Monterey

We are finally at a campground with dependable wifi!  We are currently in Eureka, CA using the heat instead of the AC for the first time.  It's rather chilly here!  The weather was nice in Monterey.  There was a chill in the wind, but nothing a light jacket couldn't fix.  During the drive up we saw lots of different crops, and tried guessing what each one was.

There was also sleeping...

awkward sleeping.

When we finally got to Monterey, and settled in the hotel Uncle Ray graced us with, we went to see Cole (Frankie's brother).  He was at work, but his lovely wife Lindsey took us out to the ocean where we spread some ashes.  It was too dark for a picture, the sound of the waves was peaceful.

The next morning Lindsey took us out to see 17 Mile Drive.  It was beautiful, and we found a few good places to spread ashes.

Then we went to a different beach where we played on the rocks.  As Danni went to sprinkle some ashes a wave came crashing into the rock giving her a nice spray.

For lunch we went to a small sandwich shop that was delicious!

We saw a bunch of seals laying out on a beach.  Danni thought they were all rocks at first because there were so many!

We went to the Fisherman's Wharf and walked around for a bit. 

We decided to sprinkle some ashes at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co because Frankie called Cole her bubba... and she liked Forrest Gump.

Later on we picked up Cole and went to the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz.

We road some coasters, played some games, and of course spread some ashes.  Just as Danni was getting ready to sprinkle a wave came rushing up and got both of our shoes and jeans wet.  Frankie was just screwing with us by then!

We had a great time with Cole and Lindsey, and we're so thankful for everything they did for us!

In the morning we ate a delicious breakfast.

Before we headed out we visited another spot that had lots of rocks and tide pools.  We sprinkled one more time, and parted ways.

Of course we had to stop at a fruit stand on our way out.  Fresh and tasty strawberries and cherries!

Even though Frankie never got to visit Monterey and see the beautiful city her brother and sis-in-law live in, she is there now.  She is all over the city watching over the people and wildlife that she loved and adored.

Today's random bit of advice: Every day show your family how much you love them with your words, with your touch, and with your thoughtfulness.

Los Angeles

As we drove into California we hooked my iPad up to the truck and sang, "Texas! Arkansas! California, here we are!"  Then we ended up listening to the entire Show Ponies cd.

We found a Franky's on the drive.  It isn't spelled right, but Frankie wanted a 50's style booth so we thought it was appropriate.

We stopped in Baker, CA to sprinkle some of Frankie's ashes.

The world's largest thermometer.

"Baker, CA. Gateway to Death Valley"

Thank you so much Linda for letting us stay at your house!  Riley, Danni, and I were very excited to see a few Euro Cup games.

We had a great time with Andi and her boyfriend Patrick.  We went to Venice Beach, saw where she worked at LuLuLemon, ate at BJ's (which was delicious), and we had a campfire at Linda's.

The fire picture was taken from Andi's Facebook.

While on Venice we found an area that was covered in graffiti, and we knew it was perfect for Frankie.  She loved graffiti, and she definitely would have loved quirky Venice.

Today's random bit of advise: Evaluate yourself by your own standards, not someone else's.

Viva Las Vegas

On our way to Vegas we saw bits of Route 66. Apparently this is where it started, and now Frankie gets to hang out here with all the amusing tourists.

3,333.33 ft above sea level!

Finally in Nevada. The landscape was still surprisingly pretty.

The Hoover Dam was absolutely impressive.  Frankie thought it was funny though to blow back into my face.  I bet she was laughing her head off! 

Because we crossed back into Arizona while crossing the dam, we had to cross back... and saw this even better sign!

Claws and Antlers!

Celebrating Riley's birthday with a cake we got off the bakery sale rack.  It was delicious.  Danni brought the candles.

Danni studying her Japanese.

We went to a casino, but ended up playing games in the kids area. Riley won an inflatable hammer, and I won some plastic rings.  I chose them over candy because they were so Frankie.

We also sprinkled Frankie's ashes where Auntie Gem and

Uncle Ray got married: a Little White Chapel.

We found another Frankie place! Too bad it was a bar so Danni and Riley weren't allowed in.

In our last few hours in Vegas we got our ears pierced.  Dan got a second hole on her right ear, Riley got is his first on both ears, and I got my second hole on both ears.  That was about as "Vegas" as we got.

For today's random bit of advice, you will have to read the last post!