The Times They Are A-Changin': July 2011

Mike, Jack and I had an absolutely wonderful time in LA this past weekend! Many thanks to Ingrid for hosting and for letting us use her car :) After a smooth flight with a VERY good baby, we arrived at LAX late Thursday night. Friday we spent touring USC's campus. We could not have asked for better weather (and a more content babe).

Once our tour was finished, Mike and I ate lunch in their student center, seen above. We spent a good majority of our afternoon on campus, soaking up the sun and the sights.

Friday night we were able to meet up with good friends, Jim and Kendra, at Cha Cha Chicken, a fun outdoor BYOB restaurant. Great food, great conversation and a great time :)

Late Saturday, after spending nearly 5 hours in the car sitting through LA traffic, we arrived at the San Diego Zoo.

We met rhinos, lions, peacocks, polar bears, tigers and elephants. And we got to see two of the eleven pandas in the US! So much fun - I love the zoo!! We also got to meet our friend's husband for the first time - Dave, you're pretty cool too. And definitely have good taste in food because dinner was delish!

While the trip had already proved a success, I know that Sunday was by far Mike's favorite! Adam Johnson + David Beckham + FA CUP = happy, happy boy!! Watching his favorite team live for the first time was an experience I am sure he will never forget.

While Jack was unable to get Harper's digits, he seemed to enjoy the game almost as much as his daddy :) The youngest Blues fan for sure! Oh - and did I mention we were on ESPN?! The cherry on top!

As if our day couldn't get better, we arrived at our hotel only to discover that we had a penthouse suite. Easily a $1300 room, we paid just $150. I love being married to Mike for many reasons, but this could be one of the best perks - this WOULD happen to Mike! Yet another golden child moment... :)

Since the hotel sat on the corner of campus, we spent our last day touring UCLA.

As Lamborghinis, Porsches, and Bentleys cruised down Sunset Boulevard, passing us as we pushed our used $80 stroller on the dirty walkway, we imagined what it would be like to live there...

While it may seem like we have forever, big decisions lay right around the corner.

Here's to making the right one. While it may be tough, I know it will lead to wonderful, thought-provoking conversations and I couldn't be more excited for what lies ahead!