California for a Wedding!

First off, HAPPY NEW YEAR.  Okay, back to July 2017.

Back in July 2017 we took a weekend road trip to California!  This was my first time driving there and spending more than 48 hours.  Last time it was a quick flight in and out.  WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!  I am looking forward to the next time we can take a trip there.  The 6 hour drive was boring (hello thousands of solar panels) but super easy there and back.  We will definitely be taking trips there more often now!  I fell in love with the beach, more on that at the end.  Now, for lots and lots of wedding pictures and fun!

(got a little bored in the car)

We arrived Thursday afternoon and I went out with my friends for Janessa (the tallest one) for her bachelorette party.  After dinner and gift giving we went to an escape room.  That was the first one I have ever done.  I'm going to be real honest, I am way too impatient for escape rooms.  If I was by myself I would give up within 5 minutes and demand to be let out.  So cheers to my group for getting us out in time! 

Friday morning was Janessa and Parker's wedding at the Newport Beach Temple!  We enjoyed beautiful weather and a reception that night that overlooked beautiful views of the area. 

The next day Eric and I met up with our friends Kelly and Paul at Huntington Beach.  While I was growing up my family took a few trips to the beach.  I have no memory of getting in the ocean and my Mom says I was too scared of it and that is why this picture of me, in a kiddie pool, at the beach, exists. 

This time around I wasn't afraid.  And I was extremely excited to be in the ocean for the first time that I would be able to remember.  It far exceeded my expectations.  The waves that day were awesome and before I knew it we had spent 3 hours at the beach swimming and hanging out.  That is the life!!  I am a beach/ocean girl at heart.

Texas: Magnolia Market

MY TRIP TO TEXAS FINALLY CAME!  It did not occur to me that I should visit Magnolia Market in Waco until the day before I was planned to fly to Texas.  Eric and I both love watching Fixer Upper and both dream of living in Texas again one day and picking that area.  I've been home to Texas two other times since it opened, but never made plans to go and I don't know why!  I'm so happy it worked out this trip.  It was a blast.

The first thing you have to understand about Magnolia Market at the Silos is it is very well thought out.  The idea is genius.  The design is beautiful.  It has Joanna Gaines ALL over it.  I love the episode where she brings Chip to this location and tells him she has a dream for it.   It also happened to be the Silos Baking Company's one year birthday!  It was a HUGE celebration.  The balloons were magical! 

First, we walked around just taking it all in.  There is a huge pavilion with picnic tables, more shaded picnic tables, a stage, food trucks with yummy smelling food, and the recognizable grassy opening with swing sets and games.  This is what I loved the most.  You don't have to pay a thing to walk onto the ground of Magnolia Market.  It's a great family atmosphere to hang out and throw the football or frisbee (that are provided complimentary) with your family.  

Next, we checked out the store.  That was something else, especially if it's your style.  I did get a few things like a magnet (we're that couple that collects them) 😂 and a magnolia t-shirt and a mug! #souvenirs. 

It was hot and humid.  But no worries, they provided umbrellas for everyone to block the heat and provide shade.  Like what??  HOW THOUGHTFUL! 

I did not know that there was a garden as well.  It was charming and enjoyable to explore! 

The bakery was adorable.  I'm not one to stand outside in long lines, but come on, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try a cupcake.  I was amazed how quickly and efficiently the line moved into and through the bakery.  

And the BEST part... biting into this yummy cupcake.  I got the Birthday Cupcake and it was SO good.  I'd rather eat a chocolate cookie than a piece of cake or cupcake, so I was really surprised how much I did like it!   

Thanks Mom for taking me!  I will definitely take as many future trips back with friends and family.