~Breakfast in Leucadia~

A Saturday morning brought us to the coastal community of Leucadia in the city of Encinitas (CA) to watch our little line defender, Madeline, play soccer. A regular game becomes a great event for grandparents like us. Misty with a little drizzle could not stop her from playing. Tiny as she looks, she outruns most players and can kick the ball hard.

As excited as we were, was the Mom of course.

Now ready for breakfast but stopped by this quaint shack for grandma's blog.

I would not exchange this wonderful breakfast for sleeping in Saturday mornings. It is so refreshing and relaxing to have breakfast in a small hometown cafe....

...with banana and whip-cream-topped pancakes (my favorite)...definitely better than
homemade!

...and uncle and niece in constant competition for love and attention. That's Nathan, our 11 year-old, not really enjoying breakfast, and Madeline, our granddaughter, in a mouth-filled grin, seemingly knowing that she is the star of this lovely morning.


Leucadia...a cozy and homey surf community, the streets lined with small beach shops...

...aqua-painted walls covered by bougainvillas...

and towering eucalytpus trees...what a breath of fresh ocean breeze!

Sister, Sister

My sisters..my best friends....

Thank You Notes

To dearest Michelle,

What a delight to have received your card and a DVD copy of our Utah Wonderland Holiday! We are so blessed by your many talents- your photography is extraordinary. The music makes my heart melt.
Your style is an art in itself. Thank you for thinking of us constantly and showering us with your love. You have always been an inspiration! We love you.

To dearest Dohn and Jon,

Thank you for GENEROUSLY sharing your beautiful home and for giving us the wonderful experience of playing in the snow. Your incredible hospitality has filled our hearts with so much joy- truly above and beyond (Jon, sorry for the SINK!!!). The laughter, hugs, and kisses for each of our family will always be felt in our hearts. You both have made unforgettable memories possible-Lola Mommy's 84th birthday and Ate Cely and Kuya Amado's 33rd wedding anniversary....and all these, because of two loving people in our lives. We love you.

Breakfast with Madeline

This is not a rare occasion, but on this particular day, I was able to capture in photo my feelings of delight. Madeline, turning 6 this March, has become too shy or too tired, perhaps, of picture-taking from the holidays. I am so thrilled (as every grandma is) to have her at home. Smart, artistically talented, very sporty, sweet, well-behaved-I can go on and on.

....yes, my children are my joy...my granddaughter...my delight!!!!

Our grandchildren accept us for ourselves, without rebuke or effort to change us, as no one in our entire lives has ever done, not our parents, siblings, spouses, friends - and hardly ever our own grown children.- Ruth Goode