SURFS UP: Character Dining

One of my favorite things from our whole California trip was our Character breakfast. I have never done this before. We did the Surfs up breakfast and had so much fun. I loved the food. When we first get there, before we are seated we get to have our picture with Mickey Mouse. I love that they have the characters out at all times. Pluto and stitch were going around. After a few minutes Mickey introduces the new characters and they have a dance contest. They invite all the kids to come up and dance with them. I loved the interaction they had. Not only that but Characters went around the whole place and stopped at each table to visit. This is something I can't wait to do with my kids when we start our family.

TOES

Cali Trip: The End

I'm so happy we were able to take a much needed vacation to California. Its always fun. I love that we can make time to spend with my family while we are there. We were able to spend Mothers Day with my grandma. I loved that we were there to do stuff with her. We also got to visit with my cousins. My Aunt invited us to the movies one night. We also got to try some new restaurants out there. Of course I made time to go shopping with my grandma too. I loved the peaceful feeling I have there. I know a lot of it had to do with being on vacation and not having to worry about anything. Sometimes that is the best feeling. Even though I hate birds I enjoyed waking up to "California" sounds like the parrots fighting outside our windows. I love the colors there.

Beach

We spent one of our last days at Huntington Beach and went and had lunch at Rubys on the pier.

Balboa Island

Paul and I always have to get a frozen banana when in California. Balboa Island is the place to go. We like to take the ferry and spend a few hours on the island. It is a tourist island with cute little shops and boutiques on the main road. We always get a banana and visit the shops. We got some new shirts in the shirt store. We talked with the owner and found out he has had that store for 28 years. He's the only person i've seen that is always there. I have to stop in the candy store and get some taffy there. I have no idea why but Balboa is the only place I ever buy taffy. I love that they have a ton of flavors to choose from and you can pick one of each and not have to buy it in packs. There is also a little book store/gift shop on the island. We love to visit, but this year wasn't my favorite. The employee there was an up in your face type of person and that alone kind of bugs me, but this shop has offered different drinks every year we go. This year we go in and the lady come up and kind of gets to where she is invading my bubble and she starts offering chardonnay and champaigne then looks at me and says oh never mind you are too young. I got way ticked off, ofcourse I wasn't going to accept since I don't drink but I hate when people think i'm that young. I know i'll probably appreciate it in life, but at this point I don't and I looked at Paul who of course just starts laughing. I was so irritated. Anyways thats our Balboa trip.

Cali Trip: DisneyLand!

Welcome to the HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

 Our trip to DisneyLand this year had a lot of firsts for us: 

• This was the first time we stayed in a hotel and went for three days in a row. 
• We tried new food. We ate at Blue Bayou. I don't really recommend it, but it was nice to experience it. 
• We had our first Monte Cristos and Dole Whips
• Character Dining. 
• First time I fell asleep during lunch. You can't really blame me. We kept our tradition and ate at ESPN Zone on the recliners. I was more tired than I thought and got in a small nap. 
• First time on Nemo for me. 
• First time most of the rides broke down while we were on them. 
• First time on the Little Mermaid. 
• First time on new Star Tours. 
• First time we got annual passes. 
• First time we tried Cafe Orleans. 
• First Magic Morning. 

Cali trip: Downtown Disney

 One of our first days in California we went and spent an afternoon at DownTown Disney. We went to lunch at the House of Blues. I tried a shrimp sandwhich called the Po Boy or something like that. It was delicious.  We also shopped in a lot of the stores there. One of my favorites is the Lego store. They had a brand new display that had just been revealed the week before. My favorite was Bell and the Beast. I just love that movie and got way excited when I was the display. They also had Aladin and Toy Story. Its fun to go to. I find it amazing that each display is all legos. It was fun to just get out and do something we don't get to do very often.

Cali Trip: Cinco De Mayo

This year, since we were in Cali we decided to celebrate Cinco De Mayo by going to Wahoos. Wahoos is a Mexican restaurant with the best fish tacos ever. These are some pictures we took while there.

Day 12: Our Favorite Song and Movie At This Time

Paul: My favorite song varies by day. There is a lot of good music. At the moment, I really like Derezzed by Daft Punk. 
Movies: I love movies. There are so many good ones. The Star Wars movies are my favorites. I really like the story to them. 


Kelci: I like all music. I'm not sure if I have a favorite song. I tend to favor country. At this time I love Brad Paisley an Carrie Underwoods Remind Me. I have a lot of different memories with different songs. This song is just a feel good song. I like romantic things and the video to this is great! 
As far as movies go, I love all chick flicks. I don't just have one favorite and wouldn't be able to choose just one. I can go through a list, but a couple at the top of my head are PS I Love You, Bridesmaids, anything with Julia Roberts, Letters to Juliet, The Vow, The Lucky One, The Proposal, Twilight, Beauty and the Beast, etc. I love movies and I love collecting them.

Graduation

Friday May 4th, 2012 Paul graduated with his bachelors degree from theUniversity of Utah. I'm very proud to say he graduated in the top 2.5% of his class. I'm very proud of him and am ready for our next adventure. 

We celebrated by going to lunch after the ceremony to Ruby River and later that night we had an open house at our home. We were able to enjoy some time with our friends and family before we took off for a much needed vacation to California. 

I just want to let Paul know how much I love him. I'm very proud to be the wife of a hard worker and dedicated student. Its not always easy but I know it will be worth it. I know he will be able to accomplish his goal and make our dreams come true. He is such a great example. I'm very lucky to have him.

Day 11: Embarrassing Moments

Paul: I was working at a movie theater at the concession stand. While I was walking back and forth my pants fell down. 

Kelci: I am blind if i'm not wearing contacts or glasses. When I was younger I only had my glasses. Of course I couldn't swim in them. We had friends over one day who were brothers and they were mine and my sister's ages. They were brothers and looked a lot alike. They could be twins. Anyways I had a crush on the one my age, we were talking and making plans to hang out again. I can't remember what all was said but this whole time I thought it was him and the one I was talking to was the younger brother. I felt really stupid when I realized that. I get embarrassed easily, but feel like I havn't had too many moments and am grateful for that. I still have them though. 

Fun News!

I'm so excited because we just bought annual passes to DisneyLand! I thought that deserved a post alone. Now we just have to plan short weekends to come out this way too! I can't wait though. I really think Paul is more excited than me. We also got a killer deal!

Day 10: Something We Are Looking Forward Too

I asked Paul at the beginning of the week about things he is looking forward too. Since part of his answer is happening now I figure I should get this post out of the way, before I start our vacation ones. For Paul, he is looking most forward to graduating from the U and going on a much needed vacation. He says we are both ready for a break. I wasn't surprised to get this answer because in all honesty, it was mine too. For the immediate future I was looking forward to Paul graduating. This will start a new adventure in our life. Following this we have a vacation to California planned. I also look forward to summer and being able to get outdoors. I tend to stay inside in the winter. I hate it. I also look forward to being able to go through the process of helping Paul apply to grad school and finding out where we are moving. I also can't wait to start the adoption process and hope to start the beginning of our family. Those are just a few things going on at the moment.