Hello world!
We recently returned back to the Kingdom from a short four weeks in the US and A. We came with a long list of things to do and people to see and unfortunately time was not on our side. So, sorry if we missed you....but super super thanks to those that were able to join us. We had a blast.
We arrived in San Diego on July 16. Yep, that means we spent our two year anniversary flying through the air. It took about 24 hours to fly from the Middle East to California, but only 19 hours in air-economy class, in a seat that did not recline . . . and Brittney could not have been happier!
Just as last summer was busy going from state to state, this summer was just as busy going up and down California. And of course, a stop over in Kauai.
We basically did:
San Diego >
Chico >
Napa >
Sonoma >
Napa >
Sonoma >
Los Angeles >
San Diego >
Kauai >
San Diego.
Thanks again to cousin Freddy for the fantastic savings on a rental car. The Hertz rental guy was shocked when he saw we were confirmed for four weeks, and upon returning it, we had contributed over 2,000 miles (Mostly via Brittney...because she can).
When in Sonoma County, we saw great friends, visited our favorite wineries, and made a few drives down memory lane. The greatest thing about being in Sonoma County was the feeling we had being there-it just felt right, we felt at home in Sonoma County. This is a big deal, especially to Phillip and his third culture upbringing. To grow up having lived all over the world, the feeling of 'home' is a rarity. So when we both felt this major connection to the area, we naturally started browsing the real estate. The downside is that we realized right NOW is a fantastic time to buy, unfortunately, we are not ready right now, but we were able to muster up a team of people to keep a lookout for us.
In LA, we spent a day in Disneyland, and then Phillip was scheduled to take a test for his Masters courses the following morning. This specific test was located at various testing centers nationwide but luckily there was one 6 miles away from Disneyland. We stopped there on the morning drive home.
However, Phillip got very ill the evening prior to his test. He was up all night curled over the toilet. Somehow he was able to get through the worst of it and survive his test. When we arrived back in San Diego, we found that Brittney's father was dealing with the same thing. Sick all night and barely recovered by the time we arrived. The boys went straight to bed and Brittney took it upon herself to run to Trader Joe's and pick up some things to make them feel better. She loved being able to drive somewhere-alone, in a tank top and shorts, windows down, clean air blasting her face. She got lost (naturally) but did not mind.
In San Diego, Brittney got to do what she always hopes to do....spend time with her nephews. The older one is currently dominating the soccer field and we got to go to several of his games of his summer tournament. The little one is not into soccer, he is on a team, trying it out, but prefers to do anything BUT soccer. He is quite the artistic builder and will make something out of anything. At any rate, spending time with the boys was the ultimate icing on the cake, they are so awesome and we love seeing them, and we think the loved the museum we went to.
Kauai was nice as always. We were there 5 days instead of 7, and did not plan to do any excursions. The whole purpose of going was to take in as much clean air, green grass, and blue water as possible! Those three things are very scarce here in Saudi, and when we are in Saudi, we often do things we call 'mental trips' to the beautiful island of Kauai (seeing nothing but dirt and factories for months on end make mental trips very easy, and useful). So, we spent most of our time lounging by the pool/beach, we got some great shots at Waimea canyon, and we did make sure to do one catamaran/snorkeling trip...which was AMAZING. We literally did this on our last day and went to the airport within a few hours of getting back on dry land. Most of the flight back involved looking through our great photos and deciding which ones to print and hang up in Kingdom.
A lot certainly happened over our four weeks stateside, but most of it could be considered one of the 'you had to be there' kind of experiences, so we will spare you. We ultimately spent time relaxing with family and friends, reminiscing, drinking wine, taking deep breaths, letting Brittney drive (because she can), and stocking up on items you cannot find in Saudi (too bad you cannot ship fresh air).
For those of you that were able to join us, Thank you Thank you Thank you! It means a lot to us and we really enjoyed seeing you. For those of you that could not make it, hopefully next year. And for those that are just NOW finding out we were stateside...hopefully next year.
One thing we heard over and over again (to our surprise) was ... 'Bring back the blog, I loved reading it'. So, here we go...
Until next time...
