A visit to Balboa Island

On the ferry arriving back to Balboa Pier.

A view of the harbor from Balboa Island.

We recently traveled down to LA to bring our daughter home from college for the summer.  Before our visit as we planned out our itinerary, a friend suggested we make a visit to Newport Beach and Balboa Island.  It sounded like fun; so we decided to pick a day and go for it.  

A view of Balboa Island.

Located near Costa Mesa, California,  Balboa Island is in the center of a peninsula at Newport Beach.  You can take a ferry ride over to the Island just a short distance away for $1 each way.  The architecture there is very quaint, and there is a nice boardwalk you can walk down with a view of the harbor full of sailboats, yachts, and other vessels.  One of the things that struck me as I was walking around was how each little cottage or home was unique.  Some are very beachy, others had a Mediterranean style, some modern, but most all quite cared for.  

I thought this little cottage was cute.

I also observed how well all of the flowers grow and thrive in this area with the moderate temperatures.  As I walked along down the path with my family, my mother-in-law and I were quite mesmerized by some of the So Cal native plants.  One, in particular, was the Matilija Poppy.  It is so beautiful with its light airy petals and bright yellow pom-pom center.  They were quite cheerful looking lining some of the homes we passed by.  The attention to detail in the front yard flower plantings of these beach front gardens was so lovely.  

Here's a close-up pic I took of the Matilija Poppies.  I love their delicate white wavy petals.  They are about 4 inches in diameter.

This magenta Bougainvillea captivated our attention.

The flowers in combination with the beautiful water view, sailboats, and sand was charming.  There isn't a lot to do on Balboa Island itself, but it would be a great place to stay for a relaxing weekend at a B & B.  It is in a great location, and there are lots of other things around it that you can do, like shopping some of the boutiques along the pier.  If you like the ocean, it is a great place to take some pretty photos as well.  It was definitely a fun adventure, and we all enjoyed our day.  

Walking along the island path.

Take care,

Christina

Happy Mother's Day!

Here's the teacup bouquet I made for my mom for Mother's Day!

As the years go by and I grow older, I appreciate all the little and big things my mom has done for me.  Sacrificing her own needs for my own or my siblings.  Always there to listen with caring and pray for us when we have a struggle or a need.  Whenever I've asked my mom for help it is always a resounding yes without hesitation.  Setting an example to us by modeling the character of Christ by forgiving others quickly and loving us all unconditionally. 

A welcoming hostess her door is always open, and she is willing to make herself available to help others.  Over the years she has helped me cook, clean, watch my kids, and support us in our daily life.  She always makes us feel like she is our biggest fan and supporter.  She has modeled being a loving wife and been a great caretaker of her home and household.  She rises early and prays for her family, church and our nation.

My mom is such a special lady, she is incredibly talented in sales, encouragement is one of her gifts. This makes her not only successful as a mom, but also as a professional.  She is an excellent teacher and our favorite lasagne maker.  Her laugh is recognizable and makes us smile when we hear it.  Her hugs are the best, and she freely gives them away. 

This year my mom is going to be miles away, and she will be in another country for Mother's day.  So I just wanted to write a little something to tell her how very much she means to me.  I made her a cute little teacup bouquet that I photographed so I could send her a bouquet for Mother's Day.  

Being a mother is such a thankless job at times.  You are always on the clock 24/7.  There are so many things a mom has to do, and most moms have a never-ending list.  So mom I just wanted to wish you a wonderful day.  Thank you for all you've done for me and all of us.  We love you to the moon and back with our great big juicy hearts.

Love you,

Christina