bliss like this isn't everyday

On Courtney and Rachel's final day with us, we decided to go out with a bang. Our day began at the Santa Monica Pier. 

"Smile!"

"Strike a pose!"

I *heart* my red shoes.

We visited the historic merry-go-round that is located on the pier.

After our ride, we literally walked only a few steps to have a treat at a soda fountain.

Oh, sweet bliss. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

Yum... a thousand times over.

No soda fountain is complete without an old-fashioned candy counter.

After we were all reenergized with sugar (not recommended, but it had the right effect), we walked down to the end of the pier.

My daddy used to work here at the harbor patrol.

Pigeons congregating... 

We decided to ride the ferris wheel so we could have a fabulous view of the coastline.

As soon as we started walking toward the beach and reached the sand, everyone took of their shoes (except Connor...)

The water was freezing, but Courtney didn't seem to mind.

Cora started by just throwing rocks into the waves. Eventually, she was soaking wet.

Rachel was looking out over the waves and I snapped this picture. Natural poses are so much better than staged pictures, in my opinion.

My brother who is almost six feet tall took this picture. That explains for the rather high angle...

Goodness. I love my brother. I asked him to bear with me while I took some dramatic shots of him staring off into the middle distance. With his hat, he really looks like an Indiana Jones-style adventurer. 

By the time we arrived back at home, we were exhausted, but amazingly happy. After eating In-N-Out Hamburgers for lunch, we all curled up in the living room to watch Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I had never seen it before and I was laughing so hard... Love it.

Courtney and Rachel left the next morning. I was sad to see them go, but possible plans were made for another get-together in the future. We'll have to wait and see how it all works out... 

I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends! Courtney, Rachel, and I grew closer this week and we (and Connor too!) even got to the point where we have several inside jokes that make us erupt in peals of laughter. I will always remember this week and the adventures we went on, the long talks that we had, and the rather violent games of Dutch Blitz that were played. 

It was beyond amazing.