Childhood Memories

Growing up on the coast, I hated it. I didn’t like the cold, I hated the wind, and the fog was annoying. But I went back this weekend, and had a wonderful time. On our drive up the 101 we rolled down the windows and enjoyed the salty air. I was in jeans and a sweatshirt, hood up, while Kevin sat comfortable in his shorts and t-shirt. I think he was designed to live on the coast. My vanity has faded slightly as I don’t really care what the fog and damp air do to my hair. It was so nice to get out of the triple digits.

Kevin and Me at the pier

We saw my parents in Solvang, and drove up to Pismo to walk the beach and pier. Growing up we spent every other Thanksgiving camping just south of the pier. Still really nothing to do but walk around. Shops are empty. Old bungalows abandoned. We watched the surfers try to catch the baby wave as the sea otters and sea lions played at the end of the pier. We watched the pelicans dive for a while before turning back to get out of the wind. We finished our day at the beach on the swings.

Dad and Jon

Jon and Me on the swings

On Saturday we went to the wedding of my dear friend Anitra Estrada to Antonio Cruz. Anitra and I became friends in the third grade. I don’t remember our first meeting, but we must have become instant friends. I remember spending many Saturday afternoons with Anitra. At the beginning of middle school the Estrada family moved to Europe and began out pen pal phase. We wrote quite often those next 5 years. My parents recently brought me boxes of childhood keepsakes and I found every letter I had received from Anitra: I saved them all. Her family came back twice to visit, and the summer before my senior year, I got to visit her family. The Estrada’s graciously took me on their family vacation. So the seven of us (David, Roxy, Granny, Grandpa, Jacquie, Anitra, and myself) crammed into a minivan and toured Great Britain. It was an experience for which I am truly grateful, and will never forget.

Me, Jacquie, and Anitra

All that to say, I wouldn’t have missed her wedding for the world. The ceremony was in beautiful Morro Bay and was nothing less than gorgeous. Anitra smiled all day. The whole day was a reflection of her love for her husband, her family, and her friends. A wonderfully classy event.

Anitra and Tony

Kevin and Me with Morro Rock in the background