Flying Porta-Potties and Scandinavian Things

I hope that title got your attention because "Solvang with Mom, Dad, Cassie, and Calvin" is kinda boring.

The tots adorbs newlywed Cass and Cal were in California this weekend. And whether the aebleskiver pan was calling their name, or just a little adventure, I don't know. But squished in the back seat of my parent's sedan we were on our way to Solvang (see my brief mention here). To be quite honest, I think we were hoping for some cooler, breezier temperatures closer to the coast as well.



It was bright and sunny and a great day to hang out. Mom has always wanted to eat in Solvang, to see how aebleskiver straight from the source (well, so to speak) taste. We ate at the Red Viking, in a bit of an awkward squished table next to some annoying foodies from LA (well, they thought they were foodies- really they just ate food and were snobby). The food was honestly disappointing, and we all agreed that Dad's aebleskiver are the best there are (now I sound like the snob!).



We walked around a bit. I found an aebleskiver cookbook for dad, if he decides he wants to get fancy. We of course had to walk by in famous wooden shoe. Our family always had to take a picture by the shoe, Cass being the youngest would always sit in the shoe. She's just a little too big now but you still gotta get that pic!

Mom and dad bought us some pastries to share. I love this picture- how do you begin to get at something of that creamy magnitude?!



I had to make sure to snag a few of these while I was there. I haven't been able to find raspberry danish dessert anywhere else (okay, okay, if I got desperate I could turn to the internet).



I almost closed off this post without mentioning the flying porta-potty! Well we were on our way to Solvang when we see a helicopter over the beach with a long rope-type cord hauling something. We were all mystified wondering what was happening and if everyone was okay. Then when we drove past we looked behind us to see the Unidentified helicopter-aided-Flying Object was... a porta potty. Definitely was not expecting to see that at the end of the line.



To break up the longish drive home we stopped at Refugio beach. The ranger at the pay station was super awkward and asked my dad, "Will I be charging you the $7 fee or $8 fee?" Luckily my dad was totally on it and politely joked with the ranger that, yes, he just might make the senior citizen discount. Everyone else in the car was totally lost. Like you really have to be that awkward over a $1 difference? Pretty sure my dad would've given it to you had you just asked.



The campground at the beach was teeming with unkempt urchin children running wild, RVs, trailers, and tents. We had the right idea though and walked straight through to the beach.



Always a good time for some photo ops. I love this picture. My mom hates pictures so you have to sucker her into them while she is in her happy place.



Mom's happy place = anywhere the beach is!

Patio Project

There has been talk for quite some time now, about building a sort of patio extension with a raised planter bed and trellis. This idea came from one that we had seen at Home Depot before. I wanted to get this ball rolling, so after a trip to Home Depot, we came home and staked out the dimensions to see how it would look in the backyard.

We mistakenly thought it was a kit that you could purchase with lumber already cut. Well, it wasn't but that ain't no thang for the son of a carpenter, my dad. And it actually gave us (read: dad) more freedom to change the dimensions and play around with the idea. But first things first- breaking up the earth. AKA concrete desert adobe clay that is the backyard. That was definitely an interesting chore. Especially when the rototiller isn't cooperating. 

Ross and dad were at it early one Saturday morning- trying to beat the heat, even in April. It's a good thing too because this was a task that took several weekends and many people working together. 

See how many different types of tools you can spot in this pictures. In Palmdale we don't use snow shovels for snow. 

Progress! Looking so good. 

Another angle. 

Then before we all knew it dad took off with the project and had already started laying the pavers. That ain't no joke. Laying the tarp, dumping the sand/ base layer, then perfectly rotating and positioning the heavy stones. 

We helped where we could but we barely touched the tip of the iceberg. My dad turned into an animal to get this done!

Here he is pushing the top layer soil sand stuff into the cracks once all the pavers are in place.

Then next thing we know dad sends the family these pictures. 

My jaw dropped! Are you serious? I know it was a huge amount of work hauling the lumber and even figuring out the construction dimensions but it looks like he just whipped this together like it aint no thang. 

Dad is so amazing. He just figured it all out and thought through everything including holes in the bottom for the water to drain. He's been doing amazing projects like this for as long as I can remember. In junior high I remember writing a poem about him "Mr. Fix-It." But it needs a part two "Mr. Build It from Scratch." 

Next comes the top and side trellis, and then soil.

And before you know it plants!

