The Joys of Summer

We're so happy that summer is here! Now some might say, you live in Southern California, so what difference does it make? Isn't it always summer there? The answer is yes and no. Certainly the climate here is very temperate, but summer is still different than any other time of year. We love the longer days that summer brings. It's so much nicer to get things done and have fun while the sun is still shining. Summer brings lighter clothes, foods, drinks, and a more casual attitude, all of which we quite like.

Having a great time at an outdoor birthday party for our young cousin.

And of course, summer brings many fun activities. While summer officially starts in late June, it always seems that the 4th of July really marks its arrival. We always enjoy the 4th, especially the fireworks. Unfortunately this year we won't be able to see them together (Mitch has to work). However, there's many other fun things happening in the next couple of months that we will share together.

The Orange County Fair happens here over the summer every year and its always filled with possibilities for enjoyment. Of course there are the rides and foods from the delicious to the extraordinary. (We usually go for the funnel cakes and roasted corn, but shy away from the bacon wrapped and deep fried items.) There are animals to see in the livestock area and we love checking out the arts and crafts displayed at the fair. There are always amazing pieces made by county residents, especially in the woodworking area.

Mitch making friends with a bunny at the fair.

Susan checking out a Vermeer inspired piece in the fair's art exhibit.

For the last couple of years, the OC Fair has included an Ice Museum and while it's the coldest place at the fair, it's also a lot of fun to check out the many creative things that can be done with ice. Two years ago the Ice Museum included replicas of great works of art, such as an ice Mona Lisa, King Tut, The Thinker, etc. Last year's display was undersea themed with an ice jellyfish, shark, Poseidon, and much more. It was even more elaborate than the previous year with color ice elements. This year the fair is July 13th through August 12th and we plan to go a couple times, if not more. 

Look, it's King Tut in ice! Appreciating the ice art despite the cold.

The giant ice shark at last year's fair. Everything around the shark is ice too!

There's lots of other good stuff happening here too. We always enjoy local museums, but their gardens and outdoor artworks are even more pleasant in the warmer weather. Every summer includes the Sawdust Art Festival in nearby Laguna Beach. It's another great place to check out the handiwork of a variety of artists including ceramicists, glassblowers, painters, jewelry makers, and many more.

Taking a little break in one of the Getty Villa's gorgeous gardens.

We also love summer's outdoor activities including the many outdoor concerts and more. Among our favorites are the concerts in Huntington Beach's Central Park, which is a lovely setting fairly close to the ocean. It's a fun place to meet up with friends, sometimes with a picnic dinner and even a little glass of Vinho Verde. Places we love such as the San Diego Zoo have extended hours in the evenings through Labor Day. And, what would summer be without a bit of reading? The local libraries have special programming including the summer reading program Susan and her mom signed up for tonight. (Prizes for reading, yay!)

We saw these flowers at one of the concerts and didn't know what they were.
 Luckily a friend solved the mystery and told us they are passion flowers. Thanks NN! 

Checking out the first Huntington Beach concert of the season this year.

Can you tell we love that it's summer? Happy 4th of July! We wish you the best summer ever!