California Lovin'

So, China picked me up and surprised my second daddy aka: her daddy at work. I have not seen him in FOREVER so it was nice to hug him and quickly catch up :) China took me to breakfast at Julian’s – amazing Mexican food!! We babysat her nieces and nephew – whom I also have not seen in at least 2 years. They are so dang cute and darling, it kills me! My trip to California was tough and tiring and I ended up falling asleep while the kiddos and China played Just Dance :P China drove me to Brea where I met up with my daddy!! Yay! We stopped at my grandparents for a very brief visit because dad had to get back to work but it was nice to see them regardless. Dad had to finish up a few things at the office then we headed home where I finally got to see my mama and little brother! We went to dinner at Corky’s and stopped at the store to get some ice cream, since Deanna had a craving ;) Came home and dad and I had a heart to heart before diving into our ice cream. We are all reunited again and it couldn’t feel any better than this.

Saturday

Mom and I went shopping while they boys drove us around :) I have missed shopping with my sweet mama! Mom had work at 3 so we cut our shopping trip short and took her to work so dad and I could get all the ingredients for dinner and dessert that night – Enchiladas and baked s’mores! I was so surprised by how many enchiladas were made – a whole pan was not even touched! Granted there were 15 in the first pan ;) Mom stayed up late with me to make the baked s’mores and we got to talk and catch up – always one of my favorite things to do with her :)

Sunday

Mom and I went horseback riding! I have not been out riding with my mom since my horse died of old age a few years ago so it’s safe to say I was a little nervous. The new horse we have, Cali, is an ex race horse so I was definitely nervous to get on her for fear she’d take off on me! But, when we took the horses out and groomed them before saddling them, I remembered how simply therapeutic it is to groom a horse. Cali and I got to know each other a bit before I saddled her up and went out. Mom and I took this opportunity to really talk about anything and everything while enjoying each other’s company and doing something we both love – riding horses! And, luckily it was a smooth and easy ride :)

Mama had work that evening but the boys and I watched Joyful Noise – if you haven’t already, go watch it! It’s actually really good!

Monday 

I fly back to Provo today :( Didn’t get on my first flight so I got bumped to a later flight. The parentals and I took this opportunity to go to the beach – one of my all-time favorite places. We stopped to eat at our favorite little taco shack in Surfside and then lounged on the beach, taking pictures and soaking up as much salt water into my skin as I could. It was windy and cold but the ocean has such a calming effect on me, I could have fallen asleep on the sand. I ended up taking a nap in the car and then we headed back to the airport – a whole 10 minutes away. This goodbye wasn’t tearful – I’d be seeing them in 8 weeks :)

 California sunset view from the plane :)

  This weekend has been amazing and I feel rejuvenated and ready to start this Summer semester. 

Bring it on Summer.

I’m ready.