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Saturday, April 21, 2012

SANTA MONICA BEACH

The talk of the week around town was that this weekend was going to be absolutely amazing. To be honest, it is quite beautiful outside - high 70s, sunny, light winds, just another California day. Amanda was eager to spend the day outside and Sylvie is always up for a trip to the beach. So as I said above, high 70s, sunny, light winds...you'd think the beach would be the ideal place to spend the day. Though as we crept along the I-10 West to Santa Monica, we noticed the marine layer getting ever so thicker and thicker and thicker. Until we finally arrived at the Annenberg Beach House to find a cold, dreary, windy beach day. People were using their towels as an extra layer, sweaters and sweatshirts, sweatpants, anything within reach to keep...well...warm. We couldn't believe it. We were duped by the weather system! With that said, I'm still glad we went. I think there is a maturity and beauty in Sylvie that came out today that I haven't photographed before. She was a movie star, channeling the golden era of Hollywood or something. So to share these with you makes me very proud. I hope you agree. Love the colors.

Doheny between Sunset and Santa Monica
Santa Monica Beach

Monday, April 9, 2012

PASSOVER/EASTER WEEKEND - OJAI, CA

"I'm so glad you are awake, because I missed you while you were sleeping." I just came up with that one!

Sylvie was finally daddy's little girl. We went swimming, watched Beauty and the Beast, two dozen Dora's, played hide and seek in the room, went on nature hikes, explored the property, horse and buggy ride, we basically did everything you could possibly do.

We began our adventure Friday morning when we went with Amanda to work for an hour. While she was off giving a tour, Sylvie and I had breakfast at Piknic, played in the park at Century Plaza Towers, and looked at some great architecture photography. We were on the road by ten after ten and to the Camarillo outlets by eleven. Amanda scored a suit, while I cleaned up at Theory. Sylvie got a pink pair of Joe's jeans.

After putting our stuff in the room, we immediately settled in at the pool, Sylvie in her cute two piece. We had dinner at Joe's Pub and Sylvie fell asleep in our bed. Saturday was more of the same, great chairs at the pool, chicken fingers, and a carriage ride. Syl fell asleep back at the room and I caught up on some work while Amanda went to work out. After learning that Sea Fresh was closed do to construction, we had dinner at Agave Maria on the patio instead, Sylvie immersed in her Disney Princesses, frozen yogurt afterwards and late night movies in the room.

Sunday came and we planted ourselves back at the pool. We submitted to the Easter Egg Hunt while all the other kids dressed in their Sunday's best, Sylvie the only one in a swimsuit. Guess getting written in the book of life will have to wait another year. We packed up and hit the road home, another quick stop at the outlets where I got some New Balance gear, and Sylvie woke up to a surprise four piece set of Mermaids from the Disney Store. Hearing her say her little words in amazement at what she received was worth the twenty bucks!

It was a great trip and we can't wait to go back again soon. Canon 5D Mark II and Fujifilm X100 captured the weekend. Amanda took some good ones too, she's learning the trade. Until we meet again Ojai, xx.

The view from Room 751, our favorite spot on the property.
Fun at the pool.
The Details.
Only took me half an hour to get this shot!
Amanda on the phone with Susu while Sylvie explores.
Amanda took these two - she's getting good.
Love the light on this one - backlit by a flame that cast nice light in the next photo on Sylvie.