Mandi took these sweet photos of us before we left her house. It really showed us as we were, doesn’t it? Exhausted and homeless, but in love.

We live in such a beautiful state. Since I can remember, I’ve always loved the idea of living in California. It’s been on my bucket list for years, and now I’m doing it! A week or so ago we hiked Top of the World in Laguna. It’s a popular trail with mountain bikers and hikers, and on that day there was a mtb event going on. Being huge and pregnant, I was so slow, but so was Lila (who Lance tried to carry, wear and chase) so we were a good team. It was crowded and hot, and the view of the ocean was a little hazy, but overall it was still a nice hike.

Also, here are two pics of Lila being sweet this week.

What can I say? We went to Disneyland a lot this month. It was great.

*Written February 2018*

Well, I’m behind. Ha. Posting about the trip took all of September, but the actual trip didn’t. After we got home, we celebrated both Lila and Lance’s birthdays, went to Disneyland (of course), the beach and the Irvine Regional Park. I’ll let the pictures do the talking. The main purpose for this entry, though, is so I can include the picture of Lila doing her yoga pose. She saw Marina do it at Lake Powell and continues to sporadically let her inner yogi out. Cutie.

*Written February 2018*

While it was sad to not be able to go to Disneyland during the summer, absence made the heart grow fonder! It was SO fun to return — especially because Lila had grown so much and was much more expressive about everything. In August we went with friends a few times, and even made rope drop for the first time! Now we try for it every time, because it’s SO worth it to be among the first in the park. We run to Peter Pan every time (makes me laugh just thinking about it) and then have Fantasy Land to ourselves for a few hours before the crowds come in. We’re so lucky to live here!

*Written February 2018*

Growing up, I LOVED going to the fair! As an adult, we attend with different eyes. Everything is expensive and icky.. ha! But still so fun. Riding rides at Disneyland is fun, but somehow the carnival rides elicited WAY better responses from Lila. Watching her experience (and express) pure joy was the best thing ever and so worth the $20-worth of tickets we bought.

Also, we went to the fair for the food. I was hangry by the time it was time to choose, so I got us a table and Lance got us some food. He chose a hamburger with two glazed donuts as buns (not bad.. ha!) and a huge hot dog with tons of fixings. We felt like crap afterward ha!

Lance participated in several mountain biking races this summer and was even the fastest lap winner in his division. Lila and I went to watch one time and the whole event was pretty legit. Let’s just say there are a lot of people who really get into it. It was fun to be a part of that culture for a few hours!

And now here are some more cute pics from August. The last one is us trying out the selfie stick I bought for Europe!

While in Duncan, a bunch of us went to the river. Lance is the world’s best uncle. He and the kids had so much fun playing in the mud. Afterward (I don’t remember if it was that night or a few days later) Lance was having trouble hearing. We spent a good couple of hours digging a huge wad of dried muddy river gunk out of both ears!! By we I mean mostly my mom with the help of Lisa and Dad. I was SO grossed out, but (as you can tell by the pictures) everyone was curious and amused. Ha!