Burney Falls - Travel

Burney Falls was only a 10 minute walk away from our cabin, but to see the bottom and top of the falls required a short hike. We followed a 3 mile trail that looped around the falls, and then back from the start. The hike is pretty easy with some incline and plenty of shade. September might just be the perfect month to come; the days are hot (but not scorching) and the nights are cool (but not freezing) - plus, there aren't too many people because everyone's back in school. It's an amazing site, and worth coming any time of the year though. I visited the falls 5 times (before sunrise, early afternoon, and at sunset)! The view changes depending on the time of day you come. The picture above was taken before sunrise (long exposure) and the picture below was taken early afternoon.

Cabin in the Woods - Travel

Ryan's mom was so wonderful to invite me on their family vacation to Burney Falls. For 3 nights we stayed in a cabin in the middle of the woods. It was so quiet and so dark, I was actually a bit anxious the first night. But by the second and third night, I really came to appreciate everything around me. I needed this. I think everyone needs to get away from the city every now and then. I saw the most beautiful places - I mean breathtaking places. If you love camping, this is where you need to go! Our cabin was only a 5 minute walk away from Burney Falls and a 1 minute drive away from the lake (where you can swim, kayak, or paddle boat). I'm hoping to make another trip during the winter when it's covered in snow :)

Paris, France (day 1) - Travel

This blog is our special keepsake of Europe, so we can remember each day as we spent it and relive it every time we read it. But we also want to share our adventures with our family and friends and hopefully bring a part of Europe to them :) Since I took about 300-600 pictures a day, for 30 days, I decided to give each day its own post with frequent updates. So keep checking in for updated posts. Here it goes!

It was an 11 hour flight from Los Angeles to Paris. We slept most of the way, so once we arrived at 9am Paris time, we were ready to take on our first day in Europe. We were staying with my dad's relatives, so our first stop was our new home away from home in Neuilly-Plaisance. On our way, it really didn't feel like we were in France. The freeways and buildings looked just the same as home, but once we hit town, it all changed. Narrow streets, small cars, and small houses, something you don't see in Orange County.

Once at home, we were greeted with home-cooked Croque-Monsieur sandwiches, a very typical French meal. That's when we learned just how serious the French are about their food. Everything is bought fresh and daily from their local bakery and food market. Mealtime is especially important in France (and Europe in general). It's a time to relax and socialize with friends and family. Typically, lunch and dinner in France can take several hours. Unlike the states, workers here are able to request 2 hours for lunch!

And after lunch (and every other meal), a cup of cappuccino or tea.

Orange County Fair | Personal

Ahhh the fair :) I had an amazing time this year with some new friends. I actually rode more than 1 ride this time - although, I couldn't do the spinning, flipping ones. I'm getting old -__- But the rest of the group went on some ridiiiiculous rides (look up Speed). And in-between rides, we ate...and ate...and ate - deep fried snickers, deep fried zucchinis, french fries, chocolate dipped bacon, buttered corn, sugar-filled lemonade. BEST FAIR DAY EVER!

4th of July | Personal

Delicious food, water balloon fights, blowing up toys, painting boys' fingernails, and amazing fireworks! Yup, just another awesome 4th of July with Ryan's family.

The Wong men always put on the best firework show. And they're passing it on to the next generation. Last year, the kids discovered light painting...this year, they took it to a whole other level.