Mission Possible at the Old Mission Inn

This week and the last have been filled with so so so much love and fun!

I have to say that I feel extremely blessed to have future-in-laws like Sharon and Russell.  Oh yeah, and Greg is pretty cool too.

Greg can attest to the fact that S+R are probably some of the most understanding, kind, giving, and compassionate people we know.  Whenever I am with them, I feel like God shows me another spectrum of His own love through them–and in a very tangible way.

A few days ago, the four of us went to visit the Old Mission Inn located in Riverside.  Dare I say that this whole entire town was decorated just as beautifully as Disneyland, if not more?!!

As you can see, the Old Mission Inn was fully decked out with lights, statues, moving dolls, and much more.  There were even “Cinderella” carriages giving people rides around town.

This wonderful hotel is a world renowned historical landmark, where a myriad of historical figures as well as contemporary famous celebrities have enjoyed their stay.

So why did we drive all the way to Riverside for 45 minutes, you ask?

That’s because we needed to check out our potential rehearsal dinner spot!  We wanted to make sure that OM is where we will be holding our dinner come March 2012, and it’s pretty much one of the few places available within the vicinity of our wedding site.

Lo and behold, we decided that this is the perfect place for our wedding party and our loved ones coming in from Kansas.

We dined in at one of the two restaurants within the hotel:  The Mission Inn Restaurant.

We started with some warm, fluffy bread rolls and seasoned flat breads.

I ordered their tortilla soup, and I was so glad I did!  It was probably the most delicious and authentic looking tortilla soup my eyes have ever laid on.  I believe that what made it so tasty was a good amount of Saffron in the soup.

Greg got the Barramundi with a tropical topping and mashed potatoes and veggies on the side.  Delicious too!

And yet another star of the show!  This was Sharon’s choice, which was a jumbo shrimp ravioli filled with goat cheese!! Oh my goodness….this was seriously a unique and delicious pasta dish.

And Russell’s order?  Haha, ummm I told you before that he’s an extremely picky eater, and he wasn’t that hungry to begin with, so he opted for the iceberg lettuce salad (with maybe a few sprinkles of cheese?)  Don’t worry, I’m still trying to get to him with better eating habits. 

We were served a raspberry cupcake as complimentary service from our awesome waiter!  I seriously think he gave it to us because I told him that he looks just like Matthew McCounaghey, and I truly meant that comment.  Everyone else seemed to agree as well, hehe.

Honestly speaking, I think that it’s very tough to make really good whipped cream cupcakes and keep them tasting fresh, because this one did not hold up to my expectations.  It tasted somewhat plasticky and stale, and I am by no means a picky eater.

Nevertheless, I am forever thankful to our server for his kindness!

One cool thing however, is that the cupcake is from Casey’s Cupcakes right next to the hotel.  Casey was apparently a “Cupcake Wars” winner!  It seems that a lot of the winners on that show have their businesses in Socal.

Greg, mom, Daniel, and I

During Greg’s parents’ stay here, we also met up with my family at Woodranch, which is an amazing steakhouse in Orange County.

Daniel was elated to receive a musical “dump truck” from S+R!  I think he got a little carried away and started putting all the ornaments into his truck.

Although I am a bit sad that they’re now gone, I know that I’ll be seeing them in less than 2 months.  I guess I’m starting to know Greg’s heart and see what it’s like to have “parents” who live far away.

All I can say is, God is good, and I’m constantly learning to count my blessings.   Are you?

Do you and your closest family members live far from each other?  Are you traveling this Christmas?

How do you help picky eaters (even adults) eat better?  Any tips?

What is your favorite type of cupcake and frosting?

-Mine is definitely butter cream frosting!  It stays fresh and fluffy for longer periods of time.

I feel and know that I am blessed because _______________.

Have a beautiful day!

Love,

Ellie <33

Tagged as: family, gifts, God's blessings, God's love, Italian fare, long distance, Old Mission Inn, relationships, seafood, tortilla soup, wedding preparations, wedding rehearsal dinner