California Dreamin'

Our family summer vacation this year was to California.  We were going for my sister, Debby's, wedding, but because there is so much to do in Southern California we managed to squeeze lots in.  The first part of our trip we stayed with Debby and Sam in Brea.  We arrived 4 days before the wedding and basically devoted these days to helping Debby with preparations and attending pre-wedding festivities.

Brea might be a little too slow-paced and suburban for Debby and Sam, but we didn't mind.  We were also excited to get to visit and eat at the restaraunt they own--Birch Street Bar and Grill.

Dave and I at Birch Street

The restaurant is located in this cute downtown area full of shops, restaurants, and movie theaters.  During our stay we definitely had to try out Farrell's Ice Cream, Candy and Soda shop.  It is has quite a reputation in the area as well as long lines to get a seat.  Our family shared ice cream nachos-broken up waffle cones covered in scoops of ice cream and lots of toppings.  I'm going to have to steal that idea.

The other food spot we had to try out was Bruxie's.  They serve gourmet waffle sandwiches.  There were so many varieties that we ordered 5 sandwiches but I wish we could have tried some others as well.  Ashley of course had the cheeseburger, I had the chicken, waffle, and syrup sandwich, Dave had the bacon, egg and cheese, and Paige a red bean with cream.  For dessert we ordered the cheddar apple pie sandwich.  I would have liked the banana, nutella but someone in our family doesn't like bananas!!!

Another highlight of Brea was staying with Debby and Sam for a few days.  They are so great, live right across the street from a donut shop, and have the cutest dog in the world.  I'm not exaggerating about the cuteness.  This is Harry (as in Harold Kumar) Debby's Schitzu Poodle. 

He is still a puppy so he is very playful, but is such a lover that Paige and Ashley were in heaven.  Even Dave liked playing with Harry.  I thought we were going to have to get a dog after enjoying Harry so much, but don't worry Dave and I kept our senses!