80 Degrees in January

Oh, to live in California...those people really have it figured out ;)

First off, let me show you what we've been dealing with here in the Salt Lake Valley:

 

Yes, the sunset is pretty, but filling the valley is the inversion a.k.a. POLLUTION! Some days it is so bad that you can hardly even see the buildings in downtown. Luckily we have a nice view of the city, and I like to think we live above the nasty air and that I am not damaging my lungs with every breath (sure, sure...)

 

Needless to say, we were so excited to leave the cold and pollution. We headed from our snowy mountains to beautiful, summery L.A. for Martin Luther King weekend. David's cousin, Rachel, was getting married and we were thrilled to be able to attend. We flew out on Friday morning to L.A. and met up with a ton of the family for lunch before heading to the Los Angeles Temple for their sealing in the afternoon. 

Isn't this temple just gorgeous? It really meant a lot to us to go to a marriage sealing in this temple because it is where my parents, David's parents and grandparents, as well as many other family members were sealed. How neat is that?!

David and me outside the temple:

 

 

Here is a picture of the lovely couple. Rachel and Jared looked stunning!

After the temple, we all headed to a Mexican restaurant where they held a fun and delicious dinner for the family and friends who were at the wedding. Then we drove 3 hours to Santa Maria, where David's grandparents and cousins live. The reception was on Saturday night at a beautiful country club. With a fabulous dinner (including the infamous Santa Maria tri-tip), an assortment of desserts, great speeches, and dancing, I'd say the evening was a huge success! We had an absolute blast!

I had a blast dancing with the cute little girls! Here I am with Lola:

I also loved playing with this sweet baby, Georgia, all weekend:

Sunday included going to church, eating a delicious family dinner and the leftover desserts (from the above picture at the reception), sitting around visiting, and playing fun card games. 

Monday came too soon, and before we knew it we had to head back to L.A. to go home. I just love taking off over the ocean (even though I get more scared of flying the older I get, even after flying SO much in my life...weird, I know)

 Luckily we all flew back to Salt Lake together, so the party continued a bit longer. We had an absolute blast celebrating with Rachel and Jared and being with family! Thank you to everyone who fed us, housed us and spoiled us all weekend!

Back row: Me, David & cousin Becca (the bride's sister)

Front row: Jessie, Jen & Daniel