So Cal

This weekend I flew down to LA, rented a car, and spent the weekend visiting friends and family all over Southern California. 

Flying into LA, the traffic looked horrendous. There was a steady stream of red and white lights that illuminated the freeways. So, I picked up my sporty little Toyota Corolla and drove straight to a hotel (avoiding the freeway at all costs). After a hot shower to wash the plane germs off, I went right to sleep (right in the middle of a king sized bed). Saturday morning I headed straight to the beach! 

I drove from Long Beach to Corona to check out the Jenson "superstore."  It was a big store with lots of bikes, but not nearly as big as I expected. I am in the market for a new (or new-to-me) mountain bike and they had a great deals but I didn't really love any of them (and they're still pretty expensive). 

From Corona, I drove south through Lake Elsinore to Escondido where I met my brother and sister-in-law for lunch. They were in town for Anakah's work. It was awesome to see them,even if it was just for a quick lunch!  

After lunch, I hopped back on the freeway to head to Jamul, California to see my old college roommate and her family.  They have lots of land and gorgeous views. We grilled out and sat by a fire. I haven't laughed that hard in a very long time. My cheeks hurt, my sides hurt, and a couple of times I thought food was going to come out of my nose I was laughing so hard. Michelle and Jimmy are amazing parents to 3 sweet boys (8 years old and under). It was just so great to spend some time with them!  

Thomas kept saying "cheese" and then just as I snapped the picture, he sneezed. 

Let's try that again...

That's better!  I couldn't get a picture of their oldest (he was busy playing with his friends). But I did get a pic of the littlest...

Thank you so much Campbell family for being so gracious and allowing me to spend the night!  I had an amazing time and I can not wait to come back. 

Sunday morning I woke up and drove to Encinitas to meet two of my friends from my college days in Wilmington!  Apparently everyone from Wilmington must move to San Diego!  It was so great to see them!!!  We a

Had an awesome breakfast and talked for a couple hours.  Thanks again Darah and Mason and Jessica!  It was so great to see all of you!!!

After breakfast I hopped back in my sporty little rental car and drove north on the Pacific Crest Highway to Huntington Beach to see one my dearest friends...Jennifer!  I drove through Laguna beach and Newport Beach with the windows rolled down!  I had views of the ocean the whole way and I passed Lamborghini's and Maserati's (while I cruised along in a Corolla). It was an awesome drive!  But, Huntington Beach was my favorite by far!  It reminds me a lot of Wrightsville beach but in a bigger way!  Awesome town. I met Jenn at her adorable house on her palm tree lined street and we walked to Main Street and the pier. The area totally suits her. 

I left Jenn's and continued North on the PCH. We have some friends from Tahoe who just moved a little north of LA but I didn't have quite enough time to make it up there to see them. Maybe next time I will go north to see them and Jody and Cesar (friends from Peru)!  

Although I didn't make it all the way north, I did head a little north of the airport to check out Venice Beach and Santa Monica. I didn't even stop or get out of the car. I just cruised around trying to see as much as I could before heading to the airport.  I was able to see a beautiful sunset!  

Now, here I sit... In the airport... Waiting on my final leg of this journey. My flight home has been delayed an hour (I have no idea what the delay is for... The weather is awesome). Go figure. LA just doesn't want me to leave I guess. But I really miss Tahoe and I'm ready to go home!  

Thanks again to all my friends and family for agreeing to meet me or let me sleep over. I am so happy to have spent some time with each of you!  Can't wait to see you all again... But next time in Tahoe!