Old San Juan

To satisfy our weekend cravings we are going to have to turn in our European castle exploring to California mission exploring. And lucky us, the birthplace of Orange County is right around the corner!

The mission was filled with everything CA. The beautiful aroma of various flowers mixed with colorful and quaint Mexican architecture made me smile. I sure love where I live. 

And Natalie true to her personality couldn't help but pick some flowers.

We felt very much at home with audio guides around our necks and pamphlets in our hands. The girls were in their element as well, exploring and asking questions about history. I just love it!

strawberry lemonade slurpees

What American children ask what slurpees are? Oh, mine. 

I think that was one of the first things we re-introduced the girls to when moving back.

Happy 7-11!

Newport Beach 2013

Here I am again, writing about another year, another beach house year. (Previous years since Marisa, here: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012).

An entire week of non-stop activities, sun, laughter, and lets be honest, pure exhaustion! I love having another child to introduce this family tradition. It highlights the best of the week all over again!

And what is the beach house without breakfast at Ruby's? 

In true Hart fashion, we are always the first ones to arrive to the restaurant and we take up the entire inside. I love family traditions.

I think Grandpa gets more excited about giving the kids chocolate milk and donuts than anything else about the beach house week. ;) He has been talking about giving his two youngest grand kids a taste for months now. Lucky Darren, probably too young to eat donuts, still managed to get permission from me to eat one. I mean, who can say "no" to his smile??

All in all, we all left with memories that will last a lifetime. Until next year...!