Hello again! We’re happily home again after a refreshing week out in California – big hugs to Ladyfingers Letterpress and 9th Letter Press for filling in while I was away! Such talented ladies, don’t you think? Before I jump back into our regular content, I thought I’d share some photos of our trip! We started the week off with a family vacation in Big Bear, then spent a few days in LA visiting friends before heading back home. It was a wonderful week!

We landed in LA and drove straight up to Big Bear to join the rest of my family. Mountains! We don’t get to see those very often.

First boat ride! Sophie wasn’t crazy about the life jacket, which in all fairness was way too big for her. But she loved being out on the water!

She even managed to take a half hour nap – that kid can sleep just about anywhere.

My dad, happily driving his family around Big Bear Lake.

Big Bear has the saddest (but sweetest) little zoo where they rehabilitate animals from the area. I hope they can begin construction on their new – and much bigger – site soon. You can help by donating here.

Spending time with her aunt Alicia (my sister).

Pretty spectacular, Big Bear.

On to LA! We rented an apartment with an organic garden – and a tortoise named George! Sophie was in heaven.

Dear Lemonade, will you please open up in DC?? The watermelon rosemary lemonade was beyond delicious… I’ve been craving it ever since we got home!

It was great to catch up with some of our LA friends – Kelly, Audrey, and Joy. Sophie was in awe of Ruby, and in particular her ability to run all over the place. It was so cute to watch Sophie want to do everything that Ruby was doing! And that Radio Flyer car is totally going on Sophie’s birthday list.

First time at the beach! She liked the seagulls, but the ocean… not so much. It was a short trip.

Oh, California, I wish I could have brought your beautiful weather (and zero humidity) home with me…

Photo Credits: Nole Garey for Oh So Beautiful Paper