Donna in Los Angeles.

Yesterday morning my mom flew back to Missouri after spending a whole week

with us (her very first trip to California!).

We went hiking in Palos Verdes (where I discovered that
Donna's fear of heights doesn't joke around. She couldn't get within
fifty feet of the fence at the top of the hill. She could hardly tolerate me
going near the edge...and so I proceeded to antagonize her by describing Ryan
and my plans to go sky-diving in the near future).
We cruised PCH up to Malibu for some delicious lunch and
a photo op on the way back, where I had the pleasure of taking a picture for a
vacationing couple (I have a sixth sense for when someone is longing to ask a stranger
to take their picture. I consider it my super-secret superhero power and my small
good deed to bestow upon the world).
We drove through Hollywood and visited the Greystone Mansion,
where a strange gothic wedding was about to take place. (The bride had black graffiti
on her dress and was wearing branches on her head like antlers. It was...interesting.) 

And I think Yoshi gained 5 lbs in doggy treats, courtesy of his pushover human Grandma.  

Plus, we reaped all of the benefits of having a mom in the house:

free housekeeping, a dedicated morning dog-walker
and freshly baked peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.

Mmmmmmm.
It was a pretty sweet week,
and now we're eagerly awaiting my mom's next visit.
And not just for the cookies
(but sort of for the cookies). 

Redondo Beach Pier and King Harbor. 

"Our" beach. That's right, it's ours.

Beautiful Palos Verdes. 

A moment on my lips, forever on my hips...

...but worth it. Soo worth it. 

Yoshi, cashing in on the extra attention (like he doesn't get enough already). 

Malibu. 

I know, I know, I'm very good looking.  

Drool-worthy garlic Parmesan fries at The Counter. 

Greystone Mansion. 

Handsome husband.