The Robison Round-Up: California Love

We squeezed in one last summer trip to Los Angeles over Labor Day last weekend! Sean spent his high school, college and early career years living in the South Bay area of Los Angeles (Torrance and Redondo Beach), and still has many friends that live out there. We used to visit up to four times a year for weddings, work or just to see friends, but having a little one can slow down the travel a bit! Several friends have had children that we hadn't met or seen in a couple of years, and most of his friends had not met Mason. Sean's buddy Matt and his wife Katy (the Sorenson's) graciously offered us a place to stay. They have a little girl, Casey, who just turned one so it was great for Mason to have a buddy to play with (not to mention a fresh batch of toys to check out).

We made it to the beach every day we were there, had great meals out, played hard with the other kiddos, enjoyed a beautiful sunset, partied with all of Sean's buddies and their families at a BBQ at the Sorenson's (I learned that only Texans call them cook-outs), and my favorite, took a bike ride along the strand while enjoying perfect beach weather, watching beach volleyball and observing the SoCal locals. Mason loved the water and thought it was hilarious to watch Sean body surf. He would just sit there staring out into the ocean - almost like he knew you were supposed to soak it in. Then when the water came up too close he'd crack up as I'd whisk him up then set him back down right as it was going back in. We love that little boy so much and are so happy he enjoyed something so special to Sean.

The only downside to the trip was the fact that Mason is just not an easy traveler. He is busy, busy, busy on the plane - never really crying but needing to be constantly amused, which is hard to do for three hours in a tight space. He never really caught up on his sleep and had a hard time napping at the Sorenson's, likely because he knew there was always a party going on downstairs. The few naps he did catch were bits and pieces in his carseat which I don't really count. When he was distracted, he was great, but otherwise there was a lot of whining and 'momma, momma, momma's!' coming from his sweet little mouth. We had a blast, but man was it nice to sit down when we got home and take a rest from our vacation!

If anyone is interested, here are links to our favorite restaurants in the area. All casual and delicious!

Martha's 22nd Street Grill in Hermosa Beach for breakfast. Always yummy and just steps from the beach. Sean's parents are fans of this place too.
El Burrito Jr (or El B J) in Redondo Beach for a quick lunch. The best Mexican fast food there is. Special C is the way to go - two bean and cheese burritos, chips/salsa, medium drink for $5.50!
Mama D's Italian Kitchen in Manhattan Beach for dinner - the pink sauce is a must try!
Riviera Mexican Grill in Redondo Beach for brunch, lunch or dinner. We always head there with a big group and enjoy the fantastic margaritas!

Below are some pics from the trip. Somehow we always forget to bring the camera out when we're with big groups - that or we're all busy wrangling our kids - so there's not too many shots of the adults. Hope you enjoy them almost as much as we enjoyed taking them! ;)

First time on the beach! We were so excited we went straight from the airport and didn't bother to change clothes!

Now we're in our appropriate beach gear. Mason loved soaking it all in from the swing.

We borrowed bikes from Sean's friend that has two girls. Doesn't Mason look cute in his pink helmet? And I'm a huge fan of his seat - so cool!

There was a festival going on in Hermosa where we all stopped to enjoy Sno-Cones!

The scene of the BBQ. There were kids and toys everywhere! Katy admits she may have a problem when it comes to buying toys. :)

Katelyn and Lauren with Mason on the left. Casey and Mason playing in the right pictures. Yes, Mason is wearing regular clothes in the water - Daddy was in charge here!