A Little R&R

Craig's team won Division of the Year last year. As a prize, the whole team was given a trip to Santa Barbara over the Labor Day weekend. We went out a little early to spend some time with family. And, BOY!, did we cram in as much as possible!

We started out in Balboa...a place my dad used to take me when I was little. It's one of my favorite places in California...probably more for the memories than anything else.

We took the ferry from Balboa Penninsula to Balboa Island
The famous Ferris Wheel on Balboa Penninsula

Then we went south to Laguna Beach. It was a beautiful town with lots of boardwalks and fun shops. We stopped at a little cafe for lunch and watched all the people out on the beach.

After Laguna Beach, we headed all the way down to San Diego, and then north again to La Jolla. The beach was filled with people snorkeling and swimming with the Sea Lions.
After La Jolla, we drove up to Oceanside, where Craig's aunt & uncle live. We had a great dinner and spent a lot of time catching up with them. Unfortunately, we were having so much fun talking that I completely forgot to take out the camera to get any pictures. Thanks again, Leanna & Rudy, for letting us stay with you!

Thursday morning was spent relaxing and then we made our way up to Azusa to visit my family. Grandma made reservations at a great Italian restaurant and we got to spend a couple hours visiting with Bob, Juana, their grandson, Christopher, Jody, Rick, Rochelle & Tim. It was so fun. Thanks for such a great time!

Rochelle, Grandma, Me & Jody

On Friday morning, Craig, Grandma & I went out for breakfast and then we were back on the road. We went out to Santa Monica to visit my cousin, Gabe. He took us around Santa Monica...down the famous Santa Monica Pier and we got to try our first Pinkberry...a great frozen yogurt shop. YUMM!!

Gabe & Me on the Santa Monica Pier

Then it was off to Santa Barbara. We took our time driving north up the PCH...looking at all the towns on the coast. A couple hours later, we finally arrived at Bacara. It was an amazing resort!! The views of the ocean were breathtaking and the rooms were awesome.That evening, we had a Bard welcome reception and then went out into downtown Santa Barbara. Craig's co-workers and their spouses/dates were great. Everyone got along so well.

Our big adventure came on Saturday when we all piled into a bus and went on a wine tour. The vineyards were beautiful and, even though I don't like wine, found myself dreaming of starting a vineyard of our own.

Lee, Stephen, Fred, Leslie, Me & CraigSaturday evening, a big group of us went down to the Harbor and ate at Brophy Bros...a seafood restaurant right on the wharf.

Our last full day at Bacara was spent by the pool. Much to the excitement of all the guys in the group, Pamela Anderson was vacationing at Bacara too, so they spent a lot of time by her cabana. Sorry...no pictures of her...so you'll just have to take my word on it. Although, Craig will be happy to show you his picture of her when you see him next.

Stephen, Lee, Melanie, Kacee, Greg, Fred, Leslie, Craig & Me

We had so much fun and, although we missed the kids a TON, it was so great to get away and have grown-up time. Thank you, Nana, Bapa, Grandma & Papa for watching the kids. We were able to enjoy ourselves knowing that the kids were in good hands.