#biffgetspierced

We got to celebrate the marriage of Biffy and Kevin on September 30, 2016. The wedding was on Catalina Island and it was our first time leaving the kids behind and going on vacation! Aba and the kids had a blast and we enjoyed three kid free days! We had a great time, but by the end we were ready to get home and see the kids.

The wedding was absolutely beautiful! Biffy was gorgeous and it was a very intimate wedding so we actually got to spend time with everyone. Biffy is like a little sister to us and Kevin is awesome! We are so happy for them and loved sharing in their special day. Highlights of the wedding included the rings being forgotten in the hotel so they had to borrow rings for the ceremony, Kevin (Parkinson) giving up his flip flops for barefoot Biffy, Biffy's sister, Lindsey's, speech, and Lindsey and I dancing the night away (I have never seen so few people dance at a wedding).

Dessert stop on the way to the wedding

Jill blowing the horn

Max was not into being a ring bearer (maybe he was
trying to tell us he forgot the rings)!

Jill trying to find the rings

First dessert in months!

Kevin squared

Dancing queens

We also got to catch up with some Peace Corps friends, go on runs together (although Catalina is not a fun place for running as it is so hilly), eat lots of great food, and relax. Highlights of the trip included the wedding (duh), seeing buffalo (on a tour and while running), scuba diving in the kelp forest (a fish bit me), and beautiful views from our morning runs. 

Airport at the top of the island

Our "safari" bus

In Avalon you drive your golf cart to school

First time diving in 4.5 years!

There were deer everywhere, even on the golf course!

Part of our obstacle course run

4.5 mils uphill = dying

We ran up that giant mountain!

On the ferry back we came upon a group of orcas and the ferry stopped for a good 15 minutes while we watched them play...it was awesome! We had lunch with another Peace Corps friend, Wes, and his family before heading home. 

Baleadas!

The kids were happy to see us, but I don't think they missed us too much. When we FaceTimed Clara told us about all the fun things she did and Emmett just laughed and shook his head no. Aba made sure the weekend was fun and took the kids to get pizza, ice cream, to the park, and she and Clarita watched a movie each day (Frozen, Cinderella, and Finding Nemo). Clara never watches movies and said that was her favorite part. The kids also enjoyed playing with los Tios and Bayleaf while Aba volunteered handing out food, and went to the pet blessing ceremony at church where Conejo received a blessing (Clara didn't want to bring any of her animals). It was a successful first time away from the kids and we all survived (I think Aba was exhausted by the end)! We're so lucky to have such great family to take care of our kids when we are gone!