Trip to L.A., California

Last week was my first college Spring Break. My younger sister and I went to Los Angeles, California to stay with our uncle. During our five day trip, our uncle took us to a number of different cities near L.A. We had fun everywhere we went, but there was definitely a ranking order of the places we visited. As I said, we went to a number of different places. Unfortunately, writing about each place would be far too difficult, and may even exceed the word limit of this blog. Instead, I'm going to write about the top five places to go if you're ever in L.A., and one that is skip-worthy, if you're short on time.

Must Do's:

1) Universal Studios
- Our uncle was able to arrange for us to take a day to go to Universal Studios, while we were in town. That day was probably the most fun of all. Not only is Universal Studios a super fun theme park, but the design is also very cool. One of my favorite parts about the park was seeing the layout of the park. Since the park is built on a large hill, it is separated into two "levels". When traveling from one level to the next, there is a great view, and you can see how the park is constructed on different tiers of the hill. Out of all the rides in the park, the best one would have to be the mummy ride. If you get a chance to go to Universal, do NOT pass up a giant donut from "Lard Lad Donuts" by the Simpsons ride (BEST DONUTS EVER!!!). While there are many attractions at the park, if you plan your day out in advance, you will definitely be able to get everything done!

2) Santa Anita Park
- I would most definitely recommend making your way out to Pasadena. We went to three places there, one of which was Santa Anita Park Race Track. First of all, the track is gorgeous. Behind the track, there are mountains all the way across the sky, it's surreal. It is also a very nice, clean racing park. There are great seats in the regular admission section, with a great view of the whole track. Our uncle put money on a horse we wanted and we won! (Liberty will tell you that SHE picked the horse and SHE won.) Another thing that I really liked about the track is that before each race, you could go out to this barn and see the horses up close. Our entire experience at the race track was fantastic.

3) Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
- Another stop that you should make in Pasadena is the L.A. County Arboretum. It's maybe 5 minutes from the race track. Ok, I know what you're thinking, "Arboretum? Isn't that just a fancy word for garden? Why would we waste our time there??" But... You'd be completely wrong! Well... Technically, yes, it is a fancy garden, but it isn't boring! The Arboretum has a huge chunk of land with numerous gardens. It was very relaxing to go through and see all the pieces of the gardens. There are also peacocks everywhere you turn. As we were leaving, we saw a peacock standing in the middle of the sidewalk with all of its feathers standing. It was incredible! I will suggest that you go on a day that is cooler in temperature, because walking through the whole garden in the heat can be a bit harder than in cool weather. While they do have a nice fountain there, if you put your feet in to cool off, you will get kicked out, as my sister and I did ;)

4) Santa Monica Pier
- The Santa Monica Pier is a nice place to go on a warm weather day! They have shopping, rides, and it is right above the beach, so you could take a dip in the ocean too! Sadly, we went one day before the rides opened, so I can't tell you how they were. But, they did look fun! The view of the ocean from the pier was very nice. There were multiple musicians on the pier too, so it was nice to just look at the ocean and listen to the music. While some people (lib and I) may leave souvenir shopping until the end of their trip, don't bank on the pier for good souvenirs. Since it is a tourist attraction, the stores have nice things, but they are pretty high in price. But, if you walk up the pier to the street, there is a lot of shopping to be done there. Especially if you have kids, I would try to get out to the Santa Monica Pier for at least part of your day.

5) In-N-Out Burger
- It's crazy to think that out of all of the things there are to do in L.A., one of the top 5 things is to eat at In-N-Out Burger! To portray how good it is -- my sister doesn't like burgers, at all. She decided to try a burger from In-N-Out since we were eating there already. She then took a bite, and said, "this is the best burger I've ever had in my life, I want to eat it forever." Aside from the taste, In-N-Out is very fresh, they don't use frozen meats, which is why they can't expand outside of California. Since they are only in California, why not make a quick stop to try it, while you are there.

Skippable:

1) Hollywood Blvd.
- I know you're thinking something is wrong with me if I expect that you will go to Los Angeles, California and skip the chance to go to Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood Blvd. is definitely seen as "the place to go" in California. Let me tell you, it is not what it's fixed up to be. In the movies and pictures, it is portrayed as bright and beautiful and full of life.... It's really not. If I were to be completely honest, it's a dirtier, sketchier version of New York City. Now there are places around Hollywood Blvd. that are nicer, so if you MUST go to Hollywood, just to say you have been, either plan a tour, or have something lined up for after Hollywood Blvd. We took a tour from a company called, "Ultimate Hollywood Tours", I definitely recommend taking it. The people are very nice and they take you on great tours of stars' homes, great views of L.A. and the Hollywood sign, and through the streets of shops. Again, not to say that Hollywood isn't fun or that you wouldn't have a good time, but if it was on your list of "To-Do's" and you needed to kick something out, Hollywood would be the one to throw out. 

