California - part one

The kids and I have just returned from a week long vacation to visit my dad, brother, and grandma in California. It was a wonderful week, a lot of good food, some great wine (thanks Dad), a couple birthday celebrations, and a great day at the beach!

The first part of the trip was to Vacaville, CA where my dad lives. My brother, Bryan, and his girlfriend, Michelle came up from college in Monterrey to stay for the weekend.

Maddie spent a lot of the time at Grandpa's cuddling on his lap!

Taylor was happy to be hanging out with Uncle Bryan and Michelle

One our second day in California, we took a trip with my dad to the famous Pier 39 in San Francisco. We took the ferry from Vallejo to Pier 1 in downtown SF, then walked the half hour to get to Pier 39. We went on a perfect day - sunny, not too hot, a little breezy, and not a lot of people. It was great because the kids practically ran the entire way to Pier 39. We went and had REAL SF Sourdough Bread Bowls with Chowder! It was SO yummy. Then walked down the Pier to the infamous Carousel at the end. The kids love the ride!
We topped off our day with Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and took a cat nap on the ferry ride back! Perfect day!

The next day was a bit cold, sort of like Washington weather, so we spent time inside.

Maddie was happy because she got to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa!

Taylor was happy because he got a hair cut! Actually, he was NOT happy at ALL! She screams as though the hair clippers were slicing him into pieces - it was SO embarrassing - and ridiculous. Any suggestions on how to get a three year old to be okay with hair cuts, PLEASE let me know!

When the sun was out, Maddie and Taylor could be found in Grandpa Eric's "pool" (aka: hot tub). They really enjoyed swimming!

Grandma Donna's house was fun, too, because she really likes to cuddle, and her "kissing machine" gets a good work out!

We capped off our time in Vacaville with a wonderful birthday celebration for Madisyn. We we to the Nugget Market (SO incredible - like a glorified Whole Foods) and bought four different desserts to part take in in place of birthday cake. SO much better!

The delectable assortment of treats from Maddie's birthday celebration courtesy of the Nugget Market - (Top, clockwise) Tropical Cupcake, Cheesecake with chocolate ganache and red raspberries (MINE!), Chocolate Brownie, and Pink Champagne cake, all accompanied by Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.

Maddie chose the most beautifully decorated cupcake I'd ever seen. She also got a cute little puppy (stuffed) from Grandpa. Love at first sight!

Our time with my dad was wonderful. I always look forward to getting in a good visit. Looking forward to next year, Dad!

Now - on to Wine Country!

Check our the rest of our pictures clicking on the "Our Family Photos" link to the right OR click here