Missing This...

As a part of my new regime for my blog, I am introducing another day dedicated to another fun and fabulous topic! Tuesdays will now be referred to as...

While this sounds sentimental and mushy, it doesn't have to be. Admittedly sometimes I will gush about all the sad things I miss, but don't worry it won't be a sob fest! I just want to take the opportunity to reminisce about some fabulous things from my past, that maybe you experienced too.

This Tuesday's "Missing This" is dedicated to a fabulous city where I spent a majority of my childhood.

That's right, lovely Santa Barbara! If you have been here, I hope you would agree that it is an absolutely gorgeous! When I was growing up, our family went her so often I used to think of it as my second home....I guess to explain why, you would have to know a little bit about my family first.

We are a little bit of a tennis family! Yes, that is my brothers and I getting our game on (gosh I wish my legs were this skinny still)! Anyhoo, since Santa Barbara was only a two hour drive, Mamma Mercado would pack us all into the car and tow us there for tennis tournaments. Win or lose, we always had the best times on the coast, and mom would always let us stop by The Habit on the way home.

Image from: http://www.flickriver.com/

It's okay if your mouth is watering, mine is too.

So when the time come for my brothers to consider a college where they could grow in our faith and in tennis, the choice was easy. They both decided on going to Westmont College, a private Christian college in Santa Barbara. 

Image from: College News

My first started going to Westmont when I was 9, so clearly I grew up visiting their school, and Santa Barbara a lot more! It is such an amazing city, with so many things to visit and do. If you haven't been I definitely suggest a visit! Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure...

Image from: Buy in Santa Barbara

I LOVE all of the Spanish architecture.

Image from: http://photos.igougo.com/pictures

Not only is the shopping amazing at Paseo Nuevo, but the mall is beautiful.

Image from: http://www.buyinsantabarbara.com/

And if you have a chance to make it to the SB Zoo, you can feed the giraffes! There is even a little fellow there with a crooked neck. (Don't worry it doesn't hurt, I made sure to ask!)

So there you have it, thus began my family's and I love affair with Santa Barbara. This came first circle a year ago for my brother's wedding to Sarah (or Sassafrass). Where else did they choose to get married, but of course at a breathtaking estate in the hills of Santa Barbara.

I could go on about the wedding, but that would probably take about five posts.

Actually, their wedding in September was the last time I visited my beloved S.B. I have been missing this place so much, and want to plan a trip back as soon as possible...

Until Next Time. :)