Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush

I guess we're not much of bucket list people.  We have things we want to do, but when it comes to searching for amazing fun places to visit around here, we can't find much that doesn't cost oodles.  However, there was one place we ventured recently that we can cross off our "list of things we want to do."

Riley's Farm

It took us over an hour to get there, but as we got closer, we left "California" behind and seemed to be in some quiet country town.  It was wonderful!  Once we arrived and figured out where to go, we got to go berry picking.  Blackberries and raspberries were in season, so we went for those.

The raspberry bushes were overtaken by bees so we sent the bravest of us all to retrieve those berries.

As we looked around the farm a bit, we found a charming coffin, old buildings, wheelbarrows, and animals.  Also, I didn't get a picture of any of them, but all the workers at the farm were dressed in colonial clothes to give the farm a back-in-time feel.

Though it was blasted hot, we had such fun at Riley's farm and you can bet will be revisiting during the fall.

Independence Day

Do you have words that you ALWAYS have to think about when spelling?  Independence is definitely one of those for me (as is definitely).  You think I'd learn.  Moving along...

Let me paint for you a picture of our Moreno 4th of July.  First, after rising at 5 am to go exercise, shower, and whip up a super healthy breakfast, we spent the morning reading articles and tributes to our forefathers.  

Just kidding.  Here's what really happened.  Raquel let us lazily sleep in until 8 (yahoo!), we overate an incredibly delicious (aka unhealthy) breakfast, we slowly got ready, and then spent the morning shopping.  Yeah, that sounds more like us.  (Though we are extremely grateful for our forefathers.)

After getting our food assignments ready, we popped over to the McGarys to BBQ along with said McGarys, Mohlmans, and Mallary.

We again ate too much, but I'm pretty sure that's what holidays are for, right?  Then we headed over to a grassy spot near some apartments in Upland to watch fireworks.  Can you believe these were the FIRST fireworks I've seen in 4 years?  You read me right.  We haven't gone to see fireworks in our entire California lifetime.  We're so lame.  We weren't incredibly close to the actual firework show, but they were still magical to watch and quiet enough not to frighten my girlie.

Dave

I'm pretty sure I need an entire post to dedicate to my embarrassing relation, known as my brother, Dave.  From the moment he arrived, we found him desperate for attention.  This continued throughout his stay.  I have no words to describe this person that is my brother.

  

The worst part is that Raquel picked up some of his...whatever you want to call it.

Yikes!

a BIG surprise

My mom was at my grandma's house for a week and I was missing her terribly.  Suddenly, on a Thursday, she texted to see if I wanted to skype.  I got on, but she was having troubles with her computer.  As we were on the phone to figure it out, I heard a knock on my door.  I peeped out my peephole and saw some guy in shades and a hat.  Not wanting to bother with a salesman when I was wanting to talk to my mom, I decided not to answer.  He knocked again.  And again.  Pretty soon, he was knocking and knocking and knocking without stopping.  Talk about ANNOYING!  I looked through the peephole again and saw him putting his ear up to the door to listen for inside noise.  Talk about CREEPY!  I vowed to mom that I was NOT going to open that door.  Finally, I looked again and couldn't believe my eyes!  I swung open the door and there stood my mom, dad, and older brother Dave (the creepy and annoying salesman I hadn't recognized). 
 SURPRISE!!!

The whole time they were here, we pretty much just hung out, though we did have a few adventures: $1 scoop night at Handels, BBQ at the park, picnics, pool and splash pad fun, Molly's Souper for breakfast, Islands Restaurant for lunch, Redlands Temple, and Disneyland!

  That was one of the best surprises of my life!  Thanks for coming to visit, Dad, Mom, and Dave!!!  Let's do that again sometime:)