California

We've just spent the last two weeks in California and I'm going to attempt to sum it all up in one blog post! :)

July 14-15 ~ Although our flight was scheduled for the morning of the 14th, we didn't actually make it to California until very late on the 15th after spending the night at a less-than-savory hotel in Detroit near the airport.  After arriving we rented our little SUV and drove north to Arroyo Grande, arriving at our hotel at about 2am after two very long days.  The girls were great troopers, hanging in there throughout the whole thing.  That's the very long story short!

We found all sorts of ways to pass the time in the airport.  A favorite was the moving sidewalk.

Also looking at the planes...

Swinging...

Hugging...

And just sitting around waiting!

July 16 ~ Today we were able to spend time with our dear friends from Hong Kong, Jason, Christine, Josiah and Annette Paine, and our other friends who live in Nipomo, Jay, Rhiannon, Nayeli, Eliora and Brielle Schmidt.  We met at a park and played for a couple of hours and then went back to the Schmidts' for dinner.  Our visit was all too brief, but it was fun to catch up.

We enjoyed a nice visit with Gramps before heading to the park.

The guys and their kids.  They've come a long way since kindergarten!

Getting a picture of all the kids is always a challenge!

Getting all squeaky clean for the big day tomorrow!

July 17 ~ Today was Beckie and Aaron's second wedding or Commitment Ceremony.  It was a very hot day, but the ceremony took place in a beautiful shady area out at camp.  We took a carriage ride out to the site, the girls scattered lavender, and Alan gave a great little homily about marriage.  My dad was able to come and help us out with the girls.  The bride was beautiful, the groom beaming from ear to ear, the tri-tip was delicious and the dancing fun.  By the end of the day we were so ready for bed!

Windy!

July 18 ~ Today we drove back down south to my Grandmother and Pa's house in Newport Beach where we stayed for several days enjoying some family time till Alan had to leave on the 20th.

Grandmother and Pa took us to Ruby's on the pier on Alan's last night

July 21-28 ~ The girls and I stayed in California for another week so we could be in town for my Grandma Jo's 80th birthday celebration with lots of family from all over the country that we don't often get to see.  The days we weren't planning the party we lounged around the pool and our friends came to us!  On the 23rd we had a lovely visit from Meghan Lake and her daughter Annabelle, and Leah Geisert and her son Ezekiel.  In the meantime I also fell head over heels for a place called Yogurtland ;-).

Adeline became quite the brave swimmer during our week at Grandmother's.  By the end of our visit she would hold onto the side and go around and around the pool all by herself!

 July 25 ~ Grandma Jo's 80th Birthday Celebration!

July 27 ~ Our last day in California we met Meghan and Annabelle at the Irvine Spectrum to see Horton Hears a Who (for free! :), have some lunch and play in the fountains.

So silly :)

What visit is complete without a trip to Target?

We had a great extra week in California, but we were ready to head home and see Daddy.  Last night at Grandmother's.  Flying out in the morning! =)