goodbye california...

We finally decided on Newport Beach for the 4th. It was pretty fun walking around seeing so many young people and being on the beach but the parking was so awful and we ended up being worn out from the sun and walking forever. We headed back towardsLA for the night and ended up watching fireworks from downtown LA in a sweet penthouse. So it all worked out!

Monday it was time for me to head back to reality. We did some souvenir shopping at universal then ate my last meal at In-N-Out Burgers. I am not a big fast food burger fan at all but this was to die for. Super fattening but sooo delicious and worth it. I have to admit

it's probably better this chain is not in Tennessee.

So overall my 1st trip to California was AMAZING and I definitely want to go back. The beaches are beautiful, the weather is perfect, and the shopping is to die for. I did learn some helpful things though to remember next time I'm out there or for anyone taking a trip there soon...

1. plan for traffic. always.
2. get your parking validated if possible; it could save you $10
3. fly into Burbank not LAX. Burbank is so much smaller and I could get there 40 min before my flight and had plenty of time
4. pack light! or else your suitcase will be overflowing onto your friend's small floor space
5. have a gps or if not a VERY good sense of direction
6. don't ask for queso at the mexican places
7. send your postcards the 1st day you get there. they take forever to make it across the country

that is all for now :)