Franklin, TN - September 2021

 I made a quick weekend trip to my hometown of Franklin, Tennessee for a girl's weekend to meet up with my childhood best friends.  It was the first time we had all been together since we graduated high school!  It's always fun to go back to the best small town in the world.  

San Diego - August 2021

We have loved visiting San Diego for years.  When Cullen and I were looking for a quick mother/son trip it was an easy decision to go to San Diego to catch some baseball and eat lots of great food. We went to three games over four days!

When looking for a hotel near Petco Park we lucked out and got a great deal at Omni San Diego.  When i told the front desk that we were celebrating Cullen's 18th birthday, they gave us a great room with a stunning view right into the ballpark!  You couldn't ask for a better place to stay when you are in San Diego.  Everyone i encountered at the front desk went out of their way to help me with a smile.  They even sent up some of the hotel's signature cheesecake as a birthday treat.  We ate breakfast at the hotel every morning and Cullen became quite addicted to their french toast.  The rooftop pool was a great place  to end each day with it's large pool and hot tub and sweeping view of the bay.

Any time we go to San Diego we try to get over to Coronado Island.  We took an Uber over the bridge to the Hotel Del Coronado.  After walking along the boardwalk and shopping along Orange Ave. we walked the length of the island back to the ferry dock for a ride back.  

Being an aspiring chef, Cullen loves to watch cooking videos on YouTube.  One of his favorites is Sam from Sam the Cooking Guy.  We went to Little Italy to get dinner at his restaurant, Not Not Tacos and Cullen was lucky enough to get to meet Sam who was there to do a cooking demo.  His tacos were great!

The food at Petco Park deserves it's own post!  Since we went to three games, we had plenty of opportunities to sample all they had to offer.  From nachos to bao buns - an epic acai bowl and even a vast wine offering.  

 We wrapped up our trip with a trip to our favorite, the San Diego Zoo.  Since the last time we had visited the pandas have left, but it's still a great way to spend a day.  

We had a great trip!

Las Vegas Girl's Trip - February 2021

Madison and I met in Las Vegas in late February for a Girl\"s Trip to celebrate her 25th Birthday.  We both had early morning flights and had arrived and were on our way to our hotel before noon.  We had a hilarious Uber driver who regaled us with Vegas stories. 

We stayed at Planet Hollywood Hotel.  It was a great location, centrally located, and a great atmosphere.  The hotel did a great job with social distancing, enforcing mask requirements and diligent cleaning.  As soon as we got checked in we headed out to find some lunch.  We ended up getting pizza at New York New York.  

We had so much fun just walking up and down the strip.  We did spend a little time at the slot machines.  We went on the High Roller with great views of Vegas and into the surrounding hills.

We snagged a lunchtime reservation at Gordan Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen.  The prix fixe menu was just divine. Beef Wellington that melted in your mouth and I'm still trying to figure out how to replicate the Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Since we love macaroons we had to make a stop at the Paris  to pick up a few to take back to the room.  

Continuing our Gordan Ramsay theme -- we got takeout from his Fish and Chips Restaurant one evening.  So good!  

Evening at the Venetian.  

When Madison was a little girl she loved Hello Kitty so when we heard there was a Hello Kitty Cafe food truck near the New York New York, we had to stop.  They had not only cute shirts, cups and mementos but the Hello Kitty cupcakes and coffee drinks were a nice treat.  

Soon our four days were up and we took one last walk down the strip to see the Fountains at Bellagio.  A super early flight to LAX then we parted ways and each flew home.  

Another girl's trip in the books and we can't wait for next year.  Wonder where we will go?