Nothing Comes Close to the Golden Coast...

I love this place.  Always have, probably always will. 

Dylan has a work conference in Long Beach so we decided to go out early and enjoy ourselves for a few days.  Dylan has never really been to the West Coast so we figured we would do some site seeing while enjoying the weather and all that California has to offer.

We arrived Thursday afternoon and after getting settled, we had dinner at 555.  Oh my goodness, did we enjoy a great meal.  Everything was unbelievably delicious!  From the bread and salad to the steaks and  mac and cheese, and how could I NOT mention the chocolate souffle?!?!?  Needless to say we were STUFFED!

Sun coming up.

View from the room on the Long Beach Port.  The big ship is the Queen Mary, which is a tourist attraction for the area.  We didn't get to tour it but we had a good view of it.

Friday we rented a car and decided to drive up the Pacific Coast Highway.  First we stopped at Venice Beach...

Art on the beach

Skate Park on the beach.  We had to take this one for Tross.

 Pretty Palms on the Beach

Loved the mountains in the background

Walking down Venice Beach, checking out all the shops.

We stopped for a little snack at one of the sidewalk cafe's so we could relax and enjoy the ocean view for a bit.

After hanging out on Venice for a few hours, we got in the car, put the top down, and got back on the PCH, we drove up through Santa Monica, to Malibu.  On the way, we passed Pepperdine University.  I have no idea how anyone can actually go to class if they attended that school, or any school on the west coast.  The campus was beautiful! 

We stopped for some lunch at Paradise Cove.

Sun starting to set over Paradise Cove 

Dylan relaxing on the beach.  While we were relaxing, there were two dolphins just jumping around in the ocean. 

Leaving Paradise 

Dylan liked this chinese looking house at the top of the picture.  It was right off PCH.

After enjoying our afternoon in Malibu, were were headed to Hollywood.  We took Sunset Blvd all the way from PCH.  It was a long but scenic route. Driving through Beverly Hills, we passed Kelsey Grammar, as well as the Google Maps car but that's about it as far as star spotting for the day.  Dylan missed both, not that either are anything to really even mention.  We made it to West Hollywood, and headed towards the Hollywood sign. We drove up Mullholland Drive so we could get a good view of the sign as well as the LA area overlook.  It was beautiful.

Hollywood sign...A little history for you...It used to say Hollywoodland but a mudslide took out the LAND.  The next 2 pics were all taken from the same spot as this one.  Just 3 different directions.  This was the East view.

View of the ocean as the sun is setting.  West view.

LA Basin, South view.  The view really was beautiful from where we were.  I just googled good places to see the Hollywood sign and then picked one.  I think I chose a great spot! 

My good camera died after the last pic of the LA area so the rest are either from our point and shoot or our phones.  It didn't even cross my mind to bring the camera charger...Bummer!

After the overlook view, we were headed back to Santa Monica to check out the Santa Monica Pier.  I have been to LA 3 or 4 times prior to this trip and have never been to the Pier so this was at my request.  A little more history for you...Santa Monica Blvd is part of Route 66, it ends on the Pier, which I didn't know. 

Remember what movie this was from??? 

 The famous ferris wheel

On the Pier with the ferris wheel in the background.

When we woke up Saturday it was so foggy.  We had planned to take the ferry to Catalina Island and hang out there for the day then maybe catch a movie since that is foreign to us these days, but with the weather that didn't make sense.  I decided to call some spas because that just seemed like the logical thing to do.  ;o) 

After I successfully made our last minute massage appointments...I checked out Craigslist for Lakers Game tickets...*Small Side Note* The night before there was a commercial for the Lakers/Celtics game, which was Sunday afternoon in LA.  The Clippers played Saturday night so I just assumed the Lakers (Dylans favorite team) were playing away.  You know what assuming does.  Watching a Lakers game at The Staples Center is on Dylan's list of lifetime goals.  With them playing the Celtics, how could we NOT go???

I emailed a few people about some tickets and decided to wait, if something came out of it, great, if not, then oh well. 

The weather was beautiful once we left the spa, not a cloud in the sky and the sun was shining nice and bright so we decided to start walking back to the hotel, we made it about 2 miles and spotted a city bus.  We decided to walk on the wild side and hopped on.  We gave the driver his $2 (vs the $25 we would have paid for a cab) and were on our way. Not the safest experience but we made it to the hotel alive.

Now, back to the Laker's tickets...We offered less than what the girl was asking so she accepted as long as we came to pick them up.  You never know if Craigslist stuff is legit or a scam but so far I had a good feeling.  We decided to rent another car to drive to Valencia, which was over an hour away.  On our way we stopped for dinner at In N Out Burger, which was good but I don't see what all the fuss is about. 

The girl gave us her home address, pretty trusting girl.  It was a nice area but we still decided it would be better to meet in a more public place so we found a Starbucks near by and made the trade there.  Dylan was acting like a little school boy from that point on.  Giggly and so excited! 

