I finally have a chance to sit down and write out the details of our California vacation, but I have to do it fast since Scotty is approaching the end of his nap (eek!). I can't believe we were only gone for four days - it seemed more like 12 - and I cannot believe it's been five days since we came home. Baby Time moves lightening fast, and Vacation Time (i.e. the time when you are not chasing a baby, washing bottles, or living your life 2.5 hours at a time) really goes by slowly. Gloriously slowing, I'm not complaining, but slowly. I must have checked my Facebook page eight times in two hours on Thursday afternoon, while lounging at the pool (this was all pre-face plant). It's not because I was bored, it's just because I felt like hours had gone by when in reality, only twenty minutes did. Needless to say, it look a little while (and some libations) for me to wind down.
Anyways, we started our trek on Wednesday morning and headed first to Temecula, CA. This is kind of like Napa Light, in my opinion. Lots of great wineries minus the snooty edge and intimidation of Napa. And, it's more reasonably priced. We only hit two vineyards (this was the fourth time we had been there in five years) and a big reason for that is that Brian spent about 45 minutes noshing at the Temecula Chick-Fil-A with his TWO chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and lemonade. (I ate too, but not the same quantity.) Going to Chick-Fil-A, for Brian, is akin to a religious experience. And since our sandwiches were a little slow coming out, they gave us a voucher for a FREE sandwich, good at that Chick-Fil-A. So, yes, after the two wineries (Brian didn't drink since he had to drive), we went to Chick-Fil-A yet again and got our sandwich, plus a shake.
Are you keeping track so far? That's Brian: 3 sandwiches, Kim: 1.
We then drove to the Surf and Sand resort in Laguna Beach. This place is amazing. It's not super posh, but it's got that beachy, California-vibe that is so cool. And it's right on the water. I mean, on the water. Brian and I were joking how it won't exist in 15 years due to the erosion, but whatever. Better enjoy those views now, folks.
Anyways, we started our trek on Wednesday morning and headed first to Temecula, CA. This is kind of like Napa Light, in my opinion. Lots of great wineries minus the snooty edge and intimidation of Napa. And, it's more reasonably priced. We only hit two vineyards (this was the fourth time we had been there in five years) and a big reason for that is that Brian spent about 45 minutes noshing at the Temecula Chick-Fil-A with his TWO chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and lemonade. (I ate too, but not the same quantity.) Going to Chick-Fil-A, for Brian, is akin to a religious experience. And since our sandwiches were a little slow coming out, they gave us a voucher for a FREE sandwich, good at that Chick-Fil-A. So, yes, after the two wineries (Brian didn't drink since he had to drive), we went to Chick-Fil-A yet again and got our sandwich, plus a shake.
Are you keeping track so far? That's Brian: 3 sandwiches, Kim: 1.
We then drove to the Surf and Sand resort in Laguna Beach. This place is amazing. It's not super posh, but it's got that beachy, California-vibe that is so cool. And it's right on the water. I mean, on the water. Brian and I were joking how it won't exist in 15 years due to the erosion, but whatever. Better enjoy those views now, folks.
View from our balcony
...and that's how close the shore is
We had a great dinner at Splashes, the restaurant at the Surf and Sand, although Brian and I got a good laugh out of our waitress. (yes, Brian was still hungry after all that chicken.) She told us that they were out of the beef, the chicken, two appetizers, three desserts, and were we ready to order? We were like, "Huh?" I think we're just spoiled coming from Vegas, since the food and service here is second to none (I'm sorry, but in all of our travels, I have yet to find a better, more hands on, cater-to-your-every-whim tourist industry than Vegas). All of our California experiences were kind of overpriced, the wait staff looked like actors (probably because they were) and they acted like we should be sooo excited that they have chosen to serve us. It's just a small little thing, but Brian and I both picked up on it and had to laugh. (although the free chicken sandwich earlier in the day was a great touch. Way to go, CFA).
After we convinced our waitress that we were happy she was serving us and consoled her that it's okay, we didn't want the beef anyways, we had a great dinner. Thursday was spent all day at the pool (Brian popped out briefly for yet another CFA run. Brian: 4, Kim:1). I, of course, face planted in the pool, made a scene (people probably were whispering, "They must be from Vegas...they are super pushy, expect good service, and make a scene.") and promptly continued drinking. We had dinner that night down in Dana Point at the Ritz Carlton, and honestly, it was like something out of a movie. Unreal. Very few moments in my life have felt movie-worthy (or TV-worthy, I guess), but this one definitely made it. I have expected to hear the familiar strains of "California" from the opening credits of 'The O.C' while we sat outside. (instead, a lovely man singing and playing the guitar serenaded us instead.) Check out this view:
After we convinced our waitress that we were happy she was serving us and consoled her that it's okay, we didn't want the beef anyways, we had a great dinner. Thursday was spent all day at the pool (Brian popped out briefly for yet another CFA run. Brian: 4, Kim:1). I, of course, face planted in the pool, made a scene (people probably were whispering, "They must be from Vegas...they are super pushy, expect good service, and make a scene.") and promptly continued drinking. We had dinner that night down in Dana Point at the Ritz Carlton, and honestly, it was like something out of a movie. Unreal. Very few moments in my life have felt movie-worthy (or TV-worthy, I guess), but this one definitely made it. I have expected to hear the familiar strains of "California" from the opening credits of 'The O.C' while we sat outside. (instead, a lovely man singing and playing the guitar serenaded us instead.) Check out this view:
Welcome to the OC, b*tch!
(the quote under the picture is from 'The OC,' if you remember the first season. Brian and I still say it jokingly. Sorry that I swore, Mom, but it seemed fitting.)
Anyways, we ate more, drank more, laid around some more...are you getting an idea of awesome these few days were?? No nap schedule, no bath time, no baby sweet potatoes rubbed in someone's (cough, cough) hair. It was great, but we did miss the little Bear. My mom very generously sent us pictures of Scotty everyday, that we referred to as our "Proof of Life" pictures. (for both the Bear and my parents...we know what a stinker he can be sometimes.) And the kid looked happy, well-fed, and like his usual impish little self.
Okay, speak of the devil, he must have heard me. This is a good spot to end and Part II will come tomorrow. Part II = the WEDDING!!
Anyways, we ate more, drank more, laid around some more...are you getting an idea of awesome these few days were?? No nap schedule, no bath time, no baby sweet potatoes rubbed in someone's (cough, cough) hair. It was great, but we did miss the little Bear. My mom very generously sent us pictures of Scotty everyday, that we referred to as our "Proof of Life" pictures. (for both the Bear and my parents...we know what a stinker he can be sometimes.) And the kid looked happy, well-fed, and like his usual impish little self.
Okay, speak of the devil, he must have heard me. This is a good spot to end and Part II will come tomorrow. Part II = the WEDDING!!
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