love, the olives: west is best: our first week

Unbelievably...it's three days till Christmas, we've been in Cali. for almost one week and my birthday has already come and gone. OH MY GOODNESS! Time, you are one slick creature of God. Thinking of time as a creature is so much fun btw! Think about it, God created time! Anywaysssssss we have been loving the Cali. life so far, although it still feels like we're on vacation and that we should be on a plane back to 30 degree weather in Chi any day now. But there's no ticket back and we're here in the 60's! Really, it feels like a dream. We love being in the LA area because there is so much to do and see. From dreamy sunsets at the beach to celebrity sightings - a lot has happened the past six days. On the constant, I have been snapping pictures on my iPhone of everything because I never want to forget our first week in the west coast; these pictures symbolize God's faithfulness to us once more and bits & pieces of our first few days.

* Huntington Beach *

I was VERY excited to be driving around Huntington! The beachy vibes in December throw me off in the best way.

One afternoon we didn't have the car, we wandered through California State nearby Tia Ro's.

We found a cute Japanese garden on campus that had such charm

pre-birthday boat ride around Naples, then dinner the next night at Tia's favorite Mexican place which was amazing! Not pictured: having my first drink in years & getting pretty dizzy afterwards. :)

the sunset that night, to die for.

* 24th in Laguna Beach *

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With quick pics before hitting the road.

My one birthday request was going to the beach, so G had the idea to spend the day in Laguna. Yep, he's so wise! Cold weather babies will relate (who grew up in true four seasons states) that being able to not not shiver on your day is a gift within itself! Adding the beach, to me, makes it perfection.

Accidental picture turned favorite,

Lunch at my favorite restaurant in Laguna, with a view.

After driving down the PCH during sunset we stopped at Huntington to get our toes in the sand.

* Sunday funday in Hollywood *

One Church International in the a.m. As we were walking toward the entrance G sees Common outside talking casually to people walking out of the first service! Talk about being star-struck! When in Hollywood... :)