Osage Beach & California

This was the month of vacations for us.  The first week of June we went to Osage Beach, Missouri with my family. It's a family tradition to go the first week of June and stay in the time share my parents have.  My parents were so gracious and got Ben and I our own time share unit.  It was so wonderful! Unfortunately, my brother and sister-in-law were unable to join us this year.  Hopie and Lexi, my two nieces were still able to come. They were such great entertainment for Abe.  He just loves them.  They are 4 1/2 and 2 1/2 and full of energy.  Abe slept sooo good when we were there!!

We did a lot of pool time because the weather was so warm.  It was around 90-100 every day.  We even swam at night with Abe because the water was as warm as the bathtub.  Abe loves the pool.  Especially, when his Daddy carries him around so he can splash all over!

We felt so relaxed and enjoyed the time with my family!

Just last week, we were on family vacation with Ben's family.  We stayed primarily in Laguna Beach, but visited San Diego, as well as, Santa Monica.  There's just something about California that Ben and I love.  Maybe it has to do with it being beautiful, warm, awesome beaches, and the relaxed temperament of the locals.  

We spent time on the beach, did a lot of window shopping and dined at some great restaurants. One of our favorites was a place called Zinc. It was known to be a spot where the locals convened.  We ate three breakfasts in a row there! That's how good it was! My favorite was the steel cut oatmeal with bananas, strawberries and an almond and dried cherry crumble on top...YUM!! That's kind of our thing- to find those 'local places' where the food is the best! We have a rule when on vacation- we can't go anywhere that is here in Iowa.  (Well, other than maybe a coffee at the airport's Starbucks.) This vacation we were really successful and the places we hit up were really great.  

This vacation was really relaxing as well, and we had a good time with Ben's family too! 

We are thankful to now be home...and yet we feel like we need a vacation from our vacations =) and we need Abe to get back on a schedule- silly boy! I feel like this summer is almost over...even though it's not, I just can't believe it's July already!