Good morning from SoCal! We are here for the remainder of the week and are soaking up all the sunshine, the home-cooked food, and the FAMILY TIME.

This is probably going to be a small photo dump since the baby will likely be waking up soon and the day will get rollin’.

So here we go.

Before we left, we got to participate in the annual Easter egg hunt in Bennett Park.

It’s been going strong for four years. This is our third year in attendance. And, every year, it’s been so dang cold. But it’s so fun watching the community come together. I love our little neighborhood so much.

The flight to California wasn’t too bad. The baby slept for a grand total of 20 minutes. The big kid didn’t sleep at all. But it was relatively smooth (both in terms of turbulence and tantrums). So, I’ll call that a win.

We were met with lots of hugs and kisses. And yummy home-cooked food.

It didn’t take long for Ishu to settle in, per usual. I can’t even explain to you how happy this kid is when he’s around his family. He just comes ALIVE in a different kinda way.

Riyu got to meet his AurNanu and Super Nani for the first time. And, he’s a fan. (But he’s following in his brothers footsteps in that he’s got big heart eyes for his Aishu Didi).

We’ve been getting to enjoy the sunsets. I’ve forgotten how happy my heart feels when I’m outside, watching the sun dip into the ocean, the sky turning a pink-ish purple.

Of course, the sunsets in Chicago are beautiful too. We just don’t see them most of the time because we’re back in our apartment and surrounded by buildings.

Mom and Dad flew down from NorCal yesterday. And Dadi walked into the house, took off her coat, and went to work. She got all four kids wrapped around her finger instantly.

And, last but definitely not least, I needed to snap a picture of our evening. Ishu managed to get all grandparents to sit down and play a game. (And if you know my papa, you know that it’s a big deal that he sat down to PLAY a card game. I don’t think this has ever happened in my lifetime).

He was teaching everybody the rules. Making them laugh so hard. This was a core memory for me FOR SURE. I love this kid so much. He truly becomes the best version of himself when he’s around his family. (And he, in turn, helps the family become the best version of themselves. I loved seeing both mamas and papas be so silly and playful last night).

OKAY. That’s it for now.

Baby’s still sleeping so I’m going to go make my coffee and read by the fire!

I LOVE IT HERE.