San Juan Capistrano

Today we took a visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano.  The mission is officially the oldest building (the chapel)  in CA that is still used on a daily basis.  Much of the structure was destroyed by an earthquake, but what is left behind is beautiful and haunting at the same time. The courtyard and gardens are so majestic!

Homesick

This week has been great in many ways but has also been really difficult. Everything around us is so beautiful, but I desperately miss home. The novelty has worn off, and I could use a squeeze or two from my mama. I lived vicariously through many friends on Facebook who went to the Bobcat opener last week...be sure to cheer loud for me!  For Labor Day, Owen and I drove to Newport Beach, drove around for an hour trying to park, got frustrated and drove all the way home. We could see the ocean, but couldn't get out of the car. On a high note, I drove completely alone to Irvine (specifically, I took the 57 South, I-5 South, and the 73!) Granted, the average speed of traffic was a whopping 20 mph...but it has only been a week and I have to say I am pretty darn proud!

Lizards on the Loose!

First of all, did you know that Praying Mantis' fly? I about stroked out when I saw it! Are they poisonous?  Second, besides the flying terrifying bugs, we have a lizard problem developing.  A few days ago, I opened our sliding glass door and ran over the foot of a 6 inch lizard! At first I thought it was dead, but when I went to touch it, it took off.  Needless to say, I almost stroked out there too.  Here are a few pictures of a little guy that made it into our living room last week. 

Brea

Brea is so beautiful! The people are friendly and the weather is amazing! Here are a few pictures of downtown Brea!

We explored downtown while they were holding a Farmers Market. We sampled fresh fruits, veggies, and a frozen novelty or two!

P.S. the avocados are literally the size of my head! Nuts!

A Trip Into The City..

Owen and I drove to 

last week to meet up with a friend.  It was the first time we had approached LA from the South (from Brea).  I was too busy looking out my window for famous people and taking pictures to notice that we were on our way to

The scenery was amazing! Giant houses in the hills, beautiful cars whizzing by and narrowly missing our humble Versa ... I was trying to take it all in when

I saw the skyscrapers of downtown LA. and was immediately thrown into a panic attack.

Look at this traffic, people! FIVE lanes of cars going one way...it's like the entire state population of Montana on the road at once!!

I did drive ALL BY MYSELF today to go get my nails done and get my hair cut.  Granted...it was only 3 miles round trip, but it was by myself. :)