Our Much Needed, But Much Too Short Trip to California

At the beginning of the month we took a little trip to Cali. This trip was a long time coming. About a year and a half ago we planned a trip to Alaska, but a few months later we canceled it because we realized it would be too hard to take Finn and we weren't ready to leave him yet. Then, we had a different trip planned in August of last year, to go to California. We just so happened to find a perfect little home and closing date fell right during our trip, so it got postponed.... until now.

I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to get away from the smog-filled, freeze your buns off, Utah weather. And I now think that every winter we need to take a trip somewhere warm, to rejuvinate our spirits (Utah winters tend to drag on... and on).

So let me tell you about our trip. Every time we're about to get on a plane I worry, I go over all the different scenarios in my head. Will Finn cry the whole flight and everyone on board hate us? Will the oxygen masks fall and mine be the only one that doesn't have a flow of oxygen (wouldn't that be a terrible way to go?) I'm a complete mess the whole day and a half before getting on that flight. But of course, once I'm on, all is well and things usually go pretty smoothly. Finn cried for about 20 minutes at the beginning of the flight but then zonked out and slept most of the way. Sigh of relief.

I love Long Beach airport because it's quaint and there's never a lot of people, that's a great way to start out any vacation. It was a warm 60 degrees (to me that's warm). My aunt Mikelle and cousin Aubrey picked us up and we were ready to party.

That first day we went to Balboa Islands which is in Newport Beach. Such a fun little island with shops and the most beautiful homes. Unfortunately it started to down poor so we didn't spend a whole lot of time there but it was fun to see.

The next day was probably my favorite. We met some pretty amazing people that day. We went to LA to meet up with my sweet friend Carly. We have been friends for about a year now, we met basically on social media because we both have Etsy shops. She makes the most amazing kids clothing, and Finn greatly appreciates that, wink wink. We met at a little french dip joint in LA called Philippe's and we all chatted together for what seemed like hours. I was a little nervous meeting up with someone I only knew from texting and messaging but she is the sweetest person and it was like we'd known each other for years.

Then, off to our next venture. We met another couple through Instagram recently who have a sweet little girl with a similar condition to Finn's. We were so excited to find out that they lived close to Irvine (where we were staying) so we met up at The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Again, it was like we knew them for years as well. They are the kindest, most up lifting people and little Dani is the sweetest thing you could ever hold in your arms. It was amazing to finally put our two kids next to one another, you could tell they both knew one another and that they'd be friends for life! We then went to dinner with the Smith family and chatted about our sweet kiddos, and then it was back to Irvine.

Saturday was beach day. We went to Laguna Beach, always a stop for us! As a teenager we always went there because I was obsessed with the MTV show Laguna Beach, but now it's just tradition. Walking up and down PCH and gelato on Peppertree Lane. We then went to Montage Beach to hang out and let Finn stick his toes in the sand. Unfortunately he blew out of his diaper, which hasn't happened in over a year so that was just our luck, and we left a little earlier than we would've liked.

Sunday was beach day numero dos. We went to Little Corona Beach so Noah could see the tide pools, he's into that sort of thing. So while he explored, Mikelle, the kids and I had a little picnic on the beach. Until the seagulls swarmed us and we graciously gave up the rest of our food. I think Noah would live on the beach if he could, and I'm sure you'll see what I mean when you see the photo of him below. Beach. Bum. We then took a little bike ride down Newport Beach, which Finn totally hated. He cried the whole time, but we enjoyed it anyway.

Monday was the day we went home, sad face. It really was a short trip unfortunately, but we hope to go back again soon. Thanks to Mikelle and Jeremy for being fabulous hosts and the great state of California for your sandy beaches and warm weather, bless you.

Now for the photo dump...

Home again, home again, jiggity jig. 

That face.