Surf Champs

We finally made it to the US Open of Surfing, and it definitely didn't disappoint!

The event is held in Huntington Beach -- also known as Surf City -- every summer at the end of July/beginning of August. On the final Saturday of the event, we braved the crowd of 100,000 to catch some of the world's best surfers tear up the waves. It's unreal what those surfers can do with a tiny board and water! We found a relatively uncrowded spot near the water and played in between all the action. And when something awesome was happening, we got to see everything twice thanks to the instant replay on big screens along the pier.

After the competition was over, the crowds began to disperse a bit and we enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon at the beach. The weather was perfect and the water was even warm! Oh, it was so lovely. We were all in heaven! Jakey likes to take off running into the water and doesn't mind being knocked over by waves -- I'm convinced that he would walk straight into the ocean and take off swimming if we let him. That baby love, love, loves the beach. He excitedly runs around, plays with the sand, finds seashells, splashes in the water, and loves it when we jump waves with him. Our beach-loving selves can't get enough of it.

Funnel cakes and ferris wheels

Summer simply wouldn't be complete without delicious fried desserts enjoyed under the flashing lights of a local fair.
The Antelope Valley Fair is such a hit in our neck of the woods desert that people talk about it year-round. Matt and I were pleasantly surprised when it lived up to the hype last summer (hint: that link is full of all sorts of pretty fair pictures), and we enjoyed another nice date night there last Saturday.

We got to the fairgrounds in just enough time to catch some of the Rural Olympics, which included fantastically hick-ish events like hanging out of a moving vintage car's window to spear potatoes and "stealing" 25 bales of hay in less than two minute's time.

Then, we happily wandered around, enjoying the lights, sights and quality people-watching.

Of course, Skeeball was on our must-do list. Last year, I was the champion and won a cow to prove it. This year, Matt brought down the house and brought home a gator.

I blame my less-than-stellar performance on my lack of proper balance due to the bowling ball strapped to my stomach. :)

As it got darker, we set off in search of the best funnel cake stand. You'd better believe we found it!

Just when we thought funnel cakes couldn't get any better, we added strawberries and whipped cream -- and then died and went to sugar heaven. It was the best way to cap off our night!

A last hurrah

As if he hadn't already spoiled me enough throughout this pregnancy, Matt treated me to an amazing Saturday in LA a couple weekends ago. We figured it'd be our last trip down South before the baby so it was a last hurrah of sorts. The day was perfect! It started off with a leisurely morning and a delicious pancake breakfast made by Matt. Then we hit the road and ended up at a day spa, where Matt gifted me a prenatal massage and facial. (I told you I am spoiled.) Oh my goodness, it was heavenly. And that is a major understatement.

Nothing quite like a big baby bump sticking out of a luxurious robe!

We did a little pre-birthday shopping afterward (Matt and I are both September babies) and then headed West to the beach. It was a bit chilly on the coast so we just held hands and walked barefoot along the shoreline for awhile, enjoying the serenity of the ocean and each other's company.

Then it was time to grab a treat for our impending picnic. Sprinkles fit the bill quite nicely.

We capped off the night with a symphony and fireworks at the Hollywood Bowl. Matt and I loved last summer's Tchaikovsky Spectacular so much that we decided to make summer symphonies at the Hollywood Bowl a yearly tradition. This time, the LA Philharomonic delivered an incredible performance of Fantasia -- providing the score while select scenes played on the big screens. The music was beautiful and it turns out Fantasia is highly entertaining (my 7-year-old self didn't think so). And really, you can't go wrong when fireworks are involved. It was a lovely date!

In case you missed it last year, this is what the Hollywood Bowl looks like. Check out the Hollywood sign underneath the lights on the hills in the background. It's such a pretty setting right in the middle of all the LA craziness.

Cars and fire

Another summer staple? Outdoor movies, of course! We checked that item off our to-do list by heading to the Redwood Drive-in to see Cars 2. It was a fun venue for the cute, happy movie.

Another night found us outside again-- this time providing entertainment of our own with fireworks in the street. We played with sparklers and learned that it is next to impossible for little kids to stay still for long-exposure shots.

Thanks to Utah's new rather lenient fireworks laws, we then enjoyed an excellent private fireworks show from the comfort of the driveway. Hooray for playing with fire!