A Month Ago...

Exactly a month ago, Jonathan and I were able to get away on a much needed vacation! We try to have some time together each anniversary, and this year was no different. We headed out to New Orleans for a cruise down to Mexico! And we had such a blast!! 

Flight to New Orleans!

Having fun on the flight! 

The Sudoku King! 

Bourbon Street!

The next day was our first sailing day! So we headed to the docks and boarded our ship! 

We were so excited!!

Our new favorite after-dinner drink...

the Chocolatini!

Hello Cozumel! 

Playing on the inflatables! So much fun!

He's such a hottie!

and yes, one of his favorite things to do is play around! It's always an adventure with this guy!

Water slide time!

Relaxing on our anniversary!

Bye bye Cozumel!

Anniversary dinner! Couldn't get a better view and sunset if we tried! 

...and to top it off, some of the servers sang us a happy anniversary song! 

It's been a sweet 7 years! <3

The next morning we were in the Yucatan! Off to another adventure!

Loved all the cute elephants on the chairs by the pool! 

Dune buggy rides anyone?!

Our new friends riding with us for the day!

Exploring Mexico!

Salt baths - and yes, the water is pink!

Driving by the ruins!

After driving all through the town, seeing the salt baths, the flamingos & the local ruins, we went to a private beach club and swam at the beach. It was a great way to cool off. Luckily it was a little overcast, but it was still hot!

You can't go to Mexico and not take $1 shots of Tequila! 

Salud!

Adios Progreso!

Our last day on the ship, we lounged all day! We hung out at the pool, took naps and read. It was the perfect way to end our cruise! 

And it didn't hurt that we had such a beautiful sunset the last night! 

Once we returned to New Orleans, we had a few hours before we had to go back to the airport. So we decided to check out a few popular yummy restaurants before heading home. We heard we had to try the beignets at Cafe du Monde and the oysters at Acme Oyster House! 

The beignets were delish - warm and fresh out of the oven!

Now I'm not a fan of oysters, but I would gladly go back to Acme ANYDAY! Best charbroiled oysters ever! Such a great way to end our trip.

Special thanks to our amazing family for watching our girls and making our trip possible! <3

Heaven gained an Angel

Even though Jonathan and I have known each other and been together for over 13 years, there was one thing we have never experienced together and that was the loss of a family member.

 About two and half years ago, grandpa Bruce was given the devastating news that he had cancer and the doctors gave him only 3 months to live. Little did they know, Bruce was a fighter. He would not let this horrible disease bring him down without giving it everything he had. 

And with no complaints, he did just that. 

As time progressed, the cancer spread and while he still looked good and had a bright smile, the cancer was taking a toll on him. 

On May 10th we received the call that he wasn't doing well and we should come down that night to say our final goodbyes. It was a hard and difficult night and in the morning, when we heard he was still hanging on, Jonathan and I went down to spend the entire day by his side. Even though he was heavily medicated and in and out nearly the entire day, we read to him, sang to him, played music for him and just sat by his side. We even found his pocket prayer book and read it to him. 

It was such a peaceful and comforting day, one I will never forget. 

After other family members arrived, Jonathan and I left to head home to pick up the girls. It wasn't even an hour later that we got the call he had passed. He was finally pain free and in heaven with Jesus.

This last Monday, we had his memorial service down at the Miramar National Cemetery and celebration of life at Aunt Sue's house. The service was very special, with the gun salute and flag presentation. One of my favorite parts was when one of the Navy officers presented 3 coins to Grandma Shirley - representing Honor, Courage and Commitment. Three things Grandpa Bruce exuded. 

Grandpa Bruce - while you're no longer with us, you'll be in our hearts forever. As your granddaughter in-law, I'm forever grateful for you. For being a man of loyalty, honor, love, kindness and faithfulness. I have no doubt the Erickson men learned these things from you. You are missed, but we know you are in a better place and we will see you again one day. 

You Are Loved <3

Rest in Peace Grandpa

xo