years now and going home has become a chance for me to spend quality time with my family, but also to take a break and get away from the stresses of the "day-to-day" stuff. My hubs has been really great about being supportive these last few weeks since it's seemed like my anxiety-ridden days are having a resurgence. He really is the most wonderful, loving and encouraging person I know. I absolutely don't know what I'd do without him.


The flight into Portland featured some BREATHTAKING clouds on this trip! I couldn't even believe some of the views! I always know I'm getting close to home when I look out the window and see nothing but green for miles. :)

Finally landed and went straight to the place that will always feel like "home" for me. My parents' backyard is easily one of my favorite places on earth!

Here's to a glorious and relaxing trip!

With love,
Kayla

Sunday Brunch and French Toast Rolls

Breakfast is by far my favorite meal, mostly because I love fruit and generally all things sweet! I found this absolutely delicious looking recipe online and just HAD to try it out. Lucky for me, the hubs and our pretty wonderful roomies are always ready to take part in endeavors involving yummy food. :)


http://www.cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com/french-toast-roll-ups/

The end result can only be described as heavenly. We topped it all off with some freshly sliced fruit, scrambled eggs, turkey bacon (my favorite) and mimosas!

With love,
Kayla

Easter 2015

Happy Easter! I'm not sure why, but Easter seems to have become the holiday that we take a family picture for. :) The hubs isn't particularly fond of dressing up, so whenever he'll willingly wear a button-up is cause for celebration (and documentation). ;)

Last year, Lady and I took a picture in front of some beautiful rose bushes down the street and I decided to make it a little tradition for us from now on!

With love,
Kayla