Our trip to L.A. was amazing. We were able to squeeze a ton of stuff into our trip and we were excited about all of it. It was good to have our uncle, who is very familiar with California, take us to all the best spots. If you're ever in L.A. and you go to those 5 "Must Do's" then you will definitely have a great time!

I'm happy to answer questions for anyone who is going or wants to know more about L.A.!!

See You Next Chimes Night!

Wednesday night was Senior Chimes Night 2015! Even though it was Wednesday, I skipped dance, and we all went. 

Liberty and I took an Uber to the Tombs, in Georgetown, so we could claim our table on time. My dad walked from his office in DC and got there around 7:15. We ordered our dinner and the show started at around 8. Unfortunately, my mom had to go to a swim team meeting at the same time, so she and Cassie met us at the end of the show. 

The show itself was great! Many of my favorite songs from the "active" group are sung by the seniors. Even though they did a really great job, it was really sad, because they won't be at every Chimes Night anymore :( But, we all enjoyed it very much.

After the show, we went back to the Chimes' House with some of the other chime families. We always bring a dessert; brownies were Wednesday's choice. They sang more songs at the house and we even chose some of them. 

The Chimes have been a huge part of my life and I love them so much! I can't wait until the next Chimes Night, even if these seniors won't be there :(: 

I'm very glad we were able to make it to the show. As they say, "See you next chimes night"!

Thanks for reading!

Check back soon,

Kendra <3

Driving Permit

I first took my driving permit test on March 28th, the exact day I turned fifteen and a half, in turn, the first day I was legally allowed. Unfortunately, even though I thought I was ready, I didn't pass. I got one more question than I could have incorrect. It was rough. The worst part was probably that I thought I had studied enough and I would pass, and then I didn't. Although I was upset, I didn't let it faze me. I studied more and took it about three weeks later. That time.... I passed! In fact, I got every question right! :)

I have been, and will continue to practice driving with my dad, in his Oldsmobile :) The first day we went out, I did really well. We didn't stay out for that long, maybe fifteen minutes in the parking lot, but we did cover a lot of the basics: precise turns, backing up, etc. Because I did so well, I drove home from there! It is only about six blocks, and we took the back roads, but it was still pretty exciting!

I have always been excited to be able to drive. I always used to say my favorite part about driving was going to be using the turn signals, because I liked that they turned themselves off after a turn. Not only am I happy to be able to drive, but once I get my license it will be a big help to my mom. Right now, she and my dad are the only ones living at home that drive. Therefore, she does a lot of the errands and carpooling. My new favorite thing about being able to drive is probably going to be taking some of the load off for her.

I'll keep my blog updated on my driving improvements!

Thanks for reading!
Check back soon,
Kendra <3

Weekend Trip To Savannah

For the last weekend of April, my family went down to Savannah, Georgia to visit my sister, Aubrey, at school. She is a Senior at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). She is an extremely talented painter, who has taken on jewelry and wood work, as well.

The girls in my family drove down on the last Thursday of April and we spent two days there before my dad flew down to meet us.

When we first arrived we met my sister's new dog, Theo. He's adorable! He will also be living with us for the Summer and probably while she is away at Disney. We're very excited about that!

We went down to visit her because it was family weekend, which includes one of our favorite events, The Sidewalk Festival. The Sidewalk Festival is when a bunch of students and alumni from SCAD go to a big park in Savannah called Forsyth Park. Each person reserves a sidewalk square and uses chalk to draw their own masterpiece. That was supposed to be on Saturday, but there were thunderstorms and it got rained out. Because Sunday's forecast said it was going to be nice out, we decided we would go back then and Aubrey would draw her square anyway. So we did. She drew an old picture of Dopey and her as a child (keeping her Disney theme). It was amazing, as usual.

During the days surrounding our Sidewalk Festival Rain Date, we helped Aubrey get some work done, hung out together, and got to see our favorite spots in Savannah.

We will be driving back at the end of the month for her graduation and to move her back home. We all really enjoy Savannah and we're excited to go back so soon.

Thanks for reading!
Check back soon,
Kendra <3

Opening Day At Nationals' Park!

On Monday, April 6th, we had four tickets to the Opening Game at Nationals' Park. My dad took Liberty and I, and let us invite a friend. We brought our friend from the pool, Lucy. Our tickets also worked as passes to get us into the Diamond Club. There was an open buffet with a lot of great food. I took full advantage of that!

We had great seats, they were right behind home plate and up one set of stairs. Once we got to our seats, we were also allowed to get whatever we wanted from the menu, because it was included with the Diamond Club tickets. We got popcorn, soda, peanuts, and ICE CREAM SANDWICHES (Yes.... Multiple)!!!!!! It was so awesome!

