Mobile from the Mobile

Say what? It has been just over two months since I went to Mobile to celebrate three years married to this husband of mine. Can you believe it? Probably not because I never even really mentioned it. And unless you follow me closely on Instagram this is all new to you. Well. In August I went to Mobile, Alabama with Slider in tote to see Skinny Mill one last time before he came home. And basically this trip was all puppies and baseball again.

I felt it was important to take advantage of the Mobile in Mobile pun once more with all photos from my phone. Basically I will sum up this whole post one photo at a time. Just follow from left to right and the photos are seriously not in order at all.

Slider and I took off from the Boise airport bright and early to get there in time for the game on Friday. \\ While we were there Adam and I were able to try out a really delicious restaurant called Felix's Fish Camp thanks to a rain storm that resulted in a cancelled game for our anniversary. \\ Slider loved to be at the games, but sometimes he just gets a little tuckered out after kids chase him for two innings and he just naps.

The view at dinner was amazing. Right on the water. So I was trying to get a photo without looking awkward.... Nailed it. \\ Adam and I don't take a lot of photos together so sometimes I force him to take them on the way out of our hotel room. \\ The one jersey photo we got while I was there. I was aiming for a new pose.

Slider at the airport. \\ The sign at anniversary dinner was totally cool. This photo does it no justice. \\ Slider and I right after the downpour. I was literally in the rain for... maybe 1 minute max and that is what I looked like.

Slider and Luba at the game. Luba is a baseball girlfriend and was there every time I went this summer. And I just really adore her. And she adores Slider. \\ This photo basically sums up all the feelings of my heart. Adam, Slider, Baseball. I melted. And had to snag a photo of it. Slider was just chasing Adam down the baseline and so Adam stopped to pick him up. \\ The best appetizer of all time at Felix's. Artichoke crab dip. I can't even.

One more photo from anniversary dinner because we can. \\ Jeff fed Slider a bunch of nacho cheese and Slider LOVED it. Jeff is Wade's - the best batboy in the world - Dad and always a hoot to hang out with at the games. \\ And my favorite photo from the whole trip. Adam and I were sitting holding hands like we always do on the way to the airport and Slider just set his paw on top. We are family.

Basically it was a fabulous little Mobile vacation. And I loved seeing Adam play baseball. And I loved seeing Adam. I loved being in the town where he spent his summer. That is all I can say. Anytime with Adam is a good time. But it is a lot of fun to be able to explore new places as we travel with baseball.

Felix's Fish Camp Grill

I mentioned in my Mobile trip post that Adam and I were able to go to a fancy 3rd anniversary dinner while I was visiting. It was a huge surprise that we were able to go out for a nice night because usually our anniversary is spent heading to whatever is open post baseball game... typically something pizza, sandwhich, or Applebee's. But since the game got cancelled we were able to go try out a local favorite - Felix's Fish Camp Grill. I wish I would have brought my nice camera to give you a full review, but I didn't even think to grab it. But let me just say these photos don't do it justice. It was perfection. When you walk up to the restaurant you feel like you are entering a fish camp. I told Adam, "I feel like I am at Disneyland with all this serious decor." It was that great about getting you in the mood for your dinner. And then we can just start this whole post with this view....

Every table had a view, but I have to say we had one of the best ones. Our table was right next to the window on the water. And we got there right as a storm left and the sunset started. It was lighting magic at it's finest. We decided that we would take advantage of a nice meal out. Like I mentioned earlier, generally we eat whatever is open - which equals a lot of chain restaurants. We don't have a ton of opportunity to visit local places in the short time I visit. So since we had time and we had a reason to celebrate, we went full force.

We started with an appetizer of crab spinach dip. It was served with baguettes and a pita bread. This appetizer alone is a selling point. Every single bite Adam and I would just keep saying how good it was. We could not get over how delicious the food was. And it was a good filling appetizer.

Right? So seriously good. Next up was the main course. Every main course - other than pasta - is served with two sides. We both got a salad and then Adam got Jalapeno fritters and I got four cheese mac and cheese. Salads were solid - just a regular great Cesar salad. I can't speak on Adam's fritters - he loved them - but my mac and cheese was out of this world. So delicious. Four cheese to rock your taste buds. Okay, so far I have only talked appetizers and sides... let's talk about the main dish right now. Like I said - Adam and I went ALL out. Yellow snapper, stuffed with lobster, covered in a crab, topped with a breaded soft crab, and then a hollandaise sauce to pour over the top. WHAT?! You guys. I can't even. It was so amazing. Just take a little look at it.

