Lions and Tigers and no bears Oh MY!

This past weekend we headed off to the Safari Park in Escondido. Can you believe it that I have never been? It was under an hour away and I loved the convenience of being closer to home just in case the trip went south (day trips with a three year can sometimes have meltdowns). We arrived shortly after 9:30 am and we were told that the first safari tram was at 10am and that we better hurry because it was going to be a busy day at the park. I soon realized that during the month of October kids are free at the Safari park and the Zoo in San Diego. Good tip to remember for the future! Our wait time for the tram was not long and boy was it a blast!!! We saw rhinos, giraffes, gazelles, zebras, wild horses (looked like donkeys to me), and tons more. Our safari was over 20 minutes long and worth it. The rest of the day was spent walking throughout the park looking at the tigers, gorillas, bats, elephants, and we stumbled upon some tent accommodations (Roar & Soar- you can book a tent and stay over night... something to think about once Kaden is older). Here are some highlights of our trip... the pictures speak for themselves.

This picture is stunning, my hubby snap this and I love it

Aren't these giraffes super cute?!

Nothing like seeing gorillas, especially a baby

On a safari 

Yes this is a full grown South American armadillo

The Paint Barrel

A friend and I had a fun night out a few weeks ago. I enjoy finding local fun things to do and finding something inexpensive is even better! We choose to meet up on a Friday night at The Paint Barrel. Everyone arrived semi on time and we were all eager to paint a sunset vineyard (everyone paints the same thing). All items are included (canvas, brushes, and paint) and if you would like to sip on a glass of vino while painting then you can do so at a low price. My friend Raquel was a little nervous and I was mega nervous. I had to share with her the flashbacks that I was having. I attended a private school for Junior High and for my art class we all had to paint Starry Night by Vincent VanGogh. I still remember that C- that I received on that painting. I think I should have at least got a B for effort. As I sat in front of the instructor at the Paint Barrel I was thinking of my parents proudly displaying my rendition of Starry Night so I could totally create this Sunset Vineyard (and I will proudly display it). Now that I have seriously bored everyone with my pathetic 8th sob story, let the pictures do the talking!

Plenty of space to accommodate many people (a Bachelorette took place here)

The instructor's area

All smiles before we even started, soon it turned into slight smile

Ready to get our paint on

Loved how my sunset turned out and the hills were beautiful (yes I did this on my own)

The final product!

I am looking forward to going back again! There are so many fun paintings but the one I really want to create is a sailboat sunset. Maybe I should find an easier painting class.....

You've never failed and you wont start now

I lost my auntie on Friday.... a hard cancer battle.... I cannot take the heartache. Here is a song that I am clinging to and I hope this song brings others joy and peace.

Oceans Where Feet May Fail Me
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

[6x]
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

These are the lyrics and I love them, totally applicable to me currently. I think back at our last conversation and I can still hear her voice nice and clear. Wishing I could have spoke to her longer, wish I could have seen her, wish I could have told her that I love her one more time, wishing we could have spent another afternoon sipping tea, and the "wish I could" continues......

This is not a good bye but a see you soon! When she was first diagnosed she shared with us and I will never forget that day. Later she attended my baby shower, my son's first birthday and my 30th birthday bash. Treasuring each moment. Hold your loved ones close, tell them that you love them, and cling to the hope that "my soul will rest in your embrace." Anyone that is struggling with the loss of a loved one and needs encouraging I am here to give you the hope that can only come my Heavenly Father. The one and only way that I am making it through is by the many prayers from family and friends and the assurance that I will see her again!

My sweet auntie Rosie and my son 

My sweet auntie, myself (4 months pregnant), cousin Monique, and my sister Nancy

Getaway at the Spa

I treated myself to a day at the spa. I purchased a package for the South Coast Winery Grapeseed Spa. It was pure bliss!!! If you have not been this is a great spa and it is not very far.

