Away

We got in the car, and drove away. With each mile, that much more baggage was dropped. The tunes were cranked, the wind was blowing and the best part, the sky was overcast. 

When I was in college, my friend Summer and I took a road trip to Southern California. We both love artichokes, so we stopped in Castroville. They affectionately call themselves The Artichoke Capital of the World! We found this awesome artichoke and took a picture with it. I had it up for years and now, can't locate it. On our trip, I was hoping to find the exact one again, but didn't think we would. We stopped in the town, and just as I wondered where it might be, I turned around and there it was.

I love you artichoke. So happy we could meet again.

Smitten

Pure artichoke bliss! 

Just one leaf please...

Bye bye baby. Until we meet again. 

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Booo Hisss! 

My charged camera battery (looks like I need a new one) died before we even got there. Phone photos from here on out : )

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With carefree smiles on our faces, we finally arrived in Carmel. First up ~ getting lost. I have to say, if you're going to lose your way, this is the place to do it.

This was a garage. 

I wanted to knock on the main house door and ask if they would politely move their car out so I could assume residency.

Don't I look devious in this picture? I am about to tear stuff up ; )

I brought a nice outfit for dinner ~ you know ~ skirt, leggings, heels, earrings, bracelets, makeup, etc. I was planning on wearing them, but as we were getting ready to go walk around Carmel, I thought ~ forget it! I work too hard at home, the last thing I want to do is walk around town in heels.

I slipped on my shoes, slid into my puffy vest and sat down with the best "I'm ready" look all over my face.

Dapper Dave took one quizzical look at me and said, "Are you still getting ready?" I said, "Nope! I'm good to go." He then looked me up and down, and proceeded to tell me I looked like a Runaway! I was laughing hysterically, and started chanting, "Hood Rat! Hood Rat! I'm just a Runaway Hood Rat!"

Then, I thought it a great idea to bust into some of my favorite Krumping moves. Keep in mind, I've only seen it on TV.

Ha ha. The above picture looks more like Mr. Roboto!

Hood Rats have all the fun!

For my dismount, I was about to topple this chair over, but Dave stopped me. He quickly reminded me of how clumsy I am and said I'd probably bust my teeth out. 

He's right! That's very true.

I exited the chair in a nice and orderly manner.

I love this little town. 

Everywhere we turned, there was something beautiful!

Well that sure is a funny door stop!

As day turned to night, Carmel's true beauty emerged.

This was a cute little candy store.

This was a baby dog laying on top of a mommy dog. I missed Rainey so much in this moment. I had to stop to pet them and of course take a picture.

The next day we drove to Big Sur. This proved to be the best part of our trip!

Had to pause for the cause. At least when when we're driving and I suddenly scream, it doesn't scare Dave anymore. He must be thinking, "oh, cows, ok."

A lucky place to be a cow.

This is a school. I wanted to enroll Avi in it!

Free falling!

Dave was so nervous taking this picture. I said, "I'm not going to fall!" And he said, "I saw how you and Amy were falling all over  the place trying to do your  Romy and Michelle pose. Remember, you guys had to finally go stand against the wall?"

Reverse camera pics! 

We wanted to show that we are a family of Coneheads, and it's not just Avi.

Free your mind and the rest will follow.

In this moment, I was thinking Big Sur was in need of a pie shop!

I knew just the girl to provide it ; )

Monterey 

We drove to my favorite pizza place in Capitola. Yes, I travel for food alone. I didn't eat much all day. I did this so I could shove a block of the best pesto pizza down my face. They stopped making it about 4 years prior. 

BAAAAA HOOOOOO!!

Thanks for joining us...we had a blast!

"Back to life, back to reality, back to the here and now."