Josh and Jennifer's Excellent LA Adventure

Well...I know its been awhile coming, but alas, another update!

As most of you reading this already know, we were in Vegas visiting my brother and his family. Well, as a side trip, we decided to make a jaunt to LA to see some of Jen's old hangouts and meet her LA family and friends. I, being the good sport that I am, felt that it would be an adventure (especially since I have NEVER driven in or to LA).

Our trip into LA was pretty uneventful...mostly desert and some traffic. We did make a stop in Barstow, CA for my virgin experience with In N Out, a burger joint only found in CA and NV (and maybe AZ?). To be sure I was not quite able to know what to expect. I was pleasantly suprised to find out that this franchise is owned and operated by Christians, so all their cups and burger wrappers have bible verse references printed on the outsides. NEATO! The food too was awesome and I really enjoyed my first In N Out experience.

Back to LA...once in LA, we stopped in Westwood to check out UCLA, as they have a pretty good music program that I am checking into for a potential PhD program. We walked around the campus aimlessly, showing how touristy we are -- Ha Ha! Once finished there, we worked our way through West Hollywood (or WeHo as Jennifer has told me it is known as to locals), proudly displaying their gay pride...I could've lived without that portion. Originally we intended to stop in Hollywood to explore, but with traffic being crazy and no parking available ANYWHERE, we just drove through and caught a few sights as we went by. Finally we arrived in Burbank, Jen's CA hometown. We dined at California Pizza Kitchen --highly recommend the Teriyaki Ginger Dumplings-- and checked out some local stores. What a great downtown!! For the night we stayed with Bob and Marilyn, Jennifer's LA parents. They have a gorgeous house and are currently finishing up renovating their home. It was fun to watch Jennifer freak out at all the changes, esp. the pool. Ha! Anyway, I was able to sleep looking out at the pool and absorbing the ambiance.

In the morning, I was introduced to Village Church in Burbank. After an awesome Sunday School lesson about parenting and raising children to pass on faith and a great church service, we met up with another friend for lunch. We went to a local Cuban restaurant, which made me nervous, as it is hard for me to try new things sometimes. I was pleasantly suprised at the awesome array of food. This place had some of the best food, as well as some kick-butt desserts. Their cakes are absolutely awesome. You name it - they make it. Wow!

Any way, we finally took off back to the LV. I was very happy to have taken this journey with Jennifer. It helped me to put faces with names and get points of reference for people in her life. It just makes me so glad to have her in my life and to see how people see her beauty as well.

Well...it is awfully late for me and I am tired of writing. Sorry...more will be happening tomorrow!

Josh