THANKSGIVING IN SAN DIEGO

Okay, before you go judging my Thanksgiving travel plans, know that I tested negative before and after, practiced social distancing, wore a mask in public and packed tons of hand sanitizer. Now we can get to sharing the love- which is much needed in this pandemic. I had not been home since January of 2020, my baby bump and puppy needed vitamin SEA, and I had to check on my 90 year old grandpa’s sharpness. All of it, plus seeing my new baby second cousin was well worth it. We ate good, looked good and relaxed good- it was a much needed recharge before heading into December.

First, lets talk food. Thanksgiving was delicious. I can almost guarantee my turkey was better than yours. My parents used this recipe which included brining and smoking. The sides were simple and perfect and the deserts were decadent. I brought green olive cheese balls and dark chocolate peppermint cremes. Very few leftovers of turkey which meant not as many after Thanksgiving turkey sammies, but I was the fullest I had ever been- a baby + stuffing = stuffed.

We brought our adorable puppy with us- Winter and took her to 3 different beaches. She loves the beach. She chases the birds, loves the sand in her paws and wades in the water. It was our first time going to OB Dog Beach and the combo of the bay and ocean was breath taking. There were plenty of other dogs for her to interact with and the mini tide pools were so fun for her to jump around. Next, Coronado Dog Beach brought a large stretch of ocean and plenty of birds to chase. Finally, our backyard, Imperial Beach, made us keep her on a leash, but with it being so close we had to take her there.

Finally, there was plenty of relaxing. We got our matching Christmas PJ’s early and stayed lounging all day in them. We watched a few movies- Free Birds (didn’t finish because stream was having issues), Doolittle (the new one with RDJ was so good) and Get Santa (British Christmas movie wouldn’t recommend). We also binged holiday baking shows and put us in the mood for baking sweets back home. In San Diego it feels like time slows down- no clock watching and no where to be, but with the ones you love.

Before we hit the road we wanted to take our holiday card photos on the beach. Each year we send out holiday cards sharing our highlights from the year- from adding a puppy, tying the knot to now expecting a little one. We saved a few fave photos on social media and had my dad play photog. We showed him angle, subject, frame and said we will stand here you point and click. They turned out amazing and I cant wait to get them in the mail and on the fridges our our loved ones to see.

Now that we are back home, more restrictions are in place, and I approach the 9th month of pregnancy, Christmas will be spent in Phoenix. We have started decorating for Santa and discussing the traditions we hope to start with our little one in the future. I hope you all had a safe and happy Thanksgiving and plan for your Christmas to be the same. Happy Holidays and I will chat with you all soon.

XoXo

Britt

CHRISTMAS FAMILY VACATION

We spent Christmas in San Diego with the Griswolds. First, we made snow angels for two hours, then we went ice skating and then we ate a whole roll of Tollhouse Cookie dough as fast as we we could, and then we snuggled. No, that was the movie Elf, which we did watch for Christmas Eve. And Clark, my dad, Griswold did give us an amazing tour of his light displays. But this post is all about traditions. Something about making traditions new and old that makes this time of year so special. Here are a few traditions we’re upholding.  

 Christmas Eve is when our family gets together. Homemade lasagna from a sauce that cooked the entire day before and all the deserts you can think of fills our belly as we toast to each other. No turkey, no stuffing. Instead- Italian goodness. 

My favorite are the games. Of course the  white elephant game is played. See photos below for some of the treasures. But this year we added a Saran Wrap present challenge to our oven mit crazy wrapped present games. It’s 3 minutes of pure laughter and fun even if you’re just spectating. 

Traditions for a Christmas in San Diego mean spending mornings on the beach. Whether it’s a good sweat or a casual stroll the salty air in the morning is the best way to start the day in California. In the evening we hit Christmas Tree Circle in Chula Vista. Anxious to see what new displays are added this year we had family visiting from North Dakota who has never been before so it was great to see their reaction. 

I was honored this year to receive many amazing, and thoughtful presents, but one that stands out is a tradition I now carry. I was gifted from a like a mother to me a set of her grandmother and great grandmothers wedding rings. Through the tears, I promised to uphold these family traditions with honor. 

Another family tradition we have kept for I want to say 4 years now are making tamales. Mind you the only hispanic we have In The kitchen with us is my best friend Evelina, but between my mom and my 88 year old grandpa, this year we made 175 tamales. Laughing over the craft, and sharing stories from life passed and present it’s moments and traditions like this I will remember forever. 

When we returned to Phoenix we celebrated with the Acevedo Family and welcomed in a new friend, post to come, but being with family and sharing a warm meal and exchanging love and laughs are the best times of the holiday no matter where you spend it or what day you celebrate it as long as you are honoring traditions the spirit of the holidays with always be there.  

Can’t forget to mention the tradition of the matching pajamas. I know its #trending this year, but we’ve been doing it a while! Gotta love the photos from it!

XoXo

Britt

HOMETOWNS

Last week we took another trip to my hometown of San Diego, CA. Escaping the triple degree heat to Diego is norm in July for us Zonies, but what some might not know is we were headed to a Summer tradition- OTL! 