Sunday was the big.  After a great breakfast at The Omelet Inn, we went to the airport, dropped off my bag and then headed to the Staples Center.  The tickets we had were in the Premier Section so we got to go through the VIP entrance, which had no line.  The game was a blast.  Lakers fans are so into the game and excited.  It was very different than the Mavs games we have been to.  Apart from the basketball players, Shaq, Kobe, Pierce, Rondo, etc., we saw good 'ol Jack and one of the Shannon twins that Hugh Hefner dated.  She was there with her boyfriend Sam Jones III, who I had no idea who he was, but apparently he was in Smallville and some other things.  I only recognized them because paparazzi were taking pictures like it was Michael Jackson back from the dead or something.

This was just a chair in the lobby of the hotel that I liked. ;o) 

Walking up to the Staples Center 

Magic Johnson Statue 

Same statue, just wanted to prove that I was actually there.  

Heading to our seats

Tip-Off

I left the game about 30 minutes early and caught a cab to head to the airport.  Dylan stayed to the very end and then went back to the hotel for the business part of his trip. 

California didn't disappoint.  Dylan said he enjoyed his time and for all the last minute plans we made, everything worked out perfectly!!!

Grandparents are the BEST!

Liza arrived late last night.  She and Ron are watching Tatum for a few days while Dylan and I have a little weekend get-a-way.  Ron arrives later this weekend.  Its so nice to have parents that are willing and able to be there and help out when needed.  It makes it so much easier to relax, knowing our little girl was in good hands!

Upon her arrival, she brought a table and chairs that used to be Dylan and the girls.  She loves them. 

It was like Christmas morning when she woke up...she discovered all her new toys!

 Daddy and Tatum's first tea party...She loves to "cheers"!

Having breakfast with Gam-E

Birthday Dinner

We celebrated Dylan and my birthday last night at Mom's with Vicki and the boys.  She made a DELICIOUS meal of baked chicken, noodles, corn, mashed potatoes, and, of course, a chocolate eclair as well as a chocolate chip M&M cookie cake.  So good!!!

We've both had a great year with no complaints.  Dylan says 31 is the best birthday yet. 

 I'm just now realizing the 1 is backwards. 

At least Tatum has a good smile!

Yeehaw!

I have lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for 22 years.  One of the biggest draws to the area for outsiders is the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.  In my 22 years here, I've NEVER been.  The worst part is that now that I live in Fort Worth, the event is literally across the street, less than a mile.  Every year, I say I want to go and every year, we don't.  No reason.  We deal with the horrible traffic, we smell the animals, and even hear the rodeo announcing all from our house, but we have NEVER bought tickets or attended the big event.  And this isn't just ANY rodeo.  It lasts for almost a month, has huge barns full of pigs, cows, horses, and other livestock, carnival rides and games, a petting zoo, and a huge EXPO for all sorts of items from cowboy hats to tractors.

All that was just a build up to say that we finally went to the Rodeo!  The rodeo happens to be at the Will Rogers Coliseum and there are about 5 museums all in the same area within walking distance, including The Cowgirl Hall of Fame, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, and The Children's Museum.  All, of which we have never taken Tatum. 

With the Rodeo tickets you get free admission to these museums so we decided to make a day of it.  We took Tatum to the Children's Museum and she loved every second of it!

 She wouldn't run into the mouth.  She would go in the side opening (where Dylan is) and run out but there was no way she was walking into the mouth from the front!

 Dylan wanted to get in on the fun and find out from Dr. Giraffe how tall he was.

 She walked right up to the snake and said "ssssssssssssss". 

 She loved pushing the cart, she didn't really get that you put food in it.

She really liked the Turtle.  She would come back to it after each thing she looked at.  She was pretty amazed and probably confused as to why it was in a glass bubble.

I had a photography class at 1 so we headed home and I went to my class while Tatum took a nap and rested from all the excitement of the morning.

Then it was rodeo time.  Since we had never been, I wanted to be sure we went early so we could take in the full experience.  Tatum got to go through the petting zoo, which she LOVED, I got to check out the EXPO, while Dylan drank a beer and my poor Mom had to deal with Tatum because when Mom's around Tatum will have nothing of anyone else.

Vicki and the boys met us there for the rodeo.  My only concern was the timing.  It started at 7:30pm and Tatum's bed time is 8.  The rodeo was 2 hours long but she did GREAT!  I was shocked how well she did and how entertained she was by it all, mainly Tross, Mom, and Tyler, but whatever kept her in a good mood and happy, I was all for.  Even when I look over to see them feeding her cotton candy at 9pm!!!  Oh well, life goes on, right!

 Getting ready to go to the Rodeo!

Her first cowgirl hat...Jamie, does this look familiar???

 Anxiously awaiting her turn in the petting zoo.

Tatum LOVED the petting zoo, she just stood there and pet the goats.  Dylan was standing back for a while until I saw her pulling the goats horns and I told him to PLEASE get closer in case things went awry!  I pulled the pregnancy card and said I didn't think it was a good idea for me to be in the pen since there were E-coli warnings all over the place. ;o)  When it was time to go, she sat down and threw a fit, she did NOT want to go.

 Funny looking duck

 Believe it or not, there was a method to this madness.

