That's Amore!

Megan got to be in nostalgia land today as we explored LA. We began the morning with a wonderful breakfast made by Lawrence (thanks Lawrence!). Then Lindsey, Lawrence and us went do to the 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica to walk around and explore. 3rd St. is a pedestrian-only block lined with shops and restaurants. Megs finally got her Coffee Bean fix (Coffee Bean is a coffee shop that's only down here and she has definitely missed it!). James found some nice shoes. We had fun watching the crazy performers along the street as well. It was a fun time.

Then the four of us headed up north on Pacific Coast Hwy to visit Pepperdine. The school looks great and just as Megan remembers it except for a little bit of construction. We also visited some new areas of campus including the Heroes Garden that Pepperdine designed in memory of the 9/11. After Pepperdine, we headed further up north along the coast to Paradise Cove. We lucked out finding a table outside in the beach part of the cafe and ordered beers and shrimp cocktail. With our feet in the sand, yummy refreshments and great company, we couldn't have been happier. It was a beautiful day at the beach.

Tonight we went to another of Meg's favorites--a restaurant called C&O Trattoria. C&O stands for cheese and olives. It's a great italian restaurant that she frequented often with friends during college. Lindsey and Lawrence joined us as well as Elissa (Lindsey's sister), Chad (Elissa's fiancee), and Rachael (Meg's good friend from high school and college). The 7 of us had a fabulous meal and lots of wine. A tradition at C&O is for the whole restaurant to sing "That's Amore!" at various times during the meal. We included a video so you can live the experience.

After dinner and some sad goodbyes to people we won't see again on our trip :( we headed to Westwood area (by UCLA) to hang out with James' good friend Quinton Jones. Quinton was in town taking a class at UCLA. We went to Didi Reese which is a great cookies and ice cream place. You can get 3 cookies and milk for $1.50! We had a great time catching up with Quinton and enjoying the warm evening.

All in all it was another wonderful day. Does this vacation really have to end?? Tomorrow we're off to experience the magic of Disneyland!!