OTL - Over The Line - Is a three man baseball game and the World Championship takes place on Fiesta Island in Mission Bay and has been for 65 years. I have been attending for 12 years and Jose has joined for 2. One side the Pacific Ocean, One side Mission Bay, and water all around.  

As much as we enjoy the sport and follow certain teams each year we primarily go for the camping or glamping. We claim 2 RV spots 100 yards from the shoreline and sacrifice showers for sand and sun.  Once a year we spend 3 days tanning and playing yard games and 2 nights entertaining everyone with light up boccee ball and campfire. When were too tired to stand we blow up an air matress and sleep under the stars. 

The sport itself is simple and over 50 games go on at once but after 3 innings theres a winner and loser and between the jello shots and clever team names everyone is there to have a good time. 3 rules - No Babies No bottles No Bowsers. We rep our favorite team - IB scoreboard and are there to cheer them on, but back at our campsite we are know for our late night shennanigans.  

With about 12 of us on the site we make sure we always have good food and drinks on hand at all times. This year's hit was Philly Cheese steaks and Mexican Candy Shots!  For entertainment we kept the party alive with washers and an adult tricylce. But the big hit, as mentioned above, was the light up bocce ball!     

During the most recent episode of The Bachelor Becca visited her top guys' hometowns and met the fam bam. And although this was not Jose's first OTL or first time in the Hometown or first time meeting the fambam this event is something raw and after this he is saying "Lets do the damn thing." 

WEEKEND GET AWAY - SAN DIEGO

Happy first day of Summer. Living in AZ it has felt like summer for a least 6 weeks now. With the temperatures only rising travel plans are also on the rise. We have a few trips to San Diego planned this summer, because why not! 

Mid June in San Diego is perfect. You get the coastal cloudy morning that quickly burns off to a beautiful clear sky and by the evening time a light breeze is perfect for a jacket, bonfire, or snuggling. Having lived in AZ for 7 years now, any time I go back home I have to bring longs pants and sweaters. 

Our last trip was for my cousin's wedding (see previous post), but we also spent some time taking in a few San Diego sights to share! 

The San Diego County Fair, or the Del Mar Fair as I remember it was in full affect. It was not hard to convince Jose to get some fried food and watch some pig races. After calling up my best-friend of 25 years we loaded up the Santa Fe and drove up the I5. After stuffing our faces with Australian Beer Battered Potatoes, Fried Zucchini, Chicken and Waffles, Giant Pickles, Fudge, and Donuts we hit the promotional tents and got suckered into a garlic shredder. Finally the pig races! Swifty Swine International Race Way is the setting for the fastest pigs in the west. They race the track for an Oreo cookie! So would I! The state fair never gets old and always a favorite when visiting Cali in the Summer. 

Imperial Beach is the most Southwesterly city in the continental United States. It was my home for 21 years and still feels like home every-time I visit. A lot has changed, ask anyone, hotels and breweries, murals and landscaping, but its still my small little hometown tucked in America's Finest City. 

When the ocean is only 1 mile away from the parent's house the beach is constantly calling your name. Usually Jose and I wake up early and hit the sand for a beach run, but this trip we were ultimate vacationers and walked the beach in search for treasures. The water was freezing, as usual, but the the swells were hitting up to 10 feet so I can see why there were a few brave souls out there.

July in Diego is for Over the Line and if you dont know you need to Google this! We have been partying on the island for 10+ years upgrading from a Radio Flyer wagon to an RV. From 1 hungover day to 3 thought out prep planned days. From a party of 4 to party of 14. Mark your calendars for July 14 -1 5, and look forward to that blog post! 

MEET THE FOCKERS

San Diego was the scene for a 2018 remake of Meet the Fockers staring the Acevedo Family and the Johnson-Dolan Family. A tale of two families spending a weekend experiencing each other's lifestyles while their offspring begin to plan a wedding.  

Unlike the 2004 classic movie, our parents had met each other prior to the weekend retreat, but for only a few hours. My parents were visiting Arizona for a weekend and we were invited to a "Meet the Parents" BBQ in Peoria. They immediately clicked and it was hard to separate them. 

After staying connected on Facebook our families needed a more in depth get together since Jose popped the question. What better way to realx and let loose than a weekend in San Diego. 

3 days & 3 nights in America's Finest City. My parents live 1 mile form the Pacific Ocean and with an itinerary of brunch cruises, Mexico border trips, and yard games it was set to be the best trip ever. 

And it was. We went to the dentist: no cavities, extra guac. We went on the cruise: flowing champagne and harbor tours, yes please! We played Washers till we found a champ: Congrats, Tony! 

But the never ending Wedding Questions hurt my head. "When's the date? Where? What do you mean its not a destination wedding?" I am ready to go to the courthouse and call a taco truck for a backyard party, but Parents are not ready to hear that. 

This weekend brought our families closer together, but me further a part from wanting to "plan a wedding." Help!