Well, we are a bit time zone confused, but we made it to San Diego after two very smooth flights with two very cooperative girls. I apologize for the Ron Burgundy quotes that are going to fall into this post. I can’t help myself–I’m in San Diego which, if I recall, means a Whale’s Vagina. No? Agree to Disagree. If that makes absolutely no sense, watch Anchorman. Thank me later.
Hardly a whale’s vagina, San Diego is lovely (no offense, whales). I can’t get over the sky here. I’ve been in the car for both sunsets the past two nights and, even from the car, it’s mesmorizing–an ombre sky, layered with blues and pinks and oranges, with staggered hills underneath. And hot air balloons. Yes, both nights–hot air balloons that found a way to join the sunset canvas of San Diego.
We just finished Day One of the Everybody Plays shoot today, and while I have very much to say about it, Day Two begins early tomorrow morning. Must rest. Or, as Ron Burgundy would say, I’m very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogony. Okay, that had nothing to do with anything. The truth is, to be part of this experience for two years now? It is such an honor, and I will express it much better when I’m a little less tired. Photos of these beautiful children and words from the experience to come.
For now, some photos of our weekend–Heidi and I spent Saturday together, hitting our Third Street Farmer’s Market and thrifting with our girls. It was marvelous.
More from California to come.
*****
I’m thrilled to welcome Jessica Clough, Independent Scentsy Constultant, back in sponsorship. If any of you ordered any Scentsy products last year through Jessica, you know she is incredibly thorough and kind to work with. This time of year, we are constantly warming our Scentsy pots, wafting my current fall favorite scents, Clove & Cinnamon, Amber Road (a rich cedar & incense scent) and Cozy Fireside.
And loving the simplistic modern look of the Tilia burner.
Fall is in da house. Let Jessica help you bring its homey scents to your place.
*****
Hope to see some of you California friends at the book signing tomorrow evening (Wednesday, 7:30, Barnes and Noble at Mira Mesa).
Stay classy.


















Love the pics!! Come to Mexico please!! haha =)
Hahahahaha I think we can agree to offend a few whales because San Diego IS lovely. It’s kind of my old neck of the woods and I miss it so =( It looks like you guys had a great time. It’s neat you get to go on these fun excursion as a momma of 2 before #3 comes. Have fun!
– Sarah
agirlintransit.blogspot.com
I love California… more of a northern gal though 😉 I have NEVER seen Anchorman… what the what?! It’s on my list! Can’t believe how big those kiddo’s are getting! xx
Great pics. And now I must go watch Anchorman again! I love lamp.
Gorgeous pics, it looks so summery already
Yayyy, welcome to SoCal!!! I’m in LA, but I can’t make it down to San Diego – it’s fun to know you’re here, though! Have a great time! Looking forward to the photos =]
Can’t wait to meet you tomorrow!
San Diego is my home town – – born and raised!! So glad that you get to visit it. Enjoy every moment!! Not sure if you’ve been there before, but I can lend you some advice of THE very best spots to take the girls – – Sea Port Village ( hands down ) is the best place to take them. Beautiful strolls along the waterfront with restaurants, carousel, kites flying, ice cream shops, beautiful marinas. LOVE to spend my day this way! And, La Jolla Coves is phenomenal. Your girls would love the tide pools and cliff top views. Also, Balboa Park has wonderful museums and a gorgeous arboretum. Best part, all of what I mentioned is free! Can’t wait to take my daughter back home – – we’ll be back in San Diego for Christmas!! Enjoy….. : )
What? You pooped in the refrigerator?
When I ate a wheel of cheese, I hope you are not disappointed, yet just impressed….. have fun!
Wow! you are in my home town. Yes its amazing, I know this. Our weather has been incredible lately!
i really want to come and say hi tomorrow but i feel almost like some type of crazy person since I dont have a special needs child. but i love reading your blog, your book and viewing all your pics. you are an inspiration.
YOU STAY CLASSY SAN DIEGO!!!!
THEY PUNTED BAXTER!