-B and P
We recently returned back to the Kingdom from a short four weeks in the US and A. We came with a long list of things to do and people to see and unfortunately time was not on our side. So, sorry if we missed you....but super super thanks to those that were able to join us. We had a blast.
We arrived in San Diego on July 16. Yep, that means we spent our two year anniversary flying through the air. It took about 24 hours to fly from the Middle East to California, but only 19 hours in air-economy class, in a seat that did not recline . . . and Brittney could not have been happier!
Just as last summer was busy going from state to state, this summer was just as busy going up and down California. And of course, a stop over in Kauai.
We basically did:
San Diego >
Chico >
Napa >
Sonoma >
Napa >
Sonoma >
Los Angeles >
San Diego >
Kauai >
San Diego.
Thanks again to cousin Freddy for the fantastic savings on a rental car. The Hertz rental guy was shocked when he saw we were confirmed for four weeks, and upon returning it, we had contributed over 2,000 miles (Mostly via Brittney...because she can).
 |
| Brittney and her Father: Cowels Mountain |
When in Sonoma County, we saw great friends, visited our favorite wineries, and made a few drives down memory lane. The greatest thing about being in Sonoma County was the feeling we had being there-it just felt right, we felt at home in Sonoma County. This is a big deal, especially to Phillip and his third culture upbringing. To grow up having lived all over the world, the feeling of 'home' is a rarity. So when we both felt this major connection to the area, we naturally started browsing the real estate. The downside is that we realized right NOW is a fantastic time to buy, unfortunately, we are not ready right now, but we were able to muster up a team of people to keep a lookout for us.
 |
| One big reason why we LOVE Sonoma County. |
In LA, we spent a day in Disneyland, and then Phillip was scheduled to take a test for his Masters courses the following morning. This specific test was located at various testing centers nationwide but luckily there was one 6 miles away from Disneyland. We stopped there on the morning drive home.
 |
| Splash Mountain # 1 |
However, Phillip got very ill the evening prior to his test. He was up all night curled over the toilet. Somehow he was able to get through the worst of it and survive his test. When we arrived back in San Diego, we found that Brittney's father was dealing with the same thing. Sick all night and barely recovered by the time we arrived. The boys went straight to bed and Brittney took it upon herself to run to Trader Joe's and pick up some things to make them feel better. She loved being able to drive somewhere-alone, in a tank top and shorts, windows down, clean air blasting her face. She got lost (naturally) but did not mind.
 |
| Enjoying Coronado |
In San Diego, Brittney got to do what she always hopes to do....spend time with her nephews. The older one is currently dominating the soccer field and we got to go to several of his games of his summer tournament. The little one is not into soccer, he is on a team, trying it out, but prefers to do anything BUT soccer. He is quite the artistic builder and will make something out of anything. At any rate, spending time with the boys was the ultimate icing on the cake, they are so awesome and we love seeing them, and we think the loved the museum we went to.
 |
| The nephews exploring at the New Children's Museum |
 |
| Along Napali Coast, Kauai |
A lot certainly happened over our four weeks stateside, but most of it could be considered one of the 'you had to be there' kind of experiences, so we will spare you. We ultimately spent time relaxing with family and friends, reminiscing, drinking wine, taking deep breaths, letting Brittney drive (because she can), and stocking up on items you cannot find in Saudi (too bad you cannot ship fresh air).
 |
| Our attempt at a 'Dear Photograph' from Brittney's childhood. |
For those of you that were able to join us, Thank you Thank you Thank you! It means a lot to us and we really enjoyed seeing you. For those of you that could not make it, hopefully next year. And for those that are just NOW finding out we were stateside...hopefully next year.
One thing we heard over and over again (to our surprise) was ... 'Bring back the blog, I loved reading it'. So, here we go...
 |
| Hanging in a new favorite restaurant in SD (Veg-N-Out). |
Until next time...
-B and P
Being one of those that missed you, I am now just catching up on you posts at this new site. I know both Vicki and I would love to see you next time you are stateside. Is there a way to get notifications of when you post? I missed a lot because I didn't check. You know one of those memory things.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had such a great time and I look forward to catching up.
Hugs, Nancy