Impromptu California Trip

 Annie called me at the first of the week and asked if I would like to go on a road trip to California?  Of course, I said yes.  Annie wanted to take a couple dresses down for Abby to try on for her wedding and to see the cabin and deck where Abby and Antonio will be married.  Annie will be doing the decorating and just needed to get an "on sight" view of what the deck actually looked like and where things were.  Sounded like a smart idea to me.  

Annie picked me up at 3:15 and we headed to Provo to pick up Mallory and Brinkley.  We were on our way for a fun adventure of traveling, visiting, talking and lots of laughs.  We stopped in Cedar City for some Costa Vida and to fill the car up with gas.

The beautiful Cedar City Temple perched on the hill.  I love that it is one of the first things you see coming in to Cedar City.

It was a bit chilly but we ate out on the patio so that Brinkley could be with us.  Much to Mallory's chagrin, I did throw some chips to the birds.  Mallory isn't fond of birds!  

After a good dinner, we loaded up and headed on the our first night's destination, which was Primm.  However, we did make a stop in Vegas at the now very famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign and took a bunch of pictures.  They have special parking for people and actually have professional photographers there to take pictures for a fee.  We didn't feel the need for anything except our own phone pictures.  Which, I might add, turned out great!

Finally got Brinkley to somewhat cooperate and pose with us.  Mallory has a cute one of just her and Brinkley that she posted on Face Book.

We probably saw a little too much Las Vegas while we were waiting in line but we left happy to be the kind of people we are and not the worldly scenes we witness. from very little clothing to beyond drunk.  It was entertaining.  I'm not going to write the details.  Just take my word for it.  The group who came in on a wedding bus left NOTHING to the imagination.  We saw it all!!!

We made a stop at the outlets in Barstow and went in a couple stores and bought a few items.  Fun shopping.

Brinkley as we were leaving Barstow.  His head out the window to get some air while the car was cooling down.  Brinkley was amazing to travel with.  So good in the car.  

We made it to Primm and stayed over night.  The room was a bit sketchy but better than Maren experienced with Boston.  We left the next morning about 9:30.  Grabbed a McDonald's breakfast and we were on our way to Lake Arrowhead where we were to meet Abby and Antonio.

Explanation for this picture after.

I have to post these two pictures because it was kind of funny trying to get them.  Every time we went by this particular sign I tried to get a picture but Annie turned to quickly and this is what I ended up with.  The first one made us laugh and laugh.  I sent it to Abby and said, "This is where you turn!"  

Then, this second one was a little bit better.  At least I got most of Lake Arrowhead in there.  

  We spent most of the day at the Resort and met Abby and Antonio there.  We had dinner out on the patio and then wandered around and did a little shopping.  Very fun day.  Here are some random pictures.

Brinkley checking out the fish in the water.

The beautiful and very private fenced off lake.

The place is way up in the mountains and it is gorgeous.

I took this because I thought it was so funny to see this lab very contentedly kicking back on the boat in the afternoon sun.  

Oops!!  My thumb got in the way.  Sorry girls :-)

We spotted this shop as we were driving in to the resort.  Loved that my name was spelled correctly.  Don't see that very often.

We had dinner at Papagayos.  Sat out on the patio so that Brinkley could join us.  The temperature was almost perfect.  Sweater weather for me and t-shirt for the rest.

Mallory and Lynda Ann went into the Chocolate Factory and got candied apples.  I don't like them so I stayed outside and tended Brinkley.  When they came out the informed me that they also had hard ice cream.  Well I would never pass up a chocolate mint ice cream cone!  It was delicious.  I stood in the sun enjoying my ice cream cone and Mallory and Annie were sitting in the shade enjoying their apples.

After dinner we went to the cabin where the wedding will take place.  Annie got some great ideas from Abby and Antonio on decorations, where they would stand, etc. etc.  I wish I could possible share Annie doing her charade of a bride walking down the aisle.  I laughed until I couldn't breathe.  It was so funny!!!

Annie is a comedian at heart!!!

After some measurements, ideas, thrown around and final decisions made we headed for the cabin we were all staying over night in.  The moon was breath taking as we climbed higher in the mountains.

Just chillin' at the cabin. 

We all stayed up late talking.  I think Mallory and I were out first.  Mallory and Abby along with Brinkley stayed in one bedroom, Annie and I in the other and Antonio got stuck with the couch downstairs.  

The next morning we order breakfast and sat out on the deck and ate.  All of us wishing the morning would move quite so quickly.  At 10:30 we had to all say our 'goodbyes' and Abby and Antonio headed back to LA and Lynda Ann, Mallory, Brinkley and I headed back to Utah.  

On the way down and on the way back I asked Annie questions and we recorded her answers.  Questions like, how did you decide names for your kids?  How did you meet and get engaged to Jeff?  Cute stories about each of your children, etc.  Now, it is up to me to type up what she said.  

The trip was fun and very successful in finalizing wedding plans.  Abby asked Tucker to marry her and Antonio and to take pictures.  He graciously accepted and has a double duty at the wedding ceremony which will take place on July 21st in the evening.  So happy and excited for Antonio and Abby.  They make a darling couple.  

We traveled all day, arriving in Provo about 9:30 p.m. Lynda Ann was a trooper and drove all the way.  She was tired / exhausted by the time we reached Salt Lake but I think very happy that we accomplished what she wanted.  Great trip, Annie.  Thanks for inviting me.  LOVED IT!!!