CaaaaaliforniaAa

Recently I made a week trip out to Southern California for some fun in the sun. My roommate Chelsie and I headed off in hopes of warm weather, crazy adventures, great food, and good company. I had never been to Los Angeles, so I was eager to experience the hustle of the big city. My friend Leigh, who I know from my DC excursions, lives in the LA area as well, and a reunion was extra motivation to head south.

We packed in plenty of adventures during our LA stay:
1. Church with Leigh in the Valley (Where were the celebrities?!)
2. Stroll Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier (Beautiful and full of bums)
3. Disneyland and California Adventure for 2 days (Lots of standing and childish squeals)
4. Walk up and down Rodeo Dr. in Beverly Hills (I may have spotted Keri Russell)
5. Eat at Famous Phillipes Restaurant (Ate fab French Dips and met DJ Walf/Wolf)
6. Tour Homeboy Industries (A nonprofit for people needing jobs out of prison)
7. Stop by the Stables Center (No one wants to represent the WNBA)
8. Drive in and survive bumper-to-bumper LA traffic (SO funnnnnnnnn)
9. Eat at a food truck in Leigh's Hood (Good stuff! Also, attempt jumping photo)
10. Stroll Old Pasadena (I want to live there. Now. We ate at the best bakery ever, too.)
11. Quick walk through Man's Chinese Theater and Walk of Fame (Asian Invasion)
12. Lose reality at Magic Castle with Chels, Leigh and Heather! (Not sure what to believe anymore)

Needless to say, we had a blast! I was not happy to return to frigid weather, work, and a cold that kicked my butt. Here are some pictures from the fabulous week!

Chelsie and Me at Venice Beach. Don't I just look like I belong?

Soooo beautiful.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast at Disneyland. Ridiculous!

Cinderella's Castle. Awww cute.

Space Mountain is the BEST...so are we.

Buzz Lightyear Ride. I kicked Chelsie's trash.
Splash Mountain. I sat in the very front and got SOAKED!
World of Color at California Adventure. Very very cool!
Messing around at the ESPN store by the Staples Center. We're pretty tough.
It's just not a visit with Leigh without a jumping photo. These shots were tricky at night by the food trucks.
Outside of the Magic Castle. We had no idea what we were about to see!

There are so many more pictures, but these highlight some great moments. Thanks to Leigh and Chels for making it a great vacation! I think I need vacations more often; California knows how to party.