Now that we've been living in Orange County for about a month, I am beginning to really love this area. Every day is an adventure because we always discover something new to get into. The most exciting part is knowing we haven't even discovered 90 percent of the amazing things Southern California has to offer.

I'm getting married in October and I have 13 bridesmaids. Yes, I know that's a lot. Aesthetically, I should have like 5, but I've never been one to follow rules made up by someone I don't even know. What makes me feel good is knowing that all the people I love will be there with me.

Now back to Crystal Cove in Laguna Beach. I'm lucky that two of my friends from Ohio have been living in California for about four or five years now. We all enjoy working out and doing outdoor activities. So my little family and my two friends Crystal and Kristina decided to brave the popular Crystal Cove hike together. It has 8 different paths and some of them run approximately two hours long one-way. It was a serious work out, especially taking my five year old daughter. Having to carry her on my back periodically really added some weight to those uphill climbs. I love being active and living an active lifestyle. Living in Cali makes that so much easier. Usually in Ohio I have to go to the gym in the winter because it's too cold to do anything outside. I love the fact that we can continue to ride bikes, go on hikes and just take a walk all year around. Amirah really made me proud on our walk. She had moments when she wanted to give up. I felt really proud being able to tell her to, "Slow down, but never stop when you feel like giving up." I know she will remember the things I say, but the things I do are far more important such as seeing that everyone was tired, everyone was out of breath and ready to sit down, but nobody stopped, nobody gave up and we all finished together (except Crystal because she ran ahead of us). I'm really starting to enjoy my stay here and hope to make more beautiful memories with my family. Crystal Cove is definitely going on our list of regular places to visit. We just need to find somewhere else to park because $15 is a little ridiculous.