They Explore the Olympic Peninsula

A week and a half ago, we took a daycation to the Olympic Peninsula. We stayed in Forks (Twilight central), which is the only sign of civilization for miles. Within a half hour, we found some of our favorite beaches to date.

WOn our vacation here two years ago, our beach experience was at Ruby Beach, a place Tyler had been when he was growing up. We decided to head back for a second (for me) adventure The weather wasn't fantastic, but it was still just beautiful. (Side note: as we were heading out the door of our apartment, I laughed and told Tyler I was bringing three jackets. I mean, how was I to know if I would need a rain jacket, fleece or a standard spring jacket? As we were getting out of the car to head to Ruby Beach (in 45ish degree misty weather), I realized that somehow, I had brought zero jackets. I had had my arms full to head to the car when I realized I forgot something. I put the jackets down to go get it, and well, they sat on the dining room chair all weekend. Good job, Kels!)

Ruby Beach

Tyler recreated a picture from when his family was here several years ago. Same frisbee, even!

Luckily, Sunday was absolutely beautiful. We even had some blue skies that allowed us to experience beautiful, turquoise waters (and warmth!)

Second Beach

Second Beach

Rialto Beach

The weekend was a great reminder of why we made the leap to move out here. There is so much we can do and so many things to explore. A quick drive to the ferry, short ferry ride and 100ish miles through the mountains and that's where we end up. That makes me a happy girl:)

Note to future Kelsey & Tyler: When trying to catch a ferry back on a Sunday afternoon/evening, don't expect to get on the ferry you want to. You will likely have to wait, for a very long time.

They Go to California

Almost two months ago (wow, time flies), we spent five days in Southern California. We had a fantastic trip.

We went to a Twins/Angels game with Tyler's friend Ben and his girlfriend Jacqueline. Ben just moved out to LA this spring, so it was great to see him. The Twins lost, but we got to see Jered Weaver's no-hitter - which was very cool. We'll get to check another stadium off our list when we go to Kauffman Stadium in a couple of weeks here.

We decided to drive up the coast to Santa Barbara. I noticed tons of people pulled off with cameras pointed toward the water. I asked Ty if we should stop, figuring there had to be something out there. We pulled off, not knowing that the rest of our day would be spent following a pod or two of gray whales. They were within 100 yards of shore at times. We would pull off, watch for awhile, and then drive up a ways longer to watch for longer. We got to talking with a few locals who were doing the same thing, and it ended up being a really great day that we couldn't have planned.

So big and awesome. There were at least five, possibly up to nine.

 On the way home, we stopped just south of Point Mugu to watch the sunset.

Another day, we drove down to San Diego. We were on the hunt for Hard Rock drumsticks, a Starbucks mug, and La Jolla. After literally 17 calls to various Starbucks locations, we were able to consider all three things a success.

We spent our last day in Hollywood. Walked Hollywood Blvd, and ended up going to see Avengers (for the second time in the less than 48 hours it had been open) at El Capitan Theater. Definitely a worthwhile experience. There was something neat about seeing the movie where it had premiered just weeks earlier. Oh yes, and we were lobster-like.

Tyler & I have decided that traveling is a priority. We have been able to see places ranging from Greece to Turkey to Seattle to Mexico, and many in-between. We know we are very fortunate, and are working hard to be able to take the trips that we do. Next on the list? Kansas City, then Hawaii and hopefully an east coast trip.

The Chicago L Breaks Down

Tyler & I, along with his mom and sister, took a weekend trip to Chicago. To sum it up:

• Shopping is fun, spending money is harder than it sounds.
• When the annual Lighting of the Lights parade is going to be happening, make sure you are on the side of the street you want to be.
• Beware of the L. It may break down. The cars may fill with smoke. You may be crammed in like sardines because of previously mentioned parade. And it may take awhile for things to be fixed. Oh yeah, and while that is happening - don't count on the train sitting flat on the tracks. It will most likely be leaning significantly to the left.
• The Super8 in Evanston is so bizarre. No words.

The Cloud Gate/bean

My first jumping picture ever. Worth it.

Pretty fall colors in Chicago > than cold, snowy icy crud in Minnesota.

Giordano's Pizza.

After the lights were lit, while waiting to be able to cross the street.

We had perfect weather, despite the subway debacle, it was a really great time. And if we're honest, even that was a fairly good time. Until the engine cut, all the lights turned out and it felt like we were in a sauna..

I always forget how fun road trips are. Tyler already has one planned if we ever move out to the west coast. It will be the trip of a lifetime.

They Honeymoon to the Bahamas

We spent our honeymoon on a NCL Bahamas Cruise. It was absolutely perfect. The only minor bummer was that I (Kelsey) was sick the entire time. The sinus infection/bronchitis/other ailment I have has stuck around since the evening of the wedding until now. It is much better than it was, though. Antiobiotics work wonders!

Back to the trip recap. We flew into Miami and headed straight to the port. Our days were spent in Freeport, Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau.

We were on our way for our much anticipated scuba excursion when we noticed a little piece of paper tucked in our door. Due to "in-climate weather" and "lack of participation," our excursion was canceled. Luckily, our room was within feet of the excursion desk. We went to talk with them and were convinced to change to spending the day "Wyndham all-inclusive Resort." It was a cheaper excursion, plus we saved 10%! Not bad. Unfortunately, all-inclusive resorts are not quite so fantastic when the weather is uncooperative.

They are gorgeous, though!

We had a great time, but ending up grabbing a taxi back with some other people around lunchtime and ultimately got half of our money back. How rare is it to make money on a cruise?!

Day two was spent at Great Stirrup Cay, a private island owned by NCL. We did an awesome kayak tour and were able to be wading in water within feet of giant stingrays, starfish and even jelly fish. A little scary, but a great memory. (Sadly, they said not to bring cameras with. A good choice, as they would have gotten drenched and probably been wrecked).

Day 3 we docked in Nassau. We at at Senor Frogs, shopped the straw market and bought ferry tickets over to Paradise Island. The beach there is unreal. It was a bummer that we did not have swimsuits and were running low on time.

The cruise ended and we spent two days in Miami. We had the perfect morning at South Beach. We had the place as much to ourselves as I think is possible in such a hoppin' place.