Hollywood
Several weeks ago we packed up the car and headed across the southwest to a magical place called California. What prompted us to go to Cali for our vacation was an event called Bro-Am. It’s a surf contest started by a band called Switchfoot to raise money for charity. (More on that in the next post…)

So it took the first day to get across half of Texas. Even us Texans can forget how big our state really is… Seven and a half hours worth of driving and you’re just hitting El Paso!

Here are some clouds that night.

Clouds over El Paso

We continued on through New Mexico and into Arizona.

Arizona

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It was at a rest stop about 70 miles from Yuma that I met this gentleman. Do not be alarmed by the appearance of him. (See handgun on hip?) The conversation started with me mentioning how great it is we live in a country where we have the right to keep and bear arms. We continued to talk about guns for a bit. Then the conversation just kinda went all over from there. He is a Marine and fought in Vietnam; was stationed at Yuma and liked it so much, that’s where he stayed. He decided to ride in the 108 degree heat today because he had to go to Tuscon for some dental work at the VA dentist. I’m so glad I went outside of my comfort zone to be friendly to this stranger. Ended up having an interesting conversation with this unique individual.

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After spending a night in Yuma (Highly recommend the Clarion Hotel in Yuma for the price!) We headed straight for Coronado in San Diego!

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Here is my sister Sarah.

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Here is the amazing Hotel del Coronado. (No we didn’t stay there… I WISH!!!)

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Click here for large.

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Let’s fast forward a bit hitting some highlights…

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

My very first In-n-Out!!! So good!

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Switchfoot at San Diego County Fair

Switchfoot at San Diego County Fair

Switchfoot at San Diego County Fair

Switchfoot at San Diego County Fair

Switchfoot at San Diego County Fair

Switchfoot at San Diego County Fair

Switchfoot at San Diego County Fair

Switchfoot at San Diego County Fair

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach

Hollywood/LA

Check out these views from the Griffith Observatory!

LA/ Hollywood

Large size here.

LA/ Hollywood

A trip to LA isn’t complete without a picture of some traffic!

Hollywood

We had such a great time. I was really impressed with San Diego and the surrounding area. Hollywood was really great to see, but it seemed like any other urban city with all the filth.

I really really miss the weather… 74 degrees and sunny felt absolutely fantastic. I started realizing how perfect it was as we made our way back through the 107 degree desert to get back to Texas. I can definitely see the SoCal appeal!

I took these pictures for Hannah on the event over her 16th birthday. As a photographer, I think it’s so cool that she wanted to have pictures taken with her boyfriend for her birthday! What a great present to ask for! :)

Hannah and Alan

Hannah and Alan

Hannah and Alan

Hannah and Alan

Hannah and Alan

Next in line on my catch up day is Alexis.

Senior 09: Alexis

Senior 09: Alexis

Senior 09: Alexis

Senior 09: Alexis

Senior 09: Alexis

Senior 09: Alexis

The summer has afforded me the opportunity to be able to hang out with my best friend Emily. She does a great job modeling and credits watching America’s Next Top Model as “how she knows how.” After shooting with her, I wouldn’t argue with that!

Emily

Emily

Emily

Cowgirl Emily

As a thank you to her Sister and Brother-in-law, I also snapped some pictures for them.

Mandy & Todd

Mandy & Todd