XO
Melina
Welcome to America’s Finest City, Kelle! Born and raised in San Diego, my family and I are in South San Diego, about 5 miles north of the Mexican border. So wish you could’ve made it closer the downtown area, but you couldn’t have picked a better week to arrive. Weather has been absolutely beautiful the past couple of days. Not sure if you have the girls with you, but if so, try and take them out to the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla if you have chance. Also, kids are free all this month at the San Diego Zoo. My kids are big fans of Legoland in Carlsbad and definitely try and give the girls a ride on the San Diego Trolley. My boys love trains and trolleys, your girls(or you) might get a kick out of it. There are also quite a few pumpkin stations (or patches) around town right now, pay them a visit. Lastly, if you haven’t been to Seaport Village, take a stroll down there in the late afternoon. There’s shopping, dining and entertainment. We took our 2 & 3 year-old boys for a late night walk a few weeks ago, spent 3hours out there and it was just beautiful. I forgot how spectacular the San Diego waterfront is in the evening. Anyway, enjoy your time in town, do some sightseeing and hope you return soon. I have your book, enjoyed it and will try and make it out to Mira Mesa tomorrow night.
Nella in the anchor top, too cute for words..
And reading these comments makes me feel like the only person on the planet who hasn’t seen Anchorman!!
Welcome! Will try to make it tomorrow! There is a pumpkin patch just down the street from where you will be if you have the girls.
http://Www.theizzards.blogspot.com
Your girls always look like fashion plates. At first I tried to only ever post pictures of my boys when they were dressed, but it’s impossible. Most of the time that we’re at home, they wear jammies half the day, and boxer shorts the rest of the day.
The kids looks gorgeous and definitely classy. They sure love the camera. They’re having fun posing for it.
storage sheds
Love San Diego! But since I’ve been a DC girl for the past 10 (ah! 11!!?!?) years, can we get a DC book signing? We’d love it 🙂
I love San Diego. Beautiful photos. I noticed your watermark isn’t on these photos. Any reason why? I hate going to the trouble of putting it on mine & wondered if you learned something at your recent photography conference that kept you from putting your watermark on these.
Have a great time!! I love how easily your girls travel. As for Scentsy, have you tried Pumpkin Marshmallow? Mmmmmm.
we speed dated san diego back in april. we had one day…we went to coronado and had lunch at that famous hotel. we went to la jolla beach and watched surfers. we drove around the gaslight district and balboa park. we even hit the zoo…in one day! i thought san diego was awesome. glad you are having fun girl.
I love Ron Burgundy !! Haha, I totally get those references from the movie. giggle, giggle..
Beautiful pictures..
Sort of looks like Nella, poses like you..
Have a fun time in San Diego.
Just make sure you don’t get caught in a glass cage of emotion. Now I really want Anchorman 2 to hit theaters.
I really hope you girls have a good time! I’ve always wanted to see San Diego..maybe some day. 🙂
Anchorman is the best!! Too funny. My daughter with Ds says “I love lamp” whenever she wants to crack us all up. Heidi’s kids are darling – how fun that you can share girl time! Enjoy your trip.
Love Nella’s shoes! Anyone know where I can buy them?
Fell head over heels in love with my husband in San Diego. Six kids and many years later still crazy about the guy. You’re right about the sky. California, at the beach, is amazing. Cute pictures of da kids.
Fell head over heels in love with my husband in San Diego. Six kids and many years later still crazy about the guy. You’re right about the sky. California, at the beach, is amazing. Cute pictures of da kids.
I am cracking up at Whale’s Vagina! Who knew??
~Amy
http://www.muststopbinging.blogspot.com
Love the Ron Burgundy quotes! Someday I would love to meet you Kelle-I have a feeling we would have a ton of laughs 🙂 Maybe you’ll be in Georgia someday…until then….stay classy!
Look the nautical look that Nella is rocking!! And Ivy is getting sooooo big!!! Wowza!!!
I can not deal with the preciousness of this post. These pictures are absolutely darling. You put such a smile on my face today. Thank you.
Another beautiful photos!
Come to Boston, Kelle!
