Summer Events

I cant even believe it's already August... where has summer gone?! It's been a very active & eventful one to say the least. Here is a recap of a few of the fun things I did!

I helped a friend out with her two kids this summer. They are totally fun and outgoing. We went on countless bike rides and trips for coffee. (I'm teaching them about Starbucks while they're young :)

I love our local farms. We have several in the Central Valley. The kids really enjoyed walking around the Fresno State farm but most of all they enjoyed the experience of milking cows! 

Water balloon fights rock, of course! 

Instead of going to a paid (overrated) crowded, smelly, poopy diaper infested, dirty water park. We stuck to a local, small splash park right up the street. Not only is it clean but they also have shaved ice! Kids love it, and so do the adults! 

You caught me! Enjoying a shaved ice.

I watched some Major League Baseball live! Went to Universal Studios, Washington on a train (21 hours to be exact, YIKES!), Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and several others. 

Trip to Washington was all around amazing! I think the fam figured out its been 10 years since I last visited. I was way overdue. I loved everything about Seattle besides the rain.  I almost stole the hanging flower baskets but remembered I was returning home on a train and oh, its illegal. They were jaw dropping beautiful. 

Cousin Molly, isn't she super cute?!

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom was a quick, fun day trip. I hadn't been there in 15 years at least. I think I've figured out I'm a little too old for creaky wooden roller-coasters. Definitely felt like I had subdural hematoma immediately following the ride. (In case you were wondering, I'm better now). A friend and I had an opportunity to be in a Dolphin show, but because of a delayed response we missed our chance. Bummer!

For those of you who know me, I highly dislike hotdogs but I ate this anyway.

I should probably consider winding down on my vacationing considering school & work start back in two weeks. There are two more mini trips planned in those two weeks though, so we will see. What can I say, I just LOVE summer and I LOVE being busy! 

 What are some things you did this summer?                     

Red Winos

I am beginning to acquire a fonder taste for red wines. Most specifically Syrah & Petite Sirah. I had never been to Tobin James before... can you believe it? For wine lovers, isn't it the first stop to make while heading into Paso Robles? 

Mom & I verbally committed to a full tasting of all they had to offer. Although; after sampling 1 white we were reminded that we are red girls. When I was a wine rookie (still am... he he) I was all about the fruity whites. Now, I'm lovin' me some red. 

The atmosphere is fun, friendly and very inviting to new guests, like me! Even though the tasting was free we walked out with 3 bottles, so it was probably worth their while. It was a great way to end a fun weekend. 

Blissful Week

Bet ya'll think I'm a traveling junkie. One minute here, another minute there. That is somewhat accurate. This has been one of those go everywhere do everything summers. It's my first year working for a school district and taking advantage of a work free pay included summer! Lovin' it... to say the least! 

Mom & I decided to do a random girls trip to Avila & stay at the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. It's a wonderful getaway surrounded by preserved wildlife. I absolutely love the spanish style decor and architecture. While we were here we relaxed & took advantage of the Mineral Spring tub on our own deck outside our own cottage.. jealous yet? Not to mention the Deep Sea Custom Facial that made our skin feel renewed. Everything about this adventure has been relaxing.

Be ready, scary picture coming up soon... real soon...

Bam! Post Facial 

Once we fixed ourselves up and covered our enlarged pores we traveled down to the Olde Port Inn for  lunch. Lunch was fabulous but the dessert was even better. It makes a gluten free gal's dream come true. 

Butterfinger Ice Cream Pie. 

A man asked if we were sisters... 

The pier was windy and filled with those birds that you fear will poop in your hair while flying over. 

These guys!

oh and... 

These guys!

Boats filled the bay. All out of my price range. 

Ok, maybe this one isn't...

To conclude this long eventful post, lets just say its been a great getaway and much needed relaxation. 

Rain Boots Not Needed

Of course a California girl does not pack properly for Washington weather. Just about every day I needed to use my relative’s assistance in attire completion. Today’s call was for rain boots.  Not just any type of shoe, but most specifically rain boots. A shoe that is easy to rinse off alpaca poop and prevent my foot fetish disorder from arising. 

I visited 14 Alpacas and 1 llama. 

The property was beautiful.  What I thought was going to be wet and muddy was actually dry and green.  What I thought was going to be poopy and stinky was actually picked up and sold as organic fertilizer. I had the experience of feeding them by hand, crossing my fingers I would neither get bit, kicked, or spit on! And I survived. 

My aunt and uncle have a lovely cabin house they built themselves. I got the grand tour and watched a special video they made of the whole process. I was also lucky enough to meet this guy... what do you think he is, an alpaca or standard poodle? Fits in pretty well dontcha think?

This is Basmati