Paraiso Terrestre

I had a fantastic trip to San Francisco. The weather was hot, but the wind by the bay made it feel wonderful. It was sunny every day that I was there and not even foggy.

I have been thinking for a while about what to write. I cannot come up with words to describe what a "something, something, something" trip this was. I did not realize how much I needed a vacation. I needed to do something by myself. The freedom of not having nap, bedtime, snack and meal schedules was unbelievable. The ability to just go and do anything whenever I wanted was shocking. I had forgotten what it was like to be a woman, not a full-time mommy. I felt liberated, rejuvenated, happy, in control and did I mention HAPPY? I felt my age again. I started young in the family life--I was married at age 21 and had a baby by 22. It was nice to feel like a woman in her twenties instead of a mom. I'm trying very hard not to feel guilty about these feelings. I love my children and I love my husband. I would not trade being a SAHM for anything in the world. But it's hard. It's hard for me. I lost myself in being a mom. I literally lost myself. For the first time, well, years, I finally felt like an individual again. I felt free.

I would like to write this to remind myself that this WILL be only the first of many more adventures to come. I WILL be doing this again. I feel like I am going to be a better mom, a better wife. I have a greater appreciation for the things that I have. I have realized just how important it is to maintain some sense of self, despite the 24/7 label of Mommy.

Aside from all of that, the trip was fun. It was great to spend time with my SILs, BILs and FIL. If I ever doubted that Alan and I should be married (which I don't), I just need to spend some time with his family and I am reminded that I wouldn't fit anywhere else. Their sarcasm, sense of humor, and kindness is refreshing and welcoming. I am so blessed to have a 2nd family who welcomes me so openly and treats me so well. I only wish that we all lived closer--I can't even imagine how much fun life would be if we all lived in the same place (hint hint). Thank you for letting me crash your family. :)

I have a veritable boatload of pictures, but I'm only posting half right now because I need to take a nap. Here they are:

See the seals?!

To get to the lighthouse, you have to cross this bridge. Only 2 people can go across at the same time, though! A little wobbly too...

Dinner with Andrea and Diana. (See my sunburn? Oops.)

Alan's dad (Randy), Michael, Diana, Andrea and Rick (brothers and sisters)

At the Oakland temple, apparently you can only drive 9.5 mph. WHAT?! I thought it was hilarious.