tiramisu: weekend pics

we are back from los angeles (sorry for another photo-laden post as there were just so many "snap-worthy" things to document). i can happily report that it was a successful impromptu little trip. i generally tend to be a planner, especially when it comes to preparing for a vacation of any length but i didn't really plan for this one and everything turned out great. funny how that works.

the weather was lovely. the days began overcast and rife with fog (referred to as the june gloom) but by noon the skies were clear and sunny. it was not too hot thanks to a cool breeze.

we didn't get up to too many tourist attractions. we slept in, explored neighbourhoods, visited some shops, drank coffee (unavoidable with stefan - his favourite was intelligentsia in venice), people watched, browsed the farmer's market, went bike riding, did an immense amount of walking, and counteracted any health benefits of the walking by eating too much (portions are huge in the usa!) but we ate well (huckleberry bakery and cafe, the little next door brasserie, misfit bar).

i loved santa monica in particular. the city is charming - the miles of wide beach, the plentiful towering palm trees, spanish architecture, bike friendly and walkable -- but our friends, tim, jo and their boys, were the main attraction for sure.

kai had a blast at the landmark santa monica pier and even coaxed me to go on a roller coaster ride (i don't do roller coasters!) with him. it was too cute how much he loved 'muscle beach'. at the aquarium he was mesmerized by a new favourite creature, the sea hare which feels as soft as a bunny. and the kiddo fun with his new friends ollie and henry was at the top of his list too.