Happy July!
I cannot believe we are over halfway through with 2018. Even crazier (well at least for me), I left my job more than 6 months ago. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how life would feel without a corporate gig – but looking back at all the blessings (and adventures) over this year, I am so grateful I took this leap. Thank you to you all for following along and supporting me through this journey!
How did you celebrate the Fourth of July this year? I have always loved the Fourth of July – the colors, the sense of unity we have as a country, fireworks sparkling in the sky, the food (hello watermelon), and it just exudes everything summer. As a child, I spent eight of my summers at Kamp Kanakuk for the Fourth of July. As a young adult, I went to a friend’s family lake house to celebrate. Now as an adult, I’ve spent the past 5 years with my children! The point of me explaining all of that is that I couldn’t tell you the last time I spent the Fourth of July with my own siblings … but this year, David, Hudson and I did. I’m grateful for the time Hudson spent with his aunt and uncle (and of course his grandparents) this year.
Here’s what we did last week!
Tuesday, July 3rd
We flew out of Chicago and landed in Santa Ana, California that afternoon. Hudson was, of course, a rock star on the plane and Mommy even got the chance to watch a Wrinkle in Time. I loved that book as a girl – so it was fun to see the characters I imagined in my head on the big screen. (PS – I love Reese Witherspoon as a redhead – anyone else??)
Once we landed, we headed to Taco Mesa for a Mexican food feast since you know, plane food, yuck…. after running some errands, we spent the rest of the night at the house. We grilled, watched the people pass by on the boardwalk, relaxed by the fire, and enjoyed the smell of the ocean just yards from my parent’s house.
Wednesday, July 4th
Happy Fourth of July! Or do you say Happy Independence Day? Or Happy Birthday America? I think all of the above work!
We woke up – well Hudson woke us up – and we got our day going immediately. We started with breakfast at Cappy’s – a small dive in Newport Beach that serves breakfast & lunch and a prime rib dinner every Wednesday. In March, Hudson loved the pumpkin pancakes they serve – so we decided to see if he still liked them. The answer? a HUGE yes. I need to start making them at home for him (especially because I love pumpkin too).
After chowing down, we went back to the house waiting for the Bicycle Parade to start. We were told it started at 10am; of course, after 30 minutes of waiting, we decided to Google it – it started at 9am. Womp womp. But that’s on our list for next year!
In the afternoon, David, Hudson, and I went to Balboa Bay Club and swam at the resort pool. We had purchased a yellow inner tube for Hudson to wear while he’s in the water; while the floatie wasn’t great (meaning I won’t be linking it for anyone to purchase), he sure did look cute in it! Hudson napped poolside and David and I enjoyed some time together laying in the sun and noshing on Ahi Tuna Poke. We had not had a relaxing afternoon like that in a long time and it was such a treat!
That evening, we stayed in – everyone was wearing their patriotic best including Hudson’s adorable flag button-down. The best part of the evening was the fireworks. My parent’s beach house is 3 stories tall and they have an incredible rooftop deck. From up there, we saw 7-8 different firework shows in all different directions. I curled into David in the corner and we watched the bursting colors in the sky.
Thursday, July 5th
We went to a new breakfast spot – Plum’s Cafe + Catering. Hudson flirted with the women sitting at the table behind us, chowed down on some berries (our waitress said he looked like was part of a zombie massacre haha), and enjoyed their unique take of various breakfast dishes. I had the shirred eggs and it was absolutely TASTY!
Since the pool was such a big hit with Hudson the day prior, we went back to Balboa Bay Club for another afternoon hanging poolside.
Our evening was spent on The Whistle – my parents’ new boat. No, not boat….yacht! It’s crazy – 3 bedrooms, 3 bathroom, 2 grills, and a mini-kitchen. So you could definitely live happily on this ‘boat.’ We enjoyed a sunset cruise in the harbor. Grandpa grilled fresh swordfish on the boat – they were caught that morning! You could still practically taste the sea salt!
Friday, July 6th
One of the must-visit breakfast spots we’ve had for 6+ years in Newport Beach is Wilma’s Patio. It’s on Balboa Island – which if you haven’t visited is definitely worth it. The houses on the island are out of a storybook (see the image below) and there is a great main street to walk around.
