It feels like the holidays!

Wednesday morning I went to help clean up the Stake Christmas Creche. Sometimes it feels a lot of people show up to help but the people in charge don't know what to do with the volunteers. People end up standing around trying to figure out to do when really they just want to jump in and get it all done really quick. I was there around two hours and then got called into work. I was a little disappointed because my mom was flying in that night and there was some cleaning I wanted to get done. I went to work, make it home after two hours in traffic, showered, and went to a relief society committee meeting. I thought Brandon was picking up my mom and he thought I was...she sat in Long Beach for a while. Brandon Picked her up and I stopped by In and Out for dinner. It was around 10:30 before we all made it back to the apartment.

Thursday was so much fun. I guess it was just really nice to have family in town. My mom and I went walking in the morning. Then after getting ready for the day we went to get pedicures. I was long overdue for one. It was really relaxing. I felt a little bad for my mom because they started rubbing her feet and her shoulders but because she is hard of hearing she didn't know that this would be an extra expense. The lady that seemed to be the owner or manager was also very complimentary...obviously trying to secure a return visit.


We went back to my place to make dinner. I am trying to learn to cook so I was making an effort to take advantage of my mom's skills while she was in town. Unfortunately I think all I did was some chopping while my mom flew around the kitchen. I would ask "how long did you cook that?" She would respond "Until it's done." I would asked "how much of that did you put in?" She would say it was a couple tablespoons or so. I have so much to learn.

After Brandon made it home from work we went to South Coast Plaza a gigantic mall. It has so many upscale shops that I would never feel comfortable browsing in. We stopped by some stores for average folks like Sephora, H&M, and Express. I love this time of year when everything is decorated and Christmas music is piped throughout the stores and into many parking lots.

This is the bridge connecting a huge shopping area to another huge shopping area!

Friday morning I convinced my mom to do yoga with me. I have a video that is about an hour and a half. I warned her that she would be sore. She was a good sport and humored me. We went to see Twilight that afternoon. I finished the audio book last week so we went so I could compare the movie to the book. I think my mom would have used any excuse to go again.


After the movie we stopped in at Target to pick up a few things...including my mom's favorite, Dove chocolate. By then we were starving. We drove to the John Wayne Airport to pick up my dad. We then drove directly to one of my dad's essential stops whenever he comes to California...In and Out. Yes that is now two times in three days.


I took my dad to see our apartment. Then we went to Brandon's friend Mitch's shop. Brandon was working on some Christmas gifts that I wanted my parents to see. We made a stop at Pinkberry on the way home. My mom is addicted! Brandon brought Casino Royale home. We wanted to refresh our minds before seeing the new Bond movie. It is a good thing we did because I don't think I ever saw Casino Royale. I remember the first scene and that's it! :)

Saturday we ate at Pei Wei. Then we took a drive down to the beach. We drove around a few of the neighborhoods to check out some of the homes. Then we parked at the beach in Corona Del Mar and walked around for a little bit. It was beautiful out but very windy!





Quantum of Solace was pretty intense. We all really enjoyed the movie...that was my parent's second time seeing the film. We decided we wanted dinner for pizza. Brandon and I don't go out to eat much unless we have company. We all wanted to try something new. Brandon and I had driven by this little Italian restaurant a number of times. We both wanted to try it. It seemed like the perfect opportunity. We ordered one large pizza to share. It was delicious! What a great find!



Brandon was asleep on the coach within minutes when we arrived home. My dad worked on finding the best route home. My mom showed me how to make a chuck roast and gravy. Again I don't think I could duplicate what she did.

I was really sad to see them leave this morning. It really felt like the holidays with them here. I love you mom and dad! Thanks for making the trip out to see us!

P.S. I don't think she even reads my blog but a very big and special thanks to Emily West for helping my mom get to the airport in Pasco! What a lifesaver you are!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!