California Anniversary Trip

March 18th-26th

I was home from Kansas for four days, just enough time to work three shifts and co-throw a baby shower, before leaving on our next adventure, a trip to Northern (or is it Central?) California.  We flew into Sacramento and drove to Santa Cruz to spend several days with Chris' dad and stepmom.  We had a great time visiting them!  We hadn't been there for almost two years (although Keira and I had seen Chris' dad for a couple of days in August in Southern California.)  The weather there was a little chilly but the last couple of days were beautiful and the nicest it's ever been when we are there.  It was actually sunny!

Chris' dad joined us at the Monterey Bay Aquarium which was super fun.  I think I liked it better than the Denver Aquarium because it was all salt water fish and I love anything about the ocean!  Keira really enjoyed the last part in the really cool kids area.

We wouldn't be in California without taking at least a couple of trips to Trader Joe's!  (Speaking of which, in the next couple of years, we'll be getting one in Boulder AND DENVER!  I'm super excited!)

We ate delicious seafood on the Monterey Fisherman's Wharf.

This was actually the day before we left, but I'm excited, so I need to stick it in here.  Chris bought himself a new iPad 3 and surprised me with his old one!  I never imagined I'd ever have one, but he gave me a deal I couldn't pass up!  So now I'm the proud (yet somewhat embarrassed) owner of an iPad!  They are pretty cool, and I'm going to sell my laptop since I don't really use it anyway.  I also spend less time on my computer, and not that much time on my iPad so it's really convenient.  I can also easily check my e-mail wherever Keira is and we don't have to go downstairs which means she won't think to ask to watch TV shows as much.  :o)

We went to the beach a few times!!!  Not nearly warm enough for swimsuits, but fun nevertheless!

Chris' dad has become an amazing baker!  I was sooo impressed!  He was constantly baking delicious breads, rolls, and even made homemade spaghetti noodles.  He also offered to watch Keira for us so Chris and I could go out for our anniversary.  His wife, Linda, wasn't even there.  Chris and I went to a delicious seafood lunch on the Santa Cruz wharf and just walked around on the wharf a little.  It was great!  We left Keira napping and when we got back they were in the kitchen, she was wearing a much too big apron, and they were making cookies together.  It melted my heart, it was the cutest thing ever!  Keira is so blessed to have grandparents that love her so much!  (Hmm, I'm not sure where the super cute picture of them making cookies went.  I hope I remember to include it.)

On our way to see Chris' grandma we stopped by San Francisco.  We had quickly driven through it several years ago, but never stopped.  It was really fun!  We went down one of the super hilly streets the trolley drives on, went to Ghirardelli Square and had ice cream, and visisted Peirs 39 and 40 (I think).

We also took a fairy under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz.  I loved being in the boat so it was really fun!  :o)

        

And you can't leave San Francisco without having some clam chowder in the world famous sour dough bowl.  We had a yummy lunch at Boudin Bakery.  There was plenty more to do that we didn't have a chance to, so maybe next time.

We then drove to see Chris' grandma in Paradise.  It was so wonderful seeing her again!  We had a picnic lunch, did some shopping, playing on the playground, and played pool.

And then Chris' brother Jeremy, Wendy, and David came to join us for a couple of days, so we finally got to meet our adorable nephew and Wendy.  I knew just from talking on the phone to Wendy that I really liked her.  And actually meeting her made me love even more!  She and Jeremy are sooo cute together and are such great parents!  They seem so happy.

Keira loved Wendy also!  She is sooo good with kids!

Grandma loved having a little baby in her house again!

David and Keira with Greatgrandma Long (aka Nana)

Uncle Chris with the cutest little boy!

Who would've thought both of these boys would have kids of their own!  ;-)

The Longs

Such a cute family!

We had such a fun trip to California, and it was so nice to be traveling as a family again.  The last time that we all got to go somewhere was just for a few days to Southern California for Thanksgiving over a year and a half ago.  I remembered how wonderful and rejuvenating traveling together as a family is.