Our little piece of paradise!

Jake's sweet mama came into town and stayed for a whole week for Jake's big 30th birthday. (More on that to come!) We took her to Carmel-by-the-Sea. This is our little piece of paradise just two hours from home. We have been wanting to take her there forever because we knew she would fall in love with it as much as we have. It fits her too perfectly, with the quaint little cottages, shops, french bakeries, and of course the beautiful aqua blue ocean! We had perfect weather during our stay, thankfully! Sometimes Carmel has colder weather in the summer and warmer in the winter.

We had such a great time together relaxing on the beach. We got our usual sandwiches from our favorite lunch spot and took our lunches down to the beach. Caleb cried when I first set him down on the sand like last time, haha. He is so funny, he has a shoe fetish, always wearing shoes, so having his feet all sandy on uneven ground is not his cup of tea. But he got used to it and ended up loving every moment playing in it with Jonathon.

I'm so glad Jake's mom was able to relax and have a peaceful and fun time, she deserves it! I'm also glad that Jake got to spend so much time with his mama doing fun things and taking a break from Castle stuff! After playing at the beach we had a treat at the local french bakery and did some shopping and looking around. All in all it was a blast and we can't wait to take her back. There are so many shops  and hole in the wall little nooks with even more shops. It would take weeks to explore it all, that's what I love about it.

I want to go back soon, I miss it already. This spot feels like a second home, full of so many memories over my childhood. I remember sitting on this same beach as a little girl day dreaming about my future and writing stories :) Hope everyone had a great memorial day weekend also!

Jake relaxing in his birthday present. A portable hammock! Heaven on earth....best invention.

My turn!

First use of my new bag :)

Worn out spider boy

Jake and I built a sandcastle together just the two of us :)

Caleb doesn't like picture taking....

See ya, off he goes

Jake and his mama

This is the life he's thinking, laying on the sand, drinking his juice with a great view!

Eating dinner at our favorite Le Bicyclette! This chocolate mousse was divine!

Jonathon.... enough said :)