Morro Bay for the 2nd Year in a Row

After a wonderful day exploring Hearst Castle, we checked into our hotel. With Morro Bay being a pretty small town, we were able to walk everywhere from our hotel room. Our first night we let Louie pick the restaurant. we ended up at ....

Because of course we did. The next day we ate breakfast at the hotel and we had a whole Saturday ahead of us. We went out to explore the town.

We found a pirate near the boats, then saw him again at the Farmers Market.

The day was spent looking through shops and enjoying some seriously good food. The clam chowder at Ju Ju's on the Bay was amazing.

After a BBQ dinner and a trip to the grocery store for dessert we got a good nights sleep and the next day we checked out of our hotel and headed out for a bay cruise.

And of course, the whole reason the kids want to come to Morro Bay is to visit the sea otters.

When Louie spots these guys up close, it looks a lot like this....

via GIPHY

But look at these faces...

And check out the teeth on this guy!

Before we started our trek back South we drove up Black Hill to get a spectacular view of Morro Bay

It was a relaxing and fun couple of days. The girls did great with all the walking and were even adventures when it came to trying new food. Phi learned she likes scallops.

Then we were back in the Cruiser and headed to one last birthday experience!!

17

Her birthday is always the toughest to wrap my head around. Today my Chone turns 17 years old. 

That blows my mind. 

How can that little perfect child who loved to wear crazy rainbow socks and loved spending the night at my house, who was the only kid in our crew be a year away from adulthood? 

The one with that big smile and who could light up a room and who could gladly get me to watch Lilo and Stitch everyday.  

The little girl who liked to dress in all green or sometimes in a Barney costume.

She was our first baby and I always say it because it's true, she was my first true love. When this kid came into the world I was floored with the love I had for her.

She is so smart and so funny. She was such a great little kid. I loved every minute I got to spend with her as she grew up.

And then she became a big cousin and a big sister and she has always been the best example for the little ones. She is kind and patient and loving to them. My kids obviously adore her.

Our weekly trip to Chuck E. Cheese are just a memory. Yes she could get me to go to Chuck E Cheese weekly! Anything for my Chone.

In the blink of an eye she has become a young lady. A smart, talented, politically charged young lady. Someone who stands up for what she believes in and has the guts to stand in front of hundreds of people and speak her brilliant mind or sing a beautiful song.

As she has grown up watching her perform is still one of my most favorite things. To see her play an instrument or act in a play gives me more pride than she will ever know.

I cannot believe that today she is 17 years old.

Chugg, 

I am so amazingly proud of the person you are becoming. You are strong, smart and using your talents to fight for what you believe in. I am so happy that you have found your passion in life. I remember when I found mine. It is life-changing. 

I can't tell you what a trip it's been to be part of your journey in this life. I have to admit, I take a little credit for the person you have become. There were years when we were together all the time and I loved that time. I have no doubt that you are going to change the world. You changed my dramatically the day you were born.

I love you so much. 

More than you will ever know.

 I am here for you for always.

 Happy 17th Birthday Chone Balone

-Tia Lissa

The Baby Turns 30

Since you can't drink on your birthday this year here is a picture of you drinking everyone's drink. 

Tomorrow the baby of the family turns 30 years old. How is that even possible? 

Like seriously? How? 

Over the last year or so I am constantly catching myself calling Phi, Elaine. I do it all the time and as Phi gets older I seem to do it more and more. I think it's because I can vividly remember Elaine at this age. With her stick straight hair and blunt bangs, her tye-dye t shirts and big smile. When she was into dolls and cartoons. And now Elaine is 30. She is engaged to a terrific guy we all adore and is pregnant with our new niece/cousin/granddaughter. She is a full-fledged adult. Well she has been one for a long time but something about being 30 makes it more real to me. 

Happy Birthday Elaine. No matter how old you get you will always be that annoying little sister who loved Barney and carried a dalmatian doll around (Shout out Pecas!) and the best rock show partner I have ever had. Thank you for being such a good sister, friend and an amazing Tia/Nani to my kids. 

We love you very much. 

Celebrating Weekend

On my side of the family we are in the middle of our birthday celebrations. Our birthdays start is May and end in October. This weekend we had the best time watching little Felix play soccer, BBQing, drinking, hanging out, relaxing, and playing pin the mustache on the cactus. 

Phi and Lili take a break from their hectic stressful lives to relax in the new hammock and enjoy the view of Santa Barbara. 

People often asked my Pops if he ever wanted a boy. He would tell them, I have 3 girls, the boys will eventually show up. He was right. He now has these 3 plus a bonus son in Tommy.

If you want the jump house you have to set it up yourself.

We celebrated my brother-in-law Luis' 30th birthday! He works in sod so my sister Mercy Elaine made him this super cute grass cake! The inside was green and yellow. A John Deer grass cake! 

We also started celebrating Mercy Elaine's 27th birthday. I say started because we are going to have her birthday "brunch" next weekend. (Today is Mercy Elaine's actual birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY FEEZ!) 

There was even games.

And gifts! My niece The Chone made this amazing painting for Mercy Elaine. I love it. 

Nothing is better than those weekends when we are all together.

Happy House Warming Birthday!

Last Sunday there was an impromptu party at my Compadre's new house. It was exciting to see their beautiful new home and see all their hard work pay off. 

Mercy Elaine tried out the new panorama feature on the iPhone update. Here is our table. 

Little Noah. Isn't he just completely gorgeous?

Happy Birthday Comadre Patty! Today my amazing cousin Dr. Patty turns one year older. We love you and hope you have a fantastic day, year, life!

Lou taking this attachment parenting this too far.

Little Andres. This family is filled with beautiful little boys!

Matias and Andres with Grandpa. Who is also celebrating a birthday today! Happy Birthday Tio!

We had such a great day hanging out. Thanks Compadres for having us all over!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday 

to the most amazing 

Mom in the world. 

You love us all

with everything you have.

And we love you just as much

right back. 

Have a great day and an

amazing vacation.