Tea time, macarons, and SoCal sister time bliss

I'm still having serious withdrawals from my weekend with my big sisters in Southern California.

And now, let me start from the beginning. 

After stepping off the teeny plane at Burbank airport, trying to finagle my oversized carry-on while simultaneously waving like the First Lady, I couldn't help but feel like I was graciously welcomed back to the 80s. The music blaring in the terminal agreed. This was, after all, my first time flying into this airport. 

I hadn't seen either of my sisters' "new" houses, and I wasn't sure what to expect without the ocean just a stone's throw away from Stef's pad. 

I met sister Stefanie curbside, and she was waiting with a mini cheese and meat spread to tide me over until we made it to her house (of course she was, right?). Then, we sped off to Santa Monica to pick up Elizabeth at Fred Segal, where her husband just so happened to be launching his line of sunglasses. Tres chic. 

I'll let the photos tell the rest of the story.

Good morning, Hazel. I loved sleeping on your couch and gifting you with your first two pair of baby Nikes. You loved these pink and red Jordans, with the heart detailing and lace overlay.

Stefanie decorated the whole house a la bride-to-be.

Both sisters bought me blue undies. Such a sister moment. 

Those shades almost became a lost cause at Michael Levine's in downtown LA, but we found them and all was well in the world.

Walking around the fabric district, looking for some wedding essentials...and anything else flashy and bright.

We hit up the flower market, just to prove it's open to the public.

Hazel, are you tired of your aunties dragging you all across town yet?

Couldn't find any matching sweatsuits for us to bedazzle--sorry, ladies. 

Then, on to Bottega Louie. My new favorite and must-see in LA. 

Drooling over the macaron spread.

And the beignets. Takes me back to Nawleans.

We just had to devour one of those cheese pretzels, too.

Devouring those macarons was just like this photo...a total blur.

Don't look at my face. Look at that gooey center. Oh my goodness. 

Then, it was time for my big surprise: Tea time at Huntington Gardens. So special to share this with the sisters.

And this lady.

Who really loved the scones.

I mean. She REALLY loved the scones.

Yes, we had tea. But, of course we had mimosas, too!

Buffet o' tea sandos.

Stopping to smell the roses.

People used to stop us and ask us if we were sisters when we were all together. Not anymore. They just stop and talk about our leading lady, Hazel.

How awesome is this place? Looks fake, right?

Love that one-two-three-weeeee giggle.

Does this look familiar? The Wedding Planner, perhaps? Bridesmaids? Eh? Yep. 

And, following the Gardens, a quick stop at THE ORIGINAL TRADER JOE'S for more champagne, vino, and snacks. Followed by a Thai feast and many toasts with custom wine glasses courtesy of brother-in-law Jordan.

The next day, we headed to San Diego for some beach time with the Heits. Leo and H getting reacquainted. 

She loved this.

And, I loved this.

We "beamed" lots of photos to our parents throughout the weekend and even had a quick Skype session as they love it when we're all together.

I almost cried in the airport because it was so hard to leave. We had such a good time, and heading back to reality just didn't appeal to me at the moment. I wish my sisters lived closer, especially now that they have families. I mean, there are very few people who love champ and charcuterie as much as these two.

The good news is I'll see them again in just a few weeks. Eeek.

Thank you, LA and SD. I love you to Portland and back. XO

Easter 2013

The bad news: Easter 2013 fell on a Sunday during Tax Season.  

The good news: Easter 2014 falls on April 20.

The annual Sunriver Easter extravaganza just never gets old. Neither does hunting for eggs at ages 28, 29, and 30 as the three of us in attendance did. It will be nice to share this very special family tradition with Taylor next year. I'm already looking forward to it.

Bullet points:

• Nonstop food, including an update to the traditional eggs-in-a-nest coconut cupcakes.
• Pure relaxation.
• Long, long river loop run.
• Nonstop food.
• Sunshine.
• Pastor Jack, Beve, and the thought-provoking Good Friday service. 
• The Lady's stories of partying with Bill Walton back in the day.
• The Lady's subsequent confession of the falsity of the aforementioned claim.
• Working from home "on location."
• Hot tubbing.
• Maverick-ing.
• Barney's first family trip to SR.
• The longest Easter vigil service in the history of Central Oregon Easter vigil services on record.
• Family time at its finest.

Taylor's parents were over in the area as well as Team Schader, but sadly it didn't work out to see either.

We've been going to Sunriver for Easter since forever. We spend a lot of time reflecting on the passion of our Lord and celebrating His resurrection. 

He is risen! Hallelujah! 

Not a lot of photos this year.

Barney's first ROCK PIC.