 Bronco Riding

 A little rodeo entertainment

 Calf Roping

 My little angel watching the show

 Some more rodeo entertainment

 Barrel Racing

 Chuck Wagon Racing

 Bull Riding

This bull did NOT want to leave the ring.

Happy Birthday Auntie M

Happy Birthday Maddie!!!

Baby News

I haven't said much about this pregnancy... so here goes.  Having a kid to chase around definetly makes this pregnancy a little different.  You don't really have time to think much about it.  The morning sickness was awful, seemed worse than with Tatum, but it could just be because I had to keep going and didn't get as much downtime since this time there is a little human thats bouncing off the walls.

I had bad headaches with Tatum, but this little guy has given me a reprieve.  No headaches, thank goodness! 

I've been working out a lot more than I ever did with Tatum.  I cut back since I was sick last week but next week, I'm back on the wagon.  I know 10 people that are pregnant right now, literally 10.  1 of which I work out with so that forces me to not make so many excuses when I'm not feeling like a workout.  I had been doing spin and light weight classes, but I think I'm just going to stick to swimming and eliptical for the remainder.  No need to be more uncomfortable than necessary!

I started 5 pounds lighter but have a strong feeling I will end up at the same weight I was when I had Tatum or even heavier.  This pregnancy I have had an unbelievable sweet tooth.  i.e. I told Dylan the birthday cake I made him had to be out of the house by the end of today.  I just have no self control right now and the cellulite on my legs is shouting this to me loud and clear! 

Its funny how you think you will remember exactly how each pregnancy was but clearly thats not the case.  I remember Tatum being active but nothing like this little guy.  He is constantly moving and his kicks are getting stronger and stronger.  He has been measuring 2 weeks larger than what he should (hope he is just taking after his Dad's height and not his Mom's eating habits!) so we will see how it all turns out.  I personally don't think a baby's birth height or weight has much bearing on their actual height and weight, unless its extreme but I guess I could be wrong. 

I feel like I have been stressing a little more this time.  Not about anything specific, just pretty much everything.  Not sure why, but I know its unnecessary so I just take a deep breath and tell myself to CHILL OUT! 

With Dylan still having his office here, that takes away 1 room, the baby's room.  I will have 1 month to get it in order once he gets an office outside the house.  I will be HUGE and uncomfortable and chasing an 18 month old but I know I can do it.  And if not, worse things can happen.  We have also been going back and forth on moving or staying. Obviously, we are starting to get pretty snug in the house.  But it still fits everyone and will probably make things easier once the baby comes so I can keep my eye on Tatum a little better.  I also have placenta previa, nothing serious to worry about at this point and it will likely go away but its still a thought in the back of my head, no matter how many times my doctor tells me not to worry.  Worse case scenario, I have a c-section, and that happens everyday but just the thought of something not being "perfect" can be scary.  It can also remind you who's in charge.  And it sure isn't us!  If these are the worst things that are happening in my life right now, I have it pretty good so I'm not complaining...thats what I tell myself when I let the stress creep in.

This blog was supposed to be about my pregnancy and kind of got off track but it will be more like a journal entry for me since I'm slacking on baby #2 updates.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, our little guy will be a Jr., Dylan Andrews Harig Jr. to be exact.   We plan to call him 'Drews' as in AnDREWS.  We will likely spell it with a Z, Druz.  Why?  Because we are his parents and we can and because it looks cooler and will aleviate the error of some people leaving off the S on Drews. 

My spell check isn't working so bare with me on the errors today.

Busy Day

Now that I'm getting to be a little bigger I haven't been filling my days with too many activities.  But today I had a full day.

Tatum and I went to a Mommy and Me class at The Little Gym this morning.  She LOVED it.  Ran circles around the rest of the kids, literally.  The age group of the class she falls into was 10-19 months, a HUGE gap if you ask me but you didn't.  She was the oldest kid in the class and the only one that could really talk.  She was definetly the most active too.  She isn't even 17 months yet but the closest kid to her age was just under 15 months. I'm not sure if we will go back or not but if we do, I will definetly take her to the older age group.  Either way, I love seeing her have fun so mission accomplished this morning.

Dylan and I had a Dr. appt this afternoon to check on the little one.  Heart beat was good and we were in and out within about 20 minutes.  We go back in 3 weeks for an ultrasound (our favorite appt's!).

Tatum kept asking for "Gabma Gabma" and of course, you would think the lady lives with us as much as we see her.  Mom watched Tatum for us last night while Dylan and I enjoyed a nice birthday dinner and then again today while we went to the Dr.  We don't have any plans to see her again until Saturday but who knows what will happen between now and then!

This evening I had a cooking class.  I didn't go.  I was pretty worn out (I didn't sleep last night, thanks to a very active baby and a mama that just wasn't tired).  I'm sure I will regret not going.  The recipes are always GREAT and I love the fellowship with the other ladies, but tonight just wasn't happening. ;o( 

Dylan took another one for the team tonight and since I wasn't feeling 100% he is on bath and bed duty, while I lie in bed and blog. This guy is like a fine wine.

Older Man



Happy Birthday Hubby!  I love being married to an older man for 8 whole days!

Love you and hope you had a great day!