Our California Trip, Part I

We just got back from California and we had such a blast on our trip.  First of all it was amazing to get out of the blazing heat even if it was just for 5 days.  I think we timed it perfectly because we were getting updates from back home that it was 113 degrees.  That made the 78 degree weather in Malibu seem pretty awesome.

We woke up SUPER early on Wednesday morning and headed out.  The plan was to leave at 4am but Ryder woke up at 2am with a bloody nose in our bed and by the time I cleaned it all up I was wide awake.  We decided to hit the road at 2:30am and I drove for the first 2 hours.  By 4:30 I was pretty tired so we pulled over and Cory drove the rest of the way.  We got into LA just in time for breakfast and some rush hour traffic.  When we arrived at Alexa & Justin's house they were at swim lessons but we got settled in and they arrived around lunch time.  We took it easy that first day because we were all pretty pooped from driving in the middle of the night.  Alexa & Justin took us to Stonehaus, one of their favorite neighborhood restaurants.  We had wine & snacks while the kids ran around and played outside.  It was so nice.  After we got back home the kids were dying to put on a concert with all of Justin's instruments.  It was one of the funniest things I've watched in awhile.

 They were rocking out and having so much fun with Lexington.  Ryan looked super cool in her shades.  Ryder was so tired that he fell asleep on the way home from the restaurant and slept until the next morning.  No rockstar Ryder that night :(

 Reese picked out her fancy outfit with bow and dressed Lexington up to the nines.

 I'm not sure what they're whispering about but I'm sure it was about the grand finale.

 Then it was our turn to duet.  Eight years of piano lessons for both of us and we can play some mean heart and soul jams.

 Justin was the designated baby Zane holder.  I could seriously eat that kid up.  He is too precious.

 Cory got on the guitar and had a jam session while I recalled some of my Richard Marx tunes I had memorized from 8th grade.  Epic.

 There's that sweet little squishy boo again!

Day 2 we woke up and had some breakfast and played in their garden.  Alexa had ladybugs to release and that turned into oodles of fun for the kids.

 

Then we headed to the beach in Malibu that afternoon.  Our Aunt Marilyn & Greg were staying down the road in Ventura and joined us for some fun in the sun.  The sun kept peeking in and out of the clouds and it was a wee bit chilly at times but we still had a blast.  The kids love running from the waves and playing in the sand.  There's just something so awesome about the salty air and having your feet in the sand.  Below is a photo of all of us minus Aunt Marilyn because she was snapping the photo.

 Then I got a cute one of Alexa, Justin, Lexington & Zane together.

 Here is our crew about to start running from the waves.  Seriously our most favorite game ever.

When we got back home we had a gourmet dinner of gazpacho and grilled shrimp that Justin threw together.  Our kids wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole unfortunately so I made noodles with butter and parmesan and they tore that up.  The beach always makes me so hungry.  Not sure what it is.

Day 3 was our day to leave and head to San Diego.  We were so sad but we know we'll see the B family soon when we all head to CO in July.  Before we left we tried to get a photo of the 5 kids together.  Of course it's like herding cats and Reese & Ryan were fighting over who could hold Zane, but we finally got a few good ones together.

 I seriously can't get enough of this kid.  He gives me baby fever in a major way and that hasn't happened in awhile.  I am dying over this photo of him in shades.  What a hoot!  That was Ryan's idea.

 So long for now and we'll see you soon!