Spring Break!

This year we were lucky enough to visit the Malone's in Tennesse for spring break.. They were kind enough to take us into their home and their cabin.. We got to see the Smokey Mountains, Dollywood and Nashville.. 

We had a nice time relaxing on the lake..

Maya spent a lot of time with Izzie.

We visited Andrew Jackson's plantation home for a little history. We walked the entire grounds..

The week flew by.  We can't wait to visit the south again.. We enjoyed everything from the relaxed pace, the kindness everywhere we went (they call you mam!) to Crackel Barrel for breakfast.. Next time we have to try the pancakes in Seiverville.   A big Thank you to the Malone's!
We had a blast! The Galvans..

Summertime in SLO...

I realize this entry almost two months late.. Where the past months have gone I just can't tell..The summer flew by and I am still trying to adjust to the whole routine..I can taste fall and am excited for the cooler days..

However, over the summer we decided to trek up to Avila beach/San Luis Obispo for a week with our interchangeables, the Bell family.. Their van fits both our tribes and with all the bells and whistles that car has the girls and their parental units were set for the trek..

Martin and Carl were in charge of keeping us moms away from the girls..and the looking at the scenary of course..

We discovered a hidden gem of a beach and an amazing little town in SLO.. We are still trying to figure out what job we could all create so that we could move to SLO.. So far no luck.. We hope someday we will be within walking distance of Cowboy Cookie and all those great little shops.. Hmm... maybe we can convince all 3 girls to attend the local college..

We booked a KOA cabin which suited us fine except for the mickey mouse that decided to keep Deanna and Carl up one night.. Thankfully Martin and his mouse trapping skills did not fail us..

The girls were in heaven in their loft, the pool and even the ice cold water at the beach..

This is our new favorite summer beach spot..
Martin enjoyed his first ever bowl of Pho.. We visited the gaudy Madonna Inn.. The girls loved the pinkness of it all.. we enjoyed the real danish breads and the sights..

I could go on and on about some of the neat places and food..
Can't wait until our next visit..
Alex

Ahoy Mickey!

In case you wondered where we were... We took a cruise.. a Disney Cruise...It was our first real family vacation.. Our first cruise ever.. I apparently don't have sea legs as I had to hold on to my chair and take Stay Calm several times.. Martin and Maya are apparently half fish..

Here are Martin and Maya inspecting our room.. We had a balcony and plenty of room to spread out..

It was a great experience and a real treat for Maya. She loved every minute of being in the pool, eating dinner with our wait staff who catered to her every need or whim and sleeping in.. The TV is playing Disney movies around the clock... we saw classics like 101 Dalmations and Alice in Wonderland as we dressed for dinner or after the shows.. The boat is a floating city.. Ours had several pools, running deck, gym, movie theater, show theater, 3 restaurants/buffets and of course all the Disney Characters..

The characters make their rounds on a regular bases.. Maya got to meet the princesses and Mickey after Dad so generously stood in line for about an hour....

We had so much fun we can't wait to set sail again...
Ahoy!
Alex

Over the river and through the woods..

To the Brigham house we go!

We flew to Washington state and enjoyed a peaceful week..

They live so close to the shore every park has a waterfront view..

Everywhere you look you see these amazing trees.. they tower over you and make you feel so small..

The weather was amazing while we were there and our lungs enjoyed the good clean air...

Thanks to our amazing hosts for a memorable and relaxing vacation.. THANK YOU!

Buzz,
Alex