Solvang....

For a few years, we've wanted to go to Solvang for our Anniversary. It's a charming and quaint little Danish village between Santa Barbabra and Santa Maria. So this year Jared made it happen, he took off a couple days from work, made hotel reservations at the Marriott there, arranged for his parents to come watch the kids... so for the 1st time, we went away for our anniversary... no kids, amazing!

so here we are in Solvang, Yay!

opps this picture is out of order, this is Solvang at night... with my favorite store (Christmas all year round)

it took us awhile to find somewhere we wanted to have dinner... we walked around looking at all the local restaurants. We decided Danish restaurants were out, liver Pate, cooked cabbage and pumpernickel bread didn't sound so appealing, after lots of looking and driving to nearby towns... we finally came across a real gem, a nice upscale Mexican restaurant named Carllitos's in Santa Ynez, we sat outside, had great service, fabulous food, amazing weather, it was perfect!

Then we went back to Solvang to enjoy a nice stroll though town to see all the lights...

The next morning, we had an amazing yummy breakfast at our hotel... but then of course we had to go pick up some yummy fresh baked pastries from one of the fabulous bakeries (they have a few on every street!)

Jared's was the yummiest!

I had a french waffle... it's flaky, crispy, cream filled and sprinkled in sugar... a bit too sweet, so we traded... (thanks Jared)

We picked up a few things to bring home for the kids... I really wanted to get an Aebleskivier maker... (Danish puffed pancake maker)... I will probably get one online.

of course we made a couple stops at some local nursery's... Jared found a few new plants!

Then we took a drive up the coast... ended up at Avila beach... was a beautiful day!

walked out to the end of the pier, saw lot's of seals...

Then it was time to head back home... The kids had lot's of fun with grandpa and grandma, we're really glad they could come watch our kids and enjoy spending time with them.

Jace did great... except Grandma was forced to the foot of the bed... cause Jace came and got in bed with them and kicked and rolled all over her...

visiting before G&G had to leave

thanks Grandma and Grandpa!! and Thank you Jared for planning a great Anniversary get away for us... it was a fabulous time together, love you forever my kewpie!