This past week, we had the most magical time celebrating my oldest son’s 12th birthday at the Newport Beach Boat Parade! We went on Thursday and made reservations at the Lighthouse Café at Marina Park, which was the perfect spot to take it all in. From what I’ve heard, the peninsula side is much less crowded than Balboa Island, so if you’re planning to go next year, I’d recommend it!
Here are a few tips if you’re considering attending:
- Arrive early: Get there at least two hours ahead of time to find street parking and grab a prime viewing spot.
- Dinner or DIY: If you don’t have dinner reservations, pack beach chairs and blankets to enjoy the parade from the water’s edge.
- Don’t miss the sunset: Walking around the harbor, admiring the decorated docked boats, and watching the sunset was such a highlight for us.
We lucked out with upper balcony seating at Lighthouse Café, which gave us a perfect view of the harbor for the drone show and the parade. It was truly an experience we’ll never forget and one we plan to make a yearly tradition.
Adjusting Holiday Plans
Unfortunately, sickness has hit our house this week. Chase and I were sick earlier, and now it’s making its way through the kids. We’ve already had to cancel a date night and a planned day trip, so we’re adjusting our holiday plans accordingly.
Do you have any recommendations for festive things we can do without spreading germs? I’m thinking about driving through Ladera Ranch to admire Christmas lights from the car. If you have more ideas, I’d love to hear them!
Fingers crossed this bug runs its course before Chase’s family comes to visit next week. We’ve got round two of birthday celebrations for my daughter on the horizon, and I’m hoping everyone is feeling better by then.
Missing Family but Loving California
Even with the hiccups, I’m loving our first California Christmas to pieces. Missing my family has been hard, though. We normally spend this time of year helping my Abuela make Paches (Guatemalan tamales), which is one of my favorite traditions.
My dad has been sending me video updates, so I feel like I’m there in spirit, but it’s still a little bittersweet.
Thank you all for being here and for letting me share these moments with you. The holidays might look a little different for us this year, but they’ve been filled with so much magic and joy.
