Padre, San Jose, & Carpinteria.

Every weekend in February was jam-packed. It flew by. We had something fun planned every weekend. Our first weekend, we took a little weekend away, to stay. We went downtown and stayed at the Padre Hotel on Saturday night. It was SO fun to stay there again!  

When we checked in, the guy working the valet station asked, "Have you guys stayed here before?" We answered "Yes, we have." And he said, "I knew I recognized you" like we were regulars or something. It made us feel special and we want to go back so we really can be regulars.

Dinner was at Mama Roomba's. It was packed that night that we waited in the bar and got some drinks. We got the same drink that we had down in Costa Rica. Ciprianos. Like a mojitio, but without mint. After dinner, we went to the cafe inside the hotel and got spiked coffees. It really couldn't have gotten any better.

The following weekend, we had plans to go camping in Carpinteria. We couldn't have picked a better weekend or had a better time. We happen to go on Carpinteria's 80th birthday. To celebrate, they planted trees. Also, it was really low tide on Saturday afternoon so we went out onto the tide pools. We got to pet a sea hare (which is basically just a sea slug, but it has these floppy ears-looking-things). We went out to breakfast. Met a man with birds. Perused antiques stores. Ate ice cream. And it was Eric's birthday. See what I mean? Could not have had a better time!

Sisterfriend and I are not the most agile tide pool walkers. We decided to go barefoot, which was probably our first mistake. The rocks were sharp and pointy but also very slick. The further out we got, the harder time we had. There were these sea anemones EVERYWHERE and we couldn't stand the idea of just crushing them under our feet. We saw people purposefully sticking their toes in them. It was disturbing.

We were those girls holding hands, struggling on the rocks, and needing rescuing. 

On Saturday night, SisterFriend and I went to retrieve some ice cream for the boys.

We were already kinda giggly. We walk into the ice cream shop and it is SO warm. We start stripping down to a single layer. We stand there, making stupid jokes until it is our turn. I order a small strawberry milkshake for Jay and I. The girl makes the milkshake, takes my money, and gives me my change. Without really reading the bowl, I dump the change into the "TESTER SPOONS GO HERE" bowl. I point this out to SisterFriend. 

I am not sure what it was about this night, but this silly error I made, putting the change in the disposal spoons site instead of the tip jar sent us into a frenzy. I run out of the shop laughing my head off. SisterFriend is just standing there, practically crying, waiting for the girl to make her order. 

I mean, people were staring.

We were those girls that people look at and say, "Those youths are up to no good. Having too much fun, I tell you. Their parent's didn't raise them right!"

And just to be clear, our parent's didn't raise us right.

SisterFriend runs out of the shop, gasping for air. We start walking down the street laughing so hard. Then I taste my milkshake. It is mostly milk. Really, it tastes like strawberry milk with no ice cream. SisterFriend tastes it.

WORST milkshake EVER. 

We bust up laughing  again.

BEST night EVER.

The following weekend after that, I took a solo trip to San Jose to visit with my girls. It was so relaxing and fantastic. These girls are the best. We picked up right where we left off and had so much to discuss. I am still amazed that everyone made the effort to make it to San Jose. The flights, the driving, the money. Committed friends. Loved every second. Well, not every second, but I'll get to that in a minute.

This was us after we went to one of those 'Foot Reflexology' places for a massage. I was definitely skeptical. I asked Alicia right before going in, "Are you sure they aren't going to sell us into the sex trade?" 

She assured me, they would not.

Anyway, this was an EXPERIENCE. You are in a dark room with strangers that are covered in towels. Soothing music. Red light. 

I was not able to completely relax because it was so foreign. And there were times I had to bite my tongue to keep myself from laughing.

After it was all over, Kristen told us that her masseuse said, "Um, lady, flip over" and "Um, lady, you done." Hilarious.

Little Erin & I. Love this girl.

We went into San Fran for the day. And what a wonderful time we had. The weather was amazing that WHOLE weekend. What a blessing.

Some of us went on a boat tour under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz and the other girls went to an aquarium. The boat tour was a lot of fun. I definitely want to go back and take a tour of Alcatraz. Erin and I had so many questions. Mostly about the construction of the prison. We are silly.

Just so you know, Caitlan and I have only hung out twice. But I loved this trip because I felt like I got to know her a little bit better. And she is great. Can't wait to get to know her more on future trips.

Boat girls.

We got lunch on Pier 39, then walked to Ghirardellihi Square. After that, we hit up Haight/Ashbury. Caitlan &  Michelle got piercings. Adventurous. 

The only part that I didn't love of this trip was when I barfed in the car on the way back to Alicia's house. Gross. I even mention it because these girls are great. They took care of me when I was all sick and disgusting. True friendship. If they ever barf around me, I hope to give them the same help and love they gave me. Thanks friends.

It is hard to think that I only get to see these people once a year. It is simply not enough.

However, I'm sure that it will definitely be another year before a eat a clam chowder bread bowl.