Whirlwind California Vacation

This photo journal captures a small amount of the very strong and good feelings this trip gave us. We saw so many loved ones and wish we could have seen more. Hurray for family. This was a fulfilling, rejuvenating vacation.

#1 Hotel Room, Blythe

#2 On The Drive, Palm Springs area

#3 Garden, Culver City

#4 BBQ, Santa Monica

#5 Hike, Malibu Creek State Park

#6 Three Generations

Missed getting a photo with my brother Brad, who stopped in at Mom and Dad's house briefly. Can't believe how many siblings we got to see this trip.

#7 Brentwood. My daughter asked me today if we could go to Aunt Erika's. "Wouldn't that be fun, Mom?" Oh, if only it were that easy.

#8 Children's Museum, Stockton

#9 Aunt Paula's House, Nail Painting, and U-pick Cherries

#10 Our stop in Fresno to visit our new nephew and to swim in Uncle Rusty's pool.

#11 A Peaceful Property and Grandparents to Share the Morning With, Bear Valley Springs

#12 Neglected to photograph our stop at Aunt Marcy's house, a few hours of good conversation and a sample of delicious homemade cookies.

#13 My great niece and my son. Two-days apart in age; they seem to know each other. Santa Monica.

Last day of our trip spent, of course, in the yard.

Snow

The best meatloaf I ever had was on a snow trip with my family when I was young. It was still warm and just hit the spot. I don't really like meatloaf, but it was memorable.

Anyhow, last week, we finally took the children up the mountain to see some snow. It was a stellar day. We've been talking about it all week, what we did (sledding on a trash bag. Not me. Somehow being nine months pregnant that didn't appeal to me. So I took pictures.), getting in warm clothes and blankies for the ride home, that we want to go again next year (with a real sled, my son says). How do you describe something that was just right for your family? It was just that perfect of a day.

I loved seeing everyone's smiles. I loved getting out of the desert for a bit. It was beautiful and rejuvenating.