It's true. I am thinking back to the summer, when Cory and I had the privilege of spending an amazing extended weekend in California.
I had always dreamed of going to California. When one of our favorite couples, in the world, asked Cory to perform their marriage ceremony, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to check some things off our bucket list.
We flew out SUPER early on Friday morning.
And landed just in time to check off one of our first bucket list items:
1. Be On a Game Show
However, we were not on just one game show. We scored tickets to TWO:
Let's Make a Deal and The Price is Right!
I was so excited when we received our first tickets to Let's Make a Deal, I got to working on our costumes right away! I wanted something that was representative of Louisiana, so what could be better than a crawfish and Louisiana Hot Sauce?!!
Unfortunately they made me cover up "Louisiana" with stickers (because of copyright laws) and thought Cory was a lobster. LOL We still had the time of our lives. In fact you can watch us tomorrow on CBS. Check your local station for listings!
The Price is Right was just as we had always dreamed, except smaller. The studios always appear so much bigger on TV! Drew Carey was a joy. He loved interacting with the audience during commercial breaks. It was certainly an unforgettable experience.
2.Visit Malibu
We left out humble abode (a super awesome, restored, vintage Airstream camper) at sunrise.
The drive out to Malibu was just a taste of the wonderful things to come.
We explored El Matador State Beach, which was absolutely stunning. It's nothing like the beaches we see in Florida. There were gorgeous rock formations that added so much visual interest, it made other beaches seem kind of boring.
After exploring, we ate breakfast at the cutest little restaurant.
The food was delicious, and the employees were so friendly! One thing we noticed, in California, was when we asked servers their names, it completely took them by surprise. And, instead of just telling us their names, they would always ask our names as well. It was like we were old friends for the rest of the time we dined. It's pays to be kind. :)
3. See Ben and Nicole say "I DO"
While doing all the "touristy" things are fun, the whole purpose for our trip was to celebrate the union of two very special people in our lives. Ben and Nicole are not only friends, but family. We were honored to be a part of their special day!
4. See the Hollywood Sign
While I would have loved to have hiked all the way up to see the sign up close, there was simply not enough time. So, we drove up to Griffith Observatory where we could get a pretty good look at the sign and see a gorgeous view of the city as well.
I'm attempting to channel James Dean, but I lack the "cool" factor. LOL
5. See the Bat Cave
Yes, the REAL bat cave from the original 1960's Batman series. This was more on Cory's list than mine, but I happily obliged :)
And you never know what kinds of crazy things you might see in California. Apparently someone had been holding seances outside of the Bat Cave. Freaky!
Thankfully we can defend ourselves from the Forces of Evil. HeHe!
6. See the Rose Bowl
This was another one on Cory's list. Next time maybe we can actually go inside for a game! We better start saving now!
7. See the Brady Bunch House
8. Go to Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard and Rodeo Drive
I will let the pictures speak for themselves
9. Tour Warner Brothers Studio
Actually, there were several bucket list items fulfilled within this tour, including: Sitting at Central Perk, Seeing Batmobiles, Standing in Ellen's Monologue Spot, Seeing Luke's Diner, Ms. Patty's Ballet School, the Growing Pains House and The Fuller House house. See if you can recognize any of them for yourself!
10. Stay in a Super Hip Neighborhood in L.A. and hopefully sight a few celebrities
Ok, we didn't actually see any celebrities, but we did stay in the very popular Los Feliz area of L.A., where many celebrities reside. So, we are practically besties! ;)
We DID enjoy a nice dinner...
....and some delicious ice cream
Then we ended our adventures at Griffith Observatory, once more, to see the beautiful city at night.
All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray
I've been for a walk on a winter's day
I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A.
California dreaming on such a winter's day....
