Our Thanksgiving get-away week ended on a very late night after the long drive, but opened itself up to beautiful sunshine and smiles...After breakfast we headed over to a new craft store, in the search of more decorating goods for the house...and of course the "little things" pop up as Kali and I were walking by, these letters were left in the very same order as her name. So cute!
Deciding on this ride to cruise over in. How could we resist with temps at almost 70.....
sigh.
As I mentioned before, Kali & Kris like for Mama to make Thanksgiving at home. This year seemed a bit different. I normally host for a crowd. Well...this time, I cooked for just us. lol But they had "their" own meal at home....
Cheesy sauce with a cheesy smile. lol!
After breakfast, cuddled up to work on her drivers permit studies....
gasp! But....peaceful.
We met up with Jim and Carol..."Happy Hour" 2.00 Tacos at Javalina's! YUM!
My little sugar plum arrived. Keeping Grampie and Grammie company outside....
Later in the evening, and uhhh ummm....(clearing my throat..) Margarita's for me...Kris offered me a ride on his Moped around our community. Why not?! And with Bucksie...lol- It was actually very very fun.
Warm and cozy night....
My fav spot on deck. So peaceful - And boy did we need it.
We arrived at Fox's Resort Bar. On the river....Big potluck buffet, family and friends from years past. Fast boats, laughter...and good times...Jaymee and Carol-
Gobble Gobble!
Bucks waiting on some turkey....
Kendall, Mama and Krissssoffer!
The kids need sunglasses on? haha
Someone is sleeepy......
My partner in crime.
My other partner in crime.
Dad and Bubs...
Look at the beautiful weather....
There's always one in the group. blaahhaaa!
And THIS my friends...is actually one of MY reasons for heading to this place.
Friday's drive to Desert Bar....It's amazing to see these reeds change color....3 months ago it was 120, baking hot...on this day? 72 degrees, not a cloud in the sky....
Desert Bar is located just out of Parker, AZ. This bar started back in the early 80's. It's 7 miles, down a bumpy dirt road...with nothing but mountains...Kali drove us into the hills....still can't believe we are approaching a driving teen. SIGH......
She was so worried at first....
No need to worry, she had 4 driving instructors guiding her in. haha
As you approach this place, it's parking lot has grown 5 times, I'm sure from the beginning days...the buildings are growing, the crowds are cool. I love this place.
Let the sun shine on-
My favorite place there? The bathrooms. They are built deep inside of rocks. The doors are constructed of old steel that has rusted...the sink basins are large awesome steel sinks encased in beautiful natural wood. As you wash your hands...this is your view. No windows. No main door. Just big doors to cover the potty spots...LOVE the open air. If you know me, public restrooms almost make me hyperventilate. They gross me out so bad. This particular one doesn't even feel like you are in one... One of the original little buildings....so so awesome.
We heard one of our fav bands from Sunset Beach were playing..."Happy Ending" GREAT band. They play often at BRIX's on PCH and McKenna's in the LB Harbor. Great guys, awesome good music.....
what better place to shake our tail feathers.....woot woot!
Bill and his famous popcorn. And very good to absorb...well....his drink(sss).
Picture out of order...this was that evening...Kali opted to "please be dropped back off at home" She was over hanging with us...SO....we headed to our OTHER Favorite spot...THEE place known for Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini's! Cha Bones. Good food, sweet servers...more laughter...!
Cousins.
Have you ever taken that picture you just love? And some guy decides to...well...show his food?! HAHA!!! I love me some Seano! Yea, PEACE to you too! LOL!
A little view of Desert Bar....
Friendship holiday picture-
On our way back, we heard the new Pirates Resort is up and running...and booooy is it! Look at that beautiful picture. LOVE. Especially love the daddy hugging his boy on the right....
Our house cleared out Saturday morning....of course the entire summer I look around, wanting to dust that high wine rack...scrub the large pantry doors, clean out the fridge and THROW everything out...polish all the wood cabinet doors, scrub the floors to my liking...all while Bill is out in his garage doing the exact same thing....both of us..peaceful as can be...music on...Kali in her room doing the shuffle of things too...it was just so perfect. We cleaned for the remainder of the day...went for a little cart ride to give the Coyote's our leftover Turkey legs, and wings...You all know the feeling when the house is so organized and clean, clean, clean! I L.O.V.E. it. This entire summer we've had people in and out...meanwhile I look around and just see yuck. But it's all done now! Look at all the cleaning supplies on counter behind me. YES! Done! And by Springtime...I will do it alllll over again. haha.
We actually woke up to this on Saturday. Our original plan was to drop the boat in the water...when that palm tree is blowing in the wind..? We no takey the boaty...anywhere.
We decided on a happy hour. Just the 3 of us.....cuddlefest.
My new chairs I found for a bargain.
I bought this piece of hallowed out driftwood last year. I actually found 2. My plan for it last year...is this. Cute huh? Topped with our wishbone.
My wish for all of you...during these next crazy holiday weekends filled with shopping, parties, gatherings, wishes...is safe travels, happy moments, tears dried by good memories of those we lost. Keeping in mind all the great things we have. Simple. Easy. Inexpensive. Keep your eye out for good deals, and of course pass them on to those you love...Give big hugs...and sweet kisses to your love. Remember to tell each other just how much love flows. It's there for a reason. Have a great week. I am blogging while a soccer player prepares her goods for an away game tomorrow...a very long day that will end with a bus return at 7:30pm. Another distant game on Thursday....we can do this. May the good Lord above Bless me with a strong early morning...for now, I better log off, and put in my 3rd load of laundry and finish that pasta dish for Kali...and my fam bam to get this week started! CHEERS!
I get a phone call yesterday as I rushed to make Kali's away game in Chino. It's my Cousin Andrea...letting me know "were coming to Kali's game"- Just those words....I would have never called them during the week, asking for them to attend. And there she was. There they were. She knew Kali was playing out by them...This is the sign they brought. These things melt me. Ava held it high...all along I knew inside...adding 10 years to those sweet little fingers....she just might not be willing to stand there holding such a sweet sign her Mommy made. Love. 
We won 1-0. Ayala High is tough. One of our rivals. Tough game. New season..new girls..but we dug in, and took home the win.
It's amazing from the mountains to the sea...we play...yesterday's game by the mountains...Thursday's game at the beach. Palos Verdes....
I smile just looking at London standing there looking up at sister.....oh my....
My Uncle Alex....and Godfather..I only took one pic...looks like his smile got distorted. He's so handsome. So awesome for them to make the time in their evening to come support us. I smiled all the way home....I smiled when I seen him walking up. Family. Hope everyone is having a great week thus far. Kali practices until 4 today, home in time to Tutor at 5, home by 6:15...shower and off to Los Al Girls BIG Volleyball game tonight-These girls are Champions...with hopes to climb that ladder a little higher tonight! GO LADY GRIFFINS! 
