Tuesday, August 02, 2016

a quick trip to California

Mike and the boys and I headed west last week, and we didn't stop until we reached the coast. I have two brothers and my grandparents still in southern California, where I grew up, and it was high time we had a visit. Since all of the girls were in Utah for granddaughter's week, the boys had the run of things.


Cousin Henry, visiting from Massachusettes, showed us his muscles. Cousin David showed these out-of-towners how to dig.


That's my oldest brother, Elliott, in the background. (He lives in Massachusetts.) I don't think Oliver came up for air once he had that boogie board in his hands. He also tried surfing (thanks to my patient brother, Matt) and it makes me wonder what he would be like if he was able to do these things more often. I don't think I've ever seen him smile so big.



One night, we all got together at my brother, Matt's house and celebrated my beautiful grandmother's 86th birthday with my sister-in-law's fresh peach cake.


And then the next night, we went to my grandma's cozy house, one of my favorite places to be.


My brother, Elliott, and his wife, Ginger, and their youngest, Henry, were there with us. Album Surf shirts are sort of the family uniform.


My grandpa was there too, of course. There were lots of old photos to look at and stories to tell and yummy food to eat and good company to enjoy.


It was a quick trip, but I got to see the ocean, laugh with all three of my brothers at the same time, hug my grandparents, drive by the house I grew up in, and eat a veggie burger at Ruby's! A success all around, I'd say.

6 comments:

  1. Your photos are wonderful :) Looks like such a great trip. All of my grandparents, except for one grandma who died when I was 7, were long gone before I was born because they were born in the late 1800s. My Mom however is 86 and my Dad is 91 this year. Your Grandma is beautiful and looks so vibrant. My Mom used to be that way but unfortunately has had Alzheimers for the past 8 years. Have to cherish every second and I can tell you always do. Love and blessings to you and your sweet family.
    Linda in Illinois.

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  2. Where do your grandparents live? I love their house. :)

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    1. They live in Orange, California. I love their house, too. :)

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  3. I love your red sandals! What's the brand or where did you get them?

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    1. thanks, Becky! they are salt water sandals. I got them from eBay many years ago, but they are just about everywhere these days. I'd try amazon or zappos.

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