Have fun in San Diego! I’m in LA, so close to you, yet so far! I can’t make it tonight to your book signing, although I desperately wish I could! Darn class tonight. If only it was tomorrow, I’m totally free! 🙁 Oh well, there’ll be other times! For now, enjoy those kiddos and the skies! Maybe you’ll be interested in visiting the zoos? kids are free in october!
Welcome to San Diego! Sorry it’s so hot right now…
So glad that you are here and bummed that I can’t be at the book signing tonight (it’s actually down the street from where I work – argh!) but kids, homework and choir practice. Have a great signing and keep spreading your message and your love : )
Wonderful pics. Been following your adventures on Instagram. Glad you are having a great time. I get such a kick out of Nella wearing her striped blue pants… my little girl has the same pair and they are her favorite! 🙂
Amazing pictures
Hello! I’m new to your blog. Just like you, I’m a mom to a beautiful 2 year old daughter and I want to give her the best, including the chance to be the possible best person she can.
Everything you write about being inclusive of children with special needs is particularly welcome, especially how to introduce the notion of children being different to them.
We have an aunt, currently age 40, who walks and talks a little different, but to my daughter she’s just a grown up. I would like to start thinking how to explain when (and if) the question pops up.
Thanks again for your blog. All the best from Montevideo, Uruguay, Julia
I’m Ron Burgundy?
Fantastic photos! Enjoy every minute of your trip!
That picture of Nella in the anchor shirt and blue hat is my favorite thing ever.
I went to a wedding in San Diego a few years ago and had to be DRAGGED to the airport when it was time to leave. It was so gorgeous. Enjoy that beautiful place with beautiful family and friends.
CJ
What amazing smiles and beautiful faces! I love it! So glad you’re having a great time and getting some wonderful California weather. This really is the best time of year to visit. 🙂
BTW, I had Tom Kha for lunch the other day, for the first time. I’d never heard of it before your postings and saw it on the menu, so I HAD to try it, and let me tell you, I get it. Sooooo friggin good! I wish I had gotten a bigger bowl. Thanks for reccomendation. My local Thai restaurant thanks you also.
Less importantly, I have the very same Scentsy plug in. Currently with Thunderstorm in it.
More importantly, I love your story, your daughters and your perspectives.
You are stunningly beautiful and though I read your initial story quite some time ago, my little sis showed me your blog last night.
I have such a soft spot for Down Syndrome babies – As a former Special Olympics coach, my heart does a happy little flip flop anytime I see one.
It warms my heart to see you and your girls rompin’ around my native homeland of San Diego, CA….but at the same time I am heart-broken to not be there when you’re visiting / book signing!!! :o( I missed you by 3 weeks—dang it! Could you please “ship on up to Boston” sometime in the not-too-distant-future (as that’s where I’m now living, and was in SD a few weekends back for my high school reunion)? Meeting you is high on my “To Do Before I Die” list, and to get my copy of BLOOM signed would be the icing on the cake!! Anywho, enjoy the Whale’s Vagina….”founded in 1903 by the Germans”…. If you weren’t preggo I’d suggest going jogging–or “yogging” with a soft J—through Balboa Park or down on the boardwalk of Mission Beach! ;o) If you want a delicious place to dine for breakfast, might I suggest you head to Snooze in Hillcrest? Take the 8 (east or west) to 163-S and get off at University Ave; Snooze is on 5th Avenue. It’s a cool atmosphere with awesome staff, and a flight of creative-flavored pancakes….yes, a flight!!! :o)
The pictures from your weekend are especially beautiful. Love the one with Heidi and her little one!
What an amazing ride…you are such an inspiration!
Come to Nashville please.
It’s so damn hot…milk was a bad choice.
xx~CC
“You’re so wise. You’re like a miniature Buddha, covered in hair.” I almost peed my pants laughing at your ron burgundy-isms!! 😉
great interview w/ fox. please come back to MI soon for a book signing!! i have been to 3 targets & 2 b&n’s in the MI area and none have had your book but vow to get it soon incase you do head back this way!
Anchorman is the best. I love that show. I’ve been missing reading your posts. Life has taken a different direction for me than it was but I am determined to catch up on your lovely posts.
I keep meaning to ask, where was the place you ordered Nella’s teething necklace from? And does it really help? Was thinking of getting one for my granddaughter!
