The Iron

It was my turn again this year to plan anniversary #6! I knew right away that I wanted to do something unique to southern California, and something Kyle had never done before. At first, I was thinking about booking a dinner cruise out of the San Diego bay. But after talking to Taryn, she convinced me that what we really needed was to get away, to be us minus the twins for a day, and I'm so happy she did! So instead, I planned a surprise getaway to Catalina Island!
Growing up, my dad used to fly us to the island for little vacations or special lunches, but I hadn't returned as an adult. Catalina is a little island off the coast of Los Angeles. The island boasts darling boutiques, ice cream shops, and picturesque vacation homes as far as the eye can see. There are activities like hiking, biking, scuba diving, parasailing, paddle boarding, and boating all over the tiny town of Avalon.

I planned the day perfectly. We drove from San Diego to the boat launch in Newport Beach early on the morning of our anniversary. My mom met us there, I nursed the twins one final time, and she took all four kids to my sister's house for the day. Kyle had no idea what we were doing or where we were going. All of our tickets and things for hiking and swimming were tucked away in his backpack. Walking hand in hand, feeling as free as newlyweds, we made our way to the dock. Kyle kept asking, "What are we doing?!" and telling me how excited he was for the day. It was seriously adorable. Then we reached a huge line of people waiting to board the Catalina Flyer, and my secret was out!

We rode the Flyer for an hour and a half, and docked at the port in Avalon. We ate breakfast at a forgettable breakfast restaurant right off the boat, and checked in for parasailing! I had heard good things about parasailing, and I knew that Kyle hadn't done it before, but I never could've imagined how much fun it would be! Kyle and I floated over the Pacific Ocean, and it was one of my favorite things I have ever done! It was relaxing, breathtaking, and exhilarating, all at the same time. We laughed and laughed, and my cheeks hurt from smiling too much.

Afterward, we set out to explore the island. We walked up and down the quaint little streets, dreaming about buying a little vacation home on the island. Kyle said that Avalon reminded him of a town he once visited in northern Spain, called San Sebastian, and promised to take me there someday. We hiked to the top of a hill to see a view of the town and the pretty blue cove.

With the little time we had left, Kyle and I decided to take a nap! We laid down in the sand on the beach and closed our eyes for a blissful forty-five minutes of pure, uninterrupted rest. Then we boarded the Catalina Flyer once more, and watched from the top deck as the island disappeared into the clouds.

After returning to Newport Beach, we enjoyed a romantic dinner on the waterfront. Kyle, of course, ordered steak, which is the very reason I picked that restaurant in the first place!

Our life together is insane right now. There isn't a moment to rest or breathe or sleep-did I mention how tired we are? So we escaped! And I'll never forget how lovely every little detail turned out that day. Six years into forever, and I find myself more grateful each year that 20-year-old me snagged the calming, patient, genius that is Kyle Garvin.

I love you!