Dani's Wedding

Mumsey came to town to watch Levi, so JWG and I could enjoy Dani's wedding weekend from beginning-to-end in San Diego!

We arrived late Friday night (in time for drinks w/ the soon-to-be-husband-and-wife) and then woke up Sat am early to check out every possible surf break. JWG went to school in San Diego, so I enjoyed the tour (which did include the Italian restaurant where he cooked throughout school)

We also relished in a very relaxing breakfast (sans Levi)

Next up...rehearsal at Scripps. Dani with her mom and dad!

Chris couldn't be lovelier (true Midwest boy) and was well represented from the Central states. Above is Grandpa Wally...92, fully engaged and embracing technology!

The view from where Dani and Chris were married!

Practicing the entrance

Following rehearsal, we had a scrumptious bbq on the beach...I must say this is one of the BEST wedding parties. All of their friends were incredibly friendly, fun, and super interesting!

They even had cheesesteaks cooked up, which were heavenly!

Rehearsal dinner was held in La Jolla and was an intimate group, allowing us to really get to know their extended family and friends.

Dani looked exceptionally beautiful and was glowing...Chris is definitely the man of her dreams! Just as John and I headed to bed (post night cap at the hotel bar), we had a horrible scare; the baby and I were rushed to the hospital. Luckily after a few days stay, baby and I are both 100% healthy, but sadly enough we missed Dani's wedding. :(

Dani and Chris were married on Sunday. From what I could tell from the window of my hospital room, it was blue sky morning and shaping up to be a perfect day for one of my most treasured friends. Dani called/texted me throughout the day. Despite missing the details, I still felt like I was right there next to her (bridesmaid #3!). I could just tell in her voice, texts, and pictures...she was happier then ever and had chosen the most perfect man to be her husband.

From the pictures, she looked as beautiful as she always does; confident, relaxed, and present. I find one of the greatest feelings in the world is seeing people you love genuinely happy. John and I have no doubt that these two will live a very full life together, and we can't wait to be a part of their memories!

Going for a 'Scoot' & hanging w/ the cuzzies

A couple of months ago, John & Levi were in San Diego, and Levi picked up a scooter and immediately started riding it (we were impressed parents!). However, unbeknownst to us, Levi had been riding them for several months at the playground with his Nanny, Now it's become part of his daily routine, and he easily keeps up w/ Dada and his Cuzzies!

The race is on!

The cousins, Hazel (7) and Sadie (4), enjoying an evening 'scoot'

Auntie Nancy came down for the weekend to visit the girls, and we got to enjoy dinner w/ her!

Hanging out at the Yellow Submarine

Levi can't get enough of Hazel; she is the most amazing big cousin. Not only does she read to him, but she's super patient and showers him w/ hugs and kisses!

Weekend Get away in Santa Barbara

JWG surprised & last weekend and took us to Santa Barbara. We didn't leave until Friday evening, but it was the PERFECT get away...easy drive, beautiful weather, and yummy food! I didn't want to leave...

We stayed at the Inn of the Spanish Garden... my idea of a dream hotel... small hotel, beautiful gardens, very spacious rooms with attention to detail, and a beautiful pool! Oh, and complimentary breakfast done European-style

Levi kept busy with the fountains

We walked (Levi scooted) to the Farmer's Market

We stumbled on bikes to rent, and JWG & got hooked on the Dutch box-seat bikes...

We even experienced this super-cool bike from Germany, which holds 7 people (in addition to the driver). Everyone pedals, and one person drives. Apparently it was designed as a public transport bike in Germany to pick people up and drop them off!

The boys logged in hours in the pool

We of course indulged in 'Crush Cakes,' a well known Cupcake bakery in Santa Barbara. We were all a bit sad to leave; it was very relaxing weekend. Particularly knowing our new little addition will be here in 2 months just in time to change it all up!

Reed visits us from Seattle!

Reed has been a friend of John's since his early days at Amazon (beginning 12 years ago), and he's one of those friends that just rolls with the punches; we can always pick up right where we left off. Easy-peasy (the best kind of house guest & friend).

He's an honorary member of the cousins clan and joined us for Hazel's 7th birthday dinner at SoCal Homes!

We had a full house w/ 4 boys and 2 girls...

Levi and I took Reed to the Getty Museum

Levi's favorite spot is the Kids room, particularly the books section!

Michael rolled back into town for 1 night, and the boys set up shop Monday morning in the Yellow Sub... it was just like old times for Reed and John who to shared an office for years! I must say, being able to have our friends visit us more regularly now that we're on the West Coast has been heavenly!

Levi loves Gigi

Gina and Levi have become great friends. They do lunch out once a week (she's very brave!), they ride the bus weekly to gym class, and hit Moo Moo Musica in Venice every Friday. She even takes him to our local library for Toddler readings. They log in at least 2+ hrs at the park everyday and manage to fit in time for art projects and R&R at home. I love how happy he is around her.

Gina and Levi painting 'Itsy' the Spider after a trip to Michael's to refresh our art supplies!

Michael's back!

Our dear friend Michael, Levi's Godfather, spent the weekend with us.


We had an epic Sunday, beginning with a walk from the Observatory in Griffith Park to the Hollywood Sign

Levi 2 years and some change... independent and curious

Levi with his Dada & 'Mah-ikee' -- Levi was on cloud 9 all day

The fam (mama 6 months pregnant)

Levi walked most of the way, but insisted on a few swings on our way back

Quickly realized Mah-ikee was good for a few snuggles

and also offered up a perfect pair of shoulders for a birds eye view

Riding the Choo Choo (one of Levi's favorite past times)

After several tries over the last couple of months, Levi finally decide to go for it and rode a pony for the 1st time

All 3 of us running around the ring quickly trying to shoot pics of our baby

Steering his horse right into Mama and Dada

Proud Levi!


Taking Michael on our evening walk route

Michael just makes Levi laugh and laugh and laugh

Our morning routine in Santa Monica

Most mornings & , we have family walk. It consists of JWG, Levi, Hank & me. Levi has recently added in his bike (now that he's tall enough to ride it), & it's actually made for a much smoother walk, as it gives him a bit of a focus. Nonetheless, he's still a creature of habit...

Levi's all smiles once we get the helmet on... the rain boots are a given no matter how warm it is at 7:30am

Our neighbor has these 2 garden bugs on display. Any time Levi walks by, he insists on saying hello & to them (as well as pulling their antennas out, which the owner has assured us all the kids do!)

For whatever reason, Levi sits (and requires us to do to the same) on the same step near our house. We only rest for a few seconds (it's all of 2 min into our walk!)

Off we go to the park...

Once were there, Levi & "Hankia" (Levi's pronunciation of "Hanky") chase each other around

Levi covers off on the stop lights now that he can reach them on his own

We're trying to teach him to look both ways before crossing streets. Part of the routine is to hold onto a nearby post, but we're starting to think he might correlate this with the cars stopping vs the actual stop light.

By the end of the walk, Levi's confident enough on his bike & take Hanks lead to guide us all home!