Back to Jalama Beach

Exploring beach caves

What a busy summer I've been having! It is probably the busiest I've had in years. I've had tons of family staying with us at different times. Right now my son Jullien is here from NY. I decided we needed to do another Jalama Beach (Santa Barbara County) camp/surfing trip since it's been a couple of years. It's not only beautiful but it's isolated with no cell phone service. This allows me to have quality time with my family. I can't begin to tell you how nice it is to sit around and have everyone actually conversing instead of faces pressed into their phones.

Hiked over slate rocks and came upon this hidden wood hut

Jalama Beach is one of the only places that doesn't require reservations...which for me is perfect! I'm not a planner and usually decide to do things at the last minute. Two years ago I did my research to make sure that our three hour drive wasn't in vain (it gets pretty busy in the summer.) So I'll let you in on our little secret to make sure you get a spot on the weekend...shhhh don't tell anyone:)

We were planning on doing the whole tent camping thing when one of our friends at church told us we could use his motor-home. WOOT WOOT! SCORE! Well kind of...I wasn't prepared for the gas prices to go up just before we left...yikes, those things take a LOT of gas!

The gang

Well we ended up leaving on Thursday night at midnight. After you turn off coast Hwy 1, you drive down a long narrow road for about 30 minutes (be careful not to miss the turnoff.) They will have a sign posted which usually reads "Camp Full." Don't worry...people leave by 2:00 pm so don't get deterred. You don't want to miss this...

Good Morning Jalama

We arrived at Jalama around 3:45 am as planned and we were second in line (perfect!) We slept until 5:45 am. My hubby got out to stand in line (some guy parked behind us actually tried to cut in front of him to get a better number) The park rangers arrive at 6:00 am and we got a number and paid for a day pass (this is how it works.) We ended up being #22 (people had already gotten numbers from the night before and went to stay in Lompoc until the 3:00 pm roll call.) We were pretty confident that we'd get a spot. We parked and slept for most of the morning, waiting around for the roll call to see what spots were available. We ended up talking to one of the rangers who assured us that we'd definitely get one because he'd just driven around and counted the open spaces. He also gave us the scoop on the best spots to try and get. He marked it on the map that they gave us when we entered.

At 3:00 pm we headed to the front of the park and waited for the ranger to call our name and number (thank goodness we knew to get there early because I'm sure some people weren't getting spots. Which puts them on the list until the next day.) I know it sounds like a hassle, but if you do it right you will have no problem getting a spot. The spaces are $25.00 a night for no electricity and $40.00 a night for electrical hook ups. Beach front spots are all $40.00 a night. They also have cabin rentals (which takes reservations in advance) & group beach front sites (which also takes advanced reservations.) Note: It is a dog friendly park/beach and they allow dogs on the beach. You will need to bring your rabies shot records with you and there's a $3.00 per night fee.

Allie found this crab on the beach & thought it was her toy. She howled & barked at all the dogs who came near it!

The spots are a little close together but you can't beat the price, view, surfing and family time. We ended up getting a great view spot at the top of the hill.

Elijah enjoying the sunset view

Jullien & Josh crashed out after a full day of surfing

It can get very windy and the water can be a little cold. I'd definitely recommend going in August or early September. We had perfect warm weather with no wind and the water was about 60 degrees. Surfing tip: You need to walk about 1/2 mile south down the beach and you'll come to "Cracks." Further down is "Cracks II" & "Tarantulas." All are great known surf spots. We've actually only gone to "Cracks.".

We spent our days exploring the beach, surfing, eating, beach baseball, card games and just enjoying QUALITY family time. This is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches around.

So if you're looking for the perfect family vacation spot...Jalama Beach is the place.

Hmmm...what's he writing?

Awe...he found this heart shaped rock & used it to proclaim his love for me :D

I love this guy!!:D

Oh & I forgot to mention...you HAVE to get a famous Jalama Burger. People drive there just for the day to have a burger. If you've been looking for the perfect beach camping spot...Jalama's the place!

