Last weekend, we hit the road and made our way to Santa Barbara. My mom, Grandpa Lou, and Rod were house sitting for a dear friend of theirs who happens to live ON the beach in Carpenteria, just south of Santa Barbara. It was a beautiful location and a great trip.
It was the first time I have spent any time in Santa Barbara since childhood and even though I grew up only a few hours away from this beautiful place, I only visited there a couple times as a youngster. I fell in love. I am sure as a kid I would have enjoyed it but I'm also pretty sure I saw the town differently this time around. Now, I appreciated it for more than the pretty beaches and coastline, although they still captured my heart. I was wowed by the view of the Channel Islands and the serene green hills layered with history, wild flowers, and stunning mansions. I was able to close my eyes and dream of long hikes to the mountain peaks, boat rides to watch whales and dolphins swimming and playing, trips to the tide pools, fishing, playing and hiking on the Channel Islands, trips to wine and ranch country, and I can't hide it- hopes that if I stayed long enough, we would run into the Psych crew during a stroll along the boardwalk. I could go on and on, but I think the title of this post says it all.
While we were there, we took a few long walks on the beach, watched the boys play with their cousin Charles as they built sand castles and frolicked in the water. We played at the aquarium and we were also fortunate to meet up with our friends, Brian and Andrea, for a stroll along the pier and a lovely lunch in down-town. We did get caught in the rain a bit, but still managed to take Owen and Charles for a covered carousel ride across the street from the beach and a drive to see the Mission. The rain didn't bother us though. Some how, I think the cozy beach house, heavy music of the rain and roar of the surf combined with good company, happy kids, yummy food, Scrabble, and a warm fire just put us all at peace.
My fingers are crossed that we get invited back some time!
Here are a few pictures from our weekend..
Kristin showing how close we were to the sand
i think his sweatshirt should read: I heart SB
fun in the sand
proud builders
Kris & me with Gramps @ the Sea Center
It sure was a fantastic time with all of you. I too fell in love with Santa Barbara. What a great place. We will be back...that's for sure! Love Granny
ReplyDeleteGreat post Amber...when I went to SB a few days earlier I feel in love as well!!! I too havn't been since we were young and think that's absolutely crazy since it's so close and amazing! We should try to meet half way one weekend...anyways, sad I had to work and miss out on all the fun but love your pics and glad you had a great weekend!!! leslie
ReplyDeleteIt sounds wonderful. I wish I had gone there while I lived in CA. That's somewhere we never made it to. Glad you had such a fun and memorable trip!
ReplyDeleteI love, love Santa Barbara. You're right. It's not the kind of place you appreciate when you're a kid, but it's just so beautiful. So glad you got to see Brian and Andrea. We miss them!
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