Homecoming

21 October 2017--And she went.  She had her makeup done professionally in our bathroom, some help with her hair, and nails painted at a local salon.  Her date is a Senior, new to our area, and very nice.  They met up with other friends for dinner at the Xin Bowl.  They had a good time at the dance and returned home before curfew.

Painting B-Mountain

14 October 2017--It is a tradition in our town that the high school seniors paint their graduation year next to the "B" on B-Mountain.  And apparently, it is not a very clean experience.  Jeremy bought Allison a true professional painter's outfit, instructed her to leave conditioner in her hair and wear a second layer she could still strip off and still be clothed, lined the inside of the car with trash bags, left further trash bags in the car, and also instructed her that no one with any speck of paint on them was allowed in the car.

Self Defense Class

The morning after the Ball, I "dragged" Madison to a Self-Defense Class in which she did rather well.  We learned techniques using the "Bottom Fist", "Palm Heel", "Elbow & Forearm",  and "Knee, Shin, Top of Foot, Heel" just to name a few.

Daddy Daughter Dinner Date

The stake planned a "Daddy Daughter Dinner Date" on the same night as the Navy Ball.  Allison "stood in" and took McKenna.  Loved the pictures sent!

Navy Ball

Jeremy and I attended the annual Navy Ball this year hosted by our local Navy installation.  We bought tickets, I ordered a dress (eshakti.com), Jeremy rented a tux, and I got my nails, hair and make-up done.  It was a lot of fun to see so many friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and other familiar faces all dressed up.

Monterey

We traveled another 2-1/2 hours north of San Simeon to Monterey.  There was a nice Holiday Inn a street over from Cannery Row (family suite style) at a very reasonable price.  We spent the evening wandering the street, going down to McAbee Beach (behind and beside a hotel and some of the shops), watching seals off the area behind the aquarium, having a dinner at Ambrosia India Bistro, and eating dessert at Ghiradelli.

We had breakfast at the hotel buffet and then went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  We watched them feed the sea otters, looked at all kinds of jelly fish, and picked up all sorts of things in the Touch Pools.  We had lunch at  Louie Linguini's and dessert at Dippin' Dots.

We decided to drive part of the 17-Mile-Drive from Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea, only along the coast, and see its exquisite houses and views.  ($10.50 cash per vehicle.)

We took a bit of a scenic "route" from there back to the highway on Carmel Valley Road.  I don't recommend this if you are in a hurry to get home.