Aunt Alyssa is always up for a visit to SoCal and she just wrapped up her 4th visit in 18 months! We love her willingness to visit us in this whirlwind, crazy place. Everything is more fun with a friend and Lizzy is that times 100…even the mundane like running errands or walking the dog. To be honest, I just love having my little sister around period.

Max was a Momma’s boy at times, but his aunt could make him giggle like crazy when the mood struck. Ethan just loves to climb and hang all over Lizzy like she’s a walking jungle gym. She definitely got her workout while here.

Taco Flavored Kisses

Visitors are always a fun excuse to try new restaurants and so we checked out Swingers (a fun retro meets hipster diner) and Cafe Chez Marie, a darling little French cafe with the perfect Paris vibe in cool overcast weather. We enjoyed plenty of hot tub dips and glasses of wine as well as a fabulous home-cooked dinner hosted by our good friends Effie and Paul whose Mum was visiting from the UK.

I couldn’t wait to take Alyssa on a nice hike along the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains which I contend has the best views around. A trip to the Brentwood Farmer’s Market and the Grove was in order as well. And of course we had to make a pitstop at Lululemon for a little splurging.

I’m lucky enough to have persuaded my sister into competing in the 2nd Annual Pali Tri (sprint triathlon) the day before she left. I think the Pacific Palisades it’s one of the prettiest parts of West LA and while it was fun, we both agreed we need to train more for the next one. Ethan says he’d be down with joining me in a few years. Who else wants to join us? 

On the docket for next time: The Aquarium of the Pacific, Santa Barbara and stand-up paddle boarding – there’s never enough time for it all! Love you, Lizzy!