Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Nelson's California Road Trip

A few weeks ago the kids, Wes and I went on our very first road trip.
Now, Im going to be honest with you, I was a little nervous about driving up the California coast and being stuck with two children {especially one in her terrible twos} for hours on end...
but they did terrific!

Our first stop on the trip was my old stomping grounds... good old San Luis Obispo... SLO,
but you know SLO isn't so SLO anymore. It's pretty modern and hip... not really how I remembered it, but regardless it was fun.

I just had to stop by the bubble gum wall....
* all images are unedited, SOOC
 We had our pack of gum ready, chewed and 
 stuck it right up against the wall.... along with the thousands of other pieces. If you are ever there, this wall is a must see.
 We had an opportunity to eat at my favorite resturant, Firestones and enjoy the company of our cousin Leah and her fabulous boyfriend Dante.
The next morning, we were on the road again.
 The road was desolate with just farm land and endless miles of dry grass for us to see...
Until, 4 hours later, when we reached here...
 Pesacadero, California. Such beauty.
I. FELL. IN. LOVE.
 You see that house right there on the beach? Yup, that's where we got to stay. My sister in law's beautiful beach house. 
Our own private beach where footprints are of those who only belong to us... our family, our dear friends.
 And the animals of the sea were touched by the innocence of our children. 
An experience to be remembered forever.

 The sand was divine.
The shells unlike any other.
We could comb this beach for hours to try to find our sea treasures.

We got to spend some great time with our friends...
{playing a friendly game of dodge ball}


 Goofing around...
just hanging out...
playing....
and just being kids...
Of course we cherished the moments with those close and dear to our hearts.

 But the best part for me was the hour I got to run everyday on this road along the Northern California coastline. It was heaven.
Just me, the road, the smell of salt in the air and the sound of waves crashing against the rugged cliffs.

We had a blast. 

 Our next leg of the trip lead us to beautiful Lake Tahoe.
I didn't take my camera to too many places because I would always forget it or I was too afraid of it getting stolen, but the one time I did take it was on our catamaran boat ride with the family.
 The water was crystal clear
 the sun was shining bright
 and there was excitement and happiness in the air.
 Photo courtesy of Finn Nelson

I wish I had more pictures of Tahoe and it's beauty, but sometimes I think that pictures can never give the land the justice it deserves... Tahoe with all its natural beauty never ceases to amaze me.

On our way to Mammoth, we stopped by this view point. I was hoping to find some sort of sticker to represented SD, but I could not find it.
Regardless I thought this was a fun railing...
 and the view was to die for...

 even the dogs were stoked!

The heavens were smiling down on us... do you see the smile face?
Thats how I felt that day. Happy.

Im sorry. I suck. I have ZERO photos of Mammoth, but what I can tell you is that I loved loved loved that place...Tt the 100th degree.
Gives me a reason to go back, since I have no photos.

Our trip was fabulous.
This is one of the last photos I took at a gas station.
She's tired, she's frazzled, she's dirty, she's hungry....
...to me? All signs of a very good trip.
I can't wait to go on more adventures with my little family of 4.
To see more beauty the world has to offer... 
to meet up with amazing friends...
to spend quality and crazy time with family....
and experience what we call life.

Happy traveling! 

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Kirpalani Family

Isn't this world small?
So here's the story. One that proves the degrees of separation.
See this beautiful woman in this picture?
No I'd never met Shawna before this session... but all along we were connected.
You see years ago I used to work in this restaurant in San Luis Obispo called the Apple Farm.
Now insert her husband Charan.
Yup, I worked with him... 
I know he doesn't really remember me, but i have the memory of a champ, so I remember him.
So what's the connection?
So had I never worked with Amy I would have never done her her maternity photos, who then referred me to her friend Jennifer who she was in a book club with, who referred me to Shawna who was married to Charan, our paths would have never crossed again.
Small world right?
Anyhow, Kirpalani family, I am so very glad our path did cross {again}
it was really truly my pleasure.
xoxo, C.
PS Go mustangs!












Sunday, July 29, 2012

Nolan {9 days}

Mia was my roommate for several years after college before I met Wes.
She saw me in the worst of times
and the best of times.
I have very fond memories of Miss Mia {can we say Martini Ranch?}
and those thoughts and memories only grow fonder as I
meet her family {sons Jack and Nolan, husband Drew, and who could forget Satchel Moe}
and watch them evolve into a very happy entity.
Nolan,
you are very lucky to born into this beautiful family.
xoxo, Cho









Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Britton

This soon to be super model has the coolest name,
the coolest hair,
and the coolest personality.
I enjoyed working with you and all your awesome model poses Britt.
I fully see now why my Finny can't stop talking about you.
;) C.