I’m currently using my laptop while tethered to my phone as a hotspot. I plan to pack later, but I wanted to take a moment to journal first. I had to check back on my previous entry to see where I left off. Today, the girls, Tommy, and I took a trip to the beach in Santa Barbara. I’m not entirely sure why Tommy wanted to drive such a distance, but it turned out to be a lovely day. Santa Barbara is beautiful with its palm tree-lined streets and stunning ocean views. The beach was pleasantly uncrowded. Alexis ventured into the water several times, while Karissa dipped her toes in just once before settling down on her beach blanket. Before heading to the beach, we stopped at Costco to pick up some beach blankets. I ended up laying down for a quick nap on mine.
After spending some time at the beach, we headed to East Beach Tacos for dinner, which was delicious. I enjoyed some taquitos. Following our meal, we embarked on the two-and-a-half-hour drive back to my mom’s house. Once we arrived, I took a shower to wash off all the sand. The girls also showered, and now we’re in the process of packing. We plan to wake up early tomorrow to visit family before heading to the airport.
I’m back! Tommy and I recently ventured into the kitchen to enjoy some mangoes we purchased from a fantastic farmer’s market called Francisco’s Fruit Stand. It was a wonderful experience.
Last Friday, we woke up early with a plan in mind. The girls accompanied grandma to the bank, while Tommy and I spent the day exploring L.A. Grandma took the girls shopping; they got some shoes and socks. Meanwhile, Tommy and I stopped at the Bear Pit Bar-B-Que Restaurant in Mission Hills, and it was fantastic. I ordered a brisket sandwich, along with fries and mac n’ cheese, but I had to take half of the sandwich with me since I couldn’t finish it all.
We then visited the Getty Museum, which is situated atop a mountain in the Brentwood neighborhood. Opened in 1997 and designed by architect Richard Meier, the campus is renowned for its modernist architecture, travertine-clad buildings, and tranquil gardens. We rode a cable tram from the parking garage below to reach the museum. It was wonderful to view the paintings and sculptures on display. I particularly enjoyed the antique furniture, including pieces belonging to King Louis XIV. I took photos of the impressive candlestick holders, which were at least 7 feet tall! Despite the unusually warm weather for this time of year, we made use of the umbrellas provided by the museum as we explored the gardens. I also picked up some postcards at the museum store.
After visiting the Getty Museum, we headed over to Dodger Stadium. The stadium is quite impressive and holds the distinction of being the third-oldest baseball park in the country. However, it was originally constructed in a controversial location—over a neighborhood known as Chavez Ravine. This displacement of residents remains a poignant chapter in Los Angeles’s history, often sparking both emotion and debate.
Once we arrived, we grabbed some food before settling into our seats. We decided to share nachos and a pretzel, as there was no way I could finish everything by myself! The game started slowly, and it seemed like the Yankees might come out on top. However, as the game progressed, the Dodgers turned the tide and ultimately claimed victory.
Exiting the parking lot after the game was quite chaotic, taking us about an hour. Then, on our way home, we encountered a freeway closure, which forced us to take the highway to my mom’s house, adding extra time to our journey. We finally arrived at my mom’s place around 1 a.m. To my surprise, it was Alexis who stayed up to let us in, since it’s usually Karissa who burns the midnight oil, but she had already gone to bed.
On Saturday, the girls, Tommy, and I visited family on Kevin’s side. It was a lovely gathering, and it was great to catch up with family members. We stayed for about an hour before heading over to Tommy’s parents’ house. Although I felt a bit shy, I think I managed to hold my own. The visit there was also nice. Tommy’s stepdad was incredibly hospitable, making sure everyone had drinks, snacks, and whatever they needed.
As we all began to feel quite hungry, we eventually left after a few hours and returned to my mom’s house. Alexis suggested we try an Asian buffet, so we went to a Chinese buffet in the neighboring town. We were pleasantly surprised to find that it had remained in business after all these years, and reassuring to see they survived the challenges of Covid.
I should begin packing and preparing for bed. We’ll be heading back home tomorrow and expect to arrive around 7. I miss Kel, the animals, and the boys as well. While I’ve truly enjoyed my time here, it will be nice to return home.
