A picnic in the park.

Last Sunday, there was a picnic in the park to say goodbye to our dearest friends who we have shared a property with for the past five years. When we moved down to San Diego, they were the only people we knew; we will miss them more than words can say. I can't even put it into words, because really, I think I am just in denial that they are leaving. Plus, their kids are the wisest and cutest around (see below for evidence of cuteness).

It seems that the older we get, the more spread out our friends and family are around the country. We have said too many goodbyes over the years, and we are not very good at keeping up with all of our long distance friendships. If you know me, you know that I think all of my friends and family should move to San Diego and live in my neighborhood. I imagine that they'd all find it to be quite lovely. There should be some kind of rule that everyone you love should have to live within a ten mile radius of you. It would be oh so fun and joyful. Until then, saying goodbye to friends is not my favorite thing to do.

nye.

Writing things we want to leave behind in 2011 to burn in the fire.

Opening champagne with a machete.

As we sat around the fire, fondly remembering 2011, sharing what we want to leave behind, hoping for 2012, debating over musical interests and dislikes, and catching up, there were a lot of smiles. I spent the last night of 2011 feeling grateful for the past year that has been so full of family and friends. It was the perfect way to spend New Year's Eve for me, in our backyard (which is really our front yard), surrounding a fire with some of my best friends. Friends who accept me for the nerd that I am when I put out index cards and sharpies for New Year's Eve reflections. Friends who encourage me. Friends who have supported me throughout the recent years. 

I begin 2012 with a grateful heart because of all the people who have been a part of my life throughout the past year. If you are reading this, that means you.

A great honor.

Last weekend, we had the great honor of becoming godparents to our dear friends' daughter, Robin Elizabeth. It was such a special day that we were so grateful to be able to be a part of.

Such a beautiful family. Have you ever seen anything cuter than Robin in a bonnet? The best part of the honor that comes with being godparents is that it lasts a lifetime.

(Unfortunately, my real camera's battery broke this day, so these pics are via the iphone.)

A friend reunion in Santa Cruz.

The story goes something like this...

Brooke and Amy were running the jog-a-thon in the fourth grade. They both got a stitch in their side, so they had to walk together, and they were best friends ever since. 

I'm not so sure about the complete accuracy of the story, but I do know that these girls were such a big part of my life during some of the most formative years of growing up. There were seasons of life where we were inseparable. We had sleep overs, shared stories of crushes, boyfriends, first kisses, kept a list of our inside jokes, went on vacation together. We were even baptized together. Then we grew up, went off to college, got married and were in each other's weddings. It's been about ten years since we have lived in the same city, but these friends will always have a special place in my heart. Now between the three couples, there is a baby and three dogs. We are kind of like real grown ups now.

Our little reunion in Santa Cruz refreshed my spirit. It was a joy reconnecting with these friends, delving into meaningful conversations, laughing so hard I cried, and it was especially beautiful to see my friend as a mom. We've been missing the sweet voice of Emrie Kent following us around ever since we got home.

San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley.

After Santa Barbara, we headed up to the Bay area to visit some dear friends.  Our days were filled with many different kinds of delicious food and drinks (soul food, pizza, a rum bar, the best latte ever, beer, vegan Mexican).  All of it was beyond amazing and now I am eating salads for a week to make up for this trip.  We had fun exploring the city, walking down street after street, appreciating the unique culture of San Francisco, relaxing in Golden Gate Park, venturing into the ferry building, visiting some famous bars, the sun, the rain, the clouds, the street art, the people watching, taking self timer pictures on the side of the road... but the best part was just spending time with friends we love.