A Super Quick Minication

I tagged along with Todd last weekend, and went to Long Beach.

He had a work related meeting he needed to go to

so I thought I would take advantage of the situation.

We left on Thursday afternoon, and we had to be

back to work on Monday, so it was a really short trip,

but because we were together we had lots of fun.

Of course I had to get a picture of us driving,

but you can't really tell what's going on from the picture.

Doesn't it look like we are driving in clouds?

We stopped right after we passed through the Grapevine

and ate some yummy dinner at El Toritos.

Can you believe the size of Todd's dinner.

That was the fajita plate.

We rolled into Long Beach around 9 PM

and went straight to our room to go to sleep.

It was an 8 hour drive so we were pretty tired.

We had stayed at Hyatt at the Pike before about 3 years ago.

I remembered they had a pool on the rooftop,

so while Todd went to his meeting, I explored.

It was an awesomely beautiful day,

and the view was lovely.

I didn't go swimming

(mostly because I forgot to bring my bathing suit),

but man was it tempting.

Especially when you consider the fact that nobody was up there.

I tried to get a couple pics to prove I really was there,

but again, it looks like I'm floating in the clouds.

Todd finished work around noon,

and while he was working, I was shopping...

although I didn't buy anything...

does that still count as shopping?

The last time we were at The Pike it was just

random stores and restaurants,

now it has outlets and restaurants...

Score!

We ended up leaving Long Beach around 2 PM,

and headed down the coast.

There was a random rhino in Malibu

(I think it was Malibu, it all kind of blurs together).

It was a beautiful drive until we hit Santa Barbra.

There was a fairly large fire,

and the sky was dark and scary looking.

You get the idea.

We ended up stopping shortly after Santa Barbra

in a random town, but it had hotels and restaurants,

and at that point, those were our only requirements.

The next day we traveled through Pismo Beach, Morro Bay,

San Luis Obispo, Carmel and Monterey until we had to head

inland and make our way home.

Of course we had to stop for dinner

one last time, and enjoy the perfect weather.

The picture above is one super tired Todd

after driving for about another 8 hours.

We didn't get to do much except shop, eat and drive

because of the time restriction,

but it is always so much fun to spend time with my honey.

We plan on possibly going back and staying a few days

on the coast a little later in the year. 

Maybe we will have time to put our feet in the sand

and catch a little sun.

Let's Get This Party, and Summer, Started

Lexx and I kicked off the summer by going to my friend, April's, BBQ.

She has a beautiful home, and is always a wonderful hostess.

Her husband, Brian, made BBQ ribs and tri-tip, and it was so tasty.

There were outdoor games to play,

and some very friendly party guests.

There was relaxing and talking and drinking.

Some party attendees were, however, not super social.

But most enjoyed the evening and participated

in some adult beverages and games

(Cards Against Humanity anyone?).

If you are shy or don't like inappropriate

conversations, this game is not for you!

Everyone at the party played, and everyone was a good sport.

We wrapped up the evening around 11 PM happy and content.

So did you do anything special to kick start your summer?

The Family Stroll and Asked for a Bowl

Last weekend the family decided to get

outside and move around a little.

We decided to hike the Foresthill Bridge Trail,

and have some lunch near the river.

It started off as a beautiful day,

with a nice breeze,

There was some beautiful scenery.

We met some friendly people on the trail.

And then we met some overly friendly people

when we sat down to eat lunch.

The 20 somethings kept offering to swap beer for pot.

We, of course, had neither so it was pretty

entertaining listening and watching the other

river goers partake.

You want to laugh a little, be the only sober person at a party.

We left a little later in the morning than we should

so by the time we were finishing up our hike,

it was probably close to 2or 3 PM.

Temps were probably in the mid to high 90's at that time,

so we got a little hot.

It was nice to get out of the house and spend

some time together enjoying the day.

I'm sure we will do the hike again,

but we will probably leave in the early morning and

hike a little further next time.

Summer To Do List

Via

The temperatures have been steadily rising,

and it reminded me that I wanted to make a Summer to do list.

It's a fun way to make sure I get out and enjoy the season.

So, here's a list of what I'm going to do this summer (hopefully)!

1.   Try a new restaurant

2.   Paint hallway and bedroom

3.   Visit another state

4.   Read a book

5.   Buy some cute sandals

6.   Go to the beach

7.   Have a picnic

8.   Go to the movies

9.   Go to a farmers market or flea market

10.  Have a family game night

11.  Complete either an art project or building project

12.  Make homemade ice cream

13.  Go to a concert (if it's not too hot)

14.  Put the computer and cell phone away for a full day

15.  Go on a nature walk

So do you have a bucket list?
What do you have on it?