life lately (a vacation)

we went on a road trip.

we learned that little Bean loves to travel and is a very good at it too.

we stopped in St. George at the parental's condo and

little Bean didn't like the other little Bean she saw in the mirror.

so we turned on the tv and she was 

immediately infatuated with the westminster dog show.

the next day, we traveled on.

we made a few potty stops. . . 

and then we arrived in beautiful Southern California. 

our dream land

and we got to stay with our treasured family.

we went to Santa Monica Beach

 and Bean was in 7th heaven.

bean made a new friend: Toby the Newfoundland.

 there were neat chairs...that i don't know if i was allowed to sit on, so i sat anyway

and had husband take this snazzy photograph.

we walked along the pier and enjoyed the ambiance of the sunset and the ferris wheel

the next day,

we went to our old home.

i realized that i took my time there for granted.

oh how i miss it.

i ran into my two lovely leads from way back when.

i just wish i had my camera out when they were both there!

whilst the husband ate a famous d-land corndog, i opted for the low-carb, high fat & protein meal:

the turkey leg. 

some people say they're sick, but i say they're delicious.

we went on some scary rides. 

and spent some magical moments around the castle and the hub.

before we walked out those gates, 

we took it all in.

one day we'll go back and work there again, you'll see. 

we went on an adventure drive with our family 

through the fabric/fashion/flower/jewelry districts of LA 

(all of which i am dying to get back to) 

and look at the marquee at that theater. i love that.

 we visited a beautiful and oldie lighthouse

and after the tour, we lounged against a tree and chatted with brother and sister in-law

then we drove to Long Beach.

while we were there, we realized that he haven't ever taken a picture with all of us together

so we decided to finally take one.

also, i love this family.

husband and i needed a picture with the Queen Mary in the background, naturally.

and sister in-law creeped into another photo...

 after some quality time together, sister in-law and Bean became BFFs. there is no denying it.

little Bean didn't want to miss out on any of the action and found herself a comfy observation spot.

a wonderful little spot during the day:

and at night:

our last night there, we went to Santa Monica again and spent some nice, relaxing time with our family. it's little moments like those that remind me of how blessed i am.

we can't wait to get back there again soon.

and hopefully we will get to stay there for good.

ps: special thanks to instagram for making some of my photos look real-deal coolio.