Buckeyes Invade Cali

Fabulous. The only way I can sum up our week in California is by using the most overused word in Lindsay, E-beth and I's vocabulary. While I normally wouldn't post anything that didn't involve Grace in some capacity (sorry sweetheart), I couldn't help but share a few photos from our time out west. It was probably a few days too long to be away from our little girl, but the perfect amount of time to squeeze in everything we wanted to experience and see. I had no idea how much I missed Grace until I was literally running through Midway airport with tears rolling down my face about to see her. Thankfully the grandma's worked together to have her waiting for us in the car upon our arrival. Perfect ending to a perfect week. Thanks again to Lindsay and Kirk for hosting such a memorable reunion in Santa Monica. Lindsay, you continue to amaze me with your endless cooking and entertaining talents. I learn something new every time I'm with you, and plan to for many, many years to come!

We collectively took nearly 500 photos, so bear with me as I tried to pick out a few of my favorites to share...

Our wonderful accommodations while in San Diego.

View from the top of our hotel of Petco Park!

Feeling good after our massages - thanks again for the spa finder gift cards Brooke and Lauren! 

Gaslamp District - very fun.

Celebrating our belated Valentines Day and my 27th birthday.

Ivy Wine Bar at the Andaz hotel.

Delicious dinner at Nobu - thanks hubby :)

Found a First Trust friend roaming the streets!

LOVED this part of the trip. Had many more pics, but tried to pick my favorite animals .
Hard to choose there were so many!

Loved this guy. Called the Bamboo eating machine. Can I keep him? 

One of Zach's favorites - the giraffes!

Sloth bear.

Can't wait to take Grace here one day!

Craft and Commerce for a few post Zoo drinks in Little Italy!

Devanti's for dinner - yum!

Our ride down Highway 1 to Santa Monica. Definitely a check on my bucket list.

Checked out Torrey Pines for brunch. Zach was rather tempted to postpone our trip for a round of golf...  next time sweetie!

Finally made it to Kirk and Lindsay's beautiful casa! All ready for a fun night out with my long lost buckeye ladies (and gentlemen - wouldn't forget you here Eric) and our husbands.

Reunited after nearly a year and a half! Way too long.

The men.

Incredible patio!

Mexican birthday fiesta.

I have the greatest friends :)

About to explore Santa Monica. 

Beautifulness just a few blocks from their place.

Delicious farmers market.

Zach's favorite!

Bike ride to Venice Beach.

Muscle beach - who's are bigger?! :)

We're old, but we still got it!

Annnnnd the Freak Show (that I thought Linds and Kirk were joking about till we got there - yikes).

A place Grace will never go... Haha

Stamina for our second night out is picking up at this point thanks to Catch Phrase and a dance party. Probably one of the most college nights I've had since.. well... college :)

Best burgers ever.

Ate one too many sweet potato fries - yum!

Our first California winery - Malibu Wines.

Amazing!

The McKenney's

Already missing you both!

Wonderful day with wonderful people.

The Short's :)

Gorgeous sunset on the way home.

Soaked and loving it!

Perfect end to a perfect trip - breathtaking sunset, sand in the toes, soaked jeans, friends at my side and seafood in the tummy... life is good. Couldn't wait to hold my Gracie squish, but felt so extremely blessed saying goodbye to these girls. Very fortunate for the irreplaceable friends in our lives! Thanks again for everything - reunion number two is already in the works. Thinking a crazy trip to the Dirty D is in order... :)