Going back to Cali

A while back.....lets say in April...yes it was April I was blessed to have the opportunity to go back to Southern California.  The trip was full of many great adventures and a slumber party with my girl Ms. Ave.  My dear friends and colleagues the Travis's and I drove from Las Vegas to California and made a stop you must add to your list.  It's in Baker, CA just off of 1-15....

In all the years I've made the trip from Los Angeles to Vegas, To Utah and back I had never step foot in this store.  Boy- I've been missing out.  ITs AWESOME!  Every type of jerky, hot sauce, and coolness Baker, CA can offer.  When you go there make sure you bring coins and watch the alien ship take off.


Next stop we made was to check in the Travis clan to their hotel.  Guess where they stayed?

Although I didn't stay with them we hung out here.  What a great hotel!  The Hotel California feels more like a home.  It's one block from the beach in Santa Monica, walking distance to Main Street for good eats and it feels more like your own apartment vs. a hotel room.

When I go to Cali I usually like to stay with my "Sister" Steph and her hubby.  We we had the best time catching up and chatting like old sisters do.  We went to this amazing mexican restaurant in Redondo Beach...but you know what...I can't remember the name.  Sorry.  I'll blog about this find later.


Next stop on the Cali trip was a slumber party with my 2 loves...Ms. Ave and Lil' Liam.  I traveled down south and just played and played with them.  Aren't they cute?

Down in Cardiff by the Sea Ms. Ave took me to the most tasty donuts I've ever had.  VG Donuts!  The line is long but don't let that change your mind.  They move you quickly through the line and these handmade donuts melt in your mouth.  You have to get there early before they run out but with the location across the street from the beach make sure you just take a moment to stop and enjoy the view!  Ms. Ave loves it!

What do you do when you miss the last flight out of LA to head home?  You call someone you love and go hiking in the back bay of Newport Beach!  If you have not done this yet in Cali...ITS A MUST!  The trails are gentle, the sunset is breathtaking, but bring a coat.  The breeze from the hills is cold.

That catches me up for April....May is to come with great road adventures.  

xoxox

JJ

Not the best at this blog thing

So I'm sorry I am so terrible about blogging. I try, I really try.  I was going to switch over to video blogging and have hours worth of footage....but then my computer that edits isn't working.....so that got put aside.  I guess I should just stick to writing and that I will.  Since April so much has happened.  So much to share....So keep reading the next blog to hear about my life and more travel adventures.

xoxo
JJ

3 MONTHS!

3 months!  Yes 3 months since my last post.  WOW!  I'm so sorry!  So much to tell.....stay tune very soon.

There's no place like home

My family moved from my childhood home in "the O.C." 5 years ago.  And even though visiting them is in a different location once you walk through those doors you feel at home.  My Mom has this amazing way of taking care of us... even in our 30's.  My Mother is very detailed in all aspects of her life down to the placement of every Christmas Tree ornament.  I truly get a kick out it.  And appreciate it. 

My adorable family.  Our first family photo in 7 years.  

My awesome "cruise director" Mother had this AMAZING idea to take the family up to Brian Head Resort on Christmas Day.  This was the highlight of my trip and a MUST when you visit Southern Utah.  I've learned Christmas Day is the BEST DAY TO SKI!  No one is there.  You can get tons of runs in, no lines, and enjoy the day the way the snow wanted you to.  HEHEHE!  Since Avery is too young to ski this year we all agreed we would go on the Tube run and race each other.  The run is pre made with ten lanes and the best part....You don't have to walk up the hill.  They have a lift where you sit in your tube and it pulls you up.  My 3 year old niece LOVED the tube run and we found this to be an enjoyable affordable family activity.  I think we got 20 runs in the 3 hr time frame.  And if you need to warm up there's a Starbucks inside the lodge!  

The Tube Run at Brian Head Resort

I can ramble on and on about how COOL my family is and what they mean to me but this year I'm going to try and give you more of a play-by-play of what to see, eat, experience, as I travel the world...and it looks like this year may bring some crazy trips.  In just the last 2 years I've spent more than 500 days on the road.  In 2011 it looks like my visits will be less but more "meaningful" and in shorter runs.  Which I'm happy about.  I am sure there will be adventures so stay tuned. 

An attempt to make a snowman

Here's to another blessed year alive and Jolley Traveler Adventures.  

xoxo

JJ

What's important in life...

I had a chance to head back to So. Cali for a long weekend trip a couple weeks ago.  Not only did I get to spend time with my BFF/Fav. Girl/Niece Avery, I got to meet my new man in my life, Liam.  Heres a quick photo recap of my trip....

Avery and I goofing off at the beach in San Diego

Avery trying to mess up my work of art in the sand

Scott, Shellie and Baby walking along in the sand.  They are the cutest couple ever!

Baby Liam sleeping away.  Best part of my trip was him sleeping on my chest.  I loved it!  

Avery loves her little brother....and calls him Liam the lion.  HAHA!

Isn't she just the most beautiful girl?  Avery at church.

Avery and I.  She really is too cute and makes me a proud to be an aunt!  I love you AVERY!

New Man In My Life

I have a new man in my life.  I haven't met him yet but I'm already in love!  2 weeks and counting until I meet my nephew!  Baby Liam!  Welcome to the family!

90 days around the US x 4 plus more

I've been around the US and back some...
...According to my Marriott points there's 2 weeks waiting for me at a resort...
...With-in the last 6 years of my life as I've pretty much lived out of 2 suit cases and 2 (sometimes 3) carry-ons...
... I'm a girl originally from the OC that delivered pig babies on a pig farm, seen tragedy at its worse and humanity at it's best while working in the south after Katrina hit, and I've made some of the best friends all over country full of memories of a lifetime...
...But words can't express how blessed I feel to have what I call 3 families.  My entire eternal family which always will include the Fikes, my road family for the last several years, and now my new family in the ville.  Yep that's my new nick name,  Yet as I've said before sometimes amazing people remind you what's really important and when it's time to sleep in your own bed.


Therefore I'm off the road for a short while and the Jolley Traveler will explore the gems in the ville.  I usually can't sit still for too long and I'm never short for an adventure so stay tuned as even the JT in the ville will find some craziness....


But before I fall asleep I must give a great shot out to my WSP Family!  Thank you for 1.5 amazing years!  Each one of you hold a special place in my heart!  Thank you for your support, love, and all the memories!
-Go for JJ