9 months + California

Brandon and I really wanted to take a trip over the long weekend and kept talking about where we should go and then changing our mind and so I didn't think it was going to happen. He booked our hotel Wednesday night though and on Thursday we were off! He had to work that morning and so we drove to Mesquite that day and stayed the night with my grandparents to break up the long drive. They were really excited to see Eleanor. In the morning we started the drive to our hotel. We stayed in Newport beach area and took a day trip to LA as well. It was nice to get out of the cold and be outside with Eleanor. I am so excited for summer! 
Eleanor turned 9 months old while we were there. Goodness gracious do I love this little girl. She is so full of spunk. She is grabbing onto everything she can and pulling herself up to stand. Her little legs are getting really sturdy and I wouldn't be surprised if she is walking in the next little bit. Her two bottom teeth have popped up and I think one on top is working it's way down. She wants to eat whatever we are eating and loves attention. Her voice is my favorite sound.

All Nike attire for the drive...because comfort is key.

Saying goodbye to my grandparents after staying the night.

9 months in...

9 months out!

Sidecar Doughnuts for breakfast. We actually went here twice.

Eleanor approved.

Bath time at the hotel... I need to get one of these grippy mats. Game changer.

We did a lot of shopping. I would have gotten Eleanor this hat if she would actually wear it. She wanted it off immediately.

Steph was in New York while we were in Cali. She needed pictures of Eleanor on the regular to keep her happy. This is a fave. That pose!

By the farmers market in LA. We stopped to grab some lunch at Umami Burger.

This girl loves her puffs.

Checking out the farmers market which was pretty neat.

This is a cronut. A croissant/doughnut. Best. Thing. Ever. I want another one so bad. If you are ever in LA, S K's Donuts and Croissants is somewhere I would stop. It has more strawberries in the middle...I'm drooling.

Hotel room downtime. 

We went and explored Balboa Island and all the houses along the beach. This one was my favorite.

I wish we could plant these outside like this in Utah!

Got a Balboa bar for the walk back.

Stopped at the Japanese market for Brandon and got some Curry and Ramen.

Breakfast at a pancake house. Everyone had heart eyes for Eleanor there. After a while I started to think, "Okay, stop staring over here. We are trying to eat in peace." I get it though. She's perfect.

Hangs with her mama in the hotel bed.

Right before Eleanor's first pool experience. She was a little nervous at first but quickly relaxed and let me walk around with her in the water.

Hiding and laughing behind her dad.

We were going to head to the beach a little before the sun set to enjoy the warm weather and explore but plans change with a baby. We had taken Eleanor back to the hotel that afternoon for a nap but once we were in our room she wasn't having it...she was in play mode. So we decided to bag that and head to the beach which was literally five minutes from our hotel. We parked and got out and she was passed out in the back. So we hopped across the street to a shopping center and walked around and got some lunch while she got her nap in inside her stroller. 

I'm so glad we went and watched the sun set. It was beautiful.

Got up early Tuesday morning for the long drive home. This girl was a champ. I think I whined more than she did. Ha. Long drives kill my butt.

We were able to see the sunrise getting into our car.

We took a much needed break once we got to Vegas and ate at Hash House a Go Go. Brandon saw it on the Food Network and wanted to try it. He's the cutest.