Ventura Vacation

I finally have some time to share how my vacation went last weekend. All I can really say that it was an amazing trip that I needed to much. I dont know what it was, being around such great friends, being where I feel at home... being happy?? But the spirit was so strong for me my whole trip, I felt like I didnt want to leave! To start out, right when I had arrived to the LA airport, my best friend Catherine was there to pick me up. I was a little worried because I hadnt seen her in 2 years and I hoped that nothing in our friendship had changed. As soon as I saw her and got in the car she said, "Wow you still look like a Utah girl but you live in Montana... thats weird." haha I knew that it was like I had never left! She is so hilarious and fun I love our friendship. Right when we got into town we stopped by Buffalo Wild Wings and I sent this pick to Gav just to rub it in a little..

After lunch we went straight to the Kim and Lynda's house and I could not wait to see them. This is the coupld that I lived with while I went to school down there. It was so good to see them. I love them so much and I love being around them. We sat and chatted for hours until it was time for me to go to Kylie's bachelorette party... that was why I went down after all. It was so nice to see Kylie. She was so cute and so excited to get married I loved it. For her party we got a hotel on the beach in Oxnard and headed down to Santa Monica to hang out on the pier and to go to dinner. Her sisters and friends kept me laughing all night, it was a good time. Here are some pics...

I was excited for Friday because I had the whole day to hang out with Catherine and to just relax. We woke up early and hitched a ride with the Allen's down to the beach. Kim either goes surfing every morning or if the surf is bad he takes Thor, his dog, for a walk. Well his health hasnt been too good so he cant go surfing for a while. The sad part was that the surf was good and the water was so nice that I could tell it was killing him inside to not be out there with his buddies. But we all went on a nice walk on the beach, Thor went crazy over every stick and it was nice for me to feel at home.

See the surfers??

Thor loves the ocean

 Isnt it beautiful?

Dead seal, gross and stinky

Kim and Lynda, can gav and I be them?

This is where the ventura river meets the ocean, its a pretty cool sight

After the beach Cath and I went and picked up her mom Lori.. whom I also love.. and we went straight to in-n-out.. of course. We went to the park and chatted at ate and just caught up on life. I cannot believe how much time went by. Catherine and I then headed to the mall for some shopping. I feel a little shopping deprived here in Missoula, when you come you will understand why. They just got an H&M there so we basically went crazy in it. I found this skirt that I absolutely loved...

I sent this pic to Gav asking if I could get it. He then explained to me why I couldnt and I was pretty bummed. I looked at Catherine and she was like you cant get it?? I could tell she loved it! So of course I bought it for her. Hey if I cant have it, why not get it for my best friend. She was so excited and wore it to church that Sunday and I must say, she looked stunning. After shopping we headed to the Allen's for the night for some delicious vegan food and some True Grit. And again I felt right at home like I had never left... I loved it.

Saturday was a crazy morning. I woke up and snuck out of the room so I didnt wake up Catherine and got ready for Jeff and Kylie's wedding. She came and picked me up around 7 and we headed up to the temple which is about 1 hour away. I was lucky enough to attend their sealing and it was so wonderful. I am so happy that they chose to be married in the temple and it is a decision they will never regret! I learned so much from their sealing and soaked in every word. Waiting for them to come out of the temple was beautiful. The grounds there is full of flowers and the sun was shining so beautifully, I just sat in the sun and soaked it in.

After lunch in Santa Monica and a sleepy drive back to Oxnard, it was time to party! I got to see a lot of people that I knew and I got to meet some cool people as well. Catherine showed up at the end and we sat and laughed together. After we got home and I changed into some comfy clothes, yup... straight to in-n-out. haha I had to get it while I could. We went and visited with her family and they are so awesome. They are for sure such a great example of what I want my family to be like. Sunday, I must say, was one of the most amazing Sunday's I have had in a while. We went and listened to Kim speak in a ward and he is just so amazing. He spoke about temples, temple marriage, importance of going to the temple and how much he loves Lynda. I love listening to him talk about Lynda. They are such a cute couple and I look up to them so much. After going to Cath's family ward, it was straight home to pack and we were on our way. Catherine said she had a surprise for me and brought it in. and guess what it was... the skirt I wanted so bad. She said she loved it so much and knew I did too and couldnt let me leave without it! What a good friend, not saying that gifts is what makes you one, but I love that our friendship is selfless like that. I was so happy and gave her a big hug! I got some pics before my trip home...

It was sad to leave. I feel the thing that makes me love it there so much is that when I am there, I feel so loved and so wanted. I know that everyone there cares so much about me and genuinely wants what is best for me. I know they all miss me a lot and it makes me feel so good and so important, who wouldnt want to feel that way? Well I miss it there already, though Gavin is happy to have his wife back and I am happy to be back too. Hopefully it isnt 2 years before I make it back again.