Back to California...

A few months ago I found out my dear friend Jessie was getting married.

There was no question - I was going!

I booked my flight without thinking twice.

But as the trip started approaching my nerves got the best of me.

I wasn't really thinking about flying across the country with a four month old - by myself.

Visiting California without a car.

And juggling a baby with the festivities.

Nonetheless, I packed up my things 

and put my brave face on to
make 4 flights, stay in 3 different beds, endure a 3 hour time change and all in 4 days.

I knew it would be worth it to see some of my all time favorite people

and most importantly see that beautiful bride.
I was up for the challenge.

The first flight was a breeze. Annie slept for the majority of it (since it left at 7 a.m.).

The second leg was a bit terrifying. 

There was some fancy-pants man in front of me who kept shooting me death glares at every peep.

But after Annie got a hold of herself, she was smiling and cooing at anyone who would accept it.

Just thinking about her cooing at the people next to me makes me smile.

That little spit-fire sure is social.

When I stepped off of the plane at LAX I learned that Marjorie Staples was on her way.

It made the whole day brighter and I was thrilled to be back in California.

One of my best friends, Katie Garcia, picked me up from the airport and we headed to Orange County.

Man was I excited to see Katie and little Will.

We sure did miss the Attig's, who moved to St. George just a few weeks after we left.

I was looking forward to going back to our old stomping grounds.

I must admit - it felt like home pulling into our neighborhood.

We swooped into Banzai Bowl and headed to hang out with our little ones.

The weather was, of course, beautiful. 

We took the babes for a walk along the beach 

and I found myself dreaming of future vacations in our old home.

Passing by the hospital where Annie was born brought back a flood of memories

and it was a reminder that this place will always be a special place for me and James.

It is where we started our family and where we first brought home a baby.

Although it was a short stay, our time in Newport was certainly magical.

The next morning we took Annie and Will on a long walk - just like the good ol days.

We went on our old route around the neighborhood and drooled over the beautiful homes and views.

I could talk with Katie for hours.

She is just one of those sincere, caring people who you know you can always count on.

I was deeply grateful for all she did for me that weekend.

She made the whole thing possible - as did her sweet husband Joe!

Thank you.

We came home and got ready to meet some girls at the Beach Pit.

I could hardly wait to meet Rosanna's new little one.

You may remember, I laid by the pool with this cute pregnant girl hours before I went into labor.

And now, two little girls appeared.

Daniella was of course beautiful.

She made me realize how much Annie has grown

and of course miss that sweet, sweet newborn phase.

Dear Katie.

Oh how I love her.

Don't mind Annie.

We are still working on learning how to pose.

And the incredible Becky and her three sweet girls.

Becky was my visiting teacher and would have done just about anything for me.

It was great to see her and her girls.

And then my time in Orange County was over.

It was quick but boy was I glad to snuggle little Will, visit the Garcia's and sniff that ocean air.

I rode up to LA with my friend Vanessa.

Oh poor, poor Vanessa.

This was the part of the trip I was most worried about.

Driving with Annie in the car for long distances is not an easy task.

I warned Vanessa about Annie in the carseat.

But I am sure she wasn't fully aware.

It was a pretty brutal drive.

Traffic and all with a screaming little girl.

We did the best we could and Vanessa was a saint.

And then we got to meet up with some of my favorite people for the rehearsal dinner.

My goodness it made me miss the good ol' college days.

Spending time with the Welte's, Vanessa, Jessie the Calls was just what I needed.

The rehearsal dinner was simply perfect.

Jessie and Dave were beaming.

Annie slept through the entire dinner. 

Poor thing with a 3 hour time difference.

But it sure made for an enjoyable evening for me.

My goodness how I love these two girls.

They are like my sisters.

We have been through a lot together.

I sure was lucky to meet Kourtney in London -

which led to meeting Jess.

Four years later and my how our lives have changed.

Degree's. Marriage. A baby.

Yet our friendship remains the same.

This right here was worth the whole trip.

More to come...