So Many Updates, So Little Time!

Well well well, here I am again. LOOOOONG overdue for an update. I know what my New Year's resolution will (or should) be. I must admit, the longer I wait the more daunting this task seems to be. More and more has happened, which means more and more updates than before. Uffdah! (That's a Norwegian term, right? I am part Norwegian and all...) 

Where, oh where, do I even begin?! It feels like summer came and went in the blink of an eye. Why, as you get older, does time seem to go faster? I've been spending more and more time trying to figure out the question that doesn't even have an answer. Part of me feels like I'm still waiting for summer to start. (Yes, I know it's November.) Maybe that's just part of being an adult. When you're working day in and day out, weeks and months start to blend together. There's no summer break that brings that familiar feeling of excitement. I'm getting older (well not that old) and things are changing. It's not that I resist change, but it does bring some feelings of discomfort. But, all we can do is embrace the here and now. After all, life goes on with our without us. I've been working really hard at being more present and trying to apply the "be here now" motto. As an avid planner, I tend to get caught up in what's to come rather than what's right in front of me. Can anyone relate? It's a constant inner battle, but I consider myself a continuous work in progress. I'm okay with that - isn't that how we all should be?

Enough with the ranting and deep life thoughts... Back to summertime updates.

I was blessed with so many visitors throughout this past summer. It seemed as though someone new was at my apartment every single weekend. My mom, Madeline and Marshal came to visit for a week. My Aunt Tracy stayed for a few days on her way back from San Diego. I was able to see Justina again, as she passed through LA from the OC. My other best friend Ashley and her precious baby boy Lincoln also came to visit for a long weekend. Last but not least, Mollie and her friend Erika stayed for a week. All the while I have been busy with work, too - long hours here and there, numerous events, and networking dinners. I can't complain; however, because I always enjoying spending time with friends and family. I also really love my job. (I've already been with Full Picture for six months!)

By now you surely know the drill. Get ready to scroll through lots (and lots) of pictures!

Madeline, Marshal and Mom boarding the plane.

Goodbye Iowa, helloooo LA!

Pilot Marshal...?

First time to sunny California!!

Mom, Marshal, and his tortilla chip? :)

Took them to one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, Casita del Campo in Silver Lake.

My youngest sister, Madeline and me.

I swear we were twins in another life.

Making a wish in the fountain outside the restaurant.

We stopped at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica before heading to the beach.

Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

I couldn't resist...how cool does he look in his new LA hat?

First time to the Pacific Ocean!

A little cold, Maddie?

Excited to be at the beach!

I spy a sneaky little photo bomber...

 He LOVES when I take lots of pictures...

Family (minus 2) at the beach in Santa Monica.

Lifeguards on duty.

Part-time momma's boy.

Family of 4 in a chair for 1

Santa Monica pier

Swingin'

This picture cracks me up!

Is it just me, or does it look like Marshal is struggling to give me a push? haha

What's that doing there?

Our time together wouldn't be complete without homemade mac n' cheese.

"It's the little things."

Had to see a Dodgers game!

Marshal found his ball! (No pun intended.)

As you can imagine, we all got a good laugh...

Take me out to the ball game!

All smiles, despite the embarrassing loss.

The fireworks made up for it!

Passing time at Pan Pacific Park while I'm at work.

Stroll through the park.

Riding the trolley at The Grove.

Hot Wheels exhibit at the Peterson Automotive Museum.

Lunch at Johnny Rockets.

We look like we're on a tropical vacation!

Trying out my other Mexican favorite, El Compadre in Hollywood.

The flash was bright, and we struggled to get a good one.

This is as good as it was going to get.

Dinner at The Grove.

I took Marshal to an early screening of

Disney's The Lone Ranger at ArcLight Hollywood on his birthday.

Here we are with Johnny Depp's costume from the movie!

Marshal's birthday dinner in Hollywood.

Make a wish!

Couldn't resist the opportunity to get a malt. Yummy!

Hiking to the Griffith Observatory at sunset... breathtaking!

I make everyone take pictures on this stump, so Maddie got creative.

Marshal obviously had to show her up.

View from the Observatory at dusk.

Looking at Saturn!

    

Trying out the Hollywood landmark and internationally famous Pink's Hot Dogs.

(Paul and Betty Pink started selling hot dogs from a cart on a neighborhood

corner in 1939. 73 years later, the stand is still family owned and operated!)

 

How can you resist a good photo op?!

This seems like the perfect photo to end with.

We had such a great time together! Already excited for their next visit!

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Next up, Aunt Tracy's visit!

Happy Hour at The Grove.

Monday night comedy at The Parlor in Hollywood.

Ready for a good laugh!

Bloody Mary's at Enterprise Fish Co. in Santa Monica.

We opted to drive up to the Observatory.

After all, we didn't want to hike in the dark ;)

 

Gorgeous views of the city at night.

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Ethan surprised my best friend Ashley with a flight to LA for Valentine's Day.

We had been counting down the days for what seemed like years.

I could not have been more excited to have her and Lincoln stay with me!

Whisper Lounge at The Grove.

First time to the Pacific Ocean!!

Lincoln loves the pool!

Dumbbell rattle. Had to get his workouts in, so dad didn't get mad ;)

Best buddies :)

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Last, but certainly not least,

Mollie and her friend Erika came for a week at the end of the summer.

Beach babes.

Took the girls for dinner at Skybar at Mondrian Los Angeles.

Love having her here with me!

My favorite fro-yo, Yogurtland!

Yes, I've done this hike countless times, but it never gets old.

Amazing sunset!

Casual Sunday Funday in the Hollywood Hills.

I think it's safe to say this was probably a highlight of their trip.

Afternoon adventures at The Grove.

Quick photos in Beverly Hills.

"I woke up in a new Bugatti."

Touring the UCLA campus.

Crashing basketball practice.

Decked out in their UCLA gear for the flight home.

Come back and visit me soon you two!

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Justina came to visit her brother Bryce in Orange County,

so we were able to see each other was she was passing through LA.

Of course it wasn't nearly long enough, but definitely better than nothing!

Trying to convince her to move here with me :)

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Fewf! I'm exhausted after all that. It's a miracle if you made it all the way to the end. For those of you who did, I'll leave you with a little treat...

 By far the most amazing sunset I've seen since I've lived in LA.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my very outdated summer update. There will be much more to come, so check back next week!

xx

Mallorie