Karen
I love scotch! Scotch, scotch, scotch!
Like your pictures. The girls really ROCK that hat. I have to say, “Heidi your girls are also beautiful.”
What color is on your nails in the pic of you eating the wrap? (Looks like you guys are having a great time… Enjoy SD!) Thanks!
Nella in that hat is so cute! She is trendier than I ever will be! love it!
LOVE these pics! Some of my favs ever! Heidi and Ivy- those two give off pure love in that photo. And love your bump-getting closer!
Where did those shoes on Nella come from?? My sweet Ruby Doobs must have a pair!!!
…my little 8 year old guy was looking at your gorgeous photos of Nella and said “I wish she was our baby sister, she is just so cute” love how they love…
Monique
Happy travels with your family and friends
Kelle, I am a new reader and must say I quite enjoy sneaking a peek at your adorable family:) I was wondering where you got those cute little barrettes that Nella wears quite often… she has one on in the pumpkin patch photo and then also the last photo in that same, recent post. (Basically a strip of fabric that is a little frayed at the edges.)
xo,
Katie (aklindner@hotmail.com)
The perfect post: San Diego, Scentsy, and Anchorman? Awesome.
Ahhh of course you’re in my hometown when I’m not there!! Tell me you’re stopping in Santa Barbara while you’re here??
Enjoyed listening to you and meeting you tonight at the book signing. You are as gracious and beautiful in person as you are on your blog! Hope you enjoyed your visit to my awesome hometown. Cannot wait to read your recap of your trip to America’s Finest City!
It was so nice to meet you tonight! (I was the girl with the two grouchy kids in the cool double-decker stroller, who fundraises for DS adoptions.) 🙂 Thank you for coming to San Diego! And thank you for signing the book and the inscription. I wish I could keep it for myself!
Oh Anchorman, what a funny movie. You have hit on some of the best lines in the whole movie.
It looks like a wonderful time is being had in SD,CA.
I say after ‘whale’s vagina’, ‘sucking the marrow’ sounds almost lyrical, LOL! Missed the movie so it went right over my head. I’ll be sure to laugh when I see it.
I’ve got to ask: do you and Elena have a turf war going in Naples? Do your bitches rumble with her bitches if you go to the wrong Starbucks? *snort* Anyway, a friend sent me a link to Elena’s blog and lovely as it was I’ll staY on YOUR turf. You’re growin’ on me.
where can i get the shoes you are wearing in pic of you pushing stroller across the palm tree-lined street!? also interested in the teething necklace: does it work? where can you get them? You bring inspiration into my life on a daily basis. thank you for all you are and for how you share yourself with the world!!
I love reading about your experiences and travels and seeing happy you and your happy girls! Btw, Nella’s sailor outfit! I die! I want one!
Hi Kelle,
I’m sorry that I’m not posting on this particular post, but I just wanted to write a quick ‘thank you.’
I follow your blog quite regularly and always love every second of it.
A few weeks ago, you introduced us to Glenon. I just wanted to thank you for that. I’ve been following her ever since and you both warm my days and keep me a little more grounded. So, thank you for that introduction and of course, thank you for being you.
Love.
I can’t believe I missed you by one day! I live in SD and love your blog! 🙂 I hope you had a huge, wonderful turnout!
It’s just a shame yall aren’t having any fun. 😉
Hey Kelle! Do you have any plans to visit Phoenix,AZ for a book signing?
You are electric?
I love all of the anchorman quotes. That is just one’s responsibility when posting about San Diego.
I was reading through this post and thinking how I can’t believe how the girls have grown over the past couple of years. I’ve been reading since sometime around Nella’s birth, and it’s just as crazy to me to watch how big & sweet your girls are getting as it is to realize how grown up mine are getting. Enjoy your trip!
Great post and as always beautiful pictures of your family.
An old coffee can with “Stay Classy” – Ron Burgandy written in black permanent marker sits on the back stoop of my restaurant.
Have a great time!
http://theabsenceofsounds.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-absence-of-sound.html
It’s 6:39pm on Friday evening and it’s kinda chilly. Hope you are still here.
The Anchorman quotes are amazing. Love that! Have a great trip!