California for the 4th

Where is a better place to spend the Fourth of July than California? I'll tell you- nowhere! Annie Scott was gracious enough to invite a few of us to her house for the holidays and it might have been the best Fourth I've ever had. As soon as we flew in Thursday, we kicked off the vacation with a lunch at Facebook. We met up with Will Siegfried and he showed us around the campus.  If any of you don't know what Facebook headquarters looks like, let me paint you a little picture:

- One million restaurants
- Two million people
- Five million super cool things that you look at and go, "WOAH!"
- One Mark Zuckerberg

Those facts might have been a little exaggerated, but it really was the coolest place I have ever been. They provide everything their employees could ever need from a bike rental system to unlimited snacks and drinks. Will gave us the tour, fed us, and then sent us on our way back to Annie's house, where the entire family came together to have a pizza cook off. Katie Johnson and I, aka team Spicy Paradise, went for a delicious assortment of cheeses with jalapeños and pineapple slices sprinkled atop. Needless to say, ours was the best.

Group pic!

On the Fourth, festivities were in full swing at the Scott household by 9 am. There were World Cup games to be watched, beer pong tournaments to be played, and hot dogs to eat. Everyone was decked out in their red, white, and blue, feeling more patriotic than they ever had before. By six, we were all ready to carry our celebrations over to Sharon Heights Country Club. Paul made sure we got the VIP treatment, which included unlimited food, unlimited balloon hats (Annie and I really capitalized on that one), unlimited face paint (again... we divulged), and unlimited drinks. Needless to say, we were having the time of our lives, which eventually led to tearing up the dance floor after an exquisite fireworks show.

Vince and the gals

A trip to San Francisco was planned for Saturday, so off we went. Vince volunteered to give us the grand tour, including a delicious meal right on the water at Hog Island Oyster Co., a look inside the local bar scene, and a final descent down Lombard St.

Maude and Paul took Annie, Katie Johnson, and I to the beach and the views were absolutely breathtaking. We walked along the beach, watching families fly kites, picnic, and splash around in the freezing water. Vince met us for lunch at Sam's Chowder House and we walked off the lobster rolls and clam chowder by exploring the Maverick, the location of some of the largest waves in the world. Sadly, it was pretty calm, but it provided a nice walk after lunch.

 

After that, it was time to head back to Dallas. It was one of the most memorable trips I've had, and I can't wait for more Chronics next year! x