I had a great Easter week visiting California. It started out visiting friends in Laguna Beach, and having dinner at a pier at the ocean. The next morning we headed up to Los Angels and had dinner at our favorite restaurant, Marias Italian Kitchen owned by a friend.  I had the pasta with broccoli and chicken.  My mom had what she calls “Heavenly Raviolis”  because the pasta is so thin and light and the puff of ricotta is like a heavenly cloud!  Maria’s also brings a basket of the most delicious rosemary bread with dipping oil…it’s to die for.  We met the owner at the UCLA Early  Intervention Program for  Handicapped Children in 1991. Her son Max was in my program. He became a friend of mine. He went to heaven many years ago. I miss seeing him.

 A few times we had acai bowls for lunch.  Once was at a courtyard in Malibu.  There is a large sand area with swing sets in the center of the courtyard.  My parents used to bring us there the we were very young.  If you have never had an Acai bowl…you should try it.  It’s a blend of frozen Acai and other fruit or juice.  Mine had bananas, strawberries and blueberries and granola on top.  Not only refreshing, but good for you! It was fun hanging with my sister!

It was a scenic drive with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, and a beautiful sunny day.  On Good Friday we met one of my sister’s friends, who prayed with us. It was very peaceful.  At night we had the most fun at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach. I would recommend that if you want to laugh until your belly hurts. Ten professional comedians perform ~ and they are amazing! Some of them you may have seen on TV. 

On Easter Sunday we attended service at Bel Air Presbyterian. It’s always so beautiful. The backdrop to the left of the altar is all glass with spectacular views and from their back patio there is a view of the San Fernando Valley. 

Then we were off to visit my Godparents and family who are truly my extended family. There were 23 of us! The food was great especially Tony’s famous meatballs! My mom made an “Easter/Birthday” cake and we sang Happy Birthday six times! The cake sat in our warm car during the church service and then took a long ride to Tony’s.  It was funny because it was bumping and sliding and sunk a bit, but was still as yummy as ever! The eight grandchildren had a blast on the egg hunt and then a swim in the pool. It was a fun day!

One day when my mom was busy, my dad and I visited Santa Monica Airport because he loves planes! On the last day we had lunch at the “Grove” which is a beautiful outdoor shopping experience!  OH! We also drove by the hospital where I was born. My parents said it the renovations makes it look a bit different than when I was there! Lastly, we made a couple of stops at Stan’s Donuts ~ Best Donuts Anywhere! If it sounds like this trip revolved around food ~ You are absolutely right ! Of course I love our family and friends too!