Baby Danielle

Over spring break I went to visit my new niece, Danielle Elizabeth. She is so precious! Pictures are worth a thousand words, so here are a few:

Grandma and Grandpa's 60th Wedding Anniversary!

Wow! 60 years!!!!! Go grandma and grandpa!

On Friday we went to a place called Old Canal Smokehouse in Chillicothe to celebrate grandma and grandpa's anniversary. They had yummy food, but the really great part was just being able to be with everyone again. All my uncles and aunts were there as well as a few cousins too.

I love you two so much. Justin and I want to emulate your commitment and dedication to each other.

PS. Grandma, I just want you to know that I left out the smooching picture because I knew you wouldn't like it being online! 

Weekend in Elk

Last weekend we took a trip to Elk, California, about 3 hours north of San Fransisco along the coast. It is a beautiful drive, though it is quite windy. Compared to other places in California, it is nice to see history again with some historical buildings and a relaxed atmosphere. We stayed at a place called The Griffin House Inn, and we were pleased with our lodgings. The bed and pillows were superbly comfy, and there was an old wood stove as a fireplace, with wood ready-cut and ready to burn. While we didn't have an ocean view, access to the beach was nearby.

Our cottage was half ours, and the other half another guest rooms. Of course, it was completely cut off from the other side of the house with a separate entrance. (You can't see the entrance on the left from this picture) Once we were there, we wished that we could have gotten one with a ocean view, but they were a little too much for our wallet right now. The other cottages are just to the right about 50 feet and sit right above the ocean. The whole complex is like a little neighborhood)  We also ate at their dinner house and it was pretty good too- we just shared a pizza, but I'm sure the other selections would be nice as well.

One thing I really liked was the breakfast. Around 8:30 they bring you hot drinks  of your choice- we had some fabulous homemade hot chocolate. About a half hour later, your hot meal comes delivered to your door! Talk about service! Saturday morning we had french toast with baked apple topping, and Sunday it was eggs, hearty bacon, and potatoes. Of course they have fresh fruit and orange juice also.

After breakfast, we went down to the beach area even though it was overcast and threatened to rain on us. The beach was filled with driftwood and all types of sea kelp. The rock arches along the coast were some of my favorite parts!  Apparently this area used to be a major logging region, and the historical center nearby was a quaint place to visit, though they were only open from 11 am- 1pm because it was staff by the locals.

All in all, it was nice to relax. There really isn't much to do in Elk, and I think that is why I like it so much!