... of marriage and what better place to celebrate than in Santa Barbara, our favorite place! We went up on Friday night and stayed at our little Holiday Inn Express in Carpinteria. It was so nice to be together again and away from home after the craziness of the last couple of weeks since we got home from Kauai. And we always like to go away at least for a night on our anniversary to talk about the upcoming year, pray together, and dream together. It's such a wonderful tradition that we have started.
On Saturday we got up late and went to the Cajun Kitchen on Carp for breakfast, mmm! Then we headed into to SB. We stopped at Westmont (see next post) and did some driving around Montecito. It was one of THE MOST gorgeous days I've seen in SB since I lived there. Truly, we were incredibly blessed.
We stopped at Blenders on the Mesa for a snack and shared the "Peanut Butter" with chocolate in it! As good as always!
Then we went to Shoreline Park... oh my! It was unbelievably beautiful there, the ocean was so clear, there was a breeze, and the smell was heavenly. Santa Barbara just has a distinct smell about it... it's a mix of the ocean, eucalyptus trees, and something else that I can't put my finger on. But it makes me happy whenever I am there, and it is always a wonderful surprise.
We spent all afternoon sitting in the sun, talking, reading, watching people. Brent played on his new Google phone, which he REALLY likes!
Baby on board...
For dinner Brent had the brilliant idea to head up to Cold Spring Tavern. Mmmmmmmm... it was delicious as always and such a fun place to be on our anniversary. All day we were talking about what we were doing at exactly that moment 5 years ago. It was so fun that this anniversary fell on a Saturday, same as our wedding! We were sitting at Shoreline Park during the time of our ceremony, then we were at Cold Spring Tavern during the time of our reception. So much to remember and be thankful for!
I ate my usual (which will NEVER get old for me), the Cold Spring Chicken, while Brent braved the Wild Boar. Yum.
My amazing husband also bought me a ring to commemorate our 5 years. It is absolutely amazing and a TOTAL surprise. He shocked me with it on Friday night when we got to the hotel. He snuck the box into our room and put it on the bed with a note before I came it. It was such a fun surprise. I am just in awe of all the God has done in these last 5 years and how much we have to thank Him for. This weekend is just another to add to that list. 
Brent, I am so blessed to be married to you. Thank you for making this weekend so special. But mostly, thank you for being an amazing husband to me. All my love and respect,Kim
Mom and son...
My sweet husband was a groomsman
Here comes the bride...
... and Adam is SO excited!
Another gorgeous January day, just like when we got married!
And here they are... Mr. and Mrs. Nichols!
Showing off the boots!
7 months pregnant
The reception was at the San Clemente Golf Course and it was really nice!
Holli and Dani... awesome job on those decorations and flowers. WOW!
Congratulations Adam and Dani! 
