Solvang

So this year for Christmas, Bryan and I decided to go on a trip rather than exchange gifts (that we don't need). We have experienced the problems of having too much stuff in a small space and have done the hard work to purge a lot of unnecessary clutter...we don't want to get back into that rut again. He and I researched and researched and finally landed on Solvang. So a few weeks ago, Bryan and I ventured to the beautiful wine counry of Solvang, we stayed in a fabulous hotel right in the town so we were able to walk to the shops and restaurants.


The first day Bryan and I enjoyed lunch at Paula's Pancake House (no we didn't eat pancakes for lunch) and we soaked up the beautiful sunshine while enjoying each other's company...we had no time limit. We had nothing to do and no where to go...that was such a treat! The weather was just beautiful while we were there, couldn't have been more perfect.
Day 2 we woke up early and enjoyed a hot breakfast at our hotel then we ventured off into the country for a hike that we heard was just breathtaking. It was a hike up to a waterfall, that not many people even knew existed in Solvang (if you are ever in the area, this is a must do hike). The chill of the morning along with the sound of rushing water through the creeks and the birds chirping made for an exuisite morning in God's blessed creation. This hike made the entire weekend worth it...I would have driven to Solvang just for this hike...it was so serene and gorgeous! It shouldn't be surprising to me that God's "untouched" creation is so incredible...that's how He designed it. It just reminded me of what an awesome God I serve...he was so creative to create so many types of birds, all with different songs for us to enjoy!



Nothing tops off a little exercise quite like an ice cream cone and some famous Aeblskivers from the Solvang Restaurant and some wine tasting in Los Olivos. It was a tremendous day in Solvang!
Friday morning we enjoyed some incredible Danish Pancakes and paid one last visit to Paula's Pancake House. I had no idea what I was getting myself into with Danish Pancakes. Bryan went with the Belgian Waffles (thinking it was going to be a lot of food since pancakes usually aren't)...boy was he wrong. A couple sitting nearby us just laughed when our food was delivered...my plate wasn't big enough for my pancakes, yet to their surprise, I nearly finished the entire plate! (It's not hard to scarf down thing, sugar like pancakes that dissolve in your mouth...yummay). We headed home after breakfast, taking the 101 most of the way and it was just stunning following the coast, watching the dolphins from the road...God's creation is just amazing! It was a restful trip for both of us and way better than anything we could have purchased at the mall for each other! You can't buy memories or God's creation or a beautiful hike...we are so glad we did this instead of gifts, perhaps we will repeat this every year and make it a Frey tradition!