So we loaded up the truck and moved to...

We went to Bouchon in Beverly Hills for Mother's Day. I think it was our only visit to Beverly Hills while we were in LA. We walked down Rodeo Drive and had a lovely champagne brunch, feeling (for a moment) like LA people.

Tower of treats

For her birthday, we took Rachel out to fancy tea at the Scarlet Tea Room in Pasadena. Unfortunately, she was sick and lost her entire lunch shortly thereafter.

Burgers al fresco

  

One advantage to living in LA is the practically year-round outdoor dining. At a local gourmet burger shop, we have a warm and sunny lunch in mid-January.

Organic

Those are called the Organ Mountains. We took a very mild hike (courtesy of our cousins) into the mountains above Las Cruces. Ellen took to hiking like a mountain goat and would have cheerfully gone over the top if we'd let her.

Big cats

On vacation at the Firesky Resort in Scottsdale. This funky hotel, with great pools and firepits, includes leopard-print robes in every room. They even have child-sized!

The show must go on

Rachel's a capella group performs at a nursing home (a big part of their fan base). Many of the members of the group may be checking out the homes for their own relocation.

Poseurs

We realized we didn't have any recent family photos. After the proofs came back, I realized I should have had my hair cut.

Nick Live!

We surprised Ellen with a trip to downtown LA to see the Nickelodeon Live show (including her favorites, the Backyardigans). She enjoyed the show but might have liked the popcorn best of all.

Victory hug

So excited to see mommy! And All! That! Pink!

Ellen may become a breast cancer awareness advocate just for the colored swag.

Nap Zone 3C

Rachel loves to nap at Orzyland. She has several couches, hammocks, chairs, loungers, and other spots picked out for naps, and she tries to rotate between them over the long weekend. She's dedicated to her craft.

Scattered

Scattergories is the "women's game" at Thanksgiving. (Not quite as venerable as the ancient family poker game.) It's somehow been transplanted to the lake house for our reunion weekend.

Pool Party

In California, if you don't have a pool, it's essential to know people who do.

The new you

Rachel went for a fancy hair treatment that uncurled her hair. For days (until it went away), I didn't recognize her!

Like mother

Ellen's very enthusiastic about getting new shoes. I wonder where she gets that from.

Mother's Day

We took Rachel to a nice buffet brunch at a Cuban restaurant overlooking the San Gabriel Valley. Ellen liked the roaming musical trio.

Femme Fatale

Ever since she worked in Corrections, Rachel's been obsessed with prisons and prisoners. She has a collection of toy prisoners (which she easily added to in Australia, a landed founded as a penal colony). Here at the police and justice museum, she got to indulge her passion.

South Pacific

Somewhere over the south Pacific, time zone unknown, 4 AM California time. Rachel and I hang out in the V Australia bar. We're skipping forward a day as we head toward Sydney.

Blossoms

I love the accidental composition on this one. The blossoms in the trees match Olive's outfit.

Birthday pie

Rachel made me a Meyer lemon meringue pie. This is a great way to celebrate a birthday.

The 'E' is for Esther Prynne

Ellen visited us in bed this morning with a gift of stickers. Mommy wouldn't wake up to take her sticker, so Ellen left it in the most accessible place. How considerate! We're raising such a well-mannered and thoughtful girl.