Although the Nationals didn't win, my man, Bryce Harper, scored the Nationals' their only run, a home run, at that! Also, it wouldn't have mattered whether the Nationals won or lost, because we all definitely had an amazing time.

I'm really thankful that we got to go, and being able to bring Lucy with us made it an even better experience for everyone. I hope we get to go to another game soon, because I love baseball... and ice cream sandwiches.... and Bryce Harper <3

Thanks for reading!
Check back soon,
Kendra <3

Easter Weekend!

This past weekend was the weekend of Easter. My family drove up to Connecticut to see our extended family. Because my mom and dad were originally from there, our whole family lives there.

We got there on Friday night and went straight to my mom's parents' house. We saw my Aunt Rose, Uncle Ray, and Ray's girlfriend, Jen. We ate a family dinner and stayed there overnight.

Saturday morning, we went to the diner to meet my Aunt Leona and Uncle Dave for breakfast. It was really nice to see them, especially because we really only see them when we're there. From there, we met Uncle Lenny at Starbucks. We stayed there with him for about an hour or so. Seeing him was also really great, even though we see him more often than others. (IN SEPTEMBER, HE'S COMING TO VIRGINIA TO SEE 21 PILOTS WITH US!!!!!!) After Uncle Lenny had left, my Aunt Amy met us there for a nice visit. My family then went to Aunt Kim and Uncle Mark's for our annual Easter celebration for the Metcalfe side of the family. All of the Metcalfes were there (except Cale and Aubrey <3). We had our last annual, giant easter egg hunt in their backyard. (Only the last at that house, because they're moving.) It was very fun, as always! We ate Easter dinner there too. Before we headed back to Wendy's, we drove some boxes to Kim and Mark's new house and we got to see it. It was really nice. At Wendy's, we watched Big Hero 6, hung out together, and we spent the night there.

On Sunday, Aunt Wendy made, my favorite, CHOCOLATE CHIP PANCAKES!! After breakfast, we joined Tyler and Drew in their easter egg hunt. From there, we went back to my grandparents' house. As soon as we got there, we did an inside easter egg hunt. Once the rest of our family, Rose, her husband Tom, and Ray, got there, we did the big easter egg hunt outside, that we do every year. My grandma made Easter dinner. It was AMAZING, which led to me eating far too much. At around dessert time, Jen got there. Then, we all ate dessert. Again, with me eating too much. Everyone, but us, left around 5. My mom's cousin came over, so we got to visit with her a bit as well. At about 7, we went back to Wendy's and we mostly just hung out there for the night. We stayed there overnight, but left at 6 AM to get on the road.

It was a really fun, exciting trip. As always, it was so nice to see everyone and to participate in our traditions. Although some of those traditions are ending, we're only going to be starting more to replace those, I'm sure.

Hope you had a great holiday!
Thanks for reading!
Check back soon,
Kendra <3

4 Note Worthy Shoulder Exercises To Prevent Dislocation

Shoulders are the most dislocated joints on your body. Dislocation can be provoked by many things: sports, lots of physical activity, or just everyday activities. If your Rotator Cuff muscles are weak, you are more likely to have problems with dislocation.

By strengthening the muscles surrounding your shoulder, you can prevent dislocation. Listed below are quick and easy exercises to help you start that process.

1. Shoulder Shrugs -
Stand straight with your feet shoulder length apart. Lift both shoulders as if you're bringing them to the ceiling. Bring shoulders back down to starting position. To strengthen your shoulders more, you can hold a dumbbell weight in each hand or use a Theraband for resistance.

2. Push Ups -
Good old fashioned push ups can also help for shoulder strengthening. Start with your hands on the floor, shoulder-width apart, and your feet together, behind you, on the ground. Keep your back straight so that you are in a hollow position. Bend both arms simultaneously until your chest is almost to the floor. Then, proceed to push up to starting position. (Hence Push Up)

3. Shoulder Square Shrugs -
Start sitting straight up on a chair. You are going to hit four spots with your shoulders during this exercise. First, raise shoulder straight up towards your ears. Then shift shoulders directly back. While keeping your shoulders back, drop your shoulders down. Lightly shift your shoulders back to the starting position, which should be a comfortable, relaxed position.

4. Wall Crawls -
Standing parallel to a wall, face the wall and stick one arm towards the wall. You should be just able to touch the wall with your fingertips. From there, steps your fingers up without moving your body closer to the wall. When you have reached as high as you can, take a step toward the wall and repeat with reaching higher until your feet are against the wall. Step back to starting position and distance.

I hope these help you!
Thanks for reading!
Check back soon,
Kendra <3