VACAY DAYZ
We just got back from nine days of vacation and it was RAD. It was our first ever trip that was 100% determined and planned by us, and by us I mean ME. All of our previous trips have been with family, for weddings or work related. I call this trip our delayed summer vacation.
We ended up doing a California road trip and stayed two nights in four different places. First we flew to Santa Barbara and stayed two nights with Mike's sister Melanie and her young family. Mo loved playing with his cousins in their big backyard, on the beach and everywhere in between. And we enjoyed the hang time with adults and of course a trip to Cold Springs Tavern. A mountain side biker bar up a windy road into the hills of Santa Barbara. It is legit one of the coolest places I have ever visited.
Momo & cousin Kenzie who he can't stop talking about at Cold Springs
After two nights we drove to LA to visit our recently relocated friends & get in some TINSEL TOWN vibes. First stop was lunch in Malibu and a dip in the ocean- on a Monday afternoon in October. I had to pause and take in all the locals out for a surf, paddle board or jog on the sand. I kept saying to Mike 'how is this real life?' & 'This is October?!?' It was a total fantasy land. We had a great time being house guests and visiting a local park, to give Momo some kid friendly activities as well as LACMA & the Tar Pits.
Malibu boys
Momo & one of his/my bffs Ash touring LA
On Wednesday we drove out to Joshua Tree and stayed in the perfect desert house. Sunsets and sunrises were magic, Mo discovered an interest in rock collecting (lol) and my cousins as well as best friend from NYC were able to join us. Mini hikes, exploring, Pappy & Harriets and a star gazing party were key highlights. As lame as it is to write this it truly was a magical couple of days in the desert.
Sollybaby wrap was a last minute stash into my suitcase and while it is definitely not designed for little boys of this size it still was useful on our little hikes thru the desert.
Emi & Momo exploring cousin Marie's new quanset hut she built in the middle of nowhere
He woke up at 6:30 both days in the desert which allowed for some AMAZING sunrise views and a very tired madre
Last stop on the trip was two nights in Indio, near Palm Springs, for year four of a college girlfriends reunion tour we started when we all turned 30. We have stayed strictly PNW during our previous trips and this year had the luxury of staying in a little mansion. We wined and cooked home made meals, swam in the pool with funny floaties & explored The Parker. It was so good for my soul to be surrounded by these women. Definitely more to come on the topics we discussed and the stories we shared.
ladies who brunch & one little party crasher
Today, after arriving home last night, I have taken the day for myself. With baby steps back into reality I took Momo to school this morning, did a spin class with Mike and now while our boy is napping I have escaped the house to grocery shop, stop at a coffee shop and sit outside on this unseasonable dry day with the sun in my face & reflect on the week I had. Our first California road trip was definitely a success. Thank you to all the people who hosted us and made this trip so good.
xx Ly