The entrance to the spa

Women's lockers (no keys necessary)

One of the many outdoor seating areas

The beautiful pool, I arrived at 9am and it was peaceful

Getting some much needed vitamin D

Yes I had to take a selfie

Spotless showers and plenty of space

The sauna, I was too afraid of the heat so I did not go in

Steam room, still scared of the heat so I opted out

Ice cold wash cloths, I may have used a couple

Jacuzzi all to myself. I read my book and enjoyed this private area.

Cannot forget the workout room. I had to add a one hour workout!

Looking pretty sweaty but totally worth it. The gym all to myself.

I ordered a delicious lunch poolside. The servers were prompt and friendly.

Enjoying some bubbly while I got my pedicure.

Looking refreshed after 7 hours at the spa,  I can come here weekly?

Beautiful blue skies!!

So if you are in need of mini getaway, girls day, or a romantic weekend then this is your place. Hands down a perfect day and located in Temecula Wine Country. Need more information, do not hesitate to ask.

Loving a new Etsy find!

My friend Angela over at www.housefullofboys shard with me a cute Etsy store called Tink and Key. They have some adorable faith based tees and I sure love some adorable shirts for my son, especially ones that share Jesus. I cannot wait to post pictures of my son with his new shirt.

Jesus Loves Me this I know

Looking for some Jesus shirts or even a tee that has "Miracle Baby" then this is your one stop shop.

Picture Perfect Baby Shower

Two weeks ago I attended a stunning baby shower. Everything was perfect! I think it needs to go into a magazine because it was beautiful. My friend lives in a gorgeous home and she recently did some work to the inside and the backyard. I believe a picture speaks for itself....

Paper source chevron print served as the runner on each table. Beautiful!

Perfect day for a baby shower

Yes those are gold painted little animals

The patio furniture was one of my favorites. Can I pull up a truck and borrow these?

A hammock in the back to relax in after a long day

Sunny yellow loungers

All of the greenery!!

Gold, Silver and Bronze for one of the baby games. So smart and beyond cute!

Food Tour, yes you read that correctly!

I have been looking for a fun outing for my hubby and I to do. A few weeks ago I purchased a groupon for Flavors of Newport Beach. What better way to spend my Saturday than with my honey and be down at the beach. Our tour guide was super sweet and I highly recommend people to try this out. We started at Ruby's on the Balboa pier at 10am. I am new to food tours and I was not sure about seafood. I do not eat shellfish, well I mainly only eat salmon. This tour company was so friendly and accommodating and they went above and beyond to make sure I had a great time. We met some friendly people and I think we will sign up again!!! Our tour ended at 2pm on Balboa Island which gave us time to check out the cute shops. While on the tour we sampled some olive oil and vinegar at a beautiful shop on Balboa Island. I could not snap photos there so I will just mention that the tastings there were out of this world. Thank you Flavors of Newport Beach for a wonderful Saturday!!!

First stop:Ruby's, we had their delicious oatmeal

Second stop: Harborside Restaurant, Matt ate the ahi nachos

At Harborside I had this yummy chicken lettuce wrap

We headed across to Balboa island. Third stop: The Village Inn

We tried some wine and IPA. (not pictured the delicious clam chowder shooter and grilled veggies)

Fourth stop: Amelia's (cute Italian place on Balboa Island)

I had the bruschetta, it was beyond tasty!

Calamri and pasta family style

Fifth stop: Dad's Original Balboa Bar (on Balboa Island)

This was the best treat ever!!!!

Fall vacation is booked and I am ready to go!

I love to travel or shall I say I REALLY enjoy traveling! I have been looking for a deal to Cancun, Mexico and last week I found it! Los Angeles International to Cancun airfare for a steal of $360 each including all taxes. Score!!! I highly recommend Costco travel and I am NEVER disappointed with my travel packages. An all inclusive hotel on the strip was a total of $1,200 for two people! We return to the Omni every time because we love it there and we can never get enough of the charm. I close my eyes and I picture myself tanning, toes in the pristine white sand, and jumping into the crystal blue water. Did I mention that we are going without our kiddo?! Beyond excited!!!!