If the photo itself doesn't do it justice then let me try and describe my feelings towards this meal. I have never had such a delicious meal and I have never tasted such amazing seafood. They made the perfect balance of savor and flavor and all of the above. The breaded soft crab on top of the seared Yellow snapper created an amazing texture balance. Then add in the hollandaise sauce for a smooth and creamy finish. It was incredible. And filling. Maybe filling because it was like 5 meals stuffed into one beautiful dish - but Adam and I loved it. And we both had leftovers to take home.

As you can see we were two happy eaters, lovebirds, anniversary celebrators. Full and thrilled to be celebrating three years of marriage with one of the most amazing meals to date. If you are ever in the Mobile to Pensecola area I would absolutely recommend heading to Felix's Fish Camp Grill. I guess at this point have only talked about the food. I also need to mention the service. It was so spot on. When you walk in they make sure they get your name and share it with their staff. Throughout the evening they use it consistently and constantly. It was nice to feel like I was important with them calling us Mr. and Mrs. Miller every single time they came to our table. The food came out quickly. The staff was so kind. And they were just on top of things. I cannot say enough good things! It was absolutely delicious with great customer service, a great experience, and a great atmosphere.

Happy Birthday Disneyland!

I am interrupting my regular Friday post schedule to say.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY DISNEYLAND! All things, everything Disney and Disneyland. And we should all be celebrating! The park is probably packed to the max and filled to the brim. But does that matter? NO! Because we should all be there celebrating. Right? Right.

"On July 17, 1955, about 28,000 people (roughly half of whom had been sold counterfeit tickets) walked, for the first time, through the gates of Disneyland and into history. To say it didn’t go smoothly would be an understatement: The temperature was 101 degrees (hot, even for Southern California) and difficulties with both the plumbing system and the labor unions made it impossible for anyone to get a drink. Only a handful of the rides and attractions were open at all, and most of those were continually breaking down and closing. Even the animals—the horses and mules in the Wild West attractions—refused to cooperate. That walk may have been historic, but it was made even more difficult by all the asphalt—poured only a few hours earlier—that kept sticking to everyone’s shoes." via

 

But look how far we have come! I say we because I honestly believe I am part of the park and the experience. You'll notice that every photo is featuring a grown up Deidre - either from high school, a trip with my parents, with my EFY people, or with Adam's family because his Mom is an expert Disneyland ticket winner... but that isn't because I didn't go in my youth - in fact, my photo box at home is full of Disneyland photos from my youth. I grew up on Disney and grew up attending Disneyland on a regular basis thanks to my Dad's business trips. Some people grow out of it, but I don't think I ever will. Ask Adam. I request we go on a regular basis. And I will take ANY excuse to keep going. See you on the Disney side!

Mobile from the Mobile

Every time I got to visit Adam we talk about the same things before I head out. We need to make a music video, we need to be better about taking photos, and we need to go out and explore a little more rather than just sitting around. Basically our whole time together can be summed up and told be the photos from our phones. Lots of puppy time, lots of baseball, and lots of relaxing.

 

This time we did about one and half things on the list... we took a few more photos, most of them were of Slider and not of us. In fact we took a photo of us the first day I was there and on our way out the door the last day I was there - so that is the half. And we for sure made a music video, that Adam wasn't a huge fan of making but he loves me so he humors me. The one thing we totally missed the mark on was getting out and exploring. In fact, that is the one we miss the mark on the most. We did get out for baseball games, food, walks with Slider, and a movie... but other than that it was lots of quality bonding time and playing with the puppy because Adam hadn't met him until my trip this time!

The first day I was there - well the first day we were both there because I got in at 2pm Friday and Adam was still on his way back from a road trip that night - we slept in because Adam didn't arrive in from his road trip until around 5AM. Then we woke up and Adam got a chance to meet the puppy. We played and ate and then Adam was off to the field. Slider and I hung out at the apartment and then head over for the 4th of July celebration - a game followed by fireworks. Oh so American.

The second day we head to church and then back home to get Adam over to the field - only for the game to be cancelled! So we went to Inside Out and late night appetizers at Applebees.

The third day was a double header. Which meant lots of time at the field. Followed by some more Applebees.

The forth and final day was just a day to pack and say our farewells. I know, we are so exciting. So the weekend could be summed up with these words: Slider, baseball, chicken, and rain. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Maybe next time I will get some more photos for you instead of just a Slider collage? But probably not. I tried!

Christmas in Yucaipa

Apparently Adam and I are super good about packing our camera but not super good at using it. We mostly used it for a new set of married photos to replace the frame in our room, family photos, and to capture some Christmas day candids. So the rest was caught on one of our phones - and I think mostly on Adam's. So here is a recap of Christmas in Yucaipa as told by my fairly poorly taken photos. I also need to learn how to use an iPhone to get better photos.



Top left - These photos all look the same. Mostly because my brothers in law took them all without me knowing. In fact, I didn't even realize until I went to email the photos for this post to myself.

