Napa

As soon as you read Napa, what comes to mind? Wine and lots of it! I pictured walking the streets of Napa vineyard-hopping shall we say. I can honestly say doing it with kids wouldn't necessarily be my first option. Nonetheless we did it and we had an awesome time (once we got past all of the idiosyncrasies of Napa)!

Monterey

We went to Monterey mostly for Big Sur. Everyone we met in California, I mean EVERYONE asked us if we'd been to Big Sur. We figured it was a must-see. We didn't want to take our mammoth of an RV onto those tight, cliff-gripping, windy roads so we decided Monterey (and exploring it's beauty) was our best bet. We parked the RV in a cozy park far away from the PCH and drove our car instead. 

Kings Canyon, Sequoia and Yosemite

We headed to Kingsburg as a one stop shop to meet up with friends and to visit 3, yes 3 national parks. The RV park where we stayed definitely wasn't fancy, but the views were incredible. We were right on the river. I'm talking like 2 feet from the river. I quite literally pictured us floating down it the couple times it rained. There was a horse farm off of the walking trail, a tiny beach in front of our RV and just room to roam.

Cayenne's 3rd Birthday!

Luckily, we were in LA during Cayenne's birthday. It couldn't have been more perfect. We were staying with the Maciel's and they helped make it super special.  

Cali Peeps

Being in LA, we were able to reconnect with the Maciel Family. Edson has known Potato and Julia for years. They even came up to VA to visit when we had a birthday bash for Edson's 30th. They moved to the LA area a couple years back so we knew when we were headed that way fun times were ahead. 

LA Beaches

Going to an LA Beach felt like an event. It isn't something the average Joe does on a weekday. You make plans to get there. After all, you will likely sit in an hour of traffic getting there so you better be prepared. I'm talking bring everything you need for an overnight affair. Food, drinks, a change of clothes, towels and a porta potty if you have one (it's a necessity in our family with a traveling toddler). I literally started carrying all of that every time we left the RV in LA. Yes, the traffic is just that bad. I'm just sayin'...you might want to consider toothbrushes, too. 

The Giving Tour: Adopt-A-Block

Every Saturday hundreds of volunteers serve the most underserved communities in LA. It all started in the year 2000 when a young pastor named Matthew Barnett set his desk outside on his church sidewalk. When someone walked by he asked "How can I help you?"

Catalina Island

We wanted to do something fun with the Maciel's so we all decided on Catalina Island. A ride in a yacht (more like a boat but I want to sound fancy) and a day of fun and sun together? Yes, please. It was an all day affair with delightful views around every corner.

Olvera Street

Truth be told, I only wanted to go to this place because I reallllly wanted to get some Mexican blankets for cheap. I saw some online and it seemed best to check 'em out in person. I didn't end up getting any blankets but we came back with so much more. A great day exploring an old part of LA. This Mexican Marketplace was brimming with activity and wonder. The smell of fresh churros, the sounds of mariachi and vendors selling all sorts of goods. 

Palm Springs

We did it-- we played hooky. We woke up and decided to roll out of LA. We gave the kids a get out of school free pass for the day and Edson took the day off and we made our way to Palm Springs. 

California Science Center

We LOVE us some science centers! Give us one that has free admission and all you have to pay for is parking and we are there guaranteed.

Pasadena

We had to check out Pasadena when in LA. We'd heard from locals that it was a great place. We went to the City Hall, hung out with Jackie and Mack Robinson, stopped by the beautiful library and then drove by the Rose Bowl before heading to the Kidspace Children's Museum.

Griffith Observatory

I love parks. I really do. Big parks with sprawling green manicured lawns are my jam. When they are filled with museums, science centers, hiking trails, playgrounds and observatories I mean I might as well MARRY them. Griffith Park is one of those amazing places that encompasses all of those things. 

LA Area Hikes

In addition to the Old LA Zoo our friend, Otavio (more commonly known as Potato-- or Hot Potato to Cayenne) took us on a couple hikes that are totally post worthy. 

Anaheim Packing House

We didn't technically stay right in LA. We were in Orange, right around the corner from Anaheim aka Disneyland stomping grounds. That wasn't my favorite thing in Anaheim though. It was this gem-- The Anaheim Packing House. We went back a few times during our 6 week stint in LA as it was really just that fun. 

Old LA Zoo

The Old LA Zoo is nestled into Griffith Park. It was home to many animals from 1912 to 1966 when the Griffith Park Zoo closed and animals were moved to the shiny and new LA Zoo. It's now a small treasure in the midst of chaos in LA left for all of us to enjoy.  

The Flower Fields

Carlsbad is closer to San Diego but the Flower Fields hadn't yet opened for the season while we were in town. I was willing to back track for these flowers. 

La Brea Tar Pits

image VIA

How often does one get to visit the world's only active Ice Age excavation pit? I'd say it's a once in a lifetime kind of thing. We paid admission, toured the museum and went on the free (included with admission) excavation tour led by an extremely knowledgable staff member who gave us a blow by blow of what went down in these parts of LA over the last oh, 11,000 years. 

LACMA

We met a family in Tucson that was from LA. One of her few suggestions was to go to LACMA. We were thrilled when we found out it was free to all kids under age 18 that had a "pass". Each kid also got one adult in free. This was one of the few times having 3 kids has benefitted us financially. I'm just speaking the truth here people. 

Santa Monica & Venice Beach

One of our first stops in LA was Venice Beach/Santa Monica area. First, we hung out on the beach and the kids played. We saw a ton of LA beach bodies pumping ze iron. Ok, not pumping iron but there were muscles bulging and men and women in tiny bathing suits.

San Diego Favorites

We realized this week that we initially hadn't planned on going to San Diego. We could've missed all of that greatness! We are SO glad we changed our minds. We both really enjoyed the laid back outdoorsy vibe.

The Cat Cafe

VIA

I forgot about the Cat Cafe! So random, but worthy of a post. I found this hidden little animal lovers gem while searching for things to do. Seeing as though the boys and Edson are super allergic we made a girls trip out of it.