so long, sunshine!

^^^ take me back to california, pretty please!? ^^^

^^^ one of my favorite breakfast stops on the trip! 

we loved visiting alta coffee shop, located in newport beach.

i chose their yogurt and granola bowl, and of course, 

the signature toffee latte! ^^^

^^^ for our first few days, we stayed at a vacation rental, 

located in newport beach. our apartment was conveniently located four blocks from 

the beach - it could not have been more perfect!

the above pirate house (as it is appropriately nicknamed) 

was across the street; the entire house is absolutely covered in pirates

and all things pirate-themed. it was fun to sneak around! ^^^

^^^ just one more from balboa island! ^^^

^^^ we biked all over with these trusty guys! ^^^

^^^ we had to stop at in-n-out for lunch; obligatory photo, too! ^^^

^^^ our selfie game is strong, clearly :) 

highlight of the trip? a surprise visit to disneyland with willie's cousins!!!

we spent 13 hours at disneyland and california adventure, 

and it could not have been more fun! we rode 9-10 rides,

enjoyed the new water show at california adventure, 

laughed until our bellies ached, and ate far too many treats! ^^^

^^^ picked up some purple minnie ears and an ariel shirt

to commemorate our trip! ^^^

^^^ of course we had to stop at 'willie's churros' for a churro (or three)! ^^^

when we flew home sunday, i was very sad! 

while it is always nice to be home, i truly miss our little vacation.

we had such a blast visiting family and friends

and are incredibly grateful to everyone who made time to see (and spoil!) us.

california, we cannot wait to come back!

xoxo. 

snapshots from balboa island

^^^ while in california, will and i made sure to visit 

balboa island - a quaint island with much to do:

shopping, biking, water sports, parasailing, copious restaurants, 

fishing, and vacation homes galore! ^^^

^^^ can you imagine living here? the views were gorgeous! ^^^

^^^ the island is particularly known for their candy (salt water taffy especially!), 

balboa bars, and the frozen bananas ^^^

^^^ the island is incredibly quiet, yet active! i sure wouldn't mind

living or spending the summer in one of these gorgeous homes! ^^^

^^^ this is the house will's mom grew up in. it is lovely! ^^^

we spent the morning exploring and enjoying the beautiful 

island scenery. unfortunately, we ate a large breakfast 

before visiting balboa island, so we did not indulge in a frozen 

banana or ice cream bar - however, i have heard

both are incredible! next time, we must

come ready, with empty stomaches :) 

california, you were good to us; i miss you already!

xoxo.

a few more from vacation

^^^ one of my favorite stops while visiting huntington beach 

was an area called 'the camp' -

there were coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants galore,

all in a fun, camp-like environment ^^^

^^^ we stopped for lunch here, at black market bakery! ^^^

^^^ so many delicious pastries! ^^^

^^^ the most delicious chicken, cranberry, avocado and bacon sandwich 

we ever did have! ^^^

on our next california adventure, we absolutely must return 

to the camp to spend more time exploring. 

xoxo.