Since my first blog post EVER was April 16, 2010, and since I'm stuck home with nothing to do (really) but reminisce, I'm going to continue to share memories of pre-blogging days. This one from our weekend in L.A. was truly unforgettable. The images and verbiage are from an email I sent out, directly after our amazing getaway 11½ years ago.

In April of 2008, Steve, the boys and I went to LA for a very eclectic weekend.
"Welcome to the 13th Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the country’s largest celebration of the written word. For one weekend in April, people who love books will gather with people who love to write, publish and sell books. And, there’s nothing like it anywhere."

• 140,000 attendees
• 450+ authors
• 300+ exhibitors
• 900+ volunteers
• 100+ author panels
• 6 outdoor stages
• 2 children’s areas

A highlight for us was meeting Dr. Laura Schlessinger. We enjoyed listening to her discuss her life and work. She then answered questions from the audience like she does on her radio show.  Afterwards, we went to her book signing and I delighted in talking with her and meeting her husband, Lou.  Nice experience for all of us.
The Festival was held on the campus of UCLA (1919). Two years later, it moved to USC. It was a spectacular place to spend a day. WOW.
After a day of exploring for hours in 90+ weather, we found ourselves delighting in the hotel pool. At 8:15 PM we headed to Santa Monica and the Third Street Promenade for dinner and a 10:15 PM movie.  For those who know me well... what a shocker.  No one could believe I was going to such a late movie.  It was Harold & Kumar 2:  Escape from Guantanamo Bay- a raunchy male movie but a hoot none-the-less and we thoroughly delighted in the evening out and about. We even think one of the film's stars, Neal Patrick Harris, snuck into the theater and watched the film, incognito, in the front row.
Our last stop was at the J. Paul Getty Museum. This amazing place seeks to further knowledge of the visual arts and to nurture critical seeing by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting works of art of the highest quality. To fulfill its mission, the Museum continues to develop its collection through purchase and gifts, complementing its impact through special exhibitions, publications, educational programs developed for a wide range of audiences, and a related performing arts program.
This return to LA, with my boys in tow, has brought back some wonderful memories. I hope you enjoyed the flashback with me.