San Diego, A Photo Novel

In January, Brandon and I set sail for San Diego to meet up with our dad to experience the convention he puts on, and also enjoy a mini winter vacation. We were only there for a long weekend, but we sure did a lot and made the most of our time in the warm weather.

Upon arriving Wednesday evening, we walked along the marina and enjoyed the balmy temperatures. We finally found my dad after about 30 minutes of walking and met some of the people he has taken on a summer conference. He's been doing it for 24 years now and it was neat to see how many lives he's impacted.

Thursday was a day packed full of fun. Brandon and I got up early to have breakfast and then hit up the San Diego Zoo. Guys, make it a priority in your life to go to the San Diego Zoo. It.is.awesome. The entire zoo is so clean and well-kept and the exhibits are out of this world. Obviously, we enjoyed seeing the pandas, arguably the main exhibit the Zoo is known for, but I'd have to say the flamingos were our favorite exhibit. They were hilarious.

Since the zoo is so huge (and full of hills ugh), they have these awesome sky trams to take you from the top to the bottom of the zoo. It was quite convenient and especially nice since there was no lines. Oh also, if you're gonna go to the zoo, go during the off-season for sure!

Balboa Park and the skyline in the background

After a few hours at the zoo, we went to the trade show, one of the main events of the convention. 

Brandon does not always enjoy my antics

Let me tell, I sure as heck felt like a fish out of water. #suburbsforlife But it was still cool to try some nasty molasses, look at tractors, learn about cattle tags and feed, and get some SWAG (stuff we all get). Oh and there was a magician who left me utterly confused and frustrated. As someone who loves logic, magic is just leaves me boggled. 

After the trade show, we hustled back to the hotel to get ready for a evening party on the USS Midway. Any history buff will love the Midway and its museum. It's truly incredible and the party was fan-freaking-tastic. There was free simulator rides, the best catered food I've ever tasted, and a USO band that had everyone swing dancing. I hung out with my cousins that I don't get to see nearly enough, which was such a treat. 

Classic Marv

We were exhausted by the end of the day to say the least. 

Friday, we went over to Coronado to enjoy the beach! Ugh, I love the beach so much. I am truly jealous of those who live so close to the ocean, it is my favorite sanctuary. Coronado is a gorgeous beach and it was super misty and salty and just peaceful. We met up with my aunt, uncle, and cousins, and oh man they were a hoot! They were searching for sand dollars and basically just ended up swimming in their clothes. Too good. 

Low quality selfie, high quality brother. Low quality caption, high quality Hannah

One day, I will stay at the Hotel del Coronado. It is lovely

Really my shirt says it all

Gotta love Aunt Susan 

as they would say "the back of yo head is ridiculous!"

 Before we left, I decided to get my feet wet once more. I looked down and wouldn't you know there was a sand dollar! Lucky day! Brandon found one a few minutes later. It was serendipitous, no doubt.

After beaching it, we went got some dinner and went to a Martina McBride concert. So much of my childhood was made up of Martina McBride songs so it was cool to see her in concert, and of course, even more fun to hang out with my cousins. Afterwards, there was of course, another party. I met Ron Burgundy.

The sunset was unbelievable at the marina

Saturday was cloudy and overcast, but pretty much awesome because we got to go whale watching. My dad was done with his convention duties, so he got to hang out with my brother and I for the whole day. We went to Little Italy, had some amazing Italian, and then went and saw some grey whales. 

LOOK AT THAT TINY WHALE TAIL IN THE DISTANCE!!! 

I really had the best time ever with my brother, who is such a cool kid that I love so darn much. The two of us really had a grand time together, along with my dad. San Diego is slowly becoming a favorite place of mine. I'll always be a Colorado girl, but oh man, sometimes the ocean really is calling.

xo

Hannah

High Five for Friday!

I can't believe June is 2/3 of the way over. Summer always flies by:( But there's still plenty of time so I'm going to keep soaking in the goodness.

1. Just because she's such a cute dog.

2. Matching with my baby boyfriend

The cutest little smile EVER!

3. A beautiful piece of suburbia.

4. My parents were both out of town for a few days, and my aunt and uncle were too, so it was just me, Brandon, and my two cousins. 12 hours of being home without them and we took out the shotgun to kill a bird. #lifewithboys

5. Abby and I were not enjoying being the only girls home while our moms and sisters were at poms camp, so we took a trip to Sonic for milkshakes and some ABBA dancing.

xo
Hannah

High Five for Friday!

Happy Friday! Can you believe that June is almost over?! Summer sure has a way of flying by. Tonight is the night of the annual Best Friends 5eva summer campout at Jessica's. I'm excited to hike around, do bonanza bombs, and just enjoy some quality time with my best friends.

1. My brother and I went golfing with my cousins, which always is a little crazy. Sure, there might have been some lying down on the course, attempts to tee off with a putter, and complaining, but we finished all nine holes!

2. Mackenzie and I went up to CU for orientation and to explore Boulder. I met some really awesome people and a few people in my hall and that made me even more excited for this new adventure!

3. I've really been loving slow, sad song lately. Not really sure why, but I can't stop! Here's my current favorite:

4. I heart exploring small towns and taking future blog pictures with M.

5. Five days until this fun trip!

xo
Hannah

High Five for Friday!

Happy Friday! Tonight, I'm headed up to Jessica's to have the annual best friends 5eva summer kickoff sleepover! We're a little late this year but summer has technically just officially started as of a few days ago! I can't wait to hike around, do Bonanza bombs, and sport my bandana. Hopefully there will be no injuries this time around! Here's to best friends, summer nights, and memories!

1. Brandon and I took our cousins golfing and it was an adventure, to say the least. There might have been some laying down on the course, complaining, attempts to tee off with a putter, and competitiveness, but it was fun nonetheless.

And shadows are always extra fun

2. Mackenzie and I were up in Boulder for CU orientation. It was not exactly what I was expecting, but I met some really awesome people and that made me really excited for the fall!

3. I go through mood changes with my music and right now, I've been loving slower, sadder songs. Here's a current favorite.

4. Exploring small towns and taking pictures for future blog posts is always the best

5. Five days until I will be on the beach!

via// San Diego, here I come!

xo

Hannah

22 Hours of Homework

Mondays really are not my favorite. Especially not after a homework filled weekend like mine. 22 hours. A little ridiculous if you ask me! But some fun things did happen this weekend:

Quiet Friday mornings studying with the perfect cup of hibiscus tea at Tattered Cover

This is what babysitting boys is like.

Happy 14th birthday baby brother! xoxo <3

Studying= sweats and Halloween candy.

 And this lovely, calming Mindy Gledhill song.

 

 Golden Slumbers, the perfect easy listening song.

xo

Hannah