Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Life in Solvang

Embarking to California on our new adventure was exciting, scary, and a little sad. I was so excited to get up and move to California for the summer and go to a place that I have never been before. Scary because we had to leave both of our jobs and leave our condo and rent it out while we were gone. Sad because I had to say goodbye our families and friends for three months. I know that sounds silly cause it is only three months, but I have never gone that long without seeing my family! I don't have any pictures with me and my family before leaving because I was being a bawl-baby tiddy mouse (as Josh calls it.) But I knew that we were making the right decision because everything fell into place and we both felt really good about going!


Tightening the bikes one last time before we hit the road. (652 miles to be exact)

One last picture of the beautiful mountains as we were leaving!
Checking the bikes again.

We stayed in St. George with Grandpa Wayne for the night to break up our long road trip.
And of course we had waffles for breakfast with Grandpa before leaving.
Grandpa, Kirby, and Me
The view of the bikes from the rear-view mirror. I kept a good eye on them after our bike-falling off the rack and onto the road incident.
Yay, finally reached California!
Had to stop for the famous photo-op of the thermometer!
Our first morning in Santa Barbara!
Getting ready to drive to Solvang. The place where we will be spending the next three months of our lives.
Our little apartment. We live on top of Ann-tiques.
The bikes.
All around us are beautiful vineyards! I still don't understand how they make the rows so straight.
Solvang and the imfamous windmill.
The streets of Solvang.
Our Second home.
We discovered that there is a casino three miles from our place. Who would have thought?
Santa Maria Senioritas! I tried to fit in.
Not sure if we could trust leaving our bikes out at night so we would bring them in every night so they would not get stolen. We have realized that Solvang is a very trustable town so now they stay outside.

Relaxing in the gawden (with an english accent)

As mentioned before, we live above ann-tiques. So clever.
Santa Barbara Sunset!


One of our very favorite restaraunts in Solvang~ The Touch!
Oh my gosh! So this little dog came by with "doggles" on and I fell in love. I had to get my picture taken with her!

Niquoiqi Falls! Gorgeous Gorgeous!!!


Side walk chalk art at the Santa Barbara Mission. Seriously amazing.




Our sunday bike ride down the board-walk.



We packed a dinner and when we went to pull out our so-called "dinner," I found the PB&J's smashed and not looking so appetizing. Surprisingly, they were delicious!
Entering the secret world of Solvang.
Our Friday nights are now spent watching our clothes being rotated. Luckily we met a new friend named Maria. We have a laudry date with her every other friday.(Because I WILL make our laundry stretch two weeks :)



4 comments:

Whit said...

You guys are so cute! We miss you!

Valerie said...

Melis, how awesome. I want to come visit Solvang, it looks beautiful! I loved that side walk chalk of the lady looking at her reflection. Any way, it looks like you guys are having a blast! Fun fun (ps. you should stop to say hi when you are in St. G!)

Chelsee said...

What a cute town. I hope y'all enjoy living away from family as much as you can. I know Matt and I have enjoyed it. (so much so that we are still living in North Carolina) But it looks like you guys have a nice set up there. If I may ask what is the internship that took you there? This is a long comment but I must tell you both I had the most random dream with the two of you in it last night. So strange you guys weren't married and I kept trying to get you guys together. Like I said random :)

Megan Rice said...

Hey Shaw's! Solvang looks amazing!! I want to come visit! I don't know if we can cart the kiddies though. Maybe we can all go back one day together. Thanks for leaving your post on my blog. I need your email address though so I can add you to the list before I go private! Keep in touch! We miss you!