Ybor City

Ybor City is a historic neighborhood in Tampa. Founded in the 1880s by cigar manufacturers, the neighborhood was originally populated by thousands of Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants. Today, the neighborhood has seen quite the revitalization, and boasts a rich culture, thanks to its diverse history.

Conveniently, Ybor City is a quick 10-minute trolley ride from Tyler's apartment. We made the journey a couple times both because Jackson's single favorite thing in Tampa was the trolley (and who can blame him), and because there is just so much to do (and eat, and drink) in the area.

Sunset Over the Gulf

Now that Tyler had spent nearly five months in Florida, he had a long list of "things to do" during our most recent visit. Beaches, museums, aquariums, breweries, restaurants, oh my.

Added to that list: sunset on the beach.

Water as clear and warm as a bath splashing against our feet, salty air blowing against our faces, dripping ice cream in hand, and my guys by my side. Quiet, calm, and rejuvenating - these are the moments that never last long enough.

We soaked in every last drop of setting sun, until dusk threatened darkness.

This place is very, very good.

 

Laguna Beach

The final leg of our California adventure took us to Laguna Beach, where my dad would spend part of the week in meetings, and Jackson, my mom, my sister, and I would take full advantage of all the amenities The Montage Resort has to offer.

We spent our days poolside and our evenings enjoying live music in the hotel's posh lounge. We were way out of our league, but did our best to pretend like we belonged.

Additionally, one of my best friends, Shannon, lives just up the road from where we were staying, AND my other BFF, Melissa, and her main squeeze, Dan had planned to surprise Shannon for her birthday. Timing couldn't have been better, and we were able to spend an entire day (and night) together.

 

The evening entertainment.

 

Talking with daddy.

Vacations are exhausting in the best way. This was one for the record books. The only thing that could have made it better, would have been Tyler. Shout out to my parents, for spoiling us beyond reason.

Disneyland

It really is the happiest place on earth.

Minus the insane crowds and long lines, of course.

There is something about Disneyland that is pure magic. No matter how many times you go, walking down Main Street USA will get you. Every. Single. Time.

And that parade. It is worth staying for, without a doubt.

Walt Disney, you nailed it.

Thanks for allowing us all to feel the magic of imagination - no matter our age.

    (photo credit: Disney and more)

 

 

 

 

 

Los Angeles

Our trip to California was split into three parts: Los Angeles, Anaheim (for Disneyland), and Laguna Beach.

For reference, my parents met and were married in the area, I was born there, my grandparents lived there for many years, and my dad currently works out of L.A., making his trips there frequent. My parents definitely know the drill around these parts - so we did the touristy thing, but they know how to do it right.

During our time in L.A., we spent an evening eating and shopping at The Grove, did the obligatory people-watching along Venice Beach, and strolled 3rd Street Promenade.

 

The Grove

 

Because all vacations should kick-off with ice cream at 10pm.

 

Venice Beach! Sorry, but I didn't capture a single people-watching picture.

 

We ate In-N-Out three, yes THREE times in one week.

 

We celebrated my birthday with an incredible dinner at the world-renowned Bazzar restaurant by Jose Andres. It was the best food I've ever eaten in my 29 years on this planet. And, we were brave enough to bring a toddler to a place that definitely doesn't offer a kid's menu. So fancy.

 

 

...and a birthday shot with my husband, via FaceTime. #happybirthdaytome