Can I just tell you how wonderful it is to jump in a car and just drive and end up somewhere magical, or at least magical to me? I loved Pennsylvania. In fact I miss it all the time. It was beautiful there. I loved being close to so many historic sights and seeing something new around almost ever corner. I loved it. But, I. Missed. My. Family. Having to wait months and months and then get on a plane to visit just to say goodbye again after too short a time and then wait months and months before seeing them again is just not so fabulous. But knowing I can get in a car on a whim and drive is heaven on earth!
This last weekend we joined my momma (Grammy) and Gary (Pappy) to visit my sister, Ashley and her family in California. We didn't do anything fancy or really touristy; just visited and did everyday things. It was perfect and it was nice to escape the HOT weather in Vegas.
We left Friday afternoon and arrived just in time for a yummy Indian inspired dinner and a nite cap. On Saturday morning we went garage selling and later left the kids with the dads to go swimming and the girls went shopping. After lunch we sent the boys off for a round of golf and then headed to the park to watch a play and eat dinner.
Apparently Ryan really can't get enough of the beach.
Fairy Tales in the Park
After the play was over we were going to go meet up with the boys for dinner but instead stayed at the park because there was a church group there who were sharing a free BBQ dinner to anyone who wanted it. The BBQ chicken was so yummy and the best part was that it was free. The kids also got to jump in the bouncy house and play at the playground.
Tay went down this slide over and over again.
After dinner we headed over to the ball field and joined Ashley's ward to play softball. The boys played first and then later the girls played. Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures of us girls because we had sent the kids home with the men to put them to sleep, but let me tell you, we had so much fun. (I almost forgot how much I love playing softball.)
Ryan
Pappy
Carter liked playing in all the dirt.
Sunday was a quiet day. We went to church and hung around the house. Later in the evening though we drove down to Santa Monica so Ashely could take some photos of my little family. She is so talented and although the boys were not very cooperative I think we got some great shots. It probably didn't help that while shooting under the pier a big wave surprised us and got us wet. The boys, especially Carter didn't like the sand that came with the water making him a bit uncomfortable. Still, for being grumpy, we did get a few smiles out of him.
That evening, we took the kids to Malibu to have a sleep-over with Grammy and Pappy. Gary's mom and sister live in Paradise Cove in Malibu and we love that they let us come and visit them. Kam stayed over as well so he and Gary could go golfing in the morning.
The next morning, Monday, Ashely and I did a little shopping and then headed to Malibu to play at the beach. It was fairly cold and overcast at the beach so we didn't do any swimming but we did build lots of sand castles, dug holes and just relaxed in the sand. That evening we had a big dinner together before heading back to Simi.
K draped herself in seaweed so she could be the Sea Witch.
On Tuesday, I began the day taking Ashley's Body Pump class at 24 hour Fitness. I tell you, this girl is amazing. She not only kicks your but but makes it fun at the same time. I wish I could take her classes all the time. Ryan even joined in for his first time ever and I think even he got his butt kicked!
After the gym, we loaded in the car, picked up some awesome sandwiches from an Italian deli in Agoura and then headed to Malibu for more time at the beach.
Tay ate lots and lots of sand.
We had to leave on Wednesday, but before going we swam at the pool and got in some last minute playing time with our Cousins. It really is a blessing that they play so well together and love each other so much. My heart is full!
