This weekend was pretty epic. Mike’s best friend and his girlfriend Amber flew in from across the country to celebrate my 25th birthday and explore San Diego with us. My one big birthday wish from Mike was to not have to plan any of the festivities. He did a fantastic job taking the pressure off.

Thanks to my relatively flexible schedule, I got Friday off and another friend of mine (shout out to Kim!) took us on a hike at Torrey Pines Beach. We took a route straight up the hill, down to the ocean, and then across the beach. It’s the first time I’ve been to the beach since we settled here and I quickly remembered the lovely smell of the salty air and the soft sand sliding under my feet.

That night we went to SkyZone. If you’re unfamiliar, SkyZone is a big room filled with trampolines. There was a basketball hoop, foam pit, and dodgeball court, as well as an open jump area. We spent an hour jumping and playing like 12 year olds. It was great fun and holy bajolies it was a workout! I definitely plan on going again.

After SkyZone we took Kevin and Amber and our 2 pound burritos to the velodrome where we watched people race their bikes. It was cool to show other bike-savvy people the sweetness of the track.

On Saturday I cooked a big breakfast of sweet potato pancakes and we spent the afternoon at the beach. It was a gloriously sunny day. Perfect temperature and not a cloud in the sky. While the boys went boogie boarding, us ladies jabbered away.

 Mike has perfected the pale person’s beach visit.

 Kevin and Amber, soaking up the sun.

It’s so amazing sometimes to be with like-minded couples. I felt that I was hanging out with Mike all weekend but also having a girls/friends weekend.

That night we went for my birthday dinner and a stroll around Old Town with my parents. It’s a great neighborhood a few minutes drive from our apartment. Lots of old, spanish style and adobe buildings. It has become of a bit of a tourist trap but it worth visiting for its excellent restaurants and ambience. Especially this late in September, the number of tourists was definitely bearable.

After dinner our foursome met up with a few other couples and singles. We went to a very chic, new bar around the corner for one drink (I was NOT cool enough to be in there) and then spent the rest of the night in our local dive bar.

We were feeling kind of slow on Sunday so we spent a couple of hours perusing and munching at the farmers market and later in the day we went on a walk through the gorgeous Balboa Park.

It was an incredibly packed, fun-filled weekend. Mike and I finally feel that we’re starting to make friends here in San Diego and it was wonderful to have Kevin and Amber here to meet everyone. San Diego is truly starting to feel like home. I’m a happy chappy 🙂

Have a great week and a relatively productive Monday. Love and a big hug -Ash