On the 24th of July, in a Vacant Parking Lot, We had a lot of Fun

So Utah shuts down on the 24th of July. They are really obsessed with it. But lucky for me I had some time and for just a little money, we were able to buy some fireworks and have some fun. Way to go pioneers for coming over the plains, so we could have fun on an otherwise pretty typical day. :)

I am on the left. These were some big sparklers.

Luis is so happy. He is not from the USA and enjoys all of our miscellaneous holidays such as 4th of July, Halloween, and 24th of July.

We had two kinds of sparklers, great ones and not so great ones.

Luis in the middle has the boring ones and Esther and Yohan who are on either side of Luis have the amazing ones that they do not make in California.

I am completely terrified. I was told it was going to explode in my hand. I am holding it as far away as possible in order to not get hurt. Little did I know, that it wasn't going to explode, but instead that the boys find satisfaction in telling me lies and seeing me be scared.

Lighting fireworks with other fireworks. It was great.

Just a couple of California girls with Jumbo Phantom California Candles.

These were my favorite part, and the perfect end to a fabulous day off.

Some More Summer Fun In Southern California

So I have never really gone on a trip to visit anyone or anywhere without my family.

So I decided to try it out. After going to Sacramento for a week, I made a pit stop on my way back to Utah in Southern California, to visit my roommate Devin and her cousin Breanne.

So here are some photos as always.

So I get off of the plane at the Long Beach Airport, and the streets are lined with palm trees. I can't help but smile and after being in the one hundred degree heat of Sacramento, I was able to enjoy the 70 degree weather, which is considered HOT for them, but felt nice for me.

Here is their flight control tower. It is shaped like a tug boat. Did I mention that only about 1/8 of the airport is indoors and the rest is all outdoors, even security. It was way cool though, I got to enter and exit the plane via staircase. I enjoyed it. My plane also had TVs and internet on it. That was a 1st for me. It helped keep me distracted.

So my first stop was her Grandma's house. It is shaped like a castle, and you can really go up there and look out. It has 3 stories and a spiral staircase, along with a dance hall on the top floor. It was pretty amazing.

The next day was beach time. Here I am all ready to go. I bought that beach dress within hours of arriving and basically wore it for 2 days straight.

Here is Breanne and I wearing some movie star glasses and relaxing on the beach.

Devin and I also posing for a movie star glasses photo.

The perfect day: Good beach, Good weather, Good friends.

I requested to see the sunset, and here are some of the shots I took.

This one is my favorite from the whole trip.

These surfers look like sharks.

More palm trees. They are everywhere.

The tiny sign says that this is the San Clemente Cafe. I didn't go there but just thought it was cool.

This is my departing day. Devin and I right before I left her house.

On the way to the airport we bought the world famous Rainbow sandals, which are made in Devin's hometown. Let's just say I wear them everyday since I bought them. :)

On the way to the airport we drove pass the Newport Beach temple, so i snapped a photo of it.

Me flying off into the sunset. I was very sad actually at this moment because I knew I would not be back there in a long time and that I unfortunately was headed back to work and school and boring utah. haha

Well that's my trip and an experience that I will never ever forget.

My first day back...

So usually I travel alone, but holly came to utah to see her mission president's homecoming talk, so we flew back together. It was fun.

We had a layover in Portland Oregon. Here we are flying over Mt. Hood.

My dog and I after 9 years. He is getting old and so am I.

My best friend came home!

My cousin came home from his mission in Guatemala.

Family Photo.

The mom hugging photo.

Hugging the little brother.

Hugging the Grandma.

You can just see the sheer joy on her face. Her son is back for good.

Me and him.

Together again at last.

I forgot how tall he was.