Newport Beach 2012!

 We took yet another trip to Newport Beach this year, and have I mentioned previously how much I love that place? It is incredible. Every. Single. Time. We ended up going the week of 4th of July this year, which truthfully wasn't ideal. However, we had originally planned on going to Pennsylvania for Philip's family's reunion, but when we learned that none of his sisters were going back East, and we had already scheduled the week off work, we called Sara and Jason and said, "LET'S GO TO NEWPORT!" So within a day, our plans took a 180, literally, instead of going East, we went West.

We took Philip's truck again so that we could take all the bikes and scooters and every other trinket and toy that three little boys could possibly need. And of course, had to take the traditional "California or Bust!" picture.

We stopped to get some essentials before we left. Those freaking Hostess Donettes will be the end of me, I could eat those and only those until I die. And I would likely die after a diabetic coma. It would be a very happy death.

This year, we had absolutely NOTHING planned, with the exception of eating at Sugar Shack EVERY MORNING. And we did. And I would sometimes want to be a bit daring and would get something different...in addition to my French toast. The biscuits and gravy, pretty good, not life changing.

After breakfast most mornings, we would then go on bike rides, or read books, or take naps or watch movies until we were ready to go to the beach when the fog and clouds blew over. 

The first few days at the beach were perfectly sunny and wonderful, and of course I took pictures of those adorable boys that I pretend are my own.

Shoog Shack Morning Number Two!

I also tried the Keppler's, which is scrambled eggs on an English muffin with avocado, tomato, bacon and it's all drowned in hollandaise sauce. Assessment: pretty dang good. Would I get it again? Probably not, only because I love the French toast so dang much. 

 We also found that the boys could be kept busy for hours if they had a giant hole dug for them. Then they would jump in and out of it, play in it, throw stuff in it, it was brilliant. And I maybe love this picture because A) I like that view of my husband :), and B) because Nate apparently thought something Philip did was hilarious. Perfection.

Third morning at Sugar Shack. Remember when I said we wanted to go every day? Not joking. I had Oakley take this picture, which I was actually surprised turned out as well as it did. 

 And another day on the beach.

That night we went to Pat & Oscars for their bread sticks, and they were, of course, amazing. The rest of their food is forever mediocre though, so disappointing. Oh, and they renamed it O's Kitchen. Weird. And nonsense.

 

 On 4th of July, we couldn't go to Sugar Shack, such a disappointment, but there was nothing we could do since the PCH was closed. However, Newport was trying to appeal to families, so there was a lovely little carnival at the park that was fun for the kids, and for adults that like to take pictures of kids. That sounds creepy, but these kids are stinkin' cute.

 

 This picture is nothing significant, except for the fact that Sara was a genius and put the little DVD player on the kids' mattress, that way they could watch Lion King at least 40 times a day.

That night we walked down to get burgers at TK Burger, and I wanted to walk down to the Fun Zone to watch the fireworks from there. I might have thought the walk was a lot shorter than it was, and Philip might have been cussing at me the whole time because we were walking for-ev-er. The bright side though was that we got to see the most charming little houses and decide what we want our beach house to look like someday.  I like the brick and the roof top patio on this one.

And I like this one and the picket fence, but I think I would paint it a lovely shade of gray.

And all of the houses on this block and then had the cutest little decks that went out to the bay right across the sidewalk from them. Seriously, it was just so dreamy.

 And we FINALLY got close to the Fun Zone! I also loved how all of the houses and decks were so patriotic and flag clad.

While we waited for the fireworks to start we decided to get funnel cake, because what's better than fair/carnival food? The answer? Nothing. Funnel cake is the best ever.

And we watched the fireworks over the bay, which was lovely, and of course I enjoyed it, but the other half of my party was only moderately impressed, so we got ice cream cones to cheer him up.

On Thursday we went to Sugar Shack again, and for some reason I DID NOT get pictures of my food. Weird right? Oh well, pictures of these boys are cuter.