It is a truly amazing piece of art! With the California drought I think it's smart too, because it reduces the lawn and need for so much water. It really beautifies the backyard and helps block out the houses behind. Hopefully even more so when the climbing plants grow a little. I know it was a huge project for my dad to take on- essentially all by himself with minimal help. I really admire his determination and diligence. The goal and extremely short timeline was to get it finished by Cassie's bridal shower. All decorated for the party! It made a fantastic focal point for the get-together.

All the guests couldn't stop oo-ing and ahh-ing. But my dad may be in trouble because I saw several ladies taking pictures and commenting that their husbands have a new project now. Haha. 

As a family we spend a fair amount of time outside, and we have already enjoyed the new patio so much. Find some more blog posts featuring this beaut

Here 

also Here 

and Here. 

Petersens in Palm Springs

-Written by me and Ross did the stellar job of adding 3 captions. 

Saturday April 25th

Ross and I were pretty excited to hear that the annual Morris-Petersen vacation would bring them to our neck of the woods. As they planned their trip to Palm Springs we did all the could to secretly (or not so secretly) convince them to spend as much time with us as possible.

Of course the first day they arrive was the first time in months we had rain and the temperature was cooler here than in Utah. But have no fear Benihani is here.

That awkward moment when your scallops are more photogenic then you and your husband.

I'll give it to them though. They make a great couple... in my belleh! 

After a long day of delayed flights, I think they were pretty ready to get to the hotel and crash. Someone who was NOT crashing would be yours truly. I laid down in bed and I couldn't sleep. I got up and did some stuff, tried again, still wasn't happening. I thank my lucky stars I don't have insomnia because I am not a patient person and I hate lying in bed awake at night (more than happy to lie in bed awake when I should be getting ready for work). At about 1pm I realized that I sub-consciously downed about three tall glasses of Dr. Pepper. Oops. In case you don't know, me + (copious) amounts of caffeine = awake for days. I sometimes wonder if that is what it feels like to do meth. But I digress. 

Sunday morning we all went to church together. The rest of the day was a nice afternoon of relaxing, tacos, and a walk in the park. The weather was kind of miserable yesterday, but today was the perfect day to take advantage of cooler temperatures. We headed over to Prospect Park to go for a walk and enjoy the outdoors. 

The park is not super high in elevation but there is a very pretty view of the orchards and mountains. 

I also found out that I can see the University from there. 

^ Better than the scallop picture. 

I love seeing how all the trees grow towards the light. There is somewhat dense vegetation so they have to compete to grow. 

I'm always making Ross take more pictures with his family.

I love my Momma! She is the best.

Just cruising among the tall trees. 

I need someone to paint me some of these pictures so I can have a souvenir of Redlands and this pretty park. 

When wandering around the park we found this really weird and very different kind of tree. You can sort of see it but not fully appreciate it in this picture. It is the yellow one in the upper leftish. It is always a refreshing and relaxing experience to walk around in nature. 

After hanging out they headed back to the hotel. Unfortunately Ross and I have obligations this week, but they get to head out to Palm Springs for the week. My hope is that it stays cool, but not very likely. 

Saturday April 25th

Friday evening we met up with them again so we could catch them before they fly out Saturday. We ended up eating at TGI Friday's, which was amazing (thanks!). The rest of the evening involved the hot tub time, Captain America, and a fun game of Telestrations. Sadly, not all at the same time. 

This is now one of my favorite games.

When we found out they were flying out much later than we all thought, it was much easier to say goodnight. We were trying to think of something memorable and unique to Redlands that could potentially fit into their schedule before they had to fly out and that was when we thought of Carolyn's Cafe!

It is always a fun and interesting experience at legitimate antique/consignment stores. You never know what little things they may have that are great finds. We found this decorative little woven bowls that we bought and a bunch of other stuff that would really be fun to have one day. 

I am fairly sure that I need this table as my own personal Coldstone table. I'll detach the top, buy a deep freezer to put it in, then when I want to make an ice cream creation, I will be ready to go. Sounds totally doable and practical. 

We came back to the apartment and just hung out, fans blasting and chatted and napped. I think it had been a pretty full week and everyone was exhausted. Before long they had to get going to the airport. Always hard to say goodbye but we enjoyed the time we had with them. 

