Evening Life in Newport Beach California

Evenings were spent leisurely dining and strolling around the different town boardwalks or piers.  One evening we took the ferry over to Balboa Island. As we walked along the boardwalk, we heard a noise coming in the direction of a docked boat.  We looked over at the boat and saw a huge seal that was perked on the back of the boat, relaxing in the sun. We were fascinated by this animal, and watched it for quite some time.

We walked around the quaint little town on the Island, stopping in a store or two, only to make our one and only purchase at the Frozen Banana, and Balboa Bar Stand. After enjoying dessert first, we then dined at the Cheesecake Factory on Fashion Island. We always love their food.

Another evening we visited Huntington Beach Pier. Ruby's Diner is located on that pier, so it was a no-brainer to stop and dine at one of our favorite eating establishments.  Walking out of Ruby's the sun was just setting, so we were able to enjoy a spectacular sunset.

Another evening we dined at Taco Rosa.  The food presentation was fabulous, and the food was good too. We love experiencing the "Mormon" night life in California.

Balboa Island

Huntington Pier

Taco Rosa

Newport Coast Marriott Villas

Our history with Newport Beach goes WAY back. Lizzy was a baby when we first rented a Beach House with Steve's Sister Jen, her husband Scott, and their family.  That would be 15 years ago.  Each year we would continue renting a Beach House with The Brown's.  One year we spent our week at the Newport Coast Marriott Villas, and Jen and Scott rented at Ocean Side.  It was lovely, we continued to spend time together, but we really enjoyed staying in the same place together.

In 2008, we spent our last year at a Beach House on Newport Beach.  It was just our family, Jen's couldn't make it, but still wonderful.  We had no idea that this would be the last vacation we spent together as a family.  Days after returning home, Steve unexpectedly passed away.  We will always cherish the time we had together.

It tugged on my heart strings to think of returning to Newport, but this year, I decided it was time to enjoy what was once our favorite vacation.  We stayed at the Newport Coast Villas, in a roomy 2 bedroom Villa.  The Marriott Newport Villa's are perched high on a bluff that overlooks the Pacific ocean.  The amenities are abundant, most importantly, the pools are beautiful and a wonderful way to cool off on a warm day.

Each morning we would try to walk along the different beaches to capture the beauty of the area, and experience different beaches.  Our first morning we walked down the bluff with Mason in the stroller, to Crystal Cove State Park. We were delighted that the Marriott offered a free shuttle service from the beach to the Villas as were planning on using the service upon our return.

Crystal Cove State Park Beach has a natural seashore.  We enjoyed our walk down the sloping hills, and along the beach.  We found sand crabs, seashells,  and other nature wonders as we strolled along the shore.  We happened upon a quaint little restaurant and town along our way.  We finished our walk to the Shake Shack back up at the top of the hill along side the Pacific Coast Highway.  The Shake Shack came highly recommended, and did not dissappoint.

After our refreshing shake, we starting walking towards the Marriott shuttle pick up, when we saw a shuttle starting to leave.  We had Ben run as fast as he could to stop it for us.  Unfortunately, the driver wouldn't stop.  We saw the shuttle pull into the parking lot and chased it down.  With hands waving in the air, yelling at the driver, he stopped and said, "I am NOT a Marriott shuttle, but I'd be happy to call one for you."  Oops! Exhausted, we waited as the Marriott shuttle was called and came out of it's way to come pick us up.

The second morning we decided to drive to Laguna Beach.  Our great intentions of getting a little exercise and walking along the beach were crushed when Mason saw the playground.  We thoroughly enjoyed spending time at the Park;  playing with Mase; and taking in the beautiful beach.  We briefly tried to get Mason to walk in the sand, but he didn't like it.  A true Brown baby that kid is….doesn't like to get dirty.

Crystal Cove Beach

Laguna Beach

You grow it, I'll mow it!!!

Without consulting with his mother, Ben decided to start a business.  He sent flyers around the neighborhood trying to drum up some clients.   Fortunately, there were no takers….I don't even own a lawn mower.  Funny kid!

