We arrived July 29, and have been exploring the sunshiny sights of Souther California ever since. For the first 2 months Patrick's company put us up in a corporate apartment in Seal Beach, CA (approximately 30 miles from downtown L.A.). It was a two-bedroom, two bath in a complex with a pool, playground, and only two blocks from the beach. Although it seemed sleepy at first we really grew to love Seal Beach. They call it Mayberry by the sea. We met lots of people and even got invited to our first SoCal children's birthday party. We promptly bought bikes and got in the habit of nightly bike rides around Seal Beach and surrounding areas. (See below for Harper's latest accessory.)
(Harper took to her new town by reading up on her new neighbors...a.k.a. US Weekly)
Our first hike in L.A. was to a relaxing waterfall-hot but relaxing.
(Harper and Daddy testing the water)
(Just an innocent rattlesnake resting in a tree along our hike route)
H enjoying our park on the beach. This has become a weekly hang-out for us before story-time at the library with the friends we've made in Seal Beach.
A friend of ours from high school, Scott Fitzgerald, and his family moved to Irvine (30 minutes from us) about the same time we moved. His wife, Laresa, and I became fast friends, exploring the area with our children. Laresa and her two children came over for burgers and swimming and this is a shot of an after dinner dance party. It seems H has my moves. Poor girl!
(One of Harper's favorite activities...playing in the water and pretending to clean the dishes. I love this little girl!)
August brought Nanno and Nanna (my dad and stepmom) for a visit. H loved showing them "her" park!
(Everyone swinging)
We finally enjoyed spreading the news that we are expecting another baby at the end of March. We confirmed the nauseous feeling I had was, in fact, a pregnancy while in San Francisco on our drive down to SoCal, so it was exciting to make it real by sharing the news. Harper doesn't know what's coming, but she seems happy right now.
Harper helped Nanno shave every morning and she thought it was fabulous that she got some of her own shaving cream, too.
We took Nanno and Nanna to Laguna Beach~beautiful!
(Lunch in Laguna)
(Petting zoo at the Brentwood Farmer's Market)
(The Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific-Harper got so good at making a fishy face)
(Not so sure about the sharks)
(Just like when my sister and I would do my dad's hair when we were little, Harper put all her bows in Nanno's hair, saving one for herself.)
(Manhattan Beach with the morning June Gloom)
(Yummy lunch in Manhattan Beach)
Our neighbors in the corporate apartment had two grandchildren that came over often and they loved talking to Harper on the balcony. Harper equally enjoyed it!
(Harper and daddy reading together)
We took our bikes for a peaceful ride along the San Gabriel River. It was amazing and oh so relaxing. We took a break for lunch at this little waterfall.
(Family photo along the river)
(Daddy and Harper throwing rocks in the water)
We finally found a duplex in the Belmont Shores neighborhood (a 10 minute bike ride from Seal Beach) of Long Beach and moved in Oct. 1. Harper was excited to see all her toys and to sleep in her new "big girl" bed. She slept like a baby the first night...
...and the 2nd night. We now check nightly to make sure she is still IN bed. :)
Harper and I share a closet, so she has taken great joy in wearing my shoes and accessories to pretend she's going to work. It's one of my favorite moments each day.
Harper out in front of our new home before we head to the pumpkin patch.
She was so excited to try this ride...
...that is, until we loaded her in and stepped behind the gate to watch. They had to stop the ride to let her off. :(
She wasn't so sure about this one either...she actually tried to climb out, but they stopped it and we got her out before she threw herself off.
She loved the petting zoo, finally...
And the train ride WITH daddy...
And the fun fall themed cut-outs.
I hope it never wears off (but I'm smarter than that)...Harper Swifer-ing :)
(Our hike to the top of the Hollywood sign)
Harper threw a royal tantrum on the hike because we wanted to hold the apple for her as she bit into it, so as to salvage the apple for everyone. The "terrible twos" are definitely here. Yippy!
Harper wanted to take everyone on a picture tour of her new palace~this is the Queen's Room (still in need of some finishing touches)
The Queen's servants' quarters (a.k.a. our room)
Her washroom
The grand hallway
The entertainment hall/living room
The dining hall/kitchen
The Queen's viewing gallery/front porch
Come visit her majesty anytime!
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