The Riddles and Cawleys headed out to one of my favorite places on earth: Solvang. I love that little Danish town. The serene and green landscapes, the decadent fudges and pastries, the cobblestone sidewalks, the heavenly scent of Paula's Pancakes wafting through the breeze and rustling the potted flowers that line every storefront. Ahhh. Even the sight of the Ostrich Farm gets me all excited. (Though I have yet to eat an Ostrich burger. I'm convinced the poor things stick their heads into the ground to block out all the gibber-gabber about turning them into digestible meat for the tourists. I'd try to hide from the world too. Side note: I have no sympathy for cows. They're part of the norm now. It's their destiny.)
Stuffed to the brim with waffles, fresh cream and strawberries, the girls flitted and shopped from one place to the next, while the boys golfed. Some of our "must-see's" at Solvang are: Paula's Pancakes, Picket Fences, Solvang Antiques, Rasmussen's, Iron Art, Nathalie's Dollhouse, Bellagio, etc, etc, etc.
Many, many memories at that adorably situated town. I once heroically rescued little Camille from the watery clutches of the mermaid fountain outside Ragbaby. I think I may have even gotten a new outfit out of it. :)
And of course, no trip to Solvang would be complete without stopping at AJ Spurs for dinner. And not just any dinner. A scrumptious, tartar sauce filled Halibut dinner accompanied by stew, garlic bread, salad, rice, potatoes and towering, stuffed bears, bobcats, fowls and mountain lions that stalk you as you await the oh-so-anticipated Root Beer Float.
A taxidermy Heaven.
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Now I'm in Florida!!! More on that later.
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Carpinteria! Our beach destination for the weekend was also a blast. All my kiddo cousins were attached to boogie-boarding for the entire time it seemed. Come seaweed, sand crabs or rashes that made the boys waddle--these cousins cannot be kept from the ocean. Such die-hards. I joined for awhile also alongside Chloe and her cheers and chants, "You can do it, Cristine! It's not cold! Come ON!" My little cheerleader can be quite the intimidator.
A foot sunburn later, my family ate at Claim Jumpers where I was awarded the biggest strawberry on this planet for my lemonade. I was so happy.
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Memorial Day was made a little more real, however. Jake Suter, a youth from my ward was killed in Iraq after only ten days. So many men and women and youth die protecting and supporting this country. They are intangible for most of us but we can show our appreciation daily by thanking our Heavenly Father for our country, our freedom, and our military that helps us enjoy and take advantage of those blessings. I am grateful for his service and sacrifice.
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I love peonies. My mom loves me. She bought me peonies. I love my mom.
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