LOS ANGELES!!! As I have said many times before, our family loves to travel. We love exploring new places but we also LOVE going back to some favorites. I have been to LA several times in my life. I enjoyed it every time I have gone. The ocean, the weather, the palm trees, the shopping, I could go on and on. Preston and I actually took a trip to LA right after we were married in 2011. We joined my sister Erin and friend Phoebe. It was so exciting to come back 10 years later with our kiddos. I think it's safe to say that we all had a great time. This was definitely not our "normal" trip to LA. With COVID still having things locked down, we had to be careful on our planning. We couldn't do any museums or more "kid friendly" things that we would normally plan on. Instead, this was a trip to just get away, enjoy the beach, catch up with a long time friend, eat incredible food, take some scenic drives, and enjoy a laid back vacay. We found a sweet hotel right in the middle of all the things we planned to see and food we couldn't wait to devour. This Kimpton we found was perfect for the five of us. Plenty of space, parking, and the staff was awesome! We really enjoyed our stay.
Here's a look at what we were able to do while in LA! We didn't get to do or see everything we would have wanted to, but it was still worth the four hour trip. Now we have an excuse to go back once everything opens up :)
Sandwiches!
We got into town just in time for lunch. We hit up Canter Bros. and it did not disappoint. We also saw Jerry Springer in there, haha. He was grabbing some bagels with his wife while we waited on our sandwiches. I couldn't believe it! Haha.
Blue skies and palm trees, what more do you need?
The Grove!
After grabbing our delicious lunch we checked into our hotel. From there we decided to check out this sweet spot. Pres and I were hoping to get a little shopping in while we were in LA. They have some great stores and lots to look at. The kids had fun checking out the area.
The kids loved the water feature. It was such a beautiful day.
Watching the waterfalls and birds.
Quick photo op with the kiddos. Oh how I love these three.
How cute are they?!
Playing with the water.
They have a sweet fountain area that is a very small version of the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas.
Sweet Quinnie Marie
Waiting patiently for Mom and Dad while they do a little shopping :)
There's a sweet Farmers Market right in the Grove. We ended up eating dinner here. Super tasty!
Cute Beckham Boy in a candy shop.
Jack found one he likes :)
The trolley rides in full swing but we didn't have time to wait.
Fountains in the night.
The next day we headed to Santa Monica Pier. The pier itself was closed but we ended up hanging out at the beach anyway.
We took a road above the beach first. We wanted to do a little sight seeing.
I do not remember this beach being so large and endless. It seemed like we walked forever to get closer to the water.
The greenery was so pretty and HUGE!
Finding our way to the beach :)
Beckham was my little model this trip. He was the only one that seemed to be ok with "Hey, let's take a picture here." Haha. Love this kid!
Digging a hole for the soccer ball, haha.
I was so happy that I thought to pack some balls to take with us. We loved playing soccer and football on the beach. The boys LOVED it!
Houses right on the beach. That'd be kind of nice. Although Pres and I were saying that having millions of tourists in your front yard each year may get old, haha.
Building castles in the sand.
Ice cream anyone??
Making sand angels :)
This kid was dying to go jump in the waves but we didn't have extra clothes with us. I couldn't take that chance, haha. It's inevitable that he would be soaked waist down. He focused on playing sports and building things in the sand instead.
There's something special about having your feet and hands in the sand. It's just heaven!
Before heading back to the hotel, Pres dropped me off to meet up with an old friend of mine while he and the kids ran to get a few things from Costco. I have known Cameron for many years. He, too, is into photography and has done some pretty incredible stuff while living in New York. I had the chance to meet up with him for about an hour and it was awesome. We caught up a little bit on our lives and then spent the rest of the time talking photography. He asked some awesome questions that has lead me into figuring out what I want to do with this amateur gift of mine. It's still very much in development but it is something I truly enjoy. I completely spaced getting a pic of us while we hung out. It was great catching up with him for sure though.
Back at the hotel I took an elevator to the roof top garden and pool. I loved the scenery from there.
That evening after dinner, we took a quick drive down Sunset Blvd.
I happened to find a star I love :)
The kids loved that dinosaur on top of the McDonald's. "Mom, take a picture!"
The next day we took a journey on Mulholland Drive. It was crazy beautiful with incredibly large homes. We stopped off a few times so I could get a few shots.
We found Hogwarts while driving :)
We ended up at the Griffith Observatory. We got out to stretch our legs and check out the views.
It was bright outside, haha, but we got a shot of the Hollywood sign with the Clark crew. Woohoo!
Me and the hubs ;)
While we were visiting the observatory, the telescope moved. It was cool to watch the entire right dome spin around. We wished we could have explored the inside. Next time.
After Griffith, we headed down town.
On our way back to the hotel, we drove up next to Kawhi Leonard on his way back home from basketball practice. Haha. What are the chances?!
Getting a workout in while Pres went to grab dinner. We ate SOOOO good. We had incredible donuts, bagels, sandwiches, BBQ, protein bowls, etc. LA has incredible food choices. I had to try and get back on track before the final meal, haha.
Before heading back home, we hit up Rodeo Drive to check it out. It was gorgeous!
My little model :)
These sweet palm trees sent us off on our way. They lined the entire road. It was so cool.
We had such a blast while visiting LA. We are very much looking forward to going back sometime. Hoping that the next time we go more things will be open. We'd love to take the kids to Disneyland if at all possible. They'd also really enjoy some of the parks and museums around. Pres and I would be just fine going back to get some of that incredible food. This four day trip was definitely a success in our books! The kids have already asked to go back, haha. Jack says that he wants to go back soon, but with less picture taking on my part, haha.
Back to Life
Pres and I have been doing our best to eat healthy at home. I was so proud of my first quiche :)
Shot number 2 is in the books! I am now fully vaccinated! I was so grateful that I had absolutely ZERO side effects for my second shot. Unfortunately, I know that is not always the case. Some people feel achy, tired, and just blah. I considered myself lucky and am so grateful!
Back to school with this cutie. This week was letter "U" and this girl LOVES unicorns. I do "at-home" preschool with my kids until they turn four. Quinn will be heading to Pre-K this fall. It's a bittersweet feeling but she is SO excited!
Time with Dad.
My first attempt at baking a Mock Sourdough Bread. It didn't turn out as great as I had hoped but it was my first time. In the end, I was pleased with what we got :)
A quick trip to check out the almond blossoms in full bloom.
Many farmers have bee boxes around the almond trees to help with pollination. It makes for some really delicious honey!
I caught a bee hard at work :)
I think I know where we should take our Easter pics this year ;) We had such a wonderful February! We are so grateful for the places we have been able to travel to. Our family has loved the time we have been able to spend together. We truly are grateful to live in such an amazing state. It is full places to get out and enjoy. It has everything you could imagine and more! Looking forward to a sweet March with more to come!
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