California Fun!

Just got back from our trip to California and we were so blessed with great weather and a wonderful time spent with family and friends!

The Stuck Family - Gianna's First Birthday Party

First off, we celebrated Gianna's first birthday on Saturday.  We were there Friday to help with some of the preparations, but J and Corynn did a great job of getting most things together before the big day.  It was a picnic theme with a bouncy and several pools, a slip n' slide and a sprinkler to cool off in!  On the menu were grilled burgers and dogs, various salads, nachos and a kiddie bar with pb&j's, grape caterpillars and kid-friendly snacks!  Of course there were adult beverages as well, margaritas and brews!  Corynn's cousin, Kayla made cute watermelon cupcakes and Gianna had her own personal 'smash cake' with an ant on a piece of watermelon.  How creative Corynn!  Everything looked wonderful and tied into the theme and of course, everyone had an awesome time.  Little Gianna was so cooperative despite the fact she didn't nap at all!  She did almost fall asleep while the parents were opening her gifts, but it was her party and she could sleep if she wanted to!

Gianna's birthday celebration - the smash cake
mom and dad watching her as she 'smashed' the cake

Falling asleep while mommie opens her presents

On Sunday am we woke up early to head out to Arizona for a quick trip to hug our dear friends, Jesse and Cindy, whose son, Jesus passed away.  We were unable to extend our beach trip to attend the viewing and funeral, so we just decided on a quick turnaround at lease to give hugs and comfort to our friends.  We managed to see a few friends on this quick trip that we've missed so dearly in addition to the numerous Ortega/Jiminez family members in town for the services.

Otto and I with Cindy and Jesse at our goodbye party
last September in Arizona

We returned on Monday afternoon to pick up J, Corynn and Gianna and head to the beach for our mini-vacation!  Our room was awesome, with an ocean view if you stood up on the planter, but other than that it was perfect!  We changed and headed out to Duke's on the pier for dinner and a quick walk down the pier and to Jack's for J and Otto to purchase a sweatshirt!

Pacific Coast Highway (oh, the memories)

Our hotel - the bridge over PCH to the beach

At Duke's for dinner

Walking on the pier

The next morning we headed to the pool for the day, had nachos and enjoyed the music and sunshine. We decided to head to El Ranchito for $5 their all you can eat taco bar!  It was so yummy.  We then went back to the hotel and roasted s'mores and enjoyed a glass of wine before heading back to the room.

Splashin' with Nani

At the pool

Gianna's first s'more

We hit the beach on Wednesday only to find it much cooler and cloudier than we anticipated so retreated to the pool area for the rest of the day.  We ate at the Sunset Grille on the property that night and enjoyed some tasty fish, then walked to Main street for some Gelato!

Walkin' on the beach with Nani - looking for shells

Happy beach baby

Beach again on Thursday, check out day and breakfast at the Sugar Shack on Main St.  The weather was much nicer and we even enjoyed a dip in the ocean.  Gianna played in the sand and laughed and giggled as we dipped her into the surf!  We ended up staying at the hotel and enjoying the pool for the rest of the afternoon then headed home (in traffic) so J could play in his softball play-offs that night.

Gianna loved the water

What is this stuff?

We were blessed to be able to see the family and friends on this visit; at Gianna's birthday, a few at the beach and finally at the little get-together at Robin and Joe's on Friday night.

Stephanie, Jason, Otto and G

Happy baby - Tiger sharkin'

Mallory, Otto and goddodda

Otto, godson and me

Me and Charlene

Stephanie, Otto and Camers

Tree, me and Otto

Grandpa Sam, G and Corynn

Still crazy after all these years (37)
Karen, me and Margaret 

Thank you all for making our time in California so awesome.  We truly are blessed with such great family and friends and enjoy the time we were able to spend with all of them on this trip.  Looking forward to our next adventure!