Up, Up and Away

Hi World,

You have no idea how ready I am to take off and experience tranquil waters, crystal blue seas, the sweet smell of the ocean, giggling with friends, memories, unknown paths, great mexican food, sunburns, sand inbetween my toes, Mona's bad hair days, witnessing a newly married couple, and cherishing the time with friends.

I am ready to be UP, UP and AWAY to Cancun!

V

Winds and Rain

Hello all,

Seems I haven't been very diligent at posting to my blog these days. Things have been keeping me busy:

- House guests

- 5:00 a.m. Fit to the Core workout sessions

- Yardwork

- Fun with Friends

- Tremendous workload

- Vacation planning

Saturday we leave for Cancun - pretty sure it will be an adventurous vacation considering Hurrican Katia will be right around the corner. We are praying for safe travels and lots of fun memories.

Passengers:

Greg/V

Monica/Peanut

Lori/Bryce (as man and wife as of Aug 26, 2011)

Taking a few deep breaths as I pack my suitcase and hope for the best.

(Photos attached are of a recent trip down Hwy 1 -- loved that day, its memories, and some great snaps.)

Bon voyage,

V

Ocean Air

Touring Catalina Island
Pelican landing

My 48th Birthday

Seagull

Keylime pie - my favorite

Breanna

Rihanna - Loud Tour 2011

View of Catalina Island

San Diego Mission

Hiking above the Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory (Los Angeles, CA)

La Jolla Catalina Island

I'm having a hard time keeping up with my blog this year - not sure why. I do, however, have an update.

Ocean Breezes
That is what we experienced during our weeks vacation in Newport Beach. We love our timeshare (Newport Coast Villas) - it feels like being in Hawaii. Gorgeous grounds, large pools, full facilities, 1 block from the beach, BBQ's, activities, and great owners.

Our weeks stay comprised of:
- Walks along the beach (Santa Monica, Newport, Laguna, La Jolla, Malibu)
- Biking riding along the ocean paths of Santa Monica to Venice Beach
- The LOUD Tour featuring Rihanna - great concert - lots of set changes and costume changes; very unique singer and performer
- Sold-out Hall & Oates Concert at the Hollywood Bowl featuring the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra - 18,000 fans packed the place. Outstanding fireworks show after the concert. Great venue for a concert.
- San Diego Mission - first California mission
- Balboa Park
- Griffith Observatory - great views of L.A. and many hiking trails easily accessible from the observatory. We did some hiking on a hot 95 degree day - worth the sweat!
- Catalina Island - took the ferry from Newport Harbor to the island. Rented golf carts and did a self-guided tour of the island. We were not too impressed with the island - we mainly ate lunch, walked, and shopped. Enough to do for just one day. It was my first time to the island and probably my last.
- Food: Had some amazing food at Duke's in Malibu and Tommy Bahama Grill in Newport Beach. Especially loved the desserts: Key lime pie and Hula pie (two of my favorites)
- Shopping: Loved hitting up the shops at The Grove, Fashion Island Mall, Hollywood Blvd., and the Promenade in Santa Monica. My new favorite store: Forever 21!! Absolutely love the style, prices, and variety; really enjoy their cheap cosutme jewelry.
- No alarms: Loved being able to sleep in (something we rarely do); our timeshare was very peaceful (no road noise just simple silence).
- 2 nights at the Hilton @ the LAX airport - loved this hotel - very practical and close to our flight
- Celebrated my 48th birthday and our 11th anniversary on this trip

Next visit (maybe next June):
- Disneyland
- Ocean swimming
- More biking
- More hiking
- California Adventure

The only thing I don't like about vacation is returning to work!

(Will post photos soon - stay tuned).

Happy trails,
V

Endless Love

Gabrille and Jason

United: May 21, 2011

(Somerset Club House, Brentwood, CA)

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Page and Maddy

United: May 14, 2011
(Wedding location: Ravenswood, Livermore, CA)

Why do I love weddings so very much? Probably because it displays:

• Love


• Devotion


• Admiration


• Color


• Laughs


• Memories


• Spirits


• Warmth

We have been to two weddings the past two weekends. YIPEE! (See attached photos.) Love capture love!

We are headed for a third in June - can't wait!

Cheers to new beginnings,

V