California Trip, Take 1

May 25-June 7

Getting There

Riding in the 15 passenger van for 18 years with my family taught me to become pretty Zen.

Try this. Picture yourself in stop and go traffic with 6 young children screaming while watching spongebob squarepants on a tv balanced on a cooler in between the driver and passenger seat- while the driver- who has totaled multiple cars is alternating between leaning back and actually watching the movie, eating carrots, and slamming on the brakes.

Oh you can't imagine that? Ok. Try this one. Picture yourself driving through the middle of nowhere, feeling like you are going to pee your pants for 3+ hours, being handed a diaper and told to go in the back and relieve yourself. No matter how hard you try, it is not happening.

Oh you can't imagine that? Ok. try this one. Picture yourself, lying on the floor of a car, uncomfortable beyond belief after driving for 10 hours, as your 13 year old brother leans over the seat in front of you- finger covering one nostril as he shoots a booger out of the other, right onto your face.

Oh you can't imagine that? Ok. Well all of those things and more ACTUALLY HAPPENED to me. Often.

I tried fighting the madness. But that only resulted in blank, confused stares at what i assume they saw as alien sister from the planet of the whining women.

The only way to survive was learning to go inside myself and breath during pandemonium. So what I'm trying to say, is an hour train ride, 6 hour delay at the airport, 1 hour taxiing on the runway, and 4 hour plane ride with a 2 month old baby and 2 year old dog who had simultaneous bladder explosions mid-take-off, was a delicious piece of cake.





Day 1

First things first. We took Belle to meet her Grandma Streadbeck for the very first time. Then we got haircuts. I hadn't had a real haircut in a year. Danny has been cutting my hair. Seriously. So I went the whole 9 yards and tried a couple new things. #1 layers- I refuse to get a short mommy cut, so this is my alternative for looking less like a hippie. #2 Lighter- Since it is summer, I was trying to be kosher and go lighter combating my normal draw to dark. Just highlights. (If I went blond, I think I would lose friends. And not to mention my identity.) Then Belle met her Fran uncles.



Despite this awkward positioning- they were surprisingly great with her.

Day 2

We started off the day at Nail Tek for mani-pedis. Danny loves mani-pedis. We then made our way to LA after a quick stop at Honduras Kitchen for baleadas and banana soda.



We spent the evening at Bri's with the Titeras, Jonesies, Alex and Erin. Perfect, except for brain-child Celia's aversion to "Baby Belled" touching her things. She got her revenge by stealing Danny's iPhone and posting Talking Tom videos on his Facebook and Twitter. "Baby Belled" will be more careful next time.

Day 3

Spent the afternoon having a friend barbecue and swim party.

Danny obviously enjoyed the barbecue.



But not as much as Belle enjoyed the swim.















Then we stopped by the Chubbuck's and met Cameron's wife for the first time. Hello. Gorgeous and she bought Belle a present.

Day 4

Went to 6th ward. Grandma Streadbeck is better than me, Belle's own mother, at getting her to sleep. She slept in her arms the entire 3 hours.

Day 5

Memorial Day. Started the day off with some surfing.









Then we made our way to Fairhaven Memorial. This time last year, in Monroe, my grandfather spoke to me on the phone, showing me where he lived, went to school, hung out with my grandma, and where his parents were buried. I didn't think this year I'd be visiting him where he was buried. But at least I got to do it with Danny and my little Monroe.

Then we went to the annual swim party where Belle got to meet Grandma Great for the first time.

Day 6

Today I got to shop with Mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Belle's first Nordies trip. She threw up everywhere. We all handle our excitement differently.

The evening was spent at Brett and Maria's. So excited little Kaia lives in California. Belle and her will be the best of friends. I have decided.

Day 7

Relaxed with fam and went to Tori's bridal shower. Love Grandma's parties. Bobby D's and gifts for everyone.

Day 8

Lunch at Downtown Disney with Streadbecks. I wouldn't let Danny go to Disneyland on this trip. Downtown Disney was the compromise.

At night was my ward shower. So fun. So much clothes.



Day 9

Photo-shoot in the Sandi Gentry Photography studio. Can not wait for those pictures. I will post them as soon as I get them.

Day 10

Friend shower in the morning thrown by Bri and Katie. Book theme. Right up my alley. So classy.





So glad I got to share showers with preg-preg Katie. Less awkward stares at me. She is looking much more interesting these days.



Belle was partied out.









(Thanks for the stolen pictures Katie)

Party #2- Kaia's 1 year old birthday blowout.



She almost ate HALF of her cake by herself. My kind of niece.



Matching swimsuits!



Massive Jonathon. 1 month older.

I came late. Danny took this picture by himself and photo-shopped my face in.



Boobs.

Baby eventually became over all the socializing.



"She's such a good baby! I promise! Really! Ehhh"



Poop face.



Then we'd get home...and she'd do this:









Day 11

Baby Blessing Extravaganza



With her recent melt downs, I was a little worried about the blessing. But Danny said she was smiling through the whole thing! Phew.





I tried really hard to take some of the boy aura out of the house by hiding basketballs and adding pink wherever I could. We served pink drinks: Blood Orange soda, Strawberry-Kiwi Snapple, and Blueberry Lemonade- which I made myself that morning. Here's the recipe if you're interested: Hot Pink Lemonade.



RayRay was so sweet and drove all the way from Las Vegas that morning to attend. On her birthday. So I made her a cake. Homemade strawberry frosting. Stolen from this blog. Who stole it from this site. Has it finally come to this? Am I really imitating Martha Stewart?

Day 12

Pulled the boys out of school early and spent the day at Doug and Jayme's public private amazing beach in Laguna.





Body boarding.



Streadbecks love photos.



Francis' not so much.



To round out the perfect Southern California day, Danny and I went on our 1st date after baby- dinner at the Summit House. It was our back-up choice of wedding venue. (Over-ruled due to my Dad's capacity requirements.) Perfect way to spend our 3 year wedding anniversary.

It's really interesting, having a blog- (and a husband who is overly excited about pictures), being able to see exactly where you were a year ago. Some things are expected, but some things I never would have guessed.

2006

This was taken the day I met Danny



Never would have guessed I'd be marrying this guy.

2007

We call it "The Disneyland Summer"



Picnic on our lunch breaks (notice the scrubs)



We'd work during the day and go to Disneyland at night. Saving up for the next summer.

2008

We marry





And travel







2009

Danny interns in LA and we buy this guy



2010

We graduate



And move to Chicago



2011

I knew Danny would get the job, but I didn't know this time this year we'd have a baby



Whenever I feel stuck in a rut, I have to remind myself- I have no clue the great things life has in store for me. It just gets better and better.

Day 13

The trip home was magical. Long Beach Airport, 3 seats to ourselves, and only a 45 min delay.

Well.

I'm tired of trying to be witty and interesting. You're tired of reading. Lets just end this.

But i guess I should finish by explaining the title.

"Take 1."

The day after we got home to Chicago, Danny was told he would be flown back to LA for a Hallmark commercial shoot. And he says I'm coming with him. In 4 days.

To be continued...