Monday, April 12, 2010

Feels like Summertime

I love our little, old, apartment. I love that it's 2bdrms. I love that we don't share walls with anyone. I love that we are so close to the beach and that I can walk to the grocery store. And I love that we have a cute little patio.
This past week my parents came for a visit, which was lovely. The weather was awesome- 70-80's. We went walking a lot, went to Balboa, saw movies, ate yummy food, and laughed constantly. It was really nice to have family here. My brother & his family joined us for a beach day too! Chris hung out whenever he could, which wasn't much- he has been so very busy with work lately. But I am happy he could hang out even for those small bits. While they were here my Dad & I hung lights over the patio--they turned out so cute! Here are the before & after pics.
I still need to get some fun colorful pillows for the back of the chairs--but isn't it so cute? I love it. Now that it feels like summer here I know we will be eating out there all the time. You're invited if you ever want to join us :)

Here are some pics from the visit with the familia:




My dad & I went on my first bike ride since surgery. We wanted to see how hard it was for me {on a scale of 1-10 it would have been a 7, a 9 on the uphill parts}. It was a lot of fun. My dad is one of those people you have to understand to enjoy. He can be completely off & strange, but if you understand him it's fun! It's hilarious! You can fully enjoy hanging out with him if you take things a little less seriously. As a teenager--I didn't quite grasp this. I am so glad I've seen the light now--he is a great father, and I wouldn't change one quirky thing about him.

I also am just cracking up at these photos. They perfectly portray his personality.
Yes, my father is pretending to smoke a joint in one of them.
My mother will die when she sees that I posted it on my blog!

I am looking forward to more bike rides, walks, and sunshine!
Hooray for warm, sunny California!

13 comments:

Dominique said...

Oh Mari! Those pictures of your Dad are hilarious!!! I love him and I don't even know him. You are so sweet, we miss not having you up here. I can't wait to see more of your creativity come out. You are one talented chica!

The Alvords said...

I'm so jealous. It is still bitterly cold here most days. This weekend we were blessed with a 60 degree Saturday. I'm ready for warmer weather.

Your patio looks darling! Check Home Depot out for outside pillows. I was surprised by their selection. I loved several of the prints.

Jess and Jason Apperson said...

Hahaha, your dad is awesome!Looks like it was GORGEOUS weather down there. I can't wait for beach days soon! :)

Audrey Crisp said...

Cute patio set and light! Our patio is a disaster right now from all the wind and rain! I also do laundry our on our patio which blows; especially when it's pouring rain! HAHAH... Your dad seems hilarious! I so want to go to Balboa park. That sounds fun! ; )

Adam & Samantha said...

yay for family visits! i can't wait to live near the beach someday. You guys have a nice little set up going on. :-)

Sabrina said...

i love you. seriously. i do. that outfit?! you look like you're in a Gap commercial (that's a good thing!) adorable, you are completely adorable.

Alison @ Oopsey Daisy said...

The patio lights are GORGEOUS!! I am so jealous. How fun that your family could visit! You deserve some fun after your rotten last couple of weeks!

The Kilger Family said...

Lucky! It is still snowing here off and on! Love you!

manhattan crew said...

I CANT WAIT TO HAVE DINNER OUT ON YOUR PATIO!!!

It looks great....and it looks like Mom and Dad enjoyed themselves while they were there. Good, they deserve it.
Miss u
Amms

Lexi said...

Love your patio! So we were in California last week and I think we were right by you! We went to the Corona del mar beach, is that the same one you live by? How funny!

lauren said...

dad is a crazy... :))))

Love it. You look cute, and I like that you are learning to make patterns!! YAY! I am sending all Prom/dance dresses for both my girls your way!! Prepare yourself... you got some time. ;)

Miss you!

acos said...

Mari im SO in love with your porch area. its SO GORGEOUS! you did such an amazing job! it looks like some adorable little french bistro.

the organic kitchen said...

Love your dad! So glad you had dun with the fam. I loooove the patio and it reminded me I need to buy lights! Logging on now....