Day 1 | August 13th

After a very long flight in which none of us slept very well we made it to LA. Then a short taxi ride and we were at the Doubletree Suites, Santa Monica. On the way Ashleigh commented that LA was just as she imagined it - beautiful and luxurious!




We arrived at the hotel about 2pm and all had much needed showers and a rest. Then it was time to explore our surroundings by taking a walk down to Santa Monica Pier. The weather is just beautiful, the temp is about 26 degrees and there is a lovely sea breeze.







We walked all the way to the end of the pier, taking everything and everyone in. Ashleigh was fascinated by all the sights. On the way back up the pier we stopped at Bubba-Gump Shrimp Co for a much needed drink. Corona for Scott and I and a frozen blue lemonade for Ashleigh, while we enjoyed the beach view. We also realised just how hungry we were so also decided to have an early dinner of shrimp, several different ways. It was all yummy!










We then made our way back to the hotel for a swim at Ashleigh's request - it was certainly warm enough for one. Today, Scott and Ashleigh had a swim and I just joined them in the spa pool. Only briefly as it was so hot!




We finished the day with room service dinner for Ashleigh as she didn't eat earlier and she was falling asleep as she ate then she went straight to sleep. It was about 9pm.
It was a busy afternoon but Ashleigh was so excited to finally be here and it was great to get our bearings.