Top right - I felt like they deserved their own collage because of the sheer sneaky-ness of the photos. When the heck did they even have my phone!? I don't even remember them having it anywhere near them.

Bottom left - I also felt like you needed to get a good look at what I had to be with all week. These boys are out. of. control. In a good way though. Love them dearly.

Bottom right - Missing is the third Miller brother - my dear husband Adam. These three can make you laugh for days.



Top left - This one is sort of a cheat because it was taken on a nice photo and then saved to my phone. Adam and I snuck away to get some updated "family" photos - basically engagement photos since our family is just us. Adam's brother Mike is an AWESOME photographer so we use him when we can.

Top right - Yucaipa has the most amazing street of lights. All of the houses are coordinated to the same radio station. We had one too many for a 5 passenger car so we all squished in for a drive to the lights. One of the most jammed and entertaining trips. Ever.

Bottom left - Adam and I stopped to take lots of photos as we got ready for things. Usually with Adam saying, "I hate the lighting here!" or "Turn the camera around, I don't want to look at myself!" But I am grateful for the photos still because they capture us being us.

Bottom left - This got text to me from one of the mothers of my friends. This is myself and two of my dear friends in our kindergarten play of The Littlest Christmas Tree. Great memories. Amazing to think that I still talk to both the people in this photo! Apparently when they cast us, they cast life long friends too.



Top left - I finally got to meet Melissa from Pink Blush in the flesh! One of the perks of blogging is making real life friendships. I have been working with Melissa a ton so we figured out a way to meet up when we were so close. A night at Downtown Disney and a great friendship. Love the girl!

Top right - Showing off our Christmas Eve jams! My family has a tradition of one gift on Christmas Eve and it is always pajamas. So Adam and I are carrying it on. I got him duel purpose Nike jams/workout attire. And he got me a CHEETAH JUMPSUIT! What, what!!!

Bottom left - This photo was snagged on the first try. Only after about three minutes setting the coffee table up with 6 books stacked to make sure the self timed camera was at the right level. Nailed it.

Bottom left - Another selfie with my hunky husband. Soon the quality will be better because we got a selfie remote for Christmas. Ha. Wait for it. Be amazed!

Things not pictured? A Christmas Eve shopping trip with lines that extended to the BACK of the store. A lot of bean and cheese burritos, See's chocolate, and good food. All about 50 of Adam's family members into one house for Christmas day photos and celebrations. A trip to give Christmas to a family. Two Target visits. And a million more laughs and great memories. It was a low key Christmas, but we were lucky to be with people we loved. How was your Christmas? What are your highlights from the holidays?

Day Two of Disneyland

With day one complete we were looking forward to hitting day two hard and early - but that got put on delay due to some complications with my Dad's work up in North Dakota. But, to be honest I am glad that happened because it sent a more relaxed tone for the entire day out living adventure. Once my Dad had all the business taken care of we headed to the park. California Adventure first to hit all the rides one last time before spending a bulk of the day at Disneyland's Magic Kingdom. See the man taking my Mom's ticket a few photos down? He is the man that called me pineapple top every time we saw him. Now you can all put a face with a story.

So day two of California Adventure was quick. A stop to get Radiator Springs Racers fast passes, California Screamin', Toy Story, Soarin' Over California, and back to use our fast pass. That was it. We just hit the big ones and not all the other rides we took time on the day before. And by the time all that was done it was time to go overpay for some food at Disneyland's Magic Kingdom because who can say no to a Dole Whip and a giant turkey leg?

Starting with the Dole Whip. My parents had never tried it. So we got a Dole Whip and a Dole Whip float. It was all so very fitting because I was wearing a pineapple too. It was meant to be. And while my Dad was on the phone, my Mom and I had a chance to just chat and rest... oh, and feed my Dad because he wouldn't have gotten any otherwise. We inhaled those suckers.

Then a little trip to Toon Town was in order. Normally, I strictly go to Toon Town for the photo opportunities. Of which I am sure you see from almost everyone, but you just can't pass it up! But this time, in addition to photos we rode the Roger Rabbit ride. We had fun remembering when that ride first opened at the wait was hours long... and that day we only had to wait 30 minutes! My family has a lot of Disney memories because whether it was a plain old vacation, a business meeting for my Dad, or a dance competition for me - we made it down to Disneyland almost yearly growing up.

And now... time for the turkey leg that is as big as my face! I love getting turkey legs for some reason, always have. But sometimes it is hard to find someone that just wants a giant smoked turkey leg as bad as you do. Luckily for me, my Dad and I are ALWAYS on the same page. It is a great family meal for three. Seriously, that was our lunch. And all three of us were completely full after we finished it up.

