The Smith Family: September 2010

Monday, September 27, 2010

A few weeks ago I told Hansen I needed a vacation. I was craving a getaway for our little family. He loved the idea, and we immediately booked a long weekend in Ojai, CA. It's only an hour and a half outside of LA, but it seemed like a world away. Perfect.

Night of arrival. Caught yawning. We clearly needed a weekend of relaxation.

We stayed at a place called The Blue Iguana.

Our Casita

Most of the weekend was spent lounging by the pool:

We also found time to do a little shopping. We found this great used bookstore where we picked up a 1st edition copy of the Velveteen Rabbit for Eloise.

Bart's

Downtown Ojai

We also found some great places to eat (I confess: food is always my favorite part of a good vacation). Saturday night we ate at Bodee's. They had a lovely outside dining area, with a waterfall as a back drop. Sunday night we stumbled upon a little Italian place that had Flamenco dancers. It was so fun! Eloise LOVED the dinner show.

Bodee's

Eloise, entranced

Flamenco Fun

It was a wonderful weekend, full of many happy memories.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Labor Day Weekend

We had a wonderful getaway, this last weekend, full of fun time with extended family.

First, we headed to San Diego to visit Hansen's brothers. Phil graciously hosted us. Saturday morning we had a delicious pancake breakfast at IHOP, then we met Anders and Cami at Balboa Park. That night we enjoyed a nice dinner and a movie. It's so fun to see Eloise spend time with her Uncles and Aunt. They are already an important part of her life. Here are some pics of San Diego:

IHOP! Phil treated us to a delicious pancake breakfast.

Balboa Park

Meeting up with Anders & Cami

Enjoying the day...

After attending church at Anders and Cami's ward, we packed up and headed north to Santa Clarita where Hansen's parents live. We were able to spend a fun Monday off with them.

Purple Pretties

Look at those gorgeous legs!

The highlight of our stay was Eloise's first swim! I was nervous that it would be too chilly for the inaugural run, but she LOVED it. She splashed around, tried to float on her back, and spent a lot of time relaxing on a float toy.