LA, Baby, LA

Just last weekend we made a trip to Los Angeles to spend some quality time with folks we don't get to see often enough. It's been three years since John lived in Los Angeles, and about two and a half years for Sarah. We don't miss the craziness that is LAX, but we do miss our friends. Surprisingly enough, we are not the only ones who are starting a family. Who knew?

Family number one is represented here. JP and Lauren celebrated their one-year anniversary as a married couple and are the proud owners of a rescue Weimaraner named Colby. Although they are going through the terrible twos with Colby, it certainly looks to us like all of their hard work and training is paying off. Colby is quite a wonderful dog, and, according to John, can run five miles without any obvious effort. Oh, Lauren and JP are wonderful too. They are great hosts, and Lauren even took us to In N' Out straight from the airport.


We first must note that the drink in Sarah's hand in the picture to the right is non-alcoholic. But yes, we were in a bar, living up the South Bay nightlife. It was great to have the Hermosa crew back together again, and to everyone's delight Rachel flew down from Sacramento to join the fun. Sarah's weekend was full of much needed time with her girlfriends and a significant amount of pampering. This included pedicure, manicure, waxing, and spa time.


For John, the weekend included big breakfasts every morning at favorite locations, runs on the strand, and a few Coronas with good friends. Two of those friends, Tyler and Ryan, are pictured to the left. Unfortunately, Stephanie Leshney eluded the cameras. And yes, let it be clear, the breakfasts are important to mention. Anyone who visits the South Bay must go to the Local Yolk in Manhattan Beach. John recommends Al's El Porto, or if you are really hungry, the Raider's Revenge.


One of the last events of the weekend was an outdoor concert at Pollywog Park in Manhattan Beach. It's a big park that John didn't know existed in the three years he lived there. In the picture here we have an appearance from little Josh, who made Sarah's weekend. He had a few questions for Sarah about the baby. "What does she eat? Well, Josh everything I eat. Oh, when I was in my Mommy's tummy she ate candy, that's why I really like candy. Is she wearing any clothes? Does she have any toys in there to play with?" His cuteness was almost too much for Sarah to take. And for anyone interested, if Josh has his way, Nutterbutter will be named Coco.


And there is another family to take into consideration. On our last day in LA, we were lucky enough to have breakfast(yes, at the Local Yolk) with our friends, Thomas, Amy, and little Santiago. It was great catching up and seeing how natural they are as parents. It certainly gives us hope. And Santiago was so tiny and fun to hold. It's too bad we didn't get more time with them, but now we will get to see them whenever we go to visit Suzy in Denver.


Now, just in case you are worried that Sarah is always running around, here is evidence that she finds the time to relax and have a grape or two. Nutterbutter is already helping out the cause by providing a good surface on which to balance the bowl. Fiona, if this isn't a good enough belly picture for you, you'll have to wait until next month. Besides, you'll be back in Lexington soon enough. Frankly, we can't wait.



There is definitely more to come. When we were in LA the Hermosa girls threw Sarah a fabulous baby shower. Nutterbutter was definitely spoiled by her California aunties. And Sarah's Mom, soon to be Grandma Gayle for the second time, flew down for the day to join the party. Pictures and stories coming soon to a blog near you.