The last five days.

 This past week I got to spend five days in California with my family. It was a bit of an early birthday present, and it was definitely a much needed vacation. I didn't have a computer on me, so I have a TON of pictures to put up in one post. Here we go!

First I spent a day with my parents and siblings:

 My brother Jake and I.

My little sister, Maddie. I like to call her my twin.

 The gorgeous view from my parents backyard.

 The real reason I went to California: In-N-Out.

And then I met the sweetest puppy of all time, Napoleon!

The next day my mom and I went to Disneyland! It was warm and sunny, and literally the best day of the trip.

 Isn't my mama gorgeous?

 An entire store just of Little Mermaid things. I should probably just move here...

All of my dreams came true in one moment. I got to go on The Little Mermaid ride!

The next day I had breakfast with my mom, grandma, aunt, and my cousins. My aunt, cousin, and I all share a birthday this month, so we decided to get together and have a Calamity Jane themed party. (What? You've never seen that movie!? Here's a little number from it.)

Ever since I was a kid, the girls on my mom's side of the family have loved the movie. I've seen at least 30 times. 

So, what better movie to have as a theme for a birthday party?

 The best birthday breakfast of all time. Lemon-blueberry pancakes!

 I took about twenty pictures with my little cousin, Grace. She's too cute!

 My cousin and I discovered that we have a secret cake decorating talent. Watch out, Cake Boss!

 You can't have a western themed birthday without some good ol' Sarsaparilla! It's Calamity Jane's favorite, of course.

 The birthday ladies with my grandma.

There is nothing better than a week filled with sunshine, family, laughter, and Disneyland. As much as I love living in Seattle, every time I go home to California I fall back in love with it. I'm pretty lucky to have such a wonderful place to visit so often. 

If I could just bring some of the sunshine up to Washington with me, I'd be set!

Hope you had a wonderful week/weekend. I'm hoping to go back to regular posts here shortly, though I say that far too often :).

Happy Monday!

xoxoKelsey.

Merry Christmas!

I'm currently sitting in the airport on my way to Orange County to see my family for the holidays. This California girl is ready for some warm sunshine!

 I hope you are able to spend time with your loved ones, and remember how blessed we are to be able to celebrate such a special day! Here are a few pictures of me and the hubs from a Christmas Ball we were a part for the youth group at our church. This is one of many photo booth sessions. If you are a family member of ours, you can count on receiving one of these pictures with your Christmas present :).

 You're welcome for the last set of pictures. My husband thinks he is pretty hilarious. I do too, most of the time. I'm thinking we should use that last picture as our Christmas card next year. Classy.

I'll be back on Monday!

Merry Christmas!!

xoxoKelsey.