Fireworks on the Fourth

For the past two years Scott and I have always procrastinated on where we're going to watch fireworks. This year I think we lucked out, in a major way!

My parents, Catalina, Scott and I were fortunate enough to secure a spot on the boat we took out to whale watch. We managed to get front row seats, literally, to one of the best fireworks shows I think any of us has even seen.

Looking at Long Beach from the boat.

My parents, and Catalina.

Without my awesome parents, this holiday weekend wouldn't have had nearly as much excitement or entertainment! LOVE THEM!!

Spending the 4th with one very special little girl.

Love him :)

Fireworks never look as good in photos.

We were able to capture a few photos of the awesome show.

Next year it sounds like Scott and I will be going back to Long Beach, and hopefully we'll get on the same boat to see the display.

On our way back to the dock, the Queen Mary, all lit up. 

We were on the Queen Mary last year to watch the fireworks. 

Looking for something different for the 4th next year? Consider L.A./Long Beach :)

The Aquarium of the Pacific

We had some free time the afternoon of the 4th, so we decided we would see what the Aquarium of the Pacific was all about.

Talk about a great place! Scott and I need to go back so we can spend a little more time discovering all the aquarium has to offer.

A display of the Blue Whale - what we were hoping to see on our whale watching tour.

Not quite Nemo, but close enough.

Stunning starfish.

Crazy legged starfish.

Makes me wish Shark Week was on!

Sting Ray exhibit.

The "wing" areas felt soft, like a mushroom.

But, the heads were rough like sandpaper. 

What a cool creature.

Our time at the aquarium was limited, but we experienced some pretty awesome stuff during our short visit. 

Whale Watching on the 4th

For the 4th of July we wanted to keep things a little less busy, and a lot more relaxed than our very busy day at Disneyland. I think we did just that!

We hopped on a whale watching cruise in the morning, and spent about three and a half hours out on the ocean. Unfortunately, we didn't spot any Blue Whales (and this is PRIME TIME to spot those massive creatures). But, we did see MANY different types of dolphins.

Before boarding our boat.

On our way out to the ocean.

A pod of Pacific Common Dolphins, cruising next to our boat.

Jumping and playing next to the boat.

A Bottle Nose Dolphin racing our boat.

Wouldn't it be nice to own a ship like that?!

Though we didn't spot any Blue Whales technically a dolphin is a whale. And, I love dolphins, I could have watched them swim by our boat all day!

All in all, we had a successful trip, and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day to spend out on the ocean.

A Day at Disneyland!

Saturday we ventured to Disneyland!

Heading into the park.

We made it! Welcome to the happiest place on earth :)

First stop, photo op with Mickey.

Waiting to get on the Matterhorn.

Heading into our submarine for the Nemo ride.

We had to snag a photo with Pooh.

And of course a picture with Eeyore! He's our favorite Pooh character.

We had lunch at Ariel's Grotto, where we met a handful of princesses, Cinderella being one of them.

Snow White joined us, too.

We also met up with Sleeping Beauty and Mulan.

Of course we met Ariel, too.

No Disneyland experience is complete without a stop at "It's a Small World."

I hummed that tune for about an hour after the ride.

Catalina, Scott, my mom, and I all agreed, the Tower of Terror was our FAVORITE ride.

We each thought it'd be fun to wear Minnie ears for the day. Catalina also found the Minnie hands were necessary to complete her Disney look.

Waiting for the World of Color show to begin. 

The World of Color was an amazing water/light show. Unfortunately, the show wasn't easy to capture on camera. Guess you'll just have to visit us in LA and travel to Disney to see it for yourself!

Our day at Disney was a long one, but we had an fabulous and unforgettable time.

Shopped Till We Dropped

As mentioned in my previous post, my junior bridesmaid came to visit for the 4th of July weekend.

Friday, our first stop was The Grove. Catalina requested we get some shopping done while she visited, and shopping we did! 

Gap Kids had some amazing deals going on - sale items were up to 70% off originally marked prices! We managed to make out of there like bandits!

The girls at The Grove.

The big purchase: one dress, one tank top, one pair of shorts, two t-shirts, and three pair of shoes!

Should Scott and I ever be blessed with children, more specifically girl(s), I'm certain I'll go broke buying clothes!

A BIG 4th of July Weekend Ahead of Us

One of my favorite people is visiting Scott and me this weekend. Catalina is will arrive this evening!

We have a very big, and very full weekend ahead of us. We're hitting the beach, going to Disneyland, venturing out on a whale watching cruise, heading to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, check out some fireworks, and we'll manage to slip in some shopping.

I'll post pictures as the weekend, and activities, progress.

Have a safe and GREAT 4th of July weekend!

LA Bites

Does dinner-time ever creep up on you? And, the last thing you want to do is make dinner? Or even go out to dinner? A few evenings ago Scott and I had that experience. 

For the past year I've been trying to find places (of quality) that will deliver. It's shocking how few places out here do. But upon relentless searching (and my strong will to not make dinner, or leave the house) I found quite possibly the most amazing little company, LAbite.

How it works: Most restaurants have carry-out, which it good and all - if you're willing to go pick it up. It was obvious neither Scott nor I was going anywhere. On LAbite website you choose your desired restaurant, order what you wish through the online menu, and within an hour your order is delivered. How the magic happens... LAbite calls in the order as if it were a pick up, LAbite then picks up the carry-out and delivers it to your front door. Awesomeness! 

When we move, to where ever our next stop may be, I sure hope that city has something to the equivalent of LAbite.

S'mores, L.A. Redneck Style

What do you do when you're craving a s'more, but don't have a campsite/fire pit readily accessible? Use what you have!

All necessary ingredients.

A skewer for the marshmellow, and a flame.

Yep, that's the stove we're using to get the marshmellows just right.

A mouth-watering s'more.

Using our stove toasting may seem a bit ridiculous, I agree, but the end product was amazing!

Goodyear Blimp

It's not every day you pass this while you're driving along the 405.

The Goodyear Blimp!

Taking a photo from a vehicle moving at 70 miles per hour, with a cell phone, doesn't give the best quality picture. But, let me assure you, this thing is massive!

A Day at the Beach

Sunday was the perfect day to hit the beach. We decided Drake would enjoy the beach as much as we would. We were correct. Drake had a BLAST at Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach.

Drake couldn't wait to get in the water; he's ready for the floaty toy to be tossed in the water.

Drake made some new friends.

Jumping the gun before Scott throws the floaty.

Waiting so patiently.

Good boy! 

(Possibly one of my favorite photos.)

Bringing in his big catch.

Just to compare - Drake has some big paws!

When it was time to pack up and go home Drake was just like a little kid. It was obvious Drake didn't want to get out of the ocean, much less leave the beach.  Talk about a great afternoon!