Overall we love it. We have all 3 had breakdowns and fleeting moments of homesickness. During the fire when I was coughing from the smoke and ash I almost packed the car and drove away. The moments pass and I don't ever see us leaving this area by choice at least. If you are planning a trip to Los Angeles make sure to stop by and say Hi!  Here is a must do list of my favorite things to do in the are:

Hike Pointe Duma in Malibu

Visit El Matador state beach for one of the worlds most beautiful beaches (just get ready to hike some steep stairs)

Have lunch with your toes in the sand at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe

When you go into LA stop by the grove/farmers market. It is a touristy shopping area but soooooo fun

Of course you can not come without going to the Observatory at Griffith Park (this is where you hike to the Hollywood sign)

Hike Runyon Canyon in West Hollywood

Find the hidden swing (only use google maps) at elysian park

Museums, Museums, Museums... Natural History, The Getty, the urban light exhibit at LA County Museum of Art

Micheltorena Stairs in Silverlake

You must go to my FAVORITE Topanga Canyon. The drive there is worth the effort but eat at the Inn of the Seventh Ray stop into Hidden Treasures for unique shopping and you have to go by my favorite store Pebbles (comfy bohemian adult and kids clothes)

Eat at Yum Yum Doughnuts

When in Beverly Hills drive by the Spadena House

Stop in at the Brentwood Country mart shop at Goop

Must do drives: Mulholland and sunset blvd

Take in a rooftop movie at Melrose Cinema

Shopping where do I even begin

Pebbles, Santa Monica and Topanga Canyon my most favorite boho boutique with unique find

Venice : just skip the boardwalk and muscle beach got straight to Abbot Kinney Boulevard for an entire day of shopping and eating (Heist, Bazar, Burro, Artists & Fleas Venice, All things FABULOUS, Ananda Venice, Coutula, Guild, Grow Venice, H.O.W.L., Huset, Mystic Journey Bookstore, Principessa, Satine,The Piece Collective, The Stronghold, VARDAGEN, Velvet,

In Calabasas go to CALAKIDS and blackbird General store

Santa Monica: just any shop on any street corner

Seriously I could go on for hours but you get it the shopping is amazing