The Family Visit

We're back in Provo and all moved in, but I'm a bit behind in the blogging world. Before we left California, my family came and visited for about a week. We had SO much fun!! I loved having people to hang out with while Cameron was at work. It was also fun to do the touristy stuff a native like Cameron wouldn't never do. Some of the highlights:

A FREEZING summer day in San Francisco. We went again a couple days later when it was a bit warmer. We looked in lots of shops (which is a frequent occurrence with 6 girls in one family), went to the aquarium, took a boat tour, had excellent chocolate and ice cream at Ghiardelli Square, and hung out at Pier 39. We also spotted the bush man...no San Francisco trip is complete without a bush man sighting.

We had some delicious clam chowder in sour dough bread bowls. A San Francisco must.


We spent a couple of days at Santa Cruz Beach, a family favorite attraction. The second time we went, Cameron even got to go with us! We had SO much fun. We went on rides at the boardwalk. We went on walks. We watched Sara dance crazy while listening to her ipod, wandering around the beach. I embarrassed Sara a couple of times...1) I asked these guys if they would mind taking a picture with my sister. I told them she was too embarrassed to ask herself. He he he. 2) I also went and asked this guy if he would mind helping her build a tunnel in the sand. He came to help, and Sara was quite confused. Anyway! We had a fantastic time.

Sara with her men:

Sara dancing crazily while people watched her.



My hot beach outfit.

The Big 25

So yesterday I turned 25! Yay! That sounds so old...I certainly don't feel that old. Despite its unpromising beginnings (Cameron is out of town and I'm all alone in California...I was so excited for my birthday facial and it fell through...and the old people I live with woke me up really early), it turned out to be a great day. Here's why:

--When I came back from my morning run, I found a beautiful bouquet of flowers on the table with the sweetest card and all the fixings for strawberry shortcake. Cameron arranged for it to all be delivered even though he's away. What a sweetheart. Made my morning.



--I ate lots of junk food. Those of you who know me well know that I have the biggest sweet tooth but rarely satisfy my constant craving for sweets. Since it was my birthday, I made an exception and enjoyed every single bite of strawberry shortcake, oreo truffles, and Ben & Jerry's Half Baked Ice Cream (yes, I ate the whole carton).

--All of the birthday wishes from everyone through calls, texts, and facebook. Lately I've been having my own little pity party..."I don't have any friends, no one cares about me, etc". I know it seems like such a little thing, but even having people make the effort to write "happy birthday!" on my facebook wall meant a lot to me and made me feel loved. My talented mother-in-law even made me the sweetest little video and made me feel very special. (You can view this on my facebook wall.)

--Chick flicks. Okay, I'll say it. I love super cheesy, meant-for-13-year-girls chick flicks. I indulged this love (because Cameron wasn't here to make fun of me) and watched "Another Cinderella Story" with Selena Gomez. I actually thought it was hilarious. Sue from Glee was in it--she's SO FUNNY. I also went to see Step Up 3D (Since when do movies cost $14?) but won't dwell on this point because I was severely disappointed in it. I love Step Up 1 and 2, but I thought this plot was undeveloped and the dancing looked fake or something. Too many special effects?

--I read the most wonderful talk about gratitude by President Monson. He talked about some of the simple things to be grateful for: Mother, Father, Friends (Husband), Teachers, Country, and the Savior. It was something I really needed to read. Read it! It's called "An Attitude of Gratitude."

Anyway, it was a great day. I'm a very blessed person. I'm so grateful for all the wonderful people in my life.

Half Moon Bay, Berkeley, Monterey, & Carmel

We've been busy enjoying California. We leave next week--I'm SO sad. I really love it here! Some things we've done lately...

Half Moon Bay for Family Night

We tried to look in the tide pools for little creatures, but no luck.

We went to Berkeley on Friday with this couple we met on a day tour in Thailand. (Random) They live in the area and he went to Berkeley so we had a lot of fun as they showed us around. The campus is gorgeous! What a unique place. Lots of crazy people on the streets. I learned people commonly refer to it as Bezerkeley, and I kinda see why.

Indie and Vikrum. He's just as crazy as he looks.


Cameron and I spent a fantastic Saturday in Monterey and Carmel. We loved it! I think it's our favorite day trip we've had.

We were so excited when we first got there because we saw this little guy...we were snapping pictures like we'd spotted something unique.

Then--a minute later, we saw all of these!! Guess they're everywhere in Monterey. :)

Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey

The sea lions just hangin' out on some boats.

Cannery Row in Monterey

The Beach in Carmel

Cameron's Birthday

We had such a fun time celebrating my sweet Cameron's birthday on Monday. We had a delicious dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. Cameron also got a little tres leches cake (his favorite) and blew out a few candles to celebrate the big 25.