A couple of friends took us to Napa Valley where we visited a few wineries. The coolest one had to be Castello di Amorosa — a mideval-type castle. Gorgeous place! Even though it was fairly new, it was built as though to look hundreds years old. The owner actually has paintings, decorations, even an iron maiden in the torture chambers, that date back many years ago.

Not only was the place gorgeous but their wine was delicious! I have never been to a wine tasting before so it was a really cool experience. We even had an authentic Italian guy serve us. :)

I also discovered a wine I really like: La Fantasia.

I have never been to an aquarium before so there was no way I was going to miss going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium — one of the best in the states! We had such a good time. The location was perfect — the bay itself was located along a pier and as you walk out you can see people snorkeling and canoeing. Was a really cool place!

The jelly fish and penguins were some of my favorites. :) The sea otters were super cute too!

Ever since Chris and I heard about the famous Heart Castle we had to go see it. It’s a huge mansion nestled along the coast of California… once the home of newspaper mogul, William Randolph Hearst.

It’s one of the most spectacular places I have ever seen. The location, scenery, landscape, and architecture was all so breathtakingly beautiful. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. :D

Today Chris and I went to the Griffith Observatory high up in the hills of Los Angeles. I’m a science geek so I was very much looking forward to this. :) To get to the observatory we had to walk up a long and winding hill. At the very tip top, a gorgeous view of the rolling hills of LA welcomed us. This was one of a many photos I snapped that day. :) You can’t see it in this photo but a little to the right behind the shrubby is the Hollywood sign.

Our second day in California, after visiting with Chris’s grandparents, we headed north towards LA to visit the Getty Center. Which was one of the most amazing places I have ever been. I have never seen so much art in one place before — I loved it! Definitely worth visiting if you’re ever in the area.

The Getty Center has this gorgeous balcony where you can climb to view the city. What a view, wow! This photo is part of a panorama I took that day. :)

Our much anticipated vacation to California. We have been planning this vacation for years now and this summer was our first opportunity to take advantage of it. So we went! Chris and I flew in to Orange County where we visited with his grandparents, walked the beaches, saw street performers, did a little shopping and so much more… We then made our way north where we hit LA. As we traveled, stopping & seeing a lot, we finally made our way to Sacramento. The next fifteen or so photos of my Photoblog will showcase all the cool places we’ve been. :)

Can’t wait until our next trip out there! Already missing it…

There’s this pretty cool used clothing store in town that sells only name brand items. Chris and I went up there the other day… I got books & he got a couple nifty flanneled shirts. :)

Long story short… Chris and I were talked into getting $100 worth of crap we had no intentions on buying. Nail kit, lotion, body soap, and face peel. Needless to say, the guy we bought it from was an insanely good sales person.

Even though I was pissed that I let this guy talk me into buying these items I didn’t need. I’m loving them! So far, they have been great. :)

I miss it. I miss being creative & making things.

A woman came into the book store the other day asking for the book entitled The Urantia — after reading the synopsis about it, my co-worker and I ordered us a copy of the book as well. According to Wiki, it’s a a spiritual and philosophical book that discusses God, Jesus, science, cosmology, religion, history and destiny. I enjoy both science & religion and I do believe they exist together. So I figured this book would be interesting enough to read. I have not read much of it yet but I’m curious as hell to find out what it’s all about.. :)