Point Lobos

I love where I live! And also Mom, what's the name of this beach?

Mud Baths

"Look you can pay $100 for a mud bath," Hubby says. "Do you want to do take a mud bath?"

"Who would pay $100 to get messy?" wonders Gio. "I can totally do that for free!"

Pioneer Park, Calistoga

Pioneer Park nestled in downtown Calistoga is a great place for families. There are plenty of trees, playground equipment and best of all access to the Napa River.

"Hey, there are some stairs leading down to the river," says Hubby. "Let's go down there."

"Ok, but everyone needs to roll up their pants if we're going in the river," says Gio.

"We're all wearing shorts, Gio, so we don't need to roll up our pants," points out Vinny. "Shorts basically are rolled up pants."

Thanks for the analysis, Spock.

But Vinny's logic didn't keep Gio from hiking up his shorts in a Speedo inspired kind of way.

The boys enjoying the Napa River.

Gott's Roadside

Taking pics.

We're having a little pre-birthday celebration at Gott's Roadside in Napa for Vinny.

"Oh my gosh!" says Vinny. "These cheeseburgers are amazingly good."

The milkshakes are divine. I snuck a few sips of Vinny's mint chip shake.

I went for a house chicken salad that was dairy, gluten and soy free. It was excellent, and most important the salad did not upset my tummy.

Locals' night is every Tuesday, where cheseburgers and vegan burgers are half priced and fries are only two bucks. For a burger joint, it's on the pricey side, but the food is delicious.

The only thing Gott's Roadside is missing are Margaritas. Sigh.

Ventura Highway

We're heading home on the Ventura Highway. And, unfortunately, so is everyone else. I have never, in my life, seen traffic on this stretch of road. And I've driven this route plenty of times.

Traffic angels, help us, please. We need a clear, safe path home. Thank you! Mwuh!

Maybe it will help if we sing this song. One, two, uh, one, two, three.

Ventura Highway, in the sunshine Where the days are longer The nights are stronger than moonshine You're gonna go I know

Getting Better

I didn't mind walking five minutes to surf fun waves. But now O'side is exceeding my expectations. 

There are fun waves right in front of my beachside condo.

Owooooooooogaaaaaaaa!

Surf Slut

Southside of O'side pier, taken from the pier @ 4 p.m. yesterday.

Oh my goodness, Internet! I love Oceanside, California. There are so many waves to surf, and so little time. This morning I surfed, not one, not two, not three, but four different spots. All within walking distance from our condo.

Woot!

Location, Location, Location

This is the view from our one week beach condo vacay. That's right Internet, fun surf is a five minute walk from where we are staying.

Woot!

Basically, this is heaven for surfers with kids. No packing everyone and everything into the car. Or calling on the parking angels for a great parking spot. No unloading the car.

And anytime I wonder how the surf is, which is about every 15 minutes, all I have to do is look out the window!

It. Is. So. Nice.

Thank you travel angels. Mwuh!

Uh, I Don't Think So

There's nothing like arriving at a destination, after a nine hour road trip, and realizing the rocket box, doesn't have clearance. All I can say is one, thank goodness Hubby was driving. I would have driven right into the parking garage without a thought, ripping the roof top box off the car.

And, two, the man knows how to take stuff apart , qiuckly. He had the cargo box unloaded and off the car in less than 10 minutes. Our condo has zero street parking, so that is a very good thing.

Three, my oldest doesn't take after my husband. Confused? Let me 'splain it to you Lucy.

"Dad I think we should just go for it!" says Vinny, when we were all still wondering if we could make it through.

Mission Ranch Carmel

Internet I'm pinching myself, AGAIN. This property butts up to Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch in Carmel, California.

It looks like some where in Europe, not that I've ever been, but I've seen pictures. And I will probably have to go soon. Long story, but nearly all of my husband's relatives are in Germany.

It isn't that I don't want to go. It's the getting there that is hard for me. The flying in the plane forever and ever that gives me a panic attack. Besides, I really love my home. And looking at these pictures who wouldn't?


Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch, where we know Briar Kitty spent at least one night. But there are probably more nights we don't know about.

Where the Heck Is Matt?

Internet am I the last person to watch this travel around the world and dance video of awesomeness?!? Am I? Just tell me the truth, please. I promise I will only cry for a few minutes.

For more information on the making of this video click here. Or visit Matt at his website here

Otherwise, if you don't care about all the details about Matt and how he travelled around the world several times, and danced sometimes alone, sometimes with people, just watch the video and DANCE, even if it's just in your chair!