LA Part Two

Sorry for the delay in posting part 2! Life happened. :)

So the day after Jake presented, we said goodbye to the Strawns and headed to spend the day in Malibu with our parents. First stop was at Lily's for burritos, a pre-beach tradition for Jake and I, and a bit of a pilgramage for Ken, who believes strongly that Lily's should franchise and only sell breakfast burritos. They were delish. Then it was on to Zuma for some playtime! When Jake and I lived in LA, we did a really good job of taking advantage of the beach and water year round. Our love of the ocean has been passed down to the girls, as they were positively exuberant. I do not exaggerate in saying, however, that there is something different in the way Abby Jane responds to the California beach. She is unstoppable, running and jumping constantly, brimming over with delight, no complaints, nothing but joy. The twins always love any beach and water of any sort. So we were all in heaven.

For the following series to be well-appreciated, it should be stated that though it was a lovely day, that water is wetsuit water to most even in the summer, so it's pretty shockingly chilly in January. Fine for your toes, but that's about it. And there was a decent breeze that day.

Love these funny ladies!

Love this sweet family!

 Next stop was the Country Mart, my old mothership. Janie and I were over there all the time, and this particular cupcake shop was my Achilles heel during the twins' pregnancy!

Playing at our old favorite playground with my favorite latte in hand- I was so spoiled by the country mart that it felt so bizarre to be at playground without a coffee shop around the corner when we moved back here!

Then we were on to be with our dear friends, Jake and Lesley Roberts. Abby Jane and Sam are big buds, and they got to spend the night together with Sam's little brother, Judah, while we stayed there! These two make us understand why folks might like arranged marriages in some parts of the world. :) We love those boys and their sweet mama and daddy! After all these little people settled down, Jake and I loved our time with Jake and Les at night- these friends are just so incredibly precious to us, and we are so blessed by their friendship.

Early mornings in the sunroom...

Many, many parades...

And one night a few other of our dearest friends came over for some adults-only time. These folks were a huge part of our sweet season of life in LA, and it was a treasure to get time with them!

Both of the ladies on the ends are expecting new additions!

We got more beach time in...

Here is Pearson Wade doing the Heisman. They're Aggies, so this little man has heard a bit about that guy recently! PS Happy 2nd birthday, this week, Pearson!

Judah and Pearson...

Sam and Abby Jane...

Sweet Lesley and Judah! She sure loves her boys!

Lesley, Gillean, and I with our kiddos! We have spent many, many a beach day with these friends. Just the number of people that come with us has changed.

We hit up Sweet Rose Creamery with Kathryn and Wes later in the day. I believe their ice cream is my favorite ever. They have THE most unique, fresh, amazing flavors. I would be addicted if I were local. Such a treat as a visitor!

We also fit in a stop at the Santa Monica Pier. We only went there once while we lived there, but it was a
whole other amazing world when you bring your kids!

Jake, Sam, and Judah with the city behind them.

Abby Jane went on her first rollercoaster with Jake, Sam, and Uncle Jake! It was a big hit.

Later that night, this is after Lesley said, "Who wants s'mores?!"

Eating s'mores on the magic blanket...

Our last day we got in a few other visits- back to the country mart to meet up with dear Pepperdine friends, the Fitzpatricks, and meet Miss Cassia, their newest lovely lady!

Here is their first lovely lady, Bailey, with Abby Jane. They are almost exactly one year apart!

Our last stop of the day was at the home of Merrill and Carole Ruge. Carole was a grandmother-role to me while we were out there, and she continues to be a fairy godmother to the girls, sending them little packages of delightful things she sews like quilts, aprons, and bags.Carole had a tea party with wonderful little treats set up for the girls when we arrived, and we had a wonderful time visiting with this precious couple who has so blessed our family over the years.

As we finished out this amazing week of life events and precious time with people we love in places we so enjoy, we were simply thankful for all God has allowed us to experience and for His faithfulness along the journey.