Sina- Peter- Travels

There is nothing that makes me any happier than seeing the smile of someone I care about.  I adore my family.  I adore my friends. I am SO one of those people that gets more joy out of giving than receiving. I love sending a random card to someone, I may not have talked to in awhile, to bring a smile to their face. I love sending a little gift to someone I love.  There just isn't anything better!

The thought that next year my circle will grow by 2 people is exciting. As you know- we are bringing two amazing students over to live with us for the year.  We will have Peter from Denmark and Sina from Germany.

Right now we are in a planning stage for several trips we want to take next year. We want to ensure the kiddos see all they can.  I have been busying myself with travel plans.  We are heading West come mid October this year. I grew up there and cannot wait to show the children around there.

We have booked a room in Santa Cruz at the Dream Inn. It is right on the beach.  Within a half a mile from the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.  I want the kids to stick their feet in the Pacific Ocean. I cannot wait to get on the old wooden roller coaster and experience that with them.

Then we will head into San Francisco.  We will stay two days there. We are staying at the Holiday Inn Express on Pier 39.  We want to walk the Golden Gate Bridge. We want to see the sea lions on Pier 39.  We will have fresh seafood and chocolate from Ghirardelli Square.  We will head out to tour Alcatraz.   

I cannot wait for them to see South Lake Tahoe.  It is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The mountains surrounding one of the bluest lakes ever! 

Another fun place I look forward to showing them is Coloma. It is the place where the California Gold Rush started.  It is about twenty five minutes from my parents town. 

How about some In-n-Out while we are there too! I crave it while I am gone and look forward to it as soon as I arrive! I get to share that yummy goodness with them! 

I am also planning to take them to my best friend's house. They will love it there.  I cannot wait for them to meet my friends from home... Ande and Amber.  

Sina will also be heading to Southern California with us for the Disney Run.  Yes- the Disney Half Marathon will be happening for this woman in 6 months!! I am going to run as Snow White...

Ande will be Cinderella. Amanda will be Pocahontas. Jenna will be Ariel. Sina will be our cheering squad.

A lot of amazing things are happening and it is getting more exciting, the more that we get to Skype with Peter and Sina.  The more that we message and email with them- the more we fall in love with these kids and cannot imagine not having them in our family.