Thankful, Grateful, and Glad

Andrew and I were blessed to be in California for a whole 10 days. The first part of our trip focused on Jacob and Danika's wedding. The latter part of the vacation was a compilation of various activities and purposes.  Here are the highlights:

Anniversary Get-Away

Andrew and I were able to go to Laguna Beach for a little 3-day anniversary celebration. Officially, on November 28th we will have been married one whole year! Can you believe it?! Time has flown by, and I have enjoyed every minute of it with my love. Andrew is an incredible husband and I feel so blessed to be his wife. (More splurging on this topic later this week). 

We got a hotel right on the beach and walked around the main street on our first night there. Then the next day we went to the San Diego Zoo. It was short and sweet, but just perfect for us. We love exploring new places and having fun experiences together. I sure do love that boy.

At the wedding reception

At Laguna Beach

At the San Diego Zoo

Thanksgiving Feast

I am so grateful for my family and the fun traiditions we have.

With only 14 people in attendance, Thanksgiving was "smaller" this year than it normally has been. Howeverm there was no shortage on the food. We of course had the Thanksgiving staples (turkey, mashed potatos and gravy, stuffing, etc.) but we also had the good-ol' Cuban part of it too (full pig, Congri - which is rice and beans, and Cuban bread). It was all delicious.

And then, of course, we all rolled over to the family room to snuggle in blankets of the comfy couch and watch a Christmas movie to welcome in the next holiday. Good way to spend the holiday.

Universal Studios with the Fam

Let's be honest, our purpose in going to Universal Studios was to explore Harry Potter World. And I can sincerely say: it was AMAZING! It was so fun to walk to Honeydukes town and then be able to see a variety of fun details included while we walked though Hogwarts castle. There were only a few rides (I hear there are twice as many in the Orlando, Floriday Harry Potter World, so we might have to go explore over there some time), but they were all very fun. Beware of the "broomstick" ride. It is 3D and made me and most of my family feel a little woozy.   Of course while we were there we had to buy wands. $90 later for Andrew and me, we were waving these coveted sticks at eachother and screaming fake enchantments while in line for rides. 

Yes, it was a jam packed week. I love going home and being able to spend so much time with my family. It is hard not living close by, but Andrew and I are grateful that we can see my family fairly often. Since we were down in California for Thanksgiving, we will be staying in Utah and spending Christmas with Andrew's family. However, my family will be driving up to Utah a few days after Christmas to enjoy the snow and a Utah New Years celebration. I am so grateful that both Andrew and I have great family to love and with whome to create memories.