 We also celebrated Oakley's 6th birthday that day! After breakfast we decided to take some really cute pictures, this was about the best of them.

 

That afternoon we went shopping, then while we were out and about we decided to walk around the Newport temple. I had thought I wanted to go and do a session there, but I totally forgot my temple bag, for the second year in a row. I'm a genius.

These flowers were utterly breath taking. Why do I not live somewhere where flowers like these grow with ease?

A bunny! I was thrilled.

And this was our fifth and final morning at Sugar Shack. It was amazing. We got our beloved French toast, and then an omelette to share. That is always a good idea.

As is spending tons of time with this guy.

What wasn't a good idea? Forgetting my blow dryer and flat iron, and then Sara did too, and letting my hair air dry every single day. And slouching. That's a bad idea. I'll remind myself next time.

This boy got a new hat and was just pleased as punch to wear it.

And then thankfully, after two or three cloudy days, the last full day was full of sunshine! It was just perfect.

Oh Chronic Tacos, I love you more than words can say. And the fact that you are a short bike ride away is just too perfect.

Okay, so the last night as I was patiently waiting for my coals to heat up so I could roast my marshmallows and eat until I felt sick, I saw the weirdest little stick type thing on the wall and wanted to investigate. So I grabbed my phone to take a picture, and AHHHH! The stick was this possum's tail! WHY WAS THERE A POSSUM BY THE BEACH?!!! I freaked out, and Philip was convinced that me taking a picture was going to make it mad and it would attack and eat my face. It didn't. Thank goodness. But what the crap?! A possum!

And of course, a picture of perfection, that is, roasted marshmallows. We forgot skewers, so we used knives, because we're all sorts of classy like that. I really don't think people can comprehend how much I love roasted marshmallows. I literally eat them until I am sick every time. I just can't help it, they are pure heaven. 

And that was it! Another successful year in Newport. However, this year we had a few issues with the beach house, namely the tub overflowing from the upstairs tenants' shower, the wifi not working well, the dishwasher mysteriously causing the counter tops to get wet. Weird. The third year was not the charm, that's for sure. We're thinking that we should try somewhere else next time, but that's hard too because our place is the perfect location, meaning it's centered directly between Chronic Tacos and Citi Donut, and bike rides to both happen almost daily. Man, our lives are hard. :)

Also, if you're wondering if we did anything besides eat and ride bikes and lay around, both on the beach and at the beach house, the answer is no. And that is also the answer to the five pounds that mysteriously found their way onto my scale after we got back. Whoopsies. No regrets though, that French toast is worth it! See you in 2013 Newport!

RAIN!!!

If you are not from, or have never lived in Arizona, you may not understand this post and the significance of it. But I attest, the monsoon season in AZ is the most amazing thing to happen every year. And every once in a while, we get not just a big storm, but a HUGE storm! And it results in me running around the house like a wild dog to take pictures from every door and every window of the amazing thing we call precipitation. Last Saturday was the day. HUGE. STORM. And it lasted for at least an hour! Not just rain, but hail too!

The hail on our skylight in the kitchen was soooo loud and it made our house sound like a war zone! We truly could not believe the amount of rain we got and for how long it lasted! Here is Philip. We were CLEARLY freaking out.

A view from the front door; all of our planters had standing water in them, which with how dry and hot it had been, was so good to let all my sad little plants get such a good soak.

And another view of the back yard after the downpour stopped and it was just sprinkling at that point. But can you see that the 3-4 inches of standing water goes all the way back to our wall? It was insane. And I'm sure our fake grass appreciated the water also.

And of course, wouldn't you know it, we were scheduled to get irrigation that night, and once you're scheduled, you have to take it. So there I was at 11 PM, opening the lid to water our already soaked yard. Seems silly. Another "of course" thing is that Philip and our nephew spent all morning cleaning the pool and mowing the lawn and doing yard work to make our house look so pretty, all to have it completely undone withing the course of 10 minutes. Whatever, I'll take the rain any day.

