Ellen's Baby Shower & Mother's Day in OC

Traveling across the country at 30 weeks pregnant is no easy feat (especially in the middle of a pandemic and escrow!), but a weekend full of celebrating some incredible women, in an outrageously beautiful place, was easily worth it.

A huge shout out to Matt who held down the fort and had a great time with Lydia and Luke while I was away!! He took them to the zoo one day, Virginia Beach the next, and Zac and Whitney's house for cousin time the following. Love that they got to spend so much time together and had fun!

Sarah, Ellen, Mom and I haven't been all together for a girls trip in years. Maybe ever? We can't remember. But we made up for lost time by doing OC right and renting a convertible to kick off the weekend! Good call S!

The best part was when we got lost (after screaming down the PCH with the top down) and navigation had us turn around at the beach. I mean.

The main event was Ellen's baby shower! Her first baby is coming in October and we can't wait to meet him. It's so exciting to finally be getting a Wleklinski cousin!! Sarah and I spent a few weeks planning / texting / organizing the shower and it all came together so easily. The icing on the cake was that Stacy drove down (she lives 1.5 hrs away) and spent the day with us too!

And after a couple hours of celebrations, meeting some of her OC friends, and chatting with her super cute in-laws, the group split up for dinners at different parts of town. Of course we took the convertible. 

The next day was Mothers's Day! It's so rare to actually be with my mom and sisters on Mother's Day, so it felt really special - especially because it was Ellen's first Mother's Day! The morning started with a little gift exchange (including some adorable artwork that Lydia made for Grandma Trudy, a gorgeous Lululemon bag from Sarah and a hand-made blanket for Baby Girl from Ellen) (thank you sissies!!) Matt and the kids did an early Mother's Day celebration with me before the trip so I felt thoroughly celebrated. 

And then we were off to brunch! Ellen chose a restaurant in Laguna Beach that had the best view of the coast.

After brunch and a quick nap at home (hello third trimester!) we headed to Newport Beach. None of us had been Duffy Boating before but we'd heard about it - and it completely exceeded our (already high) expectations. Corey was a great boat driver for our 1.5 hr cruise around Balboa Island and the harbor, snacking on fruit and charcuterie, listening to music, and oohing and aahing at the over-the-top homes and yachts. We kept saying it felt like we were in Italy or Switzerland!

Our home for the weekend was a beachfront Airbnb in Dana Point that Ellen picked out. We decided it won the award for  best view/yard of any rental we've ever had - you couldn't have been any closer to the waves - but the worst showers! Watching sunset from the patio and sitting around the umbrella table talking over the roar of the waves was magical. 

And Ellen suggested we take a quick stop to see the Newport Beach Temple. Always a good idea.

When can we start planning the next girls weekend?!

And, some pictures Matt sent from the fun weekend he had with the kids. :)

The cutest, sleepiest welcome committee came to pick me up at the airport. :) Perfect end to the weekend!