Friendly Weekend

This week I was in Los Angeles for a few days shooting a TV spot.  I hate being away from the kids, but at the same time I kind of loved being on the shoot.  It is always really fun to be behind the scenes on set, seeing how all the movie (or in this case advertising) magic comes to life.  Also, as the "client" the creative ad agency and production company are highly attentive, with Starbucks in the morning and fancy dinners at night.  Throw in some lovely hot weather and a hotel across the street from the beach in Santa Monica, and its not a bad way to spend a week!

I got back to a sweet Welcome Home sign from the kids, and a newly opened pool.  Yep, May 2nd!  We don't want to miss any random days of pool-weather that May might bring, pool season is always so short in the Midwest.  While I was away Luke experienced his first ever sleepover without Matt or I.  He stayed overnight at Grandma and Grandpa Baranko's house and he did great!  No problems whatsoever and he says he wants to do it again:)  So sweet.  It was a good thing I got back from LA on time, as we had a full weekend of seeing friends and managed to sneak in a trip to Lamb's Farm to boot.  Saturday I went down to the city to have a scrumptious outdoor cafe style lunch with my friend Alice.  Then Sunday we actually had a playdate with our new neighbors down the street.  They seem really awesome, and their son Jack is exactly the same age (and has exactly the same personality) as Luke!  They also have a 7 month old son who is laid back like Claire.  We're so happy to have more young families on our street.

view from my hotel

Toasting our spot

Those are actual gold flecks on my scallop sushi dish.

That's Luke!

Matt sent this pic to me on his Daddy/Daughter date one of the nights I was gone, the night of Luke's sleepover.

Iso sent me this one one day of my wild child

Lamb's Farm

Tonya & Justin's house for dinner.  Cute to see the two Dads helping the two little guys.

Drew and Lukers

Taylor

Lest anyone thinks she never cries, had to get some "real life" in here too!  She is in that long-standing phase where the only way she feels like she can get what she wants is by crying immediately. 

At Luke's school art show.  Luke didn't want to go in at first so we went to the playground first and then took turns  going in to view his art.

First pool day, May 8!

Eating al fresco.  Iso ingeniously sets Claire up like this so she can't accidentally fall backwards, but still gets to be a part of the big kid picnic.  

We had a hot day one day…the kids weren't used to warmth!

blowing kisses

She also knows where her mouth, eyes, ears and nose are and will point to them for you.  

Climbing the couch is one of Luke's part time jobs.

so…..hot….

love those rosy cheeks