I Think I Could Live Here

We just got back from an amazing few days in Santa Barbara.

We stayed at a beautiful hotel - right on the beach.

Our room faced the ocean and you could hear the waves pounding throughout the night.

I've never slept better (maybe the down bedding and chocolate mints on my pillow helped a bit).

I'm not the only one who wishes we could live here.

These girls could stand and stare at the ocean waves for hours.

That's Little K and her Best Bud (that we stole away for the weekend).

Our resort was simply Glorious 

(the most over used word of the weekend - but the perfect way to describe everything around us).

I'm in love with the Spanish architecture and details.

Look at those beautiful tiles in our bathroom.

Notice the bath spigot? The water just flowed out of the wall...like magic.

Did I mention the overhead Rain Shower?

The Hotel grounds there were filled with secret gardens, lush flower filled planters and trickling fountains tucked around every corner. 

Sigh

More of those hand painted colorful tiles. Yes Please!

Check out this gigantic tree. We named him Ferdinand - because a tree that fantastic has to have an equally powerful name!

We did venture out one day to go Horse Back Riding.

This was my horse.  His name was Chief - Scout - Major - Commander - or something that means person in charge, I never could remember. 

Maybe that's why he didn't listen to me very well?

Hubby and Me - looking kind of spiffy after spending several hours on the back of a horse.

The weekend was also filled with...

Refreshing Drinks

Pillow Fights

Breakfast on the Veranda

...and lots more time frolicking on the beach!

Yes - I definitely think WE could live here in Santa Barbara. 

(some day)

Memorial Day

While most people spend Memorial day at a Picnic or Swimming, we decided to take a slightly different direction - literally.

UP - to the mountains.

We went to Tahoe for a day of skiing.



This time, at a new resort for us, Squaw Valley. Many of the other resorts in the area are already closed for the season, but this one is at a higher elevation - it stays open longer.



Memorial Day was the last official day of the Ski Season. There was still plenty of snow including a fresh 12" from just a few days prior.




It's quite an amazing place filled with history. Where the 1960 Winter Olympics were held. Very cool to see the ice skating arena where Olympic medals were won and the treacherous Black Diamond slopes where the worlds best ski.



The base of the resort is at 6,000 feet, and the snow has mostly melted.

But a quick ride on the Gondola up to High Camp at 8,200 feet, and there is plenty of powder.



Yep - that's a swimming pool in the background. Yep - there were people swimming. Nope - not us (but only because we didn't bring our suites).

Didn't I tell you it was cool?



We might have to invest in some gear of our own - this is not a cheap sport.



A walk around the Olympic Village at the end of the day.







All this, less than 2 hours from home. Did I mention how much I love living in Northern California?

Spring Break

I love where we live.

With less than a two hour drive from our house - we can have Sunshine, Snow or the Ocean Breeze.

And we experienced them all during Spring Break this year. Hubby took the week off work and we had a little family Staycation.

We started with some time at home, working on the never ending house projects, and enjoying the Sunshine that finally seems to have made it's appearance.



Next - a few sleepovers for Little K followed by a Day Trip to Tahoe for some skiing.



This was the last week before most of the resorts closed for the season, but there was still plenty of Snow to be enjoyed.

On Friday, we headed to the Coast to spend a few day in the City by the Bay. I tried to convince hubby to detour up to the Wine Country (yep - that's less than 2 hours away as well), but thought I better save that trip for a girls weekend.

We started at Pier 39







The Sea Gulls were as big as our Cat - maybe even bigger.



Loved the Kite shop. If only there was some wind at our house....and a few less trees.



We enjoyed the Aquarium of the Bay.





Full of all kinds of native California Sea Life.





That evening we stayed at the Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill. Amazing!
Had we planned better - we would have stayed and had Easter Brunch.
Had we planned better - we would have moved in there....forever.



Not sure what was going on, but these amazing vintage Sports Cars were delivered while we were there.



I only had to sneak into the Valet Parking garage to see them up close. That's not really trespassing - is it?

The next morning we started at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.





Little K is already sketching out a new design plan for our backyard to make it just like the Japanese Garden. There go our Palm and Orange Trees.







We had a yummy lunch in the Tea House, including one of my favorites - Taiyaki. I really need to get one of those cute little fish irons.

Then over to the Golden Gate Bridge.





This is the first time we have walked across it.



Only made it about half way. That was far enough for me (and my new found fear of heights).





We made it back home in time to enjoy a wonderful Easter Brunch at The Zinfandel Grille.