Exploring California

A week and a half ago, we had the opportunity to travel about 6 hours north of Pasadena to visit friends in Boulder Creek (outside of Santa Cruz) and in Monterey. Brant had just finished his Latin class and had time off, and I had one week left until I started my new job. What better time to go on another adventure in California!?

We went to visit our friends, Lori and Andrew, who live at Camp Hammer in Boulder Creek. They have been living here for a couple of years and we've always been curious as to where they live and what it is like to live "at camp" year round. It was great to finally be able to visit them. We had a fantastic time exploring their home turf, riding the zip-line, swimming in the pool, playing Monopoly and hanging out. They are excellent hosts - thank you, again, Lori and Andrew!! We can't wait to see you again soon!

We've been friends for 10 years, now! Each time we're together, we are able to pick up right where we left off - love this.Maddie enjoyed exploring camp, too. :)Daddy's shoulders offer such a better view!Ready to jump off and fly!This is a close-up just after I was flying back to the stopping point. I'm waving to Maddie and trying to console her. She was NOT happy with the whooping and hollering sounds that were coming out of my mouth as I flew past her the first time. After a few tears, she was all better. All better, that is, until it was Daddy's turn and we had to console her all over again. :) Our fabulous hosts!I feel like Maddie is saying, "Oh, Mommy. Another picture?!" Future basketball player? She's got the height! Only time will tell.Lori and I gave in and decided to play a rousing game of Monopoly. Funny thing is, she and I were doing exceptionally well most the game, and she pulled out and won. Guess we can play this again next time. :)We love hanging out with such great friends!We left Camp Hammer and headed about an hour away to Monterey. Our friends, Kevin, Meredith and Faith (all from Princeton), just moved there this summer. What a wonderful thing to both have moved across the country, only to be 6 hours apart! Aside from hanging out in their beautiful home and catching up, we explored the famous Monterey Aquarium. It was a beautiful place and fun to watch Maddie's expressions as she took it all in. She wasn't always aware of what she was looking at, as she is still a little young for this, but she still had a good time. On Saturday, before making the trek back to Pasadena, we all drove into Carmel-by-the-Sea and explored this beautiful town, full of art galleries and expensive, but desirable, shops. It was a great trip, and once more, we were spoiled to be able to spend time with such good friends.

Maddie was greeted by an otter puppet when we entered the aquarium. She loved it!There was a little port-hole underneath a large wave crashing simulator that fit Maddie's stroller perfectly. The waves crashed over and around her. She thought it was pretty cool.One of the best parts of the trip, truly, was the fact that we were able to wear jeans and long sleeves again! The clouds were beautiful, too! (It always cleared up on our trip, but the temperatures were super comfortable, unlike Pasadena's never-ending heat wave!).Talking about the pretty fish swimming around in the tank.It was really neat to see Maddie and Faith reunited again. Maddie loved to climb up onto Faith's wheelchair, without hesitation and without asking, of course. :) Maddie, enjoying her blueberry pancakes. In fact, she was cracking up during most of her meal.
Visiting the shops of Carmel-by-the-Sea.We ate lunch at the "Hog's Breath Inn", which is a restaurant owned by Clint Eastwood. It was delicious!We drove home on HWY 1, through Big Sur. The views were spectacular!
We had a great vacation and such a good time exploring a new part of California that neither of us had ever been.