My family and I really enjoyed our trip to San Diego at the beginning of the month. The weather was warm and sunny, the food was plenty and delicious, and the sights we saw were stunning. For the first two nights, we stayed in the Gaslamp Quarters at a Residence Inn. It was so nice and quiet and hundreds of restaurants and shops were within just five minutes. For the first two days, my sister took part in a national dance competition. My dad and I would pop in a few times to go watch her dance and then explored the city.
We like to think we are hilarious
The Bay
The two large buildings in the back are the Grand Hyatt
We went to this super quirky store at Seaport Village called American Nostalgia. I was super close to buying this shirt! I love The Office!
The outdoor mall had supersize checker and chess sets so we played a little
Loved the architecture
The most perfect Hannah store around
On the 4th, we moved over to the Manchester Grand Hyatt right on the bay. My dad does a lot of business with the Hyatt so they set us up with a great room with a phenomenal view. He also tied our trip into a sight visit for a future conference his company will put on, so the visitors bureau set us up with lots of passes to experience the city. Our favorite was a trolley tour that took us all around the city, as well as to Coronado Island. We learned so much about San Diego and saw more than we imagined we ever would!
Happy 4th of July!
The view from the pool deck
The Big Bay Boom did not disappoint
The USS Midway. The tour was very interesting-- I could not be in the Navy!
Going across the San Diego-Coronado Bridge
Such a beautiful hotel!
Sisters
Dancer on the beach
Who doesn't love the ocean?
That very distant piece of land is the tip of Mexico!
Lily pond at Balboa Park
I would love to further explore Balboa Park
The bureau also so generously gave us tickets to SeaWorld! I was semi-conflicted about this after watching the documentary Blackfish. I am a massive whale lover. Whales are my most favorite animal in the world. I have swam with belugas (my favorite toothed whales) and seen wild humpback whales (my favorite baleen whales). I adopted a whale when I was about 11 or 12 (her name was Leilani) and wanted to be a marine biologist for quite some time. Needless to say, I do not at all condone the treatment of whales in captivity, however, this excursion was one my family wanted to do and I wouldn't want to miss it with them.
Fun fact: orcas/ killer whales are actually NOT whales
You could say the heat was getting to us
Such magnificent creatures
And we ate. Gelato is AMAZING in San Diego. There's several shops that boast quality gelato for sure. I ate a lot of tacos too. So good. Oh and of course, we had to lose out In-N-Out virginity. IT WAS SO GOOD.
Peach and lemon gelato from Chocolat - THE BEST
Family gelato selfie
Oh hey, wouldn't you know, I made a video too
We were busy and tired by the end, but really enjoyed California. It sure is an amazing state!
I got home from our trip to San Diego on Tuesday and life picked up right where it left off. Things have been busy but wonderful. California was great, but I think I love Colorado a teensy bit more.
1. I plan on doing a recap post or two on our trip to San Diego, but until then, here's a video I made.
2. On Wednesday, this cute little dachshund became part of our family. Meet Bella!
3. We got really happy at Sonic Happy Hour. I call this the Super Sonic.
4. Early morning donut runs because it's Krispy Kreme's birthday.
5. And it's also this girl's birthday! Happy sweet sixteen Isabel!!! You are such a classy, funny girl and I love you lots! I hope you are celebrating in big ways in your favorite state. :)
It's pretty incredible how one book or one movie or one song can make you feel so much, think so much, and reflect so much. The Fault in Our Stars is one of those books and movies that leaves a lasting impression on anyone that comes across it. Personally, I believe it's a pivotal book that will be one of the triumphed young adults of our time. It's one that will be read for decades to come. A while back, I read the book and like most would agree, it was pretty unforgettable. So when I heard that it was going to be made into a film, with the author's help, I was ecstatic. I think that turning a book into a movie is a delicate art that often is unsuccessful. The book is always better, yes, but we all still want a great, similar movie! And The Fault in Our Stars delivered in a way that is rare.
I watched just about every trailer and behind the scenes feature I could before seeing this movie. I was so excited that I would get a knot in my stomach when I thought about the movie (how bad is that?) I love the love in this movie so unbelievably much. While some might think it is unrealistic, I do not agree. It is real, while the situation may vary for everyone. Some may find this love when they are young, some when they are old, but it's one that teaches a lesson-- life is a precious gift and we are meant to live it with as much zeal as possible. The love in this movie is not limited to romantic love, but friendship love as well. Gus and Hazel's love is beautiful, but the love that is shed between the friendship of Isaac and Gus is just as brilliant. Love stories always get us feeling some special way, but this one is one of my favorites. It's most certainly a result of John Green's magnificent writing.
