For months we've been planning a PCH road trip. On the shoulders of a very busy month, mom and dad Carlson flew up North, to make the drive with us down south. So happy they came with us to enjoy our beautiful southbound coast. Before the drive we spent the couple days before enjoying our local gems. We went to our local produce stand. They have a great pumpkin patch and hay pyramid to climb. Bryce wasn't feeling well, so we didn't stay long. He requested we go home so he could take a nap. After that nap though, he was feeling quite well for a park trip.
( For some annoying reason, the pictures won"t rotate. ) The following day we drove up to the Sacramento Train Museum ( If you didn't already know, Bryce loves trains. ) Fantastic museum if you haven't gone. I highly recommend it.
And since we were practically there, we also went to Apple Hill. Ty thinks it's a bit far to drive for an apple fritter. I beg to differ. These are the best apple fritters, the size of your head- apple fritters, and you get to eat them in cool crisp mountain air surrounded by apple trees.
Did I mention the fritters?! We are all sharing the same fritter, btw.
And then, after all that driving the day before, we hop in the car again for a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. To avoid a bit of traffic, we skipped San Fran and met the coast in Monterrey. Bryce wasn't thrilled to be in the car, but I promised him a train, and boy did I deliver. In Monterrey there is a Dennis the Menace park with a huge train. As soon as Bryce got out of the car, he saw the train and screamed over and over, "Choo, Choo!" Fantastic Park! We'll make the drive again just for that! (of course I forgot to get a picture of the train, darn it)
It was a little colder than I expected. A lot colder. Bryce didn't seem to mind, but I was freezing. If you couldn't tell.
Go to Monterrey Find this park. My father-in-law was the main force behind going. He told us he's always wanted to go, but he's never had a kid with him... Can we blame him? Who really wants to see a grown-up all alone, without children, at a park? I sure don't...
Stopping occasionally to take pictures by the gorgeous scenery.
One place we'll go back to was a restaurant / store / look out called Nepenthe in Big Sur. I didn't get many pictures here either (What am I talking about, I didn't get ANY pictures. I didn't have my camera. All these pictures are all thanks to Rose, my wonderful Mother-in-law who thankfully had her camera.) Anyway, Nepenthe is a perfect little place up on a hill where people can come, eat, and watch the sun set. It had a very calm feel to it, and I loved being there.
another photo spot!
I know you can't see our faces, but I love this picture.
I love the ocean. I feel very close to my Heavenly Father when I listen to the waves crash. I cannot help but feel confident in the all-knowing, and all-powerful, and all-loving, merciful God who created this beautiful earth. It's a confidence that brings me peace. I am so thankful for the knowledge I have of my creator and for His divine guidance in my life.
On Day 2 of our trip, Ty and I left Bryce with mom and dad, and took a tour of Hearst Castle. I wouldn't call myself a fan of William R. Hearst, but I will say he has done a fabulous job of inspiring people to live their dreams.
Are these sideways pictures bugging you as much as they're bugging me?
My had is wrapped to block the sun. It was hot and sunny and I was unprepared.
This happy bunch loves seals!
A quick detour through Solvang, a cute little Dutch community. I wanted aebleskivers (a round pancake, basically), but the only shop we found was closed. We settled for a Dreyer's ice cream cone that Bryce would throw up five hours later.
And finally, out of the car, playing at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Here's Bryce having a girly moment. It's rare. This kid is all boy.
The next day we buzzed Bryce's hair in preparation for his Halloween costume! I'll keep those to myself until Halloween pics come out. Yeah!
And since we were practically there, we also went to Apple Hill. Ty thinks it's a bit far to drive for an apple fritter. I beg to differ. These are the best apple fritters, the size of your head- apple fritters, and you get to eat them in cool crisp mountain air surrounded by apple trees. 
Did I mention the fritters?! We are all sharing the same fritter, btw.
And then, after all that driving the day before, we hop in the car again for a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. To avoid a bit of traffic, we skipped San Fran and met the coast in Monterrey. Bryce wasn't thrilled to be in the car, but I promised him a train, and boy did I deliver. In Monterrey there is a Dennis the Menace park with a huge train. As soon as Bryce got out of the car, he saw the train and screamed over and over, "Choo, Choo!" Fantastic Park! We'll make the drive again just for that! (of course I forgot to get a picture of the train, darn it)
It was a little colder than I expected. A lot colder. Bryce didn't seem to mind, but I was freezing. If you couldn't tell. 
Go to Monterrey Find this park. My father-in-law was the main force behind going. He told us he's always wanted to go, but he's never had a kid with him... Can we blame him? Who really wants to see a grown-up all alone, without children, at a park? I sure don't... Glad Bryce could help you out Glen.
Road trip continued...
Stopping occasionally to take pictures by the gorgeous scenery.
One place we'll go back to was a restaurant / store / look out called Nepenthe in Big Sur. I didn't get many pictures here either (What am I talking about, I didn't get ANY pictures. I didn't have my camera. All these pictures are all thanks to Rose, my wonderful Mother-in-law who thankfully had her camera.) Anyway, Nepenthe is a perfect little place up on a hill where people can come, eat, and watch the sun set. It had a very calm feel to it, and I loved being there. 
another photo spot!
I know you can't see our faces, but I love this picture.
I love the ocean. I feel very close to my Heavenly Father when I listen to the waves crash. I cannot help but feel confident in the all-knowing, and all-powerful, and all-loving, merciful God who created this beautiful earth. It's a confidence that brings me peace. I am so thankful for the knowledge I have of my creator and for His divine guidance in my life. 
On Day 2 of our trip, Ty and I left Bryce with mom and dad, and took a tour of Hearst Castle. I wouldn't call myself a fan of William R. Hearst, but I will say he has done a fabulous job of inspiring people to live their dreams. 
Are these sideways pictures bugging you as much as they're bugging me?
My had is wrapped to block the sun. It was hot and sunny and I was unprepared.
This happy bunch loves seals!
A quick detour through Solvang, a cute little Dutch community. I wanted aebleskivers (a round pancake, basically), but the only shop we found was closed. We settled for a Dreyer's ice cream cone that Bryce would throw up five hours later.
And finally, out of the car, playing at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Here's Bryce having a girly moment. It's rare. This kid is all boy.
The next day we buzzed Bryce's hair in preparation for his Halloween costume! I'll keep those to myself until Halloween pics come out. Yeah!
Huge, Huge, Huge success! 
