Next Stop -- Pebble Beach!

We were whisked away to Monterey on a business/fun trip for a few days. It was absolutely stunning. We were at the Inn at Spanish Bay which is right on 17 mile drive. I was looking forward to LONG walks on the beach while the guys golfed. The second day we were there the winds picked up to near 30 miles an hour! Crazy! Even crazier is trying to golf in that weather, but the guys stuck it out all day and loved it. I managed a one hour walk each day nearly getting blown off my feet when I would get to certain jut out points of the ocean. The first day the girls went into Carmel for lunch and window shopping and then we "recuperated" at the spa. It was fun to get to know all of the new people Scott is working with and their spouses.

The second day the winds were calming down by the afternoon, so I booked a horse ride. I ended up being the only one in the group so the guide and I had a great time visiting and basking in the beauty of the clear skies after all the wind. We started going through the forest area, seeing many deer and bucks, and then as we came to the top of the hill -- there was the stormy ocean. (The pictures don't capture the degree of wind and waves.) It was clear and sparkling in the sun, with heavy waves crashing on the rocks. I was in heaven!

Ahhhhh, October

It's been a fun and crazy month with a lot of travel. I have been captivated by all the different types of beauty there is to enjoy on this earth of ours. Scott and I spent a few days at the Miraval Resort and Spa in Tucson, Arizona. We were totally pampered with all our meals prepared and with a different spa treatment each day. In between all that we worked out and walked around the desert beauty. The house we stayed in was the "bomb". Super modern with every comfort and a view of the desert that made you feel totally isolated. The highlight was one night we sat out on the patio, outdoor napping bed, and jacuzzi looking at the stars. The resort is so dark at night and so isolated that you were able to see amazing amounts of stars.

home sweet home

Scott got a complimentary upgrade on his rental car. So we drove to the Phoenix airport (almost two hours) with the top down in 105 degree weather. It was fun at first, but then I had to put the eye gel in and shut my eyes for the rest of the ride. At least there isn't much scenery to miss in the desert!

Conference Color

A highlight of our conference weekend in Utah (BESIDES spending time with our Robby) was spending Saturday afternoon up at Sundance. We rode the ski lift up the mountain. You know how the young couples all hold their camera out at arm's length and get shots of themselves? Well, we realized we are TOO old for that photographic trick. Awful, fish eye shots!! Suffice it to say, the ride up was gorgeous. Then we went for a hike up in the mountains and took a steep trail to a waterfall (Stewart Falls). Then it was a 4.5 mile trek back down to Sundance. At every turn there was another glorious view. Amazing.

our home away from home

Our little home away from home is getting cozier all the time. It was so fun for Scott and I to be here for conference and to be able to actually focus in on the talks - next to the fireplace with the brisk fall weather outside

We are in the process of remodeling the master bathroom. I love the crisp, clean feeling of the white and gray.

Many thanks to my assistant designer/daughter Nicole for helping me pull things together (along with, of course, Alice Lane Home - our favorite shop in Utah). We have had a lot of fun decorating this small space. Nicole found the wallpaper and lamps in this room. It is so dreamy. I am really enjoying living in a small space - except for when we had 7 adults and 3 grandbabies here all at once. That got a little CRAZY!!

"Leavin' on a Jet Plane"

Looking at these two in flight gets me thinking of my boy -  flying home to us in a matter of days!!!  One week from today, to be exact.  We are waiting for you with open arms Robby!!

My happy place.   Robby-- I can't wait for you to fall in love with all these new treasures around here.

Sunset Sail

the  "fam damily"  minus Robby

Tyson -"look at the clouds over here!"  Presley - "no this view's much prettier!"

the cousins on the high seas

Adrienne and Presley Adrienne

It was SO relaxing and tranquil sailing along the coast at Sunset one night.  The minute the engine went off and the sails went up we were spellbound.

Flippin' Over Grand Cayman Island

We truly did flip over this dreamy, Caribbean island.  We couldn't get over the clear, warm, turquoise water - the creamy white sand beaches - the warm balmy weather  - and a whole week of family bonding.  That's my kind of heaven!!

Michael flipping over the boat at Stingray City

Dan ready for his Men's Journal pose

Scott chillin' with his little guy while the parents hit the sea doos

Nicole and Candice trying on the local, starfish swimwear