a midweek road trip

Last week's road trip meant time well spent with my family, soaking up the sun in LA and Orange County. Our day started at the bustling Santa Monica Pier, then we headed to Downtown Disney to do some shopping, and eventually we made our way to Irvine Spectrum Center for dinner. It was a whirlwind (as usual), and I didn't take too many photos to share here or on social media. Instead, I just tried to stay present and savor the experience. My favorite memories from the trip are: playing the license plate game to stave off the boredom of being stuck in traffic, collecting rocks and shells along the shoreline with my sister, and leaving my nephew in the dust during our Asphalt 9: Legends face-off at the arcade!

a sun-soaked day at the pier | you couldn't miss the giant Aladdin Lego display just overhead | items collected along the seashore | a neon sign at Hello Kitty Cafe (the sign actually says "hot donuts")