2011 Wrap up Part II

Monday, December 26th we loaded up the car with 3 people and 2 dogs,  asked a neighbor from our ward to watch our house and headed out to Morro Bay, California.   I have been to Southern Cali and Northern Cali but never really to Central Cali and my parents asked that our whole family spend Christmas vacation together.  2011 has been a little rough for our family and we wanted to end it on a high note.

Central California is beautiful,  my parents rented a house 100 yards from the beach and even though it was too cold to swim without a wet suit it was amazing just to walk along the beach and listen to the sound.  The house was great and I would recommend it to anyone,  it was a 3 bedroom house with a pull out couch, 2 bathrooms, and  a fully stocked kitchen. We had 6 people and 3 dogs and fit very comfortably.  The amenities were better than a hotel,  a hot tub, firepit (I LOVE SMORES!!) ping pong, Foosball table and big TV's with extended cable..there was never a dull moment.

Some of the highlights from the trip were:

1.  Going to Hearst Castle.  William Randolph Hearst had too much money and it was burning a hole in his pocket.  He commissioned a small house to be on the top of the ranch he owned and it ended up being a 38 bedroom, 42 bathroom mausoleum. 

Crazy huh!

The house is not my style it is very gothic,  it reminded me of alot of the castles I had seen in Spain and Italy  which is what Hearst wanted it to look like.  But I recognize the beauty of it and I was in awe.

Not a bad view either..

2.  Taking my dog's to the beach....they LOVED it!

3. Whale watching...

We took a tour on Saturday, I should have taken a picture of the "boat" we were on... It was a pontoon boat that had benches on it that could seat 20 or so, with open metal gates all around.  The captain stood at the back to drive.  There were 13 in our group.  We drove out about 6-7 miles out into the ocean in this small "boat" it took forever,  but man once we got out there and spotted whales it was so cool.  After you see the whales for a while you forget you have like a 45minute ride back to the dock,  that part is not fun.  But we got pretty close to the whales and it was worth it.

MORRO ROCK

4. Day trip to San Francisco with my brothers.

Thursday while my mom and dad were hanging with my aunt and uncle, Josh, Matt, Ryan and I got up early and drove the 3.5 hours to San Fran.  We had a blast.  Ryan and I had both been to Alcatraz before but my brothers hadn't so after a drive down Lombard we headed over. They loved it.  We checked out the Pier after did a little shopping caught a early dinner and headed back to Morro Bay.  It was a long day but I am glad we spent the day their.



Did I mention how foggy it was...not great for taking pictures, so I really didn't.  I like the picture of the fog rolling over the bridge though.

5.  Spending time with my family.  

We were able to make meals together every day,  go sightseeing together and just enjoy each other's company.  There is nothing I like more than hanging out with my 5 favorite people in the world.   Everyone had a great time and it was definitely a trip I will remember.  We tried to take a family picture but with 6 people and 3 dogs they didn't turn out very well and I think I might get in trouble if I post it.  :)

Thanks so much to my parents for arranging and paying for everything.  They are my peeps for life!

Oh and because I love food so much can I just say Morro Bay, Cambria and San Simeon have some AMAZING food.   We checked out a few fish markets and there is nothing better than fresh fish.  We also were able to eat a Olallieberry pie from Linn's (featured on The Best Thing I ever Ate by Marc Summers)  Olallieberry anything is amazing,  Linn's happens to be the nicest restaurant in this little town called Cambria that reminds me of Mayberry.  Ryan and I made a reservation for New Year's Eve and it didn't disappoint the food is cooked with love.  If you are ever in the area check it out!  We had a relaxing meal where we were able to just sit and talk about everything we have loved or didn't love about 2011 and make our family and personal goals for 2012.

Some of which are:

1.  Work out 2-3 times a week together.  We are really going to focus on our health and weight loss.  2011 had us both gaining weight

2.  Temple attendance -  We used to go monthly and we got away from that in the latter part of the year.  I love the feeling I have when we go together.

3.  Expand our family - through whatever means and at whatever cost Ryan and I want to be parents in 2012 we pray everyday for it. 

4. Continue to Date - We made it a priority in 2011 to not stop dating.  I would plan some and Ryan would plan some.  He is not just my husband, he is my boyfriend and my best friend and I love the time out we dedicate to each other.

I also want to read the Book of Mormon again and as always loose 15lbs. :)