Mother's Day - California Road Trip 2013

 Charity took me on a road trip for the best Mother's Day weekend ever this year.  We started out with a brief tour of Morgan Hill and a short stop at the Gilroy Outlets (above).  I got some new skirts.

 I had wanted to go to Gilroy for many years because I heard about the Garlic Festival there.

 Charity saw the sign for the garlic ice cream so she went to get gas while I went to get some garlic ice cream.  The cashier said you couldn't taste the garlic in the chocolate ice cream but you could in the vanilla.  So, I got chocolate ice cream for Charity and vanilla for me.  Charity had one bite of chocolate and about died.  I didn't think the vanilla was so bad.  It was pretty mild.  So after I finished my vanilla, I proceeded to eat her chocolate.  On the last bite of chocolate, I got a strong taste of garlic.  It must have been like her first bite.  It was awful.  Yuck!  I couldn't eat anymore either and just wanted the taste out of my mouth.  Neither one of us will be eating garlic ice cream (ever again) or garlic anything for awhile.  I agreed with her - it was horrible!

 After leaving Gilroy, we made the long drive straight to San Louis Obispo.  It was dinner time and we were excited to eat at Mo's BBQ and get that garlic taste finally out of our mouths.  The BBQ was a Food Network place and we were happy to beat the crowd for dinner.

 After dinner, we walked around San Louis Obispo to see the city.  We saw the famous Bubble Gum Alley that was gross.....  There were lots of college kids and places to eat and drink.

 Charity made a reservation at the Holiday Inn in Atascadero.  It was brand new and VERY nice.  She wouldn't tell me how much it cost but I'm sure it was very expensive.  It is the nicest place I've stayed at in a very long time.  We enjoyed the breakfast the next morning also.  (Charity is at the front counter checking out.)

 While we were in San Louis Obispo, we saw a We Olive store that was closed.  We planned to go back but looked online and saw the reviews.  The reviews recommended the Paso Robles store so we went there the next day and had a fabulous time.  The people were so nice.  We bought a couple of things.  Went to a competitor and then went back to We Olive and bought some more  there.  I am really excited to cook with my new products.  I got flavored olive oil, flavored vinegar, caramel syrup, and some artichoke dip.  This was the funnest place that we went to.  We had a great time.

 Just a beautiful view on our drive from Paso Robles to Cambria.

 A grove of olive trees in Paso Robles.

 Charity and I walked along the ocean at Cambria.  It was windy and chilly but we enjoyed the beautiful view.

 We drove south down the coast and stopped at Morro Bay for lunch.  We had clam chowder, fish and chips.  It was delicious and we enjoyed it very much.  The ocean was so peaceful.

 We felt like we were racing against the clock to get to Avila to get homemade ice cream before the Barn place closed.  We made it and had a fun time there.  It was great.  We both had delicious milkshakes for dessert.

 We were off again for our last stop of the day - Pismo Beach.  Then back home before 8:30 pm.

 The next morning was mother's day and I had the best mother's day breakfast ever!  Charity made french toast with strawberry and cream cheese topping.  It was divine!  We also had cranberry-strawberry smoothies.  Charity did great.

 Here's a picture of Charity after church.  She lives at the top of this stairway.  Her apartment complex is just beautiful and her apartment is so cute.  She has it nicely decorated and it is so neat and clean. 

I cried this morning as we left for the airport.  This picture was taken as we drove out her driveway.  You can see how beautiful it is where she lives in Morgan Hill.

Charity did a marvelous job planning our road trip and making great plans for our weekend.  It was so fun and exciting.  I had a great time.  I went down with one suitcase and took some of her stuff to her.  I returned today with two suitcases stuffed full.  I brought back new clothes, pasta, bath & body products, oil & vinegar products.  My suitcases are heavy!

In addition to a fantastic weekend sight seeing, Charity gave me two books and an awesome pedicure set for Mother's Day.  We did pedicures last nite and the pedicure kit is fantastic.  I love it and look forward to more pedicures right in my own family room. 

I am so blessed to have a darling daughter and one that I cherish.  We had so much fun together.  I hated to see the weekend come to an end.  It was the best of times and I look forward to having another fun time together soon!  Thanks Charity for the best weekend!  I love you!

(I came home to a big box with an ice chest from Nate/Misty for Mother's Day and a beautiful family picture from Jason/Ashley!  I felt so loved yesterday as all my sons and daughter-in-laws called to wish me a Happy Mother's Day!  It was wonderful beyond words!  Thanks everyone for making it the best ever!  Casey has been working hard to schedule a family reunion and that really means a lot to me.  I know how many hours go into that planning.  Thanks Casey!)