And so....

If you all remember our visit to this same hotel 2 years ago, we went back.  Catalina Island Inn. 
It's everything adorable, and everything quaint, yet plush.  It's clean, and close to everything.
Well, everything in Avalon is pretty close to each other. 
With last minute plans for our final six pack members, we'd have plans set in stone.  Leaving New Years Eve around 9am-ish.  Our destination:

Each time we've planned any trip to the island, I always dwell on "the weather"...

Catalina Island Inn- View stepping out of hotel looking to the right...

Inside the little lobby.

Outside our door

Yummies in the morning...

My favorite kind of art...

As we walked up to the taco bar...for margarita's lunch....

But let's get to the serious stuff.  Our ride over.  New Years Eve...Flat water LOOK AT THE BACKGROUND! Delicious water for sea sick peeps like Bill and I!...And...clear skies.."Hello Billy and Randy with a chip in his lips...Skipper!"-

My beautiful friend, "Skippers Wife"

We arrive, and side tie.

To "America Jane" 

Next stop after we basked in the sun, and had lunch...The Marlin Club-

Dinner venue at Steve's Steakhouse...

Our six pack member feeling really good, with his Irish Red Cheeks full blossom-

We love you Russ

The Six Pack

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This picture.  1am.  Living in the moment-

And here we have The Morning After...haha!

And just like that, just over 24 hours later...we were headed home....

But not before we popped a bottle to celebrate 2014 and what it will give to us. 

Plus it just makes the ride home that much more peaceful and fun....ha!

This picture.....Russ and Jodee, I love this....love love love this.  Beautiful-  Not only are they beautiful inside and out, they served us yummies from the minute we got there, until the second we pulled away.  Even brews and snacks for the ride back...

And as we idle away, Bill and I always look in each others eyes, with sheer fear of crazy water.  Trust me, we've been there, done that.  But.....

But......

It was like this all the way home....

And these little lover faces joined in the fun...

Celebrating this new year, and what it will offer us....

Giving us some moments together as friends, in the middle of the ocean, with encouraging words.  Words to one another of how better things will be.  How this life is fast, and hard.

Yet so good.

Especially when we see whales right next to us.  Just that sound in the distance...pure beauty.  Pure natural goodness.

And it was back to reality...as we closed in on our harbor...we get a call from Kris. "Mom, I'm fishing in our secret spot"-  And yes they were.  New Years Day 2014-

Happy Friday to you guys...It's been a full fast week.

PS. If your local in CA, make a trip to the island.  Shop prices.  Go when the season isn't busy.  Stay at the Catalina Island Inn.  I promise you won't be dissappointed.  And if the price is high, shop em.  Call em.  Make it work.

Be safe this weekend kids.  Mine is full of beauty and love with our lover faces, and Winter Formal.  

Big love, and peace to you and yours.  Be still in your heart if the day is hard, and the nights are long.
They will pass, and the sun will shine down on your sooner than later.  I promise. It's just getting through it.  You will.  You will.