Now that I’ve been in California now for a little over a year, it was time to invite the parents out. I think they’ve been eager to see what I’ve done with my life (since it has been a dramatic change from the old one) and I, well, have just missed having them around.

They arrived on Wednesday (my dad’s birthday) and we took it easy. I had cooked up a storm the night before (ribs, tri-tip, garlic mashed red skins, asparagus, scratch creamed-corn and my household famous cornbread) and enjoyed it with a few beers and cocktails before bringing out the candle lit red velvet cheesecake—compliments of Cheesecake Factory.

Thursday, they first full day, was booked to the nines with a lot of “firsts” for all of us. Mom and dad finally got a tour of my office (my first real big girl office) and experienced first-hand what the fuss has been about—my view. Ocean, skyscrapers, and my completely stocked snack drawer. Their daughter is a city girl.

The tour was followed by San Diego’s seaport Village (which I find completely adorable) lined with knick-knack shops and eateries. I had my eye on a mint colored Roxy flop hat and I think dad could tell I wasn’t keen on spending the money on it. He snatched it out of my hands, ran it over to the counter and before I knew it, said darling sun hat was all mine. I rocked that Roxy hat the rest of the day—and plan to follow suit all summer (just bought a new bikini at Nordstrom’s to match that little hat, but that’s another story…)

Back to Thursday… My dad’s side of the family has always been Navy so we made sure to see the USS Midway. This carrier is located seconds from my office but this was my first tour as well. I found it very interesting for one major reason—this ship sailed at the same time as my grandfather, Dan Schremser. It was nice to be able to visualize something that was such a big part of his life.

Following the Midway was my favorite part of the vacation—a surprise sailing adventure around the bay. I, like my parents, had never sailed before, and knew it was the perfect San Diego experience for them. We saw seals, dolphins, submarines, an ocean sunset and the bottom of a few too many bud light cans. Sailing was followed by a four course fondue dinner…and more drinks.

We continued the rest of the weekend with more exciting adventures. Mom and dad took a day to themselves and went up to Carlsbad to see the flower fields and an even better view of the ocean. Saturday, dad was finally able to see the John Wayne star, the Hollywood sign and Beverly Hills (and I was able to take a picture with Jennifer Aniston’s star!) We continued eating our way through Sunday with a champagne brunch (Kevin and I showed mom and dad how we do mimosas) and explored the San Diego zoo. Mom and dad surprised me with a stuffed Otter, to which I named Otto who has since taken Kevin’s place as the little spoon in our bed.

The night was topped off with a Kip Moore/Lady Antebellum concert—lovely outdoor venue, sprawled out on rented lawn chairs (Thanks, Kev!) drinking more beer and snuggled in blankets. All in all, a wonderful end to a perfect vacation.

The only part of our trip that wasn’t perfect was the absence of my little brother. We even agreed as a group we couldn’t visit Lego Land without him. BUT, I know there will be a next time—hopefully he’ll get to experience it with my parents next year when they come out!