And for the rest of the day you will see me wearing sequined Micky ears because my parents love me. They knew that I had been eyeing them on every girl that walked by me the day before. And they know how much I love Disney and sequins. So they took time out of the day and told me I had to get them. And I felt like a small child again and everything was magic. Also, coming up in a few photos is what my family does to kill time in lines. Make funny faces. My parents have skills... you will see what I am talking about.

So the most fun two days must come to an end. And when they did we loaded the car and drove through the night to get back to Arizona so I could be at work for a training the next day. That is how much my parents love me. My Dad drove through the night just so the vacation could happen without me needing to take PTO. If you haven't gathered it yet, I absolutely love my parents. And while I was so so bummed Adam couldn't join the fun due to baseball - I was so happy I got that time with my Mom and Dad. They are both incredible humans and I am lucky to have them. The trip itself came just in time, because I was in a little bit of a rut and needed some time away. This ranks in my top fave trips to Disneyland because of the company and the adventure. What is your favorite place to vacation? What do you do with your family for a little adventure?

Day One of Disneyland

Something everyone should know about me right from the start is my love for Disney. All things Disney. Movies, clothing items, music, theme parks, conversation topics, history, little known facts... if it is Disney I am all over it. It all comes from my mother. She installed a passion for something so magical in me when I was just a babe. None of it comes from my father because he can't even remember who is Cinderella or which Disney movie my mom and I made him watch the Sunday before during high school. And trust me, we made him watch them all for Sunday movie night. But he is a gem because he puts up with us and takes us on trips to Disneyland. Bless his heart.

Aren't my parents just the cutest? I was so excited when they asked me to go on a trip to them with Disneyland. Originally they were going to be driving from northern California to New Mexico and planned to stop in Arizona so my dad could see my new home. But then my dad remembered how much my mom and I loved Disneyland and said, "How about you meet us there for a two day trip and then we will come to your house for one day?" Sold. I packed up all the Disney necessities - yes a fanny pack is a necessity, a bare necessity if you will - and we set out for two days of adventure.

Now... throughout the post you will see photos of my dad on the phone. This isn't because my Dad doesn't love family time or because he doesn't love Disney rides. It is because my dad is probably one of the hardest workers I know. As long as I can remember, no matter the family trip, my dad always takes time for phone calls and emails because he somehow talks his boss into letting him work while on vacation so he doesn't have to actually take vacation time. Brilliant right? Oh... except he is usually his own boss so that might contribute to it too. At least now there are cell phones! When we were younger my dad would often disappear to be on pay phones and miss the rides all together. At least now he can text or say, "I am about to step on a ride! I will call you right back." It is a fair trade to let him work on vacation, because it still means we get to vacation. Oh... he also makes excellent funny faces. And you wonder where I got it from?

I have an undying desire to go to Club 33 at Disneyland. Am I the only one? I made my parents stop and take a detour after pirates so I could snag this photo. Did you know that sometimes the waitlist to get into Club 33 is FOURTEEN years long? What the what!? Also... it costs thousands and thousands of dollars to get on the list. A girl can dream though, right? It is all about that Disneyland status!

Okay... let's talk about Cars Land. OH MY YES. Two thumbs up. Perfect 10. Superior. Excellent. Home run. All the good things you can think of - that is the score that Cars Land gets. It looks exactly like the movie. Right down to the stoplight that is a little slower every third blink. It was so fun at daytime, but at night? Sheer perfection. I was in awe and in love with the whole thing. And apparently so is everyone else because the most popular ride, Radiator Springs Racers always had a multiple hour wait in the regular line and in the single rider line. My advice to you? Get a fast pass FIRST thing in the morning because those usually sell out by noon as well. Crazy, right?

Well my dad was taking a quick call, my mom and I were standing on a corner chatting and all the sudden an impromptu Disney dance party started happening. And as you might have noticed on my Instagram account, I will take ANY chance to dance. And I was so happy that my darling mom decided to join in on the fun. Oh, and perfect timing - here comes dad to catch the part on film. Because lets face it... girls just wanna have fun! Either that or my mom was so embarrassed of my dance moves. Either way, I will take it!

The night ended with World of Color. I had seen it before, but my parents hadn't so I was so excited to go to it with them. It really is an awesome show, and it was different than the last time I went to it. Disney, always changing it up for more excitement. Day one was all about getting in all the rides we could, packing a bag of food so we could keep going without breaking, and getting completely drenched on Splash Mountain - never let three full size adults sit in the front of your log - to the point that we had to go wring out our shorts... going home to change after that and watch USA in the World Cup was the only break we took. But you can tune in next week - that's right, keeping it spread out - to hear about our more relaxed day two! What is your favorite ride at Disneyland? Do you take time to watch the shows or do you use that as an advantage for shorter lines?