What a whirlwind weekend…and yes, I am beyond tired, but running on fumes at this point in time. We were in 70 degree sunshine weather yesterday and now it’s back to miserable dreary blah. Not to mention I am flying to Denver on Wednesday for work and my boss said she “didn’t want to discuss the horrid weather”, but to bring “warm clothes”—sheesh! I think the groundhog told us a little white lie last week, dont you?
Back to the matter at hand, a perfectly fabulous weekend spent with my soon-to-be in laws in California. We arrived late Thursday night, and headed straight to Jeff’s aunt and uncle’s house in Placerita Canyon. They live about ½ a mile from the Disney Ranch and the set of Wipeout, which was filming so of course we had to do the typical “drive-by” like the tourists we were… so neat! That night, we caught up with Jeff’s aunts who flew in from Sacramento and Idaho for the birthday fun and drank maybe just one too many hot toddies before calling it a night—we were exhausted come 2AM!
Friday morning, we all got ready and headed to Esther’s house to take her out for her birthday… she always loves to go to this one restaurant, those everyone despises the food, but it was her birthday and the “Queen Bee” or so she calls herself won that fight! Afterwards, we had a small birthday party at her house complete with cake, ice cream, and a big 95 candle—she loved every bit of it, too! That afternoon, we spent time with her in her outside garden and got to listen to her tell some funny stories from her childhood and throughout her life—isn’t it inspiring to see all of the things our elders have gone through and just how much the world has changed? We learn so much from them and I know I am so grateful for everything they have to share with us. That night, we took it easy back at Joan and Larry’s house, watching the movie The Secretariat, which was really good. If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted {and somewhat predictable, but feel good} Disney movie—this is the one to watch!
View from the car… definitely doesn’t hurt the eyes, right?
Jeff relaxing and enjoying the gorgeous weather!
My turn
Us with the birthday girl and Jeff’s Aunt Debbie and Aunt Diane
Saturday morning, we made breakfast for everyone and then spent time outside…Jeff’s family has a small farm on their land complete with a huge garden with tons of fruit trees and chickens so we got to taste freshly laid eggs—weird, yes, but tasty and then eat frshly picked oranges and grapefruits! That afternoon, I was lucky enough to get everyone to take me to the one place I had been dying to go for years… In ‘N Out Burger, and no, this place did not disappoint. Their menu is basic—hamburgers and fries complete with their “secret dressing” and it was incredible!! This was my happy day for sure =)
Pure Yummyness…and worth every single calorie!
That night, the whole family came over for a big dinner to round out the weekend festivities… BBQ ribs, homemade hashbrown potato bake, slow cooked green beans, bread, salad, chicken, and then more birthday cake {oh I had to have gained 3 pounds this weekend–haha}! We joked because we were all so loud you couldn’t hear anything—Jeff really does have an incredible family and I can’t wait to be a member of their “crazy clan” come June 11th.
Esther and Rowena, her caretaker
Jeff and Esther… makes my heart happy that we got to
be there to celebrate such a big birthday for her
be there to celebrate such a big birthday for her
4 of her 5 grandchildren… such a fun night!
Joan with her 3 children and Esther–never a dull moment!
Me and Jeff with our Special Birthday Girl
Sunday morning, we headed to LAX bright and early for a whole day of traveling…the only good part about being on a plane for a total of 6 hours is that you can read to your heart’s desire, and I read one fantastic book {among many many magazines}—The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom… I’m telling you, read this! Really makes you stop and think about the people around you and just how we all are really connected in some small way.
So now I am back at work, playing catch-up and getting ready for more traveling. Lots to get done, but I promise to stay in touch! And P.S. yes I did get to watch some of the Superbowl last night… specifically the Darth Vader commercial was hilarious, and poor Christina messing up the lyrics–bless her heart. And though I know I should just skip over the halftime performance, I just can’t… I love the Black Eyed Peas, but that was one horrid mess–I was praying for them to make it stop. Happy Monday–and yes, get excited The Bachelor is back on tonight…woo hoo!!
95! What a milestone! Looks like a successful trip : )
You did have a whirlwind trip, but you experienced so much Thursday-Sunday! I am mucho jealz that you experienced California sunshine! Love all of the pics, thank you for sharing!
Have a lovely Monday!
xoxo-
Shasta
The Darth Vader commercial was the cutest thing!!!
sounds like an amazing weekend!! =) I Miss In-and-out burger!! it's so yummy
I'm so jealous of the weather you got to experience this weekend. It looks like you guys had a great trip!
I am beyond excited for the Bachelor tonight! It's like a little reward for getting through Monday 🙂
Ah, you're In 'n Out cherry has been popped! Your burger-eating life will never be the same again!
Sounds like a wonderful week! I'm totally jealous of the warm weather you had….
Good luck getting ready for your next trip!
OMG!! I literally grew up right near Placerita Canyon. Crazy! 🙂 Sounds like your trip was a lot of fun. Have a good week, stay warm out in Denver!
Looks like you had a busy and exciting weekend! Have a wonderful Monday!!
What a whirlwind, but FUN! I L.O.V.E. In and Out Burger…although my hips are glad that there are none on the East Coast 🙂 Have a great work trip!
Sounds like fun! How neat you got to see the set of wipeout!
I want an In N Out burger NOW!!!!!
Ugh the black eyed peas performance was horrible! I usually like their music, but Fergie can't dance or sing live! Esther is such a cutie, I love sweet elderly people 🙂