California Trip: visiting Oma

On our last day we drove down to Sun City to visit Oma (my dad's mom). It was kind of a last-minute decision, since it was a two hour drive each way & then we'd be driving home that night, but I'm so glad we decided to! I can't remember the last time the four of us siblings (+all of our kids) were all together with Oma, so it was very special!
This was Oma's first time meeting Cedar.
Oma had prepared food ahead of time, so when we got there Becca, Katrina, and I helped serve everyone.

Cedar with Uncle Aaron

Oma with her great grandchildren

It was extremely hot there and Oma's air conditioner was acting up, so Josh worked on it and got it to start blowing cold air again. So, her house felt cool, but it was super hot outside! I forgot to mention also that on our drive to Sun City our car started overheating (it had been doing that throughout our time in CA), so we actually got a new radiator while we were visiting Oma. It was a bummer, but we were thankful that the mechanic was able to fit us in so we could get it taken care of before the long drive home.
The kids played inside and found ways to stay entertained--thanks to Uncle Erik and his cool iphone!

Oma and Finn eating ice cream together. (:

Me and my siblings with Oma

On the way back to Glendora the Henry's took Erik to the airport to catch his flight to Seattle, then the rest of us went to the Barrett's for one final swim & visit.

California Trip: visiting Jaimi

Monday, August 31st~ Since we were only in southern California for a few days I wasn't expecting to do much more than just spent time with family. So, it was extra special for me that we were able to make time to visit my best friend, Jaimi! Right now she is being sponsored by Gatorade to play professional beach volleyball and participate in a competition/online series called the Quest for G. I am so proud of her!! We got to see the "Gatorade" house that Jaimi is living in, go to the beach where she trains, and hear all about this exciting chapter of her life. We had such a great time together! She adores our boys and they are quite smitten with her, too. (:
Jaimi's room in the Gatorade house

Ronan loves his Auntie Jaimers (:

We took Jaimi out to dinner at LA Food Show in Manhattan Beach, where we celebrated her birthday that was just 2 days away.

Our yummy dessert (:

Redondo Beach

Jaimi and I on the beach where she trains every day

We walked down to the water to watch the sunset & let the boys splash around.

our sweeties (:

California Trip: In-n-Out

August 30th~That evening, after going to the beach, we all went to dinner at In-n-Out with the Barretts. We can't get enough of In-n-Out when we're there. We discovered on this trip that Griffin loves hamburgers and Ronan still doesn't. We would order a cheeseburger without the meat for Ro. (:

the Henry family

the Chase family

Aunt Nancy, Uncle Mike, cousin Melissa, Papa, and Mom

Erik was there, too. (:

Kellie, Emily, Melissa, and Steve (Kellie's boyfriend)

2nd cousins~Lincoln and Cedar, born just 3 months apart

Memaw & Papa with all seven grandchildren

After dinner we went to the Barrett's house for some night swimming. (:

California Trip: the beach

Sunday, August 30th~ We drove about an hour to go to Huntington Beach with the Chases, Henrys, Hickmans (A. Carol, U. Keith, Natasha, & Wyatt), and cousin Pam. It was the perfect way to beat the heat (it was only 80 degrees instead of 100!) and relax after the emotional memorial service the day before. The waves were pretty rough, but once you got past them it felt great to swim in the ocean!
Right away we spotted some dolphins swimming by!

Cohen & Griffin watching the dolphins

Wyatt and his crew of little workers dug a huge hole and made a really cool sand castle.

Natasha and Ronan getting ready to catch some waves. (:

Natasha, Wyatt, and Josh heading out on surfboards & boogie boards

Natasha & Josh

Josh riding a wave!

Kenton, Finn, & Griffin

Aaron and the boys buried Kenton (:

Josh had the camera out in the water and took this picture of us.
(The rest of our group is in the background sitting under the tent/umbrellas)

Becca, Aunt Carol, Pam, and I enjoying the nice water.

So Fun (:

Wyatt & Josh after boogie boarding

Me & Tash

Our Fam

The Hickmans and cousin Pam