LA Festival of Books

Now the weather is warming up I've found that I'm sick with the Spring Fever. That is... More prone to restlessness. I am constantly wanting to get up and about and just in general be outdoors.  Which is probably why I was excited to trek to Los Angeles for the Festival of Books.



Ross has the first part of the second part of his medical licensing exam coming up, so he spent Saturday morning studying with friends but once he was done, we were off! After navigating to a parking space and some wandering around we found my parents. Well, I should say that mom found us. I think it must be a mom thing, to be able to pick out your kid in a crowd of people. Well play mom, well played!

Before we met up with my folks we actually took a walk down the "Hero Complex" which was the portion of the festival with all things comic related. It was on the way so of course we had to. Lots of cool stuff going on.



The boring part was all the comic shops who pretty much just re-located to the festival, under and EZ-up. But the cool part were the local and independent artists and publishers with their wares; art, comics, and all kinds of merch. Ross scored a graphic novel with amazing artwork for only $10. And I settled for a Rocket button.

Truth!

When we met up with my parents we listened to Octavia Spencer who was speaking and answering questions. Some of my favorite quotes were,

"Dream the biggest dreams... and it can happen!"

and when asked how she gets over writer's block,

"How do I get over writer's block? Well, I go the the kitchen and get a snack!"

The Festival of Books takes place at USC and is absolutely massive. The campus is divided up into different sections of literature, young adult, cooking, poetry, children, etc. The best section was the children's literature because it was the most interactive and brightly colored. For a little bit we listened to a panel discussion that included the author of The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. Always a family favorite.



Part of the fun was just walking around and seeing everything that was offered!



Mom and dad bought us ice cream, which was awesome because it was pretty warm out.





Almost matching hats! A necessity for the day. Not a cloud in that sky!

One vendor had some really cool handmade leather products which reminded me of something Pip and Andrew could make. 

Also, pretty sure some child labor laws were broken with this 7 year old selling water. Dad had to help him out with the math. Dad just can't stop teaching I guess. :D 

I don't think that Matilda poster was made for adult sized faces.

The best part of the day was when I got to meet the author of Sparky! One of my favorite kids books (since I've been a kid). She was really nice and since I don't actually own the book I got a copy and had it signed. My mom met her earlier and told her about how I had crocheted a little Sparky sloth for her. While I was getting the book signed I shower her the picture and her publicist asked if I could send it to her so they could use it! It was surreal, I was surprised but said sure!

Also, I asked if they had an Sparky bookmarks, as advertised on the sign. And as she was looking around she said no, but that I could have this limited edition print by the illustrator! Whaaa?! I was so shocked, it was such a cool experience and felt unreal.

It's so much fun to hang with mom and dad. I will never take for granted how nice it is to live close. Ross and I were in no rush to make the 90-ish drive back, so mom and dad volunteered to take us out to eat. They have a bunch of food trucks at the festival, but the lines were long and I was trying to get my parents to suggest this friend chicken place in Culver City my mom's been talking about. 

SCORE!

But before I go on about Honey's Kettle Fried Chicken, I need to tell you about this present my parents got for me. My parents have been mentioning it for a several days now, and they were both pretty excited about it. They wouldn't tell me where they got it from and my dad joked that they were, "still making payments on it." I was interested. Furthermore they said that they weren't even sure it would fit in the car for them to bring it to me. Huh!?!?

So as Ross and I were standing out in front of the restaurant, my parents drive by. And from a distance it looks like a dog's head or something is poking out of the window. 

My parents are crazy. They bought me a pony!!!! With a big ol' bow around it's neck. The inside-joke nature of this present goes way far back to remember, but it's perfect in every way. Ask me about it if sometime if you really want to know. Also, I had to put "Pony girl" on the caption because it is kinda like "horse girl" except it is a pony, and a fancy literary play on words from "ponyboy." See how clever I am? 

About that fried chicken....

It was to die for. The only time I have had fried chicken close to that good was when I was in Memphis. Mmmm! And for the first time I tried honey on fried chicken and it was delicious. The honey that they have there is particularly good. The only thing was that it was so. much. food. I think it make me a little gluttonous to say this. but look at the texture of that chicken in the picture on the bottom right. *drools* 

Ross gettin' at dat. As far as sides, the biscuits were freaking epic, but so was the sweet potato pie. After dinner we rolled over to my grandparents' and hung out with them for a bit, since the last time I saw them was Easter and I have been feeling a little deprived. It was fun to just hang out and take it easy after a long (hot) day.