August trip to California

We were going to meet Mom & Dad at Yosemite to camp together at the housekeeping cabins, but they went a couple of weeks beforehand and called to say it was really hot and really dry with hardly any waterfall activity. That didn't sound too fun, so we opted to go to Mom & Dad's house instead. Honestly, it was a more relaxing option and I was kinda glad. ;-) ... It took the boys a little longer to adjust to not going to Yosemite after our big buildup (getting library books about it, talking about it, planning for it, etc.) They were very happy to get to go to Gma & Gpa's house though and were excited to see Anders, Lars, and Oliver! Having the Jensen's right next door is so fun and it's great for the kids to have ready-made playmates right there.

...And we're off! We made good time and got off Friday afternoon.

 

Truck stop leg-stretching.

 

Did you know that in Baker, CA there is the world's largest thermometer?? We walked over it after lunch and it made a big impression on the boys. Garrett thanked me profusely for taking him to see it, so I think we hit a nail on the head. ;-)

 

A dust storm was blowing in, making it all the more adventurous...

 

Yay! In 'n Out!

 

We're at Gma & Gpa's!

 

Jim showed the boys how to whittle, using some of Poppa's old pocket knives.

 

We had a nice "wittle" fire in the driveway and Gpa let the boys tear up some old chairs to use in the fire!

 

It was nice to see Lars and Wade enjoying time together and connecting for the first time now that they were at an age to notice each other better.

Garrett got to join Gpa and Anders at Granada's boys adventure night. There he is playing hockey. I was happy to hear him say later that he just did his best and that's all he could do.

 

It was so nice to have brunch with Grammy and Poppa!

 

Poppa showing Wyatt the pocket knife he is giving Wyatt (which we'll pull out at the appropriate age). It's SO nice of Poppa to share them with the boys - they are super excited!

 

Holding the pocket knives together.

 

Mom made some amazing cupcakes that were something I could eat!! Oh. My. They were good. Thanks Mom!

 

Mom had a "Teddy Bear Picnic" with the boys. They sat for probably 5 minutes and then were off to kill ants, etc. Such boys!

 

We got to go to Nick's Pizza, Jim's all-time favorite pizza place!

 

 

and then had a day riding the ferry to Balboa Island and back, riding the Ferris wheel, playing at Newport Beach, and having dinner at the Crab Cooker. Fun!

 

One really enjoyable activity was helping GG create a restful, pretty space in her backyard with Mom.

 

And saying goodbye...What a fun time we had!