Did you win the Meadow Kids Toys giveaway?
Winner is announced at the bottom of this post!
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Sometimes I have twinges of doubt about renting our house in Coronado. We could have downsized more, lived in a small apartment, decided on a two-bedroom with no guestroom. Should we have chosen something smaller? Can I keep it clean? Are we worthy of it?
And then I turn around and — once again — our home is filled to b u r s t i n g with visitors, and I remember that this is exactly what Elliott and I dreamed of, exactly why we chose this house, exactly why we are right here. It is affirming and thrilling to see our friends and family take us so seriously and show up on our doorstep. As I write this, Elliott’s sister Jess is visiting for five weeks, my parents are here for a couple of weeks, and — as soon as they go — Elliott’s brother David is coming for a long weekend.
Anyone else want to come too? ;)
A few weeks ago our dear friends from Sicily came for a week-long visit. Put four adults, six little kids, one cat, and a lot of memories and laughter and good food together and what have you got? A lot of this, that’s what:
It really was laughter and smiles all week, and we had so much fun making memories on new beaches and new neighborhoods. One of our favorite evenings involved lots of tidal pools, hermit crabs, and a beautiful sunset.
Elliott was completely in his element as a marine life-loving veterinarian.
Hermit crab!
Another day we all went to the San Diego Zoo and spent the entire time seeing everything we could:
Can you count six kids?!
Sweet Baby Eden
I spy a hippo who needs some dental work.
On the Arthurs’ last full day in San Diego, we visited the Little Italy Farmers Market and stocked up on Sicilian favorites at a local pasticceria. Unfortunately, the arancini were nothing like the ones we came to love in Sicily, but some of the sweets made up for it! Afterwards the kids explored the splash pad and amazing playground at Waterfront Park:
And there were more good times, but sometimes the camera stays tucked away for the best of them, like the chatter and spills of two moms making dinner, or the quiet conversations while the kids run wild around us, or the day at the beach with more tidal pools, hermit crabs, and memories.
We’re so glad you came, Josh, Becca, Elise, Caleb, Lucas, and little Eden! You’re welcome to crash here anytime, and we can wait to visit you in St. Louis. We love you guys so much!
And now who’s next? We’d love to host you too!
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Once all the entries were carefully tallied (120 total entries) and Random.org did its work, the winner of the Meadow Kids Toys giveaway was #76, Sarah. Congrats, Sarah! I’ll send you an email and your toys will be on their way shortly!
Clearly an action-packed week. I love the photos, and I think my favorite one is Gil picking up the hermit crab on Elliott’s hand.
I love that one too! They played with hermit crabs most of the time we were there.
How on earth did you get so lucky for all those close-ups with the animals at the zoo? And did you get the kids free in October deal? I almost drove our family out there just for that awesome deal.
We bought an annual zoo membership… and it’s already paid for itself with our multiple visits this month! I took some friends with us today during the kids free in October deal. :)
Such a sweet week of being together! How many times did my kids ask if we could please live with you or near you…forever?!?! We’ll look forward to hosting you in St. Louis as soon as you can possibly come!! xo
Hoping to come this spring! Can’t wait to see you all again.
Reading your blog the last few weeks and seeing your instagram pics brings back such great memories of my “honeymoon.” Tony and I went to San Diego and sent to Coronado, the animal rocks, the zoo, etc. so it’s really fun to re-see those images. I hope your kiddos liked the Meerkats, they were my favorite!
I saw the meerkats today at the zoo, Tilly, and thought of you! So glad you had a wonderful California honeymoon. We did too, and loved it!
Becca~ I love your blogs. Read them every time you post them. Living here in Naples, Italy, your journey, pictures and post make me smile & miss the USA even more!!!! Thank you for sharing your world with me!!
Sharon, thank you for being such a faithful reader! I’d love to post more but life is getting away from me these days. Thank you for coming back and commenting so faithfully!