Bakery, butterflies, and broadway

Tuesday of our vacation was one big ball of fun up in LA. We got up there in half the time since we went after rush hour on a weekday. I wish we'd always have this kind of travel time whenever we go north.

First we went to Portos for lunch. The timing was perfect because we managed to grab a parking spot out front. In the past we’ve always had to circle the block a few times to find a space despite the large lot in the back.




There was so much gorgeous food inside. If we lived closer I’d seriously come here at least once a week.























Cody had the steak torta sandwich (strips of grilled steak with guacamole, black bean spread, cotija cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes on a French roll) and a mango smoothie.








I had a turkey croissant sandwich (turkey, Swiss cheese, mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes on a butter croissant). Simple, but utterly perfect.





Afterward we got some cream cheese rolls and guava and cream cheese strudel to go so we could snack throughout the day as we ran around town.








Then it was off to the Natural History Museum.




I thought we were just going to wander around for a bit to cool off and possibly see Thomas or some other exhibits. What my wonderful husband failed to tell me was that the Pavilion of Wings was also open!





It was such a great surprise. We spent about two hours inside admiring all the butterflies, moths, and flowers.
























































By the time we made it inside the museum we only had 45 minutes left before closing, so we rushed through to our exhibits of choice and only stopped to take a couple photos.














On the way out we saw this guy grab a snack from a local picnic and scamper up a tree. So funny and so cute.





My kindergarten told me there weren't such things as purple trees. Oh yeah? What do you call these?





And the grand finale of our day, Wicked at the Pantages








We even got to see Steven Schwartz's star directly outside the theater. Totally appropriate that night since he was the composer and lyricist for Wicked.




The theater was completely packed. Surprising since it was a weeknight.




But the show was absolutely amazing. Cody and I were singing the whole way home.