Christmas in L.A.

The Kirkbride family packed up half our apartment and headed out to California for our long awaited visit to see my sister in Hollywood! Pranvera had never been and we had both the perfect host, weather (post the rains) and holiday spirit. Our 6 hour flight out was remarkably uneventful and Adrian slept the entire evening flight. Unfortunately with the 3 hour time change he never really adjusted his routine and we found ourselves pulling morning shifts to accommodate his 4am wake-ups.

But the halls were all decked and we were so happy to see the fully packed tree, plates of holiday cookies and everything else the holidays represent. Adrian loved the carpets and mirrors throughout my sister's condo and the balcony proved to be entertaining as well. To say the least Christmas morning took forever to open our gifts but we all seemed to walk away with more than we imagined. A truly wonderful day and enjoyable to have a child back in the family to fully absorb the joy of the wrapping paper and boxes (for this year). My big gift was a pair of high-tech snowshoes since this is a new sport Pranvera and I really enjoy (just need to find the snow and now buy her a pair). And Pranvera was happily surprised by a new Iphone. Adrian was loaded with new toys and a customized book that spells out his name from Grammy as well as an education trust fund from Grandpa.

Our first day we visited the local outdoor farmers market shopping center to see Santa and all the last minute shoppers.

And did a quick visit to the famous Hollywood strip and Grauman's Chinese Theater where all the stars have their hand and foot prints. Pranvera quickly found her star, George Clooney after a quick pose with Marilyn Monroe.

And our Christmas Eve candlelight carol service was full of great songs and a cute 1 year old date for Adrian.

Along with a wonderfully cooked home feast with all of us assisting. And then the games began.

Christmas Day feast was down in Santa Monica at the famous Lowe Hotel on the beach. Unfortunately a strong rain kept us inside from a post meal walk near the ocean. But with all the colors, smells, great food and warmth we enjoyed it immensely.

And no trip to LA is complete without a stop in Beverly Hills.

Or a visit was an old college friend and his family who stopped by a holiday happy hour my sister and I hosted. Loved seeing and meeting the entire Benedict clan!

And then Pranvera and I took off to appreciate the greatest Xmas gift of all. We treated ourselves to a 3 day spa retreat in Palm Springs while my sister treated us to baby sitting Adrian. All we did was sleep, eat, read, and relax at the spa center with hot pools, massages, mud wraps and steam rooms. And we enjoyed the 2 hour drive to the desert mountains in my sister's convertible.

Believe it or not we even got out for a morning desert hike before the rains rolled in 'forcing' us inside for a long afternoon nap in our King bed.

And even hit the town for dinner.

Back in LA we still got out for local hikes in the canyons near my sisters. In the heart of Hollywood.

Just hanging out in the apartment.

We spent another sunny day down in Venice Beach walking the canals and headed out to the ocean for a long walk and nice brunch.

And while visiting another friend in LA, Adrian became a part of their decor and best friends feeding the dog.