Now you see why monsoons are great? They are crazy and they are usually quick, and bring the temp down from the triple digits. I'm crossing my fingers for another storm this weekend!

Seven years!

 This year for our anniversary, we decided not to do anything big. But then I got an itch to go SOMEWHERE, and with the help of a lovely coworker, decided that a weekend getaway to Prescott, Arizona was just the ticket. So after we got off work on Friday, May 18th, we hopped in the car and were off to enjoy a relaxing weekend together.

 

We stayed in the Prescott Pines Inn, which is the loveliest of all little bed and breakfasts that you could ever imagine. It seriously looked like a postcard!

 

And if you felt so inclined, you could play checkers on their front porch while enjoying the 75 degree weather.

  

 So we checked in with the owner and she led us down to our room. And just by way of information, we didn't have to share a bathroom with anyone. Sara had tried to freak me out right before we left saying we'd have to share bathrooms, but I was happy to inform her that no, I had checked, we had our very own. The Inn has 4 little side buildings that the guests actually stay in, all of which have a little bathroom and tiny kitchenette. Anyway, as we were walking to our building/room, we passed this lovely little patio area.

 

Which also included a sitting area that I took full advantage of when reading that weekend.

  

And when we got into our pretty little room, we had a sweet little card and celebratory tray waiting for us and wishing us a happy anniversary! I thought it was the sweetest little thing!

  

 So after going to dinner that first night at the delicious Gurley Street Grille, we settled into our room and just hung out and read/watched a movie. 

The next morning I woke up at 6 AM. 5:56 to be exact. DUMB. I hate that I can't sleep in anymore now that I work and wake up early on a constant basis. And since our breakfast wasn't until 9:30, I took advantage of the Keurig and made myself some delicious hot chocolate. Have you ever seen or used a Keurig? It is amazing! It is a single serving coffee/hot chocolate maker and you just pop a little cup of powder and a cup of water in, and withing 2 minutes, perfect mug of hot chocolate. I couldn't have been more thrilled with it.

 

And then we went to breakfast. OH. THE. BREAKFAST! Have you ever stayed at a B&B? We never had and I am telling you, it was life changing. I may never go back to a hotel with continental breakfast again! (Don't quote me on that, like I can resist free bagels and English muffins.) I wish I would have gotten a picture of the breakfast on the first morning, it was a french toast bake with a blueberry glaze and also granola with yogurt and spiced peaches, and oh my word, it was incredible! The breakfast on the second morning was a savory type, and I so prefer sweet, but still very scrumptious, and it is the only picture I took so it will have to suffice. Seriously though, if you are EVER going to Prescott, please do yourself the favor of staying at this charming little place, because it was truly amazing.

 That day we kind of just walked around town, did some window shopping, walked around the beautiful capitol building, just typical laid back small town activities. We then were tired, and still full from breakfast so we went back to our B&B and read books and watched movies and took naps, all of the typical things that don't happen nearly enough when we are in Mesa. We went to dinner that night at Bin 239, which was also delicious, and headed back to our room again.

 Philip got a present, and did his best to act surprised, though he's been asking for new cologne for at least a year, so what else could it be?

Us at capitol building, and no I'm not pregnant, just trying unsuccessfully to try the trend of the half-tuck. I need help.

 

And can I tell you of my love for Arizona flags? And then they had rows of them! My heart seriously swells with pride when I see beautiful Arizona things like this.

 

I don't remember much from Sunday morning (which was our actual anniversary day), besides the delicious savory breakfast pictured above, which is maybe why I shouldn't wait 2 months to document things, eh? On the way home, we had to make a pit stop, and took a picture of us with the smoke from the wildfire in the background. And then felt guilty for smiling in it. But not guilty enough apparently since I'm still using it. :)

All in all, it was a very simple, relaxing and wonderful weekend to celebrate another very wonderful year. I am blown away every year with how much more I adore this guy and how grateful I am that he is mine forever. I've said it before and I'll say it again:

life and love are easy with him.

Happiest 7 years ever.