Birthday Celebration & Stay-cation

My husband completely spoils me any chance he gets, so you can imagine how awesome it is to be me on my birthday. He is the best! He got me way too many gifts (including a trip to Dallas to visit my bestie in October) which was more than enough to blow me away, but then we also had the best weekend get away.

So, the day started out a little shaky because I was called in for Jury Duty. Yes, I am serious! Bummer city. I got up early and headed downtown. Thank goodness after 4 hours of sitting around (I mean seriously, there has to be a more efficient system) they released me! Hallelujah!

Then the real party could get started. On our way down to Huntington Beach we stopped at Woody's Diner to get some grub. Their burgers are super delish!

Then we headed to our hotel. It was our first time at the Hyatt Resort and we loved it! 

By the look on Mason's face you would not think we were going on vacation, but I promise he was happy about it.  (PS.  I love Gus trying to sneak a taste of my strawberry shake while I am distracted).

They were so nice at the hotel and are the definition of dog friendly. I was laughing so hard because they provide a nice bed for him and all he wanted to do was roll around on our bed. Silly pup.

The rest of our trip consisted of us poolside. The weather was absolutely perfect and we were loving being waited on hand and foot.

That night we walked around Main St, got some dinner, and called it an early night (being pregnant makes me outrageously tired!). It was a perfect night. Snuggling in my pjs with my hubby & a good book.

 I have a tradition that on my actual birthday that need to blow out a candle or the birthday is not complete. Mase came through with a dreamy brownie sundae delivered to our room.

The next day we had a huge breakfast  (which the hotel comped bc it was my birthday, talk about winning us over!) and spent the rest of the morning & afternoon at the pool. After we checked out we made a pit stop down the street to grab lunch at our new favorite sandwich shop, had a picnic and then took a stroll along the dog beach.

The last stop on this weekend was for a birthday party, but funny enough it wasn't mine. This darling little girl turned 1 and me and her mama go way back. She is a dear friend and we were so happy to be able to celebrate with their family. 

 We got her some adorable touch & feel books from my mom's store and she loved them!

Family Time in Long Beach

This summer has been full of fun! My sister and my nephew came for a visit from CT.  Anytime we were at the house, baby Jasper always had a shadow. These pups had so much fun with him!

 Taking Gus Gus for a walk.

 Drawing with sidewalk chalk in the backyard. I especially like the chalky handprint on Gus' nose. 

 Driving to the dog beach. 

Long Beach dog beach. 

Car show in our neighborhood. 

 Jess & the most delicious waffle/ice cream dessert. 

 Jasper playing in the bed of Mason's truck. 

Apparently dog crates are really fun. 

And dog beds.

Sharing his toys with Jax. 

Enjoying some thrifty ice cream. 

 The OC Fair!!

I love their faces in this pic. They are watching the hypnotist work his magic on a group of people on the stage, but it seems to have worked on them a little. 

Memorial Day Weekend

As many of you know my hubby works a lot. It was a very special to have him take some time off and we got to spend some quality time together. Our weekend started with a trip to one of my favorite places. The dog beach.

Gus Gus doesn't generally play with the other dogs but it is still fun. The beach is beautiful no matter what  you're doing there. One of the cutest things that he does is whenever Mase & I walk together Gus always wants to walk right in between us.

Then on Monday we took a nice 15 mile bike ride down to the ocean and back.

We rode along the LA River Path and for the most part it was very scenic. I had no idea that there wer horse properties in Long Beach, I mean we rode past some serious cowboys in their levis, boots & hats. Long Beach, who would have thought?

After stopping to get a snack we headed home and with the wind at our back it seemed much faster. Gus was a trooper and ran about 11 of the 15 miles before scooped him up and put him in the basket.

It took him awhile to get used to it, but he finally gave in and stopped trying to jump out. It was quite a work out with an extra 25 lbs in the basket.

Monday night we got invited to a Dodger's game! Thanks Benshine!

We had amazing seats, got to eat amazing food till our stomach's were about to burst and had a blast hanging with these guys.

Such a great day. I am so grateful to live in this wonderful country. I am so grateful for all the men & women who serve so selflessly to grant us the freedoms we enjoy. Happy Memorial Day!!

Dr. Mack is in the house!

My dad is awesome. He is one of the smartest people I know. Which is lucky for me because that means every year he comes to San Diego for a super smart science convention thing (and yes that is the official name of it). And since San Diego is less than 2 hours from my house... that means that I get to hang out with him!

My dad loves mexican food and Old Town is the perfect place to score some great eats. We had a delicious dinner at Old Town Mexican Cafe and then walked around a bit checking out the shops and architecture.

You know me and my sweet tooth had to stop in at the candy shop!

Then we decided to take a field trip to the suspension bridge. If you have never been, you should. It is tucked away in a neighborhood and over looks a beautiful canyon. Even though I am a little afraid of heights, I can't fight the urge to rock back and forth to make the whole bridge sway. It is really a fun little spot.

After such a great day I convinced my dad to rearrange some things so I could squeeze a little more time with him. So I drove back down 2 days later to hang out with him again! This time Mason couldn't come with me so this guy came along instead.

The weather was much nicer and so we got to go down to the beach, the dog beach of course!

We tried to coax Gus Gus down into the water, but he was not really into it. He is so mellow it is unreal, he was completely content to walk along and smell the ocean air. I tried to get him to go romp with the other dogs and he just looked at me like I was crazy.

I don't know what it is, but being at the beach always works up an appetite. So we headed back to Old Town and ate at a place called Pizza Bella. I had eaten here once before, after I ran the Rock N Roll Marathon, but I have to admit I don't remember much about that day other than being really sore. So I was excited to try it again.

Growing up in New Haven I am somewhat of a pizza snob so I was a little skeptical at their sign that said 'Best Pizza in America'. We gave it a try and I have to say it did not disappoint. It was seriously delicious. I mean look at this thing. Yum.

Then we went over to the Mormon Battalion, I know, I know I've posted about it before, but what can I say?! My dad had never been and I was happy to go again!

These day trips were so much fun, I can't even tell you. Driving home I realized a few things.

# 1. I really love San Diego and I would not mind living here someday. Who knows, maybe the signs are telling me something : )

# 2. It is very rare that as an adult, I get one on one time with my dad and it is a special treat. It makes me happy to be around my dad and it is a great opportunity for Mason (and myself) get to know him better. Love you poppa!