California Adventure

 California holds a special place in my heart. I lived there from 1997 to 2002, holding residence in both the Northern end of the state, near the Oregon border, and also in Los Angeles while I worked as a Speech Pathologist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.  It is where I was living when I met Mr. Darcy, where we courted, and though we didn't get married there (we were married in Scotland), we were living there still when we had the twins.  Having spent the several years before that living in Florida, it is safe to say I have an affinity for beaches which makes my love of the Arizona landscape all the more baffling.

This past weekend, Mr. Darcy and I enjoyed a getaway back to California. We try to get there once a year; sometimes with children and sometimes alone such as this past weekend. This particular trip, we started in Los Angeles, then headed up to UCSanta Barbara (alumni weekend~~Mr. Darcy is class of 1995) and ending North of Santa Barbara in the Danish community of Solvang and further North into wine country. For this mother of 5 under the age of 11 and with finals weeks approaching (blech.), it was a much needed respite.


              Windmill at Solvang                                                 Catholic Church, Santa Barbara

I feel fortunate that our current life in AZ is close enough that we are able to get back to visit California. I love taking the kids to the beach and no matter how many times I go there, there is always something new to explore. For a girl like me who loves all things outdoors from camping to rockclimbing, It is one of my favorite destinations to go as a couple and as a  family and since we were able to scout a few family campgrounds while there this time, our California family adventures are sure to continue.  

      

  

What adventures do you have planned for this summer ?  Are you longing for beaches? Dessert vistas? Or something in between?

Leave your answer in the comments and wishing you a summer full of Happy Adventures :-)

~~Katie