Kayaking at Mission Bay

The day after Thanksgiving, we went down to Mission Bay with Knight, Leonie, and Leonie's parents. We rented kayaks and just went around the bay and Fiesta Island. The weather was beautiful and we had a blast!

As we were coming back into the docks, we got to visit with some seals!

Thanks and Gratitude

In honor of Thanksgiving, there's no better time than now to highlight those things we are so grateful for in our lives.

FAMILY

BABIES

FRIENDS

Black Mountain

Today we took a trip down to Black Mountain, where we hiked the Miner's Ridge Loop. The weather was a bit chilly and overcast, but it turned out to be a great day. Nessie was able to run around off-leash (breaking park rules...haha) and had a blast.

I Love Taking Leave

This week, since Sean just returned from sea duty, we both decided to take leave for the entire week (we already get Thursday and Friday off for the Thanksgiving holiday). On our first day of leave, we took Nessie down to Dog Beach. She had a blast, as usual, and lost two tennis balls! I swear there must be a huge pile of tennis balls somewhere under the bridge where they've floated away to their grave!

After Dog Beach, we took Nessie to the awesome Do-It-Yourself Dogwash! She really isn't a big fan, but Sean and I definitely are! It's a quick way to get the sand off of her and make her smell less like a dead fish.

In loco parentis

Now for a positive blog! When my parents passed away, although I lost my biologic parents, I definitely am not lacking any love from moms and dads! First of all, Betty and Gray Petree, parents of my best friend Lynsey. We've known them since high school and they have always been second parents to Jen and me. Whenever I need some parental advice, I know I can count on them to be there! I love you both.

And on 23 November 2006, I married my wonderful husband, Sean, and have been a part of their family ever since. Dody and Garland live in South Boston and Rich and Maureen live in Warrenton. Living in Maryland, we were able to visit both families on a pretty regular basis. It's always great to have a place to go where you can spend time with loved ones. Trips to the lakehouse and to Williamsburg, always a ton of fun!

Not only did I get two more sets of

wonderful parents, I also got another sister, Haley, and a brother, Liam (FINALLY!). They are both hilarious and so much fun to hangout with.

So, although I lost two of the most important people in the world, I'm never alone. I'm surrounded by people who love and care for me like their own child, so incredibly blessed.