Californ-I-A

The three of us recently got back from an extended weekend in CA. Dusty traveled to Long Beach for his annual "guys' weekend getaway" with five of his college buddies. Natalie and I rendezvoused with the wives and their children: Byranie with Micah and Elias, Kelli with Reese and Leif, and Michelle with Carson and Olivia. Imagine--7 kids under the age of 5! Needless to say, there was never a dull moment. My fav moment was hanging out with the moms on the couch, with our two stand in guys--Ben and Jerry, while all of the children were nestled all snug in their beds.

The adventure began with me forgetting a crucial item at home (I'm so thankful for my loving husband who did not get angry with me) which caused us to have to rush to the airport. We were unable to check my bag and had to empty out all of my over 3 oz. liquids, including my perfume and spray gel, before going through security. Thankfully I had Dusty and Matt, one of his buddies, to help us fly through the airport, smuggle (just kidding) my quart sized bags containing all my other liquids through security, and then gate check my luggage. Once Natty and I were on the plane, things went fine. She and I flew into Sacramento where Kelli lives. Then our two families drove to Santa Cruz where Michelle lives. Dale, Kelli's husband, rigged up a pretty shnazzy get-up for fitting three car seats in the back of a Subaru (I wish I had taken a picture.)

New buds

I loved the cool, 75 degree weather in Santa Cruz. It was funny to me, though, that we had to bundle up to go to the beach--mornings were very cool.

Reese

Byranie and Elias

Olivia, Michelle, and Carson

Munchies were a must everywhere we went!

Some beach yoga

More munchie time with Micah and Reese

First time on the beach

Leif--he likes to do things differently : )

Leif is a star, but that's not the paparazzi following him, it's Kelli : )

I'm so glad that I got to see the mommas and their little bambinos. I learned a lot from watching them interact with their little ones. I know an adventure awaits me once Natalie is mobile. I'm enjoying her just the way she is for now. Here are some pics of Natalie having a blast with a bag of diapers! And Gracie, Michelle's dog, coolly observing.






Dusty had a great time too and came back encouraged and refreshed. The house where they stayed was right on the beach and they went kayaking, played bocce ball, and had great talks about life.

It was a whirlwind of traveling this past month and we are anxious to be home for a while. We are so glad that we were able to do all that we did though.