Home at last

Well, we are home from our second week of traveling. This week included lots of togetherness time (i.e., lots of car time!) and a lot of time with family. It was nice for us to have time to get caught up after all the busyness around here, and of course we always enjoy seeing family.

I took tons of pictures, so hopefully this isn't picture overload!

Our first stop was in Santa Monica to see Gunnar's older brother Mark. We walked around downtown. I think it was actually Brentwood. We ended up getting sandwiches at Whole Foods. Mark bought me some organic, no animal product lotion, which was exciting, since I never try new lotion. I am not sure that it is as wonderful as Aveeno, the best lotion ever, but it was nice. Grace loves it, especially the nice minty scent.


The first night we stopped in Camarillo. Our hotel was right next to the outlet malls, so Grace and I enjoyed shopping while Gunnar stayed at the hotel and took a nap.


Monday morning we continued our drive. We stopped in Santa Barbara on the way for some Starbucks.


Grace LOVES Starbucks...just look at that face! (P.S. For the record, we do not give her any caffeinated drinks. Her favorite order is a "short water" and a croissant.)



Monday evening we arrived at my grandparents house. We hung around there that evening and all day Tuesday. Grace loved petting the dogs (Dot and Willie) and horses.


One of the things I love about my grandparents house is there is always something to do. We played with the tractor.


Grace rode on the rocking horse, which she loved!



At my parents house last week Grace learned how to play "hide and seek." She has yet to master her hiding techniques...but for now we will enjoy the ease and humor of finding her in various unconventional locations!


Do you see a pattern here?

Hum, back outside again, to play on the tractor some more and to check out the horses.






My Uncle Russell Bbq some steak and chicken for dinner, it was delicious.
Wednesday we got a late start, so we hung around Pismo Beach until around noon when my parents showed up. They bought pizza and we had a "pizza party." At least that is what Grace said.

After lunch and a nap we headed over to my aunts house where my cousin and Maria had just arrived. Grace was very excited to be reunited with Tia once again.

She also enjoyed seeing her second cousins (my cousins kids).
She and Lucy are only a few months apart. She was most excited about holding baby Esther. Grace LOVES babies, so holding one was a real treat.

My cousins and family were in town for my mom's family reunion. Unfortunately, we missed most of the reunion as we had to leave early becuase Gunnar had to be back for a wedding.

Thursday morning, on our way out of town we stopped by my grandparents house again. My Grandpa and Uncle were doing some work on part of the roof, so we only stayed for a bit.

We were there just long enough for Grace to pet the dogs again, and to pick some of grandma's flowers.
For those who don't know, my grandma has had cancer. She just finished her chimo a couple months ago, and this was the first time we have been up to see her in a while. She really enjoyed seeing Grace and seemed really happy we made it up.

Overall, we had a great trip, exhausting but fun. Now we just have to rest up and get back in the swing of things around here!