The Hunger Games - Girl's Camp 2014

Our fearless and amazing Camp Director, Teresa Wright, planned and executed one of the most fabulous Girl's Camps ever! She didn't spare a detail.  From Hunger Game T-shirts, backpacks, water bottles, charms, necklaces, bracelets, smash books, bed treats, sponsor gifts (from the Hunger Games), she spoiled us all.

We began at her home and made our way to Moab where we hiked to one of Utah's most famous icons, The Delicate Arch. Arches National Park has the world's largest concentration of natural stone arches.  The sandstone formations are sometimes referred to as "miracles of nature."  The sandstone has eroded into many different forms which are magnificent to view.

We arrived during the heat of the day, and hiked to the top.  The hike was manageable, but the intense heat in the middle of the day, made it a little more difficult.  The spectacular view of the delicate arch from the top of the trail made every inconvenience worth it.

We spent some time in the Park driving around and viewing the different formations.  We were able to stop at the double arches take another gorgeous hike.  The shadows shading the trail made for a more enjoyable hike.

We stayed at the beautiful Canyonland Lodge in Monticello.  It was great to sleep in a nice comfy bed rather than a tent with a pad.  I'm not even sure if we could call this glamping (glamours camping).  The temperature was perfect at night. With the window in my room open, I could hear the girl's laughter, and funny stories all night.  It was bliss.

Day two, we went on a guided river run.  All the hard work was done by our guides, we just enjoyed the ride.  As we leisurely drifted down the river, and hit a rapid or two, our guide would point out historical spots, and the boundless beauty.  We were surrounded by stunning red rocks.  We stopped several times along the way to hike up to some petroglyphs, and ruins.  Lunch was prepared and cleaned up by the crew. Our river trip lasted over 8 hours, including 25 miles on the river.  It was fabulous!

Each evening was a spiritual feast with scripture study and fabulous devotionals.  Brother Eggette brought his telescope with him, and the girl's were able to find constellations, and view spectacular planets. Natalie Stobbe and I quickly made dinner after each eventful day.  We cooked as fast as we could since we had very hunger girls at the end of our day.

Day three, we split into two groups.  The first group went horseback riding on a beautiful ranch, while the others hiked Fisher Towers. Our group was the first to ride horses.  We rode the horses up in the hills by Fisher Towers, and down through streams.  Our horses were so well behaved and beautiful.  We had a fabulous ride thanks to our wonderful guide.
We were the second group to hike Fisher Towers and it was in the dead heat of the day.  Instead of starting on the groomed trail, we walked up to the area where you take photos.  Somehow from there, Brother Wright our trusted priesthood guide, convinced us that the trail began straight down.  He helped us down a semi-cliff, where at the bottom we found the actual trail. Most of us didn't make it the top.  It was so hot!  Those who chose to stay back, relaxed under a large shady rock waiting for our fellow hikers.  The hike was 2 1/2 miles each way. The scenery was unbelievably beautiful. Fisher Towers are towers that are made of sandstone, with reds, browns, and other muted colors towering in the sky.

Day three we woke at 5:00 a.m. to hike to some ruins and pictroglphs, and watch the sun set.  When we got to the top we had quite time to read our scriptures and talk about the beauties of the earth.  We completed two other hikes that day to ruins, and petroglyphs.  We finished off the day at a nearby Reservoir where the girl's enjoyed cooling off, and playing in the brisk water.

We ended the night with a camp fire, spiritual thought, and testimony meeting.  What a great ending to a fabulous Girl's Camp.

Hunger Games Girl's Camp 2014

Delicate Arch

Ms. President

Double Arches

Lodging

Occupants of my boat …or…the "fun" boat. 

San Juan River 26 mile river run.

Spiritual Feast

Fisher Towers

Horseback Riding

Three hikes to different petroglyphs and ruins.

Cooling off in the reservoir.

Obstacle course and smash books.

Brandon and Haley - May 24, 2014

My nephew Brandon Brown, married Haley Buntrock on May 24th in the Mesa Arizona temple.  What a beautiful ceremony and reception they had in Arizona.  All of Jen and Scott's siblings, many cousins, and their parents were in attendance.  We all stayed in the Marriott Hotel located minutes away from all the events.

We had a wonderful time attending the festivities, as well as a min-vacation to boot.  Congrats Haley and Brandon!

The Wright House Reception Center