Where it all Began

Wes and I brought the kids to Fort Bragg this past weekend. We lived there for the first year and a half of our marriage, and haven't been back since we moved away. Six years has been way too long, and going back was unbelievable. Fort Bragg means so many things to me- it is stunningly beautiful with it's dramatic cliffs and enormorous clear waves crashing against the rocky coast, it has the romantic Mendocino-coast feel (even with our two kids along!), but mostly it has wonderful people, who embraced Wes and I this weekend with the same open arms they did when we moved there as a young couple- just starting out after college. Wes' first job was as an assistant civil engineer for Lee Welty. Lee and his wife, Sally, made sure the transition to this small town, away from our families and friends, was absolutely seemless. They made us feel at home, and hosted wonderful dinners- even inviting our own parents along- and introduced us to other wonderful locals. Wes' office was full of loving people; we went on an unforgettable trip to Mexico with Forrest, the surveyor, and his wife and friends. And Mary Jane, who pretty much ran the office, was always there for us, and even helped us move into a great house in the town of Fort Bragg. We were able to see these wonderful friends this weekend, and had a great time visiting with them at a party at Lee and Sally's house. They embraced Kylee and Owen with the same love, showering them with treats and even pumpkins to carve. The kids had so much fun "jamming" on their bongo drums, and playing with everyone- it was such a joy for all of us! Kylee and Owen play under the covers with their flashlights from Lee and Sally!

After the party, we headed back to Fort Bragg, where we stayed at The Grey Whale Inn - which had also been gifted to us years ago by the wonderful owner. He remembered Wes doing some work there, and let us stay in the huge family room- it was great for the kids. The breakfasts here were DELICIOUS, and people were all so kind and welcoming.

Owen and Daddy by the Skunk Train

Saturday we went to see The Skunk Train take off, we visited our old favorite, The Headlands Coffee Shop, went and watched the waves and collected treasures at Glass Beach, had lunch down in Noyo Harbor, and enjoyed a wonderful visit with my former boss, Lisa Harvey. Just as Lee was a guide for Wes at the start of his career, Dr. Lisa Harvey, O.D.,FCOVD, was a guiding inspiration for me. Working as an optometric assistant for her was constantly exciting, her passion for her work inspires me to this day. I enjoyed the work environment she created immensly, and always think about Lisa, and all the close friends I worked with at Dr. Harvey's office. Kylee and Owen truley loved meeting Lisa- she had so many wonderful toys to play with at her new vision therapy office. She spent hours out of her busy day, with absolutely no notice, just playing ball and bonding with our kids- and we really enjoyed catching up on everything. Playing outside Dr. Harvey's new office!

For dinner, we dropped by our beloved restaurant, The Taqueria Ricarda, for some of our old favorite dishes. The food was beyond delicious, but the most touching moment of our trip was that Ricarda actually remembered us. We didn't dine out a whole lot when we lived there- but when we could, we'd usually go to Ricarda's. It has been six years, and we thought there was no way she'd know us- but she did. And she even gave us a "Taqueria Ricarda" apron as a special gift. We ended our night by enjoying hand made ice cream at another favorite, Cowlick's Ice Cream. It was as amazing as we remembered!

Owen loves Cowlick's, and says "I'm two now, so I can have TWO scoops!"

Sunday was gorgeous- we spent the morning at Jughandle Beach, playing in the sand before the 5-6 hour drive home. The kids were great the whole weekend, and Wes and I just loved showing them the first place we lived after we got married. Most of all, we were overwhelmed by the beauty of Fort Bragg- both by the natural wonders of the town by the sea, and most of all by it's most giving people. We promise- we'll be back soon! A walk to Jughandle Beach on the last day