Livin the Life

 Isaac, William and I took a trip to LA for a week while Jim and Elizabeth stayed back in Wisconsin. What originally was a trip for just me and William, turned into a trip for 3 of us when Isaac's friend's Mom, Luisa, called and asked if she took care of Isaac's flight, if he could come out too so he could play with her son, Jasper. What kind of mom would I have been if I said no? Isaac and Jasper met at Malibu Presbyterian Preschool and became the best of friends. I have never seen such a strong bond between 2 young kids. Their friendship is effortless and Isaac gets along with Jasper better than any other kid I know.

I was spoiled because Isaac didn't stay with me one night that I was there. He stayed with Jasper in Topanga the whole time minus Sunday during the day so we could go to church and so he could play with his church friends. We met up with Jasper at the grocery store and Isaac and Jasper ran out of their vehicles and gave each other a big hug. I loaded Isaac's things into their convertible porsche and off they went in PCH.  Luisa kept the kids busy. The kids kept Luisa and her husband, James, busy! They went on hikes, played in the backyard, went out to eat, visited the zoo, played on trains at the train park, went to school and even hit up the beach! Isaac was having so much fun that everyday when I would call to check in and see how things were going, he didn't even want to talk to me. Luisa said it was awesome to have the house filled with laughs and giggles.

 While Isaac was staying in Topanga, William and I stayed in the guest house of one of our friends, The Kellers, in the Pacific Palisades. It was a slice of heaven! During my stay I was able to go to Myriah's bridal shower, go out to dinner with friends and eat delicious food, see friends from church and Malibu, go to Pepperdine and head to Disneyland.

Myriah and I spent an entire day at Disneyland WITH OUT kids! My friends were so kind to watch William so I can have a fun adult day and that is exactly what we did. I was so tired by the end of the day!

On Sunday when I went to visit my old ward, I realized how much I miss living in Malibu. I not only miss the Pacific and Disneyland, but I really miss my old ward and all the people in it. It was so nice to welcomed back with open arms with people hoping that my visit meant I was moving back. I was constantly surrounded by intelligent, strong willed, independent women when I lived there and I really miss that. They made me strive to be a better person and helped me notice strengths in myself that I didn't even know I had. I feel like the people that I surrounded myself with brought out the best in me. I can't wait to go back and visit everyone soon.

The day before I left, I made it up to Malibu and was able to visit with some of the soccer girls that became part of our family when we lived on campus. They were always over our apartment and we all had so much fun together. It was nice to have an hour or so to catch up.

Everyone enjoyed meeting William and of course no matter where I went, he was a great baby. It was a fantastic trip for the 3 of us and we can't wait to get back to LA. It was also a great time for Jim and Elizabeth to have some time together. When Jim did go to work, Elizabeth had some play dates with friends and when Jim was home they had fun painting nails, seeing a movie and going to Costco (Elizabeth's favorite place.)