Sister Visit!

My very lovely little sister came to visit us this past weekend.  She left eaaaarly Monday morning and I am sad.  But when Beth left the car, nobody boo-hooed harder than poor Peter.  We had such a sweet time together!  It was a nice mix of doing tourist-y things and just enjoying her company.  Patrick and Peter even let us get away so Bethie and I could go wedding dress shopping- she is newly engaged!  She left her fiance to see us!  She’s the best!   And she will be a gorgeous bride.  Here’s what we did:

Laguna Beach!  We went to Crystal Cove at Laguna on Friday morning.  We had fun exploring the tide pools and hiking along the shore, but the waves were a little rough, so we had to keep a close eye on the babe.  And, well.  You already know my feelings about the baby and the beach.  Luckily, Auntie helped deal with the sandy toddler this time!  Peter just loooooves the beach.  As we were leaving, we saw dolphins leaping about just 20 feet from shore!  So cool.  Annnd we stopped at Chick-fil-a for lunch on the way home. Successful lunch=successful day.  That’s my philosophy.

We went to the Getty Museum on Saturday, which is FREE.  Every day!  You do have to pay for parking, but it is so worth it.  It’s huge and beautiful and has amazing views of LA.  Honestly, we mostly chased after Peter outside and in the gardens and enjoyed the views, but we did manage to go through one art exhibit and it was wonderful.  I think we could go back again and again and see something new each time.  Loved it.  And we got to ride a tram!  Peter just seemed a little stunned, but I think one day he’ll enjoy that part.

After the museum ride, we got lunch at In-N-Out Burger.  Now, we had been saving this lunch for a special occasion, such as a sister visiting.  People had been telling us during our whole journey to California that we HAD to go to In-N-Out.  Ok!  The verdict?  It was good, for a fast food burger.  Sorry?!  That’s all I can say about it.  I DID appreciate that they have me extra pickles, and that it was stuffed with fresh lettuce and tomato.  And I also appreciated that it comes with a nice little half sleeve, so you don’t get your hands all greasy.  But still?  It was a fast food burger.  Poor Peter had a banana and a few fries that we threw at him like a seagull.  He seemed pretty happy about it.

Peter almost immediately fell asleep after lunch, so we took the opportunity to drive around and witness Beverly Hills from the safety of our car.  Oh.  My.  Word.  The people who live in Beverly Hills?  And shop in really expensive stores?  And have plastic surgery on their faces?  Why, they actually exist!  Like, the stereotypical people that one might see on TV.  They’re real.  Bethany and Patrick just laughed at me as I stared gawking out the window saying: “These people…. are real?!?!”  It was a very educational experience.

And we went to the park, ate frozen yogurt and baked treats in our little downtown area, and read a lot of books.  It was a full and happy weekend.  Sisters are the best.  And so are Aunties!  Peter is lucky to have 5 pretty awesome ones.  We miss you, Beth!  Thank you for visiting us.