June 24 -26
This weekend we were in Carmel, CA to celebrate Aunt Baba and Uncle He He’s 50th wedding anniversary. Friday night there was a large surprise dinner for them in the wine room in Pacific’s Edge Restaurant at The Hyatt Carmel Highlands. The party included my two cousins (Gretchen and Sarah), their families, my immediate family, He He’s brother, and six of Gretchen’s friends.
We had a “tasting” menu where each small course was paired with a complementary wine. Below is the menu for the evening.
The view from Pacific's Edge Restaurant.
Saturday I went for a hike with my dad, brother and boy cousins in Point Lobos State Park. I’d never been there and it was really quite beautiful. The highlight for me was playing with squirrels. I fed them, which my father continually pointed out was “against the rules” and one was friendly enough that he even let me pet him! Below is a picture of me feeding the little guy I pet some of my granola bar.
A vista in Point Lobos State Park.
For dinner on Saturday night the Hyatt let us take over one its restaurant’s outdoor patios. This restaurant only serves breakfast and lunch, so the hotel basically gave us the keys and free run of the place. I guess when a group rents out a quarter of a very expensive hotel, the hotel tries to please said group. We had 16 pizzas delivered to the patio. At the end of the evening we made smores in the fire pit by the pool. All in it was a fantastic night.
A seagull's eye view from the pizza patio.
Sunday morning most of the party was taking off because they had to drive back down to Southern California. Our flight didn’t leave until 8:50 pm out of Monterey, so after a leisurely breakfast with Baba and He He we decided to go to the aquarium. I was actually surprised how much I enjoyed it. While I’m not a huge fan of jelly fish, especially while swimming in Australia or at the Jersey Shore, I think they comprised my favorite exhibit. They are pretty cool beings when locked behind glass.
All in the weekend was a great success. I think Baba and He He thoroughly enjoyed their surprise. We had a lot of great meals, including Dad being “Elf" at breakfast (see below), family time and beautiful scenery. I don’t have another plane ticket until the LSU game in September. I can’t imagine I’ll make it two months without going somewhere. Regardless I’ll write upon the next adventure.
Until then,
Katy
In case you are wondering, Dad did eat that.
