Sunday, December 16, 2012

Long Beach

Brandon and Justin had tickets to go to a Laker's game...so they invited me and Brooklyn to tag along to California with them.  I was super excited as I haven't been on a vacation for a very long time.  The boys worked it out so Justin and our friend Brynlee would pick me and Brooklyn up on their way down and Brandon and Amber would bring us back...as neither of the boys could stay the whole week.

I thought it would be best if we could find a beach house to rent...cheaper than hotels and a lot more ambient.  I chose a couple houses on vrbo.com and sent the pics to Brandon to see which one he liked.  I was suprised when he immediately called  back to say one of them was the one they had honeymooned in.  So of course we picked that one.  It was so nice because the bay was 3 houses one way and the ocean 5 houses the other way.  We were right on the peninsula of Long Beach.

On our way down, Justin was excited to eat at Nick's.  It is a coffee shop we have been going to for years.  I didn't remember where it was so he put it in his smartphone and the gps led us there.  Only thing was, it was the wrong Nick's.  Good thing this one was just as delicious...and I am always a sucker for eating outside!


That night we were blessed because the Long Beach Boat Parade was happening right outside our door.  We were able to sit on the beach and watch the beautifully decorated boats go by.  The people that have houses on the beach were having parties with catered dinners and lots of music.  It was entertaining and enjoyable...for a minute we all wish we lived there permanently!



After the boat parade we were hungry so we walked a couple of miles up the coast to have some dinner.  We found this little bar/grill where we could eat outside - yay for me again!  I love how Brynlee always asks for extra sour cream and they give her a whole ice cream scoop full :)


The next day we were so excited to meet our long time friend Lupe for lunch.  She chose a place called Frida's in Glendale on Americana Way.  It was an amazing Mexican buffet with a mariachi band.  The food was delicious, but the best part was being with Lupe.  She is so full of love for me and for my children.  We have always enjoyed the time we spend with her.


As we were walking down the street to our parked car, Brooklyn found a funny frog fountain to pose by...and I found this funny combination restaurant.  I love weird things.


After our wonderful brunch, we headed to the Santa Monica Pier and the Promenade.  It was a rainy day, but it didn't damper our spirits.

We all love the ocean.  It just brings a sense of calm to us.  The kids love posing for pictures by the water.


After this stop we went to the Promenade.  We visited the Converse store which was heaven for Brooklyn...as she has at least a dozen pairs in all different colors and patterns.  They had a converse Santa there who was pretty spooky, so all the kids sat on his lap!


We loved going in the Apple Store.  These headphones were great....Brooklyn could hear so well on them with her cochlear implants.  The store was so busy and I was trying to find my kids when I heard Justin's voice.  He was practically yelling.  I made my way over to him and Brynlee.  They both had the headphones on.  A lady next to them said to Justin, "Be quiet, you are yelling."  It was so funny.  At least for me his yelling came in handy :)



After the Apple Store we headed over to Hollywood Blvd.  Brooklyn and I love Ellen DeGeneres, she just makes us laugh, so we wanted to see her star.  We found a few other fun stars along the way...and Justin even found his star!



As we continued to wander down the Boulevard, we saw Iguana, a vintage clothing store.  I love stores like this.  The kids had as much fun as I did.


We then wandered over to Walgreens...it was more of a grocery store...and bought some food for the house.  As we were carrying all of our bags to the car we saw Justin getting a parking ticket.  He went running up to the officer saying, "Wait, wait, no, no!"  He then blamed his expired meter on his mama who he said loves to shop.  Liar, liar, pants on fire...but whatev, it got him out of the parking ticket :)  Yep, he is a stud!

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