Photo Shoot at The Getty Center

If you've never been to the Getty Center, be sure to add it to your list of things to do this summer...IT'S FREE! The only thing you need to pay for is the parking. Here's a few more pictures from our day.

We took pictures with the flowers that matched our outfits

My nephew & niece (Brayden & Zoey)

Getty Center Gardens

3-D Shot

My little sister April (orange flowered background to match her shorts:D)

My Beautiful mommy

My sister and nieces (Stacy, Janae & Whitley)

 

My nephew Tyce said, "Take my picture" and struck this pose!! LOL!

Check out the face he's making! hahaha

This door reminded me of "The Secret Garden"

 Fun day of art, flowers, food, family and pictures!

12-Still Going Strong

Park City, UT Vacation 

12 years ago we made a life changing decision. It wasn't a normal situation, it involved 7 other people. 7 different personality's, needs, wants, likes & dislikes. 8 people who needed to learn how to love each other unconditionally. Life can be complicated when you make a decision like we did.

To say it was easy to arrive at that decision would be a lie. It took time, two years to be exact. Two years of making sure it would work. When my hubby finally proposed, we still couldn't be sure both sets of our 3 children would get along. But what we were sure of was our love for one another. We knew that even though it wasn't always 'sunshine & roses' it would be worse not to spend every day together. We decided that whatever obstacles still stood in our way...our Love would conquer all.

Love...the word conjures up pictures of smiling, flushed faces, stealing glances, nervously stumbling over words, butterfly's in your belly, first kiss, anticipating phone calls, late night phone conversations and playful outings.

Still Playful after all these years!

He always cracks me up!

But the reality of real Love is different. It's wanting to be with a person even when those first new feelings fade. It's learning to accept each other with all their faults. It's working through all the fights over little & big issues. It's standing by each other even when it gets difficult. It's learning to talk when you feel like running away. It's allowing someone to see your weaknesses and realizing they love you anyways.

On my 12th Wedding Anniversary, I realize that all the difficult times we went through taught us that Love is something worth working for. Love grows deeper & stronger with each hurdle you overcome. Love is not the exciting feelings you have in the beginning. Love is the true joy you feel when you look at your partner, your rock, your helpmate, your stability, your other half, and realize that through each year, you've grown to love each deeper, with an honest appreciation for the TRUE meaning of Love. The work required & the life changing rewards you achieve together, as husband and wife.

12 years ago on December 31, 1999, I said, "I do" to Real Love. It was the best decision of my life...I found my other half.

Love of my life & Best Friend

Happy Anniversary Anthony. I Love you & am truly blessed to call you my husband.

Our wedding day
Anthony, Pastor Aaron & Me



Christmas 2011-12 years later

Thankful In Utah

This Thanksgiving I have so much to be grateful for. We were able to travel to Utah to spend some time with my family. My dad was retiring from the police department after 35 years of service. 

All my family (parents, brothers & sisters/spouses & our kids  

(missing my brother John who passed away & his daughter Whitley who couldn't make it that day)

He made a special request to have his entire family here for it. He's been battling 4th stage lung cancer and 

now brain cancer, which hasn't crushed his spirit.

 Incredible gift he was presented

 The Mayor congratulating my dad (he also spoke)

 The line went out the door forever...people waiting to talk to my dad

 He received a much deserved standing ovation

 My dad with Present & former Police Chiefs
(he filled in as acting Chief before his retirement)

 He is such an inspiration, finding joy everyday even through the excruciating pain and struggles.

My dad, Dave (Marine Corp.) with his mom, Violet

I'm thankful for the gift of each and every day with loved one's. Life's too short. You never know what tomorrow holds...seize the day. Don't forget to tell loved one's you Love them, don't just assume they'll always be there.

I'm thankful to my mom, for her faithfulness in listening to the Lord and following His will for her life and the example she and my dad always show. I'm thankful for the knowledge that the Lord is watching over us each and everyday. 

 My cup runneth over! Happy Thanksgiving everyone.