The Getty Villa
Leighann showed me around the city of Irvine and of course the nearby beaches. We ate at a great Cajun place called Eva's Carribean Kitchen. It was delicious and we met Eva herself. She served our dessert and gave us complimentary plum sorbet. Her restaurant was recommended in an OC magazine and had won many awards. The atomosphere was cool and I would definitely go back there! We went to the Pagent of the Masters one night. Actors dress up and become life-size versions of famous paintings and sculptures set to great orchestra music. It was interesting and entertaining, but would have been better if we had rememberd binoculars. We sat far back and it was hard to see the detail.
Laguna Beach
Laguna beach was my favorite. We went there one day with Leighann's friend Lee who came to visit. It was beautiful and most like what I envisioned the Californian coast to be. We walked around the Montage resort and the public gardens surrounding it. We returned the next with Soojin for a picnic lunch and to lay out. I loved reading on the beach and walking along the water. So relaxing and we were able to really catch up. We also went to this cute little island called Balboa Island. It was full of adorable beach cottages, little shops and a marina of boats. It is fun to peek in the houses and imagine life on the beach. I found myself people watching a lot here too!
I was so busy that I did not get too homesick for Caleb and Blake. I was so glad to hear Caleb was getting along ok without me. He sounded happy each time I talked to him on the phone. Blake did say he walked around the house looking for me and calling "Mama, Mama." That broke my heart, but deep down I knew he was just fine in Blake's care.
I finally got to meet Leighann's boyfriend, James. He was super busy with teacher training and cross country so I did not spend much time with him. He seems nice and makes Leighann smile. I will say that he is a slob and does not pick up after himself very well even with company in the apartment! Friday was my last day and also the only day that I got to spend with just Leighann. James took Soojin to the airport for her flight home. It was a surprise to me that she was there for the duration of my visit. Leighann overbooked herself! We packed another lunch and ate on Newport Beach. We read, laid out and then rode bikes along the beach. That was fun and a great way to enjoy the ocean air and scenery. We met James for dinner at a nice Mexican restaurant and enjoyed some drinks before our food. It was great to see James and Leighann interact. She seems happy and that in turn makes me feel happy.
I had a great visit, but was ready to come home at the end of the week. I got up super early for my flight. 4:30 am California time! I had plenty of time to get checked in and avoided the crowds. My flight was fine and I quickly made my way to baggage claim to meet Blake and Caleb once we arrived. I was fine during the week, but seeing Caleb with Blake as I came up the escalator brought on the tears! He looked so big and old. I ran to him and scooped him up right away. He just looked at me, smiled and said "Mama." It was the most beautiful thing! I didn't want to put him down. I was happy to see Blake too and welcomed a big kiss from him. It was the perfect welcome after my adventure. Next time I think I will bring them along. :)
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