After breakfast, Grandpa took David and me up to Corona Del Mar on the electric bikes. If you haven’t heard of an electric bike, it is the coolest upgrade to a bicycle ever! It looks and acts like a regular bike; however, it has a battery powered “booster” that can push you up to 20 mph. Those big hills you hate to ride up because your thighs scream bloody murder for days after? No problemo on these bikes! The houses were stunning up in Corona Del Mar; you could smell the hyacinth as you rode down the street and the sight of the ocean from a higher view was just breathtaking.
Hudson took his first official trip to the beach on Friday afternoon. We used a dog bed (clean of course), several towels, and an umbrella to create a little play area/crib for Huddy. He played with the sand (and maybe ate some too – oops), dipped his toes in the chilly waters of the Pacific, downed a bottle or two (gotta stay hydrated), and we buried his legs in the sand to give him a mermaid tail. I wasn’t sure how the beach would be with a baby, and outside of eating sand, Hudson absolutely loved the sights, smells and feels of the beach.
Saturday, July 7th
We slept in late (which is 8am for us ha) and got ready to meet my Aunt Laurie and her friend Deb for coffee and a light breakfast at My Galley. Aunt Laurie lives in Encino, which can be 2+ hours away with traffic. She had spent the evening in Laguna Beach at the Pageant of the Masters – which is another event for my “to do” list next year! It was great to hug her neck in person (we keep in touch over email and social media frequently) and share even a little bit of time together!
Saturday afternoon was spent with more family – my cousin and his beautiful wife and children! We packed up for a day on the boat and set sail for Emerald Bay near Laguna. We dropped anchor, swam in the ocean, and grilled burgers and hot dogs. The scene was idyllic – homes set into the side of the cove, white sandy beaches, cool blue water, and family laughing together. My cousin has 3 little boys who are just the best to be around! The youngest of those three is only a few weeks older than Hudson – so I love seeing those two together!
Our last night in Newport Beach was my favorite night of the whole trip! We cooked at home, each couple responsible for a side dish. We spent time around the kitchen island preparing the meal and then enjoying a crab leg feast! It was practically a Vegas buffet – even better though. We had ice cream for dessert, which Hudson loves. Yes, I have already given him ice cream several times – can’t deprive him of that sticky, sweet deliciousness! As David and Grandpa were giving him a few bites, David asked Hudson if he would like more (which we always sign to him). For the first time ever, Hudson reciprocated the sign and asked for “more.” David would kill me for saying this – but he had tears well up in his eyes – he was so proud!
The rest of the conversation was about silly things from our childhoods – Parker’s ET voice, Perry’s fashion shows in the basement, and my mindless addiction to playing The Sims on our desktop computer in the basement. It’s so funny when you are reminded of something you used to do – but you haven’t thought of it in years! There is so much that happens in this life – and so much we forget 🙁 But thank goodness for YouTube videos of The Sims 1 speaking “simlish” to turn my sister and me into side-splitting, hysterical laughter.
Next was the dance party portion of the evening. And the star? Our night owl baby, Hudson Tyler! For almost an hour, we watched Hudson dance to Saturday Night Fever, Good Vibrations, and his favorite song, “I Like It” by Cardi B. It brought my heart such joy to see my family surrounding my little baby with such love and happiness. There were hoots and hollers, giggles at his cuteness, and everyone was clapping to encourage our little man’s signature head bob.
Watch the video below for my favorite moments of the night 🙂
Sunday, July 8th
We woke up early and left for the airport. It’s always hard to say goodbye to the ocean – I’ve always loved the sound, the smell, and the feeling associated with being around the water. But at the same time, we were ready to get home, see our big kiddos, and sleep in our own bed. There’s always something refreshing about “coming home” after a trip.
So that’s how we celebrated the Fourth of July 🙂 Lots of family, good food, happy music, & memories in and on the water.
Q: any suggestions of things to do/places to visit/restaurants to visit on our next visit to Newport Beach?
Until next time, sending love and light your way! xo
Hollyce
