Jimmy, Bella and i just returned from the beautiful coast of Capitola where we gathered with family to witness my gorgeous cousin, Kristin, marry my new cousin, Dan.
but before i get into that, let me just first say that this was Bella's first road trip and jimmy and i discovered what complete amateurs we are at traveling with an infant. see, i thought it would be a great idea to travel at night since she would already be asleep and it would be smooth sailing up interstate 5 ~ understand that most everything we do as parent's is based on being completely naive, but we are learning as we go. situations like this educate you pretty quickly.
well, our little one is teething and had a meltdown as we were trying to pack and we didn't get out the door until 9:00 pm and were looking at at five-hour drive. this was after having to come back upstairs twice to grab things we had forgotten, being bit on the toe by a spider and once Jimmy got her to sleep accidentally tripping the car alarm which sent her into screaming mode again.
as we finally got on the highway she did fall asleep... for about twenty minutes. after we ended up on the wrong freeway we decided we were too exhausted to continue, called it a night and checked into a hotel room. we got a few hours of sleep and continued our journey with a happy, smiley baby the next morning... and two very sleepy parents.
note to self: never travel at night with our baby again.
it was so nice to get away for a couple days and share time with family. Capitola is just so picturesque, the house/artist studio where we stayed with my dad, Tracy and Kaitlyn was magical, the wedding was breathtaking and having my family meet Isabella was truly incredible. a longtime dream come true, really.
truth be told, it was really hard for me to come back to LA. i don't know if Jimmy and i will decide, or be able to, give Bella a little brother or sister in the future, but i grew up an only child in Los Angeles and at times felt very isolated as many of my family members are in northern California. it just made me think that i want Bella to have a different experience growing up than i did and the direction we are currently headed is similar to my own experience growing up as an only child in Los Angeles. not that mine was bad, but i would like her to experience something different.
to be clear, it's not that growing up in a city like LA is terrible, in many ways it has advantages and tons of diversity. however, i realize that i really want her to know her family. i want her to grow up with trees, clean air and nature. i want her to be able to play on the shoreline without crowds of people around and fighting crazy traffic to get there. i want her to know community and not have police helicopters flying overhead at night. i want her to be able to play and explore and pick flowers without sirens wailing and graffiti everywhere. and i would also love for her mommy and daddy to be in close proximity to some great wineries. {wink}
anyway, there is a lot on my mind currently filled with thoughts of moving and wondering what is next for us. since there is no answer in this moment, i am doing all i can to manifest someplace magical for us rather then settling for something because we think it's our only option.
we have some amazing friends who are like family here, but i only want to stay in Los Angeles because i truly love living here. and while that statement has been true for a number of years i don't believe i feel that way anymore and i don't want to feel tied to a city because of a job or otherwise. i want the world to be our oyster and truly believe that when i say it.
babies really do change everything, in all good ways.
on to the fun stuff...
*****
i really love my family. i love them all as individuals for a variety of reasons. each member of my family is unique, has a strong sense of self and are mad talented. i come from a family of musicians, artists and chefs. for example, my gorgeous cousin, Kristin ~ the bride ~ is a professional chef and makes the most incredible roasted beet ravioli dish that i still dream about.
because Bella-boo was being passed around and snuggled for the majority of the wedding (lucky girl), i was able to shoot a couple of pictures while there. i wanted to share a few of my faves and introduce some of my family:

my amazing aunt Janie with one of her gorgeous grandchildren, Bryce

my favorite cousins, Cole, Chris and Dyer

my favorite cousins, Dan & Kristin ~ the bride & groom

Uncle Roger holding court

my favorite cousin, Chris, getting in some snuggle time

Jimmy & Kaitlyn also getting in some snuggle time

my favorite cousins, Kim & Ellery

my favorite cousin, Janie, with Bella

Daughter & Daddy

yummy bride
Congratulations, Dan & Kristin. Thank you for giving us all the opportunity to celebrate your special day with you and love on each other. Aloha.