"I fell in love with him the way you fall asleep... slowly, and then all at once."
If that doesn't describe falling in love, I sure as heck don't know what else does.
(I could continue to recite my favorite quotes but I don't feel like typing 99% of the book ;))
Sooo, I saw the movie three times. Two of the times were in the duration of twelve hours. I have to say that it was the best book to movie adaptation I have ever seen. Only very minor details were left out so no one could be too upset.
I have to admit though, I did not cry. But when I think back on it, I didn't cry any of the times I read the book. It's strange because I can be pretty emotional. I was so sad, do not get me wrong, I just never balled, like I expected.
When I went with Amanda, we got crafty and had tshirts and everything. It was a great time, even if we left the theater a little sad.
Only a little excited
Okay really excited
One of my favorite parts of the movie (besides all of it!) was the music. It was spot on perfect! Here's some favorites.
I sure do hope you treated yourself to this book and movie. It's not one you want to wait to come to Redbox- it's worth the overpriced movie ticket and snacks!
Happy 4th of July! I hope you're enjoying food, friends, fun, and fireworks! I'm so excited to spend the day with my family and watch fireworks on the beach! America is a great place to be!!
For the past three years, we have this tradition. On the last day of school, we go to Jessica's house and kick off summer with some exploring and camping. It is the best time ever. This year it took us a little longer to get together because of graduation and senior stuff. Nevertheless, it was still great. We always leave a little closer than we were before. This year was particularly sentimental as we have now graduated! Time has flown by and I am lucky beyond belief to have had these girls by my side for the past four years. You don't find many people who have had the same close best friends for all four years of high school. They are as good as gold I tell you.
so so pretty
Ri
Si
Love this picture of them so much
But if you truly want to experience what our adventures are like, I recommend watching this.
Thanks for the idea Kate! Idea originally from here.
Because I love Colorado sunsets in small towns. It's a good life.
Making: lots and lots of to do lists! Cooking: crisp sweet potato chips with avocado hummus Drinking: iced coconut coffee with a splash of almond milk- so delish! Reading: "My Story" by Elizabeth Smart Wanting: the perfect patterned sheets for my dorm. Looking: for the perfect grey cardigan Watching: Orange is the New Black. Such a great show! Playing: some ABBA. Because it's the best Wasting: my money at Sonic during Happy Hour. Can't get enough slushes. Sewing: my swimsuit top so it won't fall off in the ocean! Wishing: summer was not flying by. Enjoying: An overcast summer day Waiting: to get our perfect little pup, Madelyn! Liking: rosemary raisin crisps with honey goat cheese from Trader Joe's. mmmmm Wondering: how different life will be in just a year. Loving: collaborating with Macky for blog and Vimeo stuff Hoping: not to get sunburned in California. Marvelling: at how productive I have been today! Needing: to paint my nails Smelling: my blood orange mojito candle Wearing: my new grey Converse high tops that I loooovvvveee Following: the World Cup as best as I can Noticing: that it's July and that means we're halfway through with summer. Realizing: that I am really done with high school. It becomes more and more real everyday. Knowing: that I am so lucky to have such great friends and family. Thinking: too much. Feeling: anxious for college. Signing up for classes made things so real. Opening: emails. I really need to unsubscribe to all these college emails. Giggling: about what the 7 year old twins I babysit tell me. Feeling: excited to go to San Diego! xo Hannah
There is nothing more thrilling to me than travel. It doesn't matter where I'm going, it's just so fun to go somewhere new and see life with new perspective. I cannot deny that one of the best parts of traveling is the airport! I love that place with all my heart. I love walking through the doors and how it smells (well mostly I love how the Denver airport smells) and the hustle that surrounds you. It's a fantastic place to be.
These are a few of the most important things needed when traveling. Planes are always so cold so I bring a cardigan and a scarf. Comfy shoes are vital, especially when you have to run to your gate like my family has a time or two! I always always read when we fly and usually have a few books or my Kindle! Gone Girl is a recent read that I loved! I bring my iPad and sometimes play a few games, but usually just listen to music from it. And of course, lip balm, tissues, and hand sanitizer are needed. Airports may be super fun but they can be super dirty. I throw a few snacks in my bag, such as trail mix, crackers, and some candy or gum. The Peanut Butter Cookie Larabars taste exactly like a peanut butter cookie and I cannot get enough of them! But most importantly, a good bag is essential to throw everything in. I'm a crossbody kind of girl so I love that this Target bad has both shoulder straps and a crossbody strap.
