Mini vacay is over.
Now I just want a Mini Cooper.
Anywho, we had a fabulous time. How can you not have a fabulous time when you’re on a mini vacay?
My favorite part was having lunch on the 18th hole at Pebble Beach. This is the view from our “table”:
This was our “table” (our very own firepit):
I could have stayed all day. But the waitress kept looking at me funny every time I dozed off.
It was empty in Monterey and Carmel. EMPTY. Especially compared to all the people here doing all the last minute shopping. I don’t get it. I thought I was the only one who waited until the last minute . . . but I just went to Best Buy and the line was out of control. OUT OF CONTROL. And I contemplated getting in it because I could read blogs and FB and look on Pinterest while standing in the line, but seeing as how I wasn’t in my PJs, I just couldn’t do it.
My family will be fine with IOU’s.
At least, I think so.
So then the hubby and I thought we could stop by Ulta (beauty supply store) for some fancy shampoo/body wash that the hubby likes, and THAT line was insane, too. So see ya. Hubs has to use Head and Shoulders and Zest and call it a day. I said I’d mix it up for him.
Seriously, though, Monterey was amazing. We’d like to make it an annual trip. We’ll see.
I slept two nights in a row for 12 hours while we were there.
I watched an $18 movie from the hotel bed because it said it wasn’t out yet and still in theaters. (That’s a lie. I just saw it listed on my Pay Per View for $5)
We did the 17 Mile Drive, the aquarium, (which was also empty so I didn’t have to push little kids out of my way to get up to the glass) Carmel, the Wharf, and Clint Eastwood’s old restaurant which I loved for the Artichoke soup and the fact that we were sitting next to a fireplace in this atmosphere:
On the way home, we went to Hearst’s Castle. That was a little Ho-Hum.
Here’s why: two summers ago, I went to the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina. When you go to the Biltmore, you get to wear a headset, make your own jokes, go at your own pace, and partake in wine tasting if you feel like it. (Yes, we felt like it.)
At Hearst Castle, you have to go with a guide who makes her own terrible jokes, walks super slow for only a 45 minute tour, and there is NO WINE. Even though you’re practically in wine country! I am currently drafting a complaint letter.
When we finally got home, I slept for another 12 hours.
I wonder how long I’d sleep if I went on a Major Vacay?
So glad you could enjoy a get away. . . and it sure sounds stress free. . . and I know YOU love stress free! Your pictures are amazing! Michigan scenery not so much on beauty right now. . . We got a dusting of snow. . . and a extra day off because the weather sounded threatening on Friday. . . not so sure it was just the weather that was threatening. . . 33 school districts in Michigan closed on Friday because of threats of violence and could it possibly be the end of the world coming? Anyway, I had an extra day to get ready for my company tonight. My family is coming for our Holiday Home Tour. This year the theme is to dress up as a Christmas movie or book. We are dressed as Alvin and the Chipmunks, only my husband's name is Mike. . . so with the big M on his shirt we are calling him Malvin! I'll post pictures on my blog tomorrow. Just want to say thanks for the friendship, help, and tons of laughs you have provided for me this year! Moving on to bigger and better in 2013!
Patty
Second In Line
Your mini vacay sounds amazing! It is blustery in Maryland right now and I'm jealous looking at those pictures. Have a great Holiday! Your blog is great!
Sounds and looks like you had a wonderful mini-vacay! If I ever get to the West Coast I will have to make a trip there. It's gorgeous!
Passing up shopping lines to go home and get in your pj's sounds like a much better choice to me too.
Bet your dog is glad to have you home!
Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Pixy Stix and Teacher Tricks
How fun! I love Monterey and Carmel and miss spending the holidays there. My parents used to rent there in the winter (Carmel) and it was SO-O nice. Love Clint Eastwood's place Hogsbreath Inn. So cozy! Enjoy your vacation.
Don't forget that scary ride up to, and down from, the Castle where you feel like you're going to fall off the road. I made the mistake of sitting in front, where I could see that the driver was allergic to breaking.
ah, you need to go to biltmore at Christmas! Nothing better. And I don't even use headphones!
Love that area. Went to a tennis ranch in Carmel and loved every second.
We went to Monterey and Carmel on vacation a couple years ago and also saw the Hearst Castle. I loved it because I love the rocky west coast, but I do think I like the Biltmore better. I've been there twice- once in the summer and once at Christmas. It's just absolutely beautiful.
Glad you enjoyed your mini-vacay! 🙂
Rachel
A-B-Seymour
Welcome home! I missed you! I was glad you scheduled some posts for us while you were gone!
Buh-bye mini vacay-sniffle sniffle! Looks like a completely miserable getaway.
Glad you were able to enjoy some down time with the hubs. We have taken the same Hearst tour and heard the same corny jokes and suffered through it as well. The dining room was insane, but some wine on that part of the tour would have been excellent. Suggestion box?…
Merry Christmas to you Kristin and thank you for all the laughs and support this past year. We hope you get everything you want this season and much blessings to you in the new year!
~Christy (& Tammy too)
Fluttering Through First Grade
Glad you were able to enjoy a mini-vacay with the hubs. Avoid the malls at all costs… IOUs are better than asking for bail money. 😉
~Jen
Hello Mrs Sykes
What?! No wine?! What kind of a tourist site is that? And tour guide jokes? Blech. I'm sure your own Mystery Science Theater is better.
Buzzing with Ms. B
Ashville, NC. That's near my neck of the woods. Wonderful place!
Susan in NC