Hard to believe we’ve already been home from vacationing in SoCal and visiting Family Gorham. Seems that we brought the <100 degree temps home with us – making the transition not quite as painful. After a productive week, readjusting to our “normal” routines, I’m finally taking the time to recap for our family records what a wonderful trip we had!  

I wondered, post-plane ride with baby, if I would have TONS of opinions, pointers, tips, regrets, etc. about traveling with Olivia… The truth is… I don’t really. I read quite a bit online, solicited advice from other mommas and spent over a week making lists and packing bags. A quickie top 10 I felt helpful during our 2-week adventure.

1. Pack Light – bring only what you NEED on the plane – NOTHING more. (Diaper Backpacks are best – Our PPB converts)
2. Babywearing is your friend – strollers are BULKY and not practical for traveling with a non-toddling baby
3. Allow SOME extra time (get through security, to the gate, etc.) but not TOO much time that you’re just sitting around waiting longer than necessary.
4. Nurse at take-off, Nurse at landing, Nurse the entire flight if your lil babe wants to. (Or Bottle, Sippy Cup, Pacifier, etc.)
5. Bring some favorite + some new  toys, books, stuffed animals
6. Make friends with the flight attendants – they’ll usually let you use their space in the back of the plane for diaper changes, etc.
7. Rent, Buy resale, or borrow (if possible) as much as you can! (We Borrowed/Bought: Carseat, Stroller, Crib + Exersaucer)
8. Your baby will likely have an easier time adjusting to a time-zone change than you will. Don’t Stress too much about adjusting!
9. Buy disposables when you arrive – Diapers + Wipes (For our longer trip – we even bought lotion, sunscreen, soap, etc.) Do Laundry!
10. Relax! Don’t stress too much about keeping on routine because before you know it, it’s time to go home!

TUESDAY – Tuesday morning we started the day early arriving just a little over an hour early for our flight DFW to SNA. Olivia – in true Olivia fashion – did wonderfully on the plane. Only mildly cranked and easily distracted on the 2.5 hour flight. Made a necessary first stop at Baja Fish Tacos then relaxed by the pool at Gramma + Poppa G’s house.

Getting on the Plane

WEDNESDAY –  Started the day at Mimi’s Cafe (Supporting my alma mater LHHS  by participating in Win Win Wednesdays) then took a nice long walk at the Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Walking at the Laguna Niguel Regional Park

THURSDAY – Enjoyed Olivia’s first unofficial trip to the beach (unofficial because there were no swim suits, towel, or actual salty and sandy adventures) at the Huntington Dog Beach. Got my annual (just kidding! Semi-Annual) haircut with my dear friend Kristina at Sweeter than Honey Hair Lounge.

Huntington Dog Beach

FRIDAY – Started the morning with a nature walk at Riley Wilderness Park in Trabuco Canyon – Safe to say that Liv LOVES nature. Afternoon naps and swimming in Grandma G’s pool finished with dinner on the patio… If there were a “typical” day – this was it. Walk/Hike, Nap, Swim, Nap, Eat

Nature Walk at Riley Wilderness Park

SATURDAY -Gramma G arranged for several of her closest OC pals to come over to Meet + Greet Miss Olivia. In true Gramma G fashion – this was a little bit MORE like a party – darling pink + yellow decorations (Emily made these – pinned Here and Here), brunchy appetizers and unnecessarily gracious gifties from the SoCal Aunties!  A bit overwhelmed by the stimulation, but overall did a wonderful job impressing the ladies – Especially Miss. Mav and her colorful dress.

Hand-me-down Rocking Chair from the Antone Family

SUNDAY – Went to St. Margaret’s to Church with Mom, followed by breakfast tacos at Las Golandrina’s then some quickie naps before heading South to San Diego. Safe to say, Olivia’s first trip to the San Diego Zoo was a huge hit. She LOVED watching the bigger animals – especially the giraffes (duh!), elephants, and hippos. We stayed just long enough to enjoy the cooler late afternoon/ evening weather before heading to the Westin Gaslamp district.

San Diego Zoo

MONDAY – After a better night than anticipated (Olivia actually slept 6+ hours IN THE HOTEL CRIB!) Gramma G and I ventured out in our PJs/Sweats in search of some Coffee and Breakfast Tacos while Auntie Em caught a few more ZZZs. Took the trolley over to Old Towne San Diego to explore a bit snagged a Chorizo + Egg Taco Here. After a quick stop in La Jolla for lunch + botox (Auntie Em’s migraine treatment) we headed back up to South County for an evening Harbor cruise complete with Dolphin sighting then teppan dinner at Ichibiri.

Exploring Old Town San Diego

TUESDAY – Sounds silly, but it’s a must hit spot when I’m in town –  I <3 Bagels. (Maggie – we MUST go here sometime. BEST BAGELS EVER) then a LONG overdue appointment at my old Eye Doctor for a new ‘scrip + contact lenses. Lunch at a hole-in-the-wall fav – Mongolian BBQ (Highly reccomended – Reviewed Here) follower by afternoon naps + Swimming. Picked up Daniel from the airport then home for Family Gorham dinner.

6 Months – Before Picking Up Dad from the Airport

WEDNESDAY – Lazy morning followed by Lunch + Boating in Dana Point Harbor. Olivia opted out this time to wander around the harbor with Dad. We had some family (+Christmas Card) photos done late afternoon then another fabulous Win Win Wednesday meal at Bru Grill in Lake Forest. Really awesome little Market + Upscale Grill.

Bru Grill

THURSDAY – Set off on a hike through Aliso Canyon to the dripping Caves with Chippy. Olivia happily rode on Daniel’s back for the first hour or so but lost interest when it started to get hot on the return. Cleaned up and made a Taco Loco run with Chippy. Then swimming… and dinner with Auntie Em’s new boyfriend Al (Fresco). (Clarification: this is an inside joke – Emily is not dating a man named Al – we just ate outside. Al Fresco.)

On top of the Dripping Caves

FRIDAY – Met up with Caitie + Mom for lunch at Wahoo’s at the Irvine Spectrum – Then kept the day low-key with more swimming and visits from family friends. Dan and I left the babe in the care of Family Gorham and snuck out for Dinner + Drinks with Friends at the Yard House.

Jen, Kristina + Me @ Yard House

SATURDAY – Brunch at home with the Iorio Family then headed down to wander around Laguna – made another necessary stop at Taco Loco, some thrifting, then more swimming and… you got it… Dinner al fresco. Finished the night with some “Jolly Games” – Cash Bingo courtesy of Bank of Dad.

Having a moment with Poppa G

SUNDAY – Early departure for the Airport. A quick – UNEVENTFUL – flight and we’re home. Worth mentioning that Olivia didn’t cry ONCE on the flight home – We’re VERY proud parents.

It’s always hard to come home from visiting California. Sometimes I feel torn, like Orange County is just as much home as Dallas is. Daniel and I talk all the time about moving back to sunny Southern California again in the distant future – if career paths and stars aligned. I mean… what’s not to like? I can’t even begin to describe how hard it hits me each time – how privileged I was to grow up in the environment I did. More on that another time.

Can’t wait for our next trip this Christmas! 

XO, Momma Meg (For Family P)

PS. – I’m noticing a complete failure to capture a complete (Family P 3) photo – We’re going to get better at that…