Santa Barbara

We spent our Saturday up in Santa Barbara - continuing Ben's birthday celebrations just a wee bit longer. Ben played golf at La Purisima. He said it was a beautiful course but his game upped his handicap (we're blaming it on the persistent head cold).

While Ben golfed, Lucy and I explored the greater Lompoc and Buellton areas. Buellton boasted two parks in close proximity, which Lucy and I spent a solid 2 1/2 hrs at, rather than taking an afternoon nap in the car as I had anticipated.

Lompoc was ehhhh. But we did find a local Petco where Lucy got to look at the doggies getting groomed, as well as an assortment of animals up for adoption including kitty cats, birds, fishies, bunny rabbits and an assortment of rodents... Lucy was such a trooper that we stopped in at the grocery and picked up her first balloon ever, Elmo themed of course, and this was so exciting that she finally fell asleep in the car on the way to pick up Ben.

We closed out the day at the San Ysidro Ranch (beautiful), for dinner at the Stonehouse. Such lovely grounds and a fantastic restaurant, all very quiet, formal, and proper. They were excited to have Lucy there with two bags, her baby doll stroller and singing "happy birthday daddy,"occasionally letting out squeals (particularly when the dessert tray came over).

Holdies for everyone!