CALIFORNIA

It seems that every year our anniversary week is just too busy to really go somewhere & celebrate besides a quick dinner. That's what we get for having a December wedding though, right?! We have decided that each year we will try and celebrate during the week of Spring Break and so far it's worked out perfectly. Honestly, just dinner is special enough, but while we are young and with no kids yet, we might as well make the most of the extra celebrating and traveling while we can.

This year we decided it was time to go visit the Millers. Zak & Jacqie are currently stationed at Fort Orde in Monterey, CA. while Zak is finishing up his language training for the National Guard. They are planning on moving back this summer, so we figured it was the perfect time to get out there and explore the area while we had friends there to play tourists with us!

Like I've said many times before, I have a horrible memory which is why I love blogging. I also remember more from pictures than anything I could ever write down, so there won't be much detailed descriptions. However, If you are planning a trip or just curious, feel free to ask any questions you might have. 

[  March 4th -8th, 2016  ]

1st Stop: San Francisco, CA

~Lombard  Street~The Warf~China Town~Golden Gate Bridge~Oakland 

~Temple~Muir Woods~Japanese Tea Garden~Painted Ladies~Pier 39~Lucas Film Ltd~

The beautiful Oakland LDS Temple was another favorite stop. The temple grounds were so green and blooming! Best part was attending the ward that met on the temple grounds! What a cool reminder on your way in to church each Sunday!

Monterey, CA

~Lovers Point~ Monterey Aquarium~Cannery Row~The warf~Casa Verde Beach~South of Monterey~Dontown Carmel-by-the-sea~ Bixby Bridge~Oceanside Dinner~Pigeon point Lighthouse~

If you don't follow me on Instagram, here's the story regarding the bunnies on my shoulders! haha 

On Monday we decided to drive down the coast for a few hours and decided to stop and get a few pictures by the gorgeous Bixby Bridge. Out of nowhere this man just appears there sitting on a crate with two bunnies on his shoulders singing "here comes peter cotton tail"...He watched us for a minute then said, "don't you want a picture with the bunnies?" Ummm... of course we do! haha 

My favorite guy & best traveling partner <3

This was one of those trips that had a very flexible itinerary. We got all of the "must see sites" off our list, and then did our favorite thing... exploring. When we were back in DC last year, we both decided our favorite days were the ones that had no set plans and we just took the time to walk around and explore. It's fun to just experience a normal day in these towns without it being planned. In fact, one of my favorite days was Friday, when we stopped at a park to relax and witnessed a couple get engaged. Crossed that off my bucket-list! I actually had my camera out when I saw it happening so I became the impromptu photographer! When I emailed the pictures to the couple afterwards, they were soo excited and surprised that a stranger would do that for them. It was a great start to our amazing week in California!