where we’ve been

Hello friends!
We just flew in last night from a 2 week trip in Southern California. Both of our families live there so it was a go-go-go trip, with lots of fun outings and plenty of good food. And this year the weather was spectacular. I know, I know, when is it not 75 and sunny in Orange County? Well last Christmas it was gray and freezing so bad weather does happen. But this year, no complaints! We had sunshine and 75-82 degrees every day. It was dreamy.
We went to the beach 3 times from Ventura down to Newport, played on the sand, walked along the pier, explored the Dana Point Tide Pools, and rode the Balboa ferry (cheap thrills). Oh, and we cut Lucy’s hair. It was time.
There’s always money in the banana stand.
My 33 week belly.
Eventually the pants came off and the kids enjoyed 60 degree water. I have no idea how they do it.
Thankfully we had extra clothes and candy for everyone.
Sharing a blanket and suckers with cousins, as the sun sets = the good life.
Aside from the beach we also swam 4 times at my mom’s pool. I couldn’t believe it was warm enough to jump in.
We rang in the New Year with a Mexican Fiesta with family and friends and finished off the night with rounds of Get up and Dance. Normally I’m all over that but in my pregnant state I only lasted for 2 songs and thought I was going to faint. It was just as fun to watch my husband get up and dance with the boys.
One afternoon we explored the new OC Great Park. It’s a very long work-in-progress but it’s going to be awesome. They already have a free merry-go-round, climbing rocks, a large field where you can check-out balls for playing and running around. But the real highlight is the huge orange balloon ride. Free and really cool.
There’s that balloon.
After 15 rides on the carousel, we headed over for our balloon ride.
You sit in a small circular cage with 15 other people and get a great view from the top. I love the park’s design–simple, a bit industrial, with scattered leftovers from it’s previous usage–the El Toro Marine Base. What a fun way to reinvent the land. The arrow below is a huge sidewalk that points North.
And there were plenty of days to pack in our favorite eats.
In-N-Out, Titos Tacos, Cafe Rio, Donut World, Trader Joes, Sees Candies, Del Taco (mmm. small red burrito), Rocco’s pizza, and Seaward Fish and Chips (best onion rings ever). It wasn’t a very healthy trip but we spent a lot of time swimming and dancing, so hopefully we made up for it.
I have never been able to find cheddar cheese this good.
Have you ever tried these Pineapple chips? So yummy.
Dark chocolate bordeaux. Should have bought 10.
Thank you California for a wonderful 2 weeks!
I’ll be catching up here and there this week but I did do a bit of sewing that I haven’t shared. So we’ll talk soon.

  1. How I miss In’n’Out Burger! Njammy! I need to go back to California some day!

  2. What a beautiful pregger you make. šŸ™‚ So excited for you.

  3. ahhhhhhh!!! love the arrested development reference!!! best. show. ever.

  4. 5) Lindsay

    Ruby’s, In-N-Out and Trader Joe’s all in one post would be torture if I didn’t know that I had a pound of dark chocolate Bordeauxs coming my way in a week. (Mother-in-law spilled the beans on Skype last night. They were supposed to be a surprise from my husband.) I guess I can endure. Looks like wonderful So. Cal. fun.

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