Cali 2010: Family

Okay, let’s wrap this up, shall we? So, for the second half of the trip we’ve already covered beachy goodness and our morning in Pacific Grove. Other than that, there was just lots of eating and visiting and playing on the beach, so I guess I’ll make the last post a monster one about, well… “us”, I suppose. 😉

This is me just minutes after we checked in to The Best Western in Seaside, and promptly hit the beach. Happy!

And here are the boys – itchin’ to get wet. Moments later, the baby ended up sitting in the surf, and our excursion came to an end.

The next day, after a little shopping, the nicer weather prompted Monkeyboy Junior (MBJ) and I to head out for another explore.

He was quite content to play in the sand…

…and I was just quite content.

Of course, a game of Wave Chicken eventually broke out…

…and we both got just a little bit goofy. AAAAAHHHHH!

Later that night, we met up with my sisters – who drove up from LA to meet us – and we headed out for dinner. Mmm, Chili’s! However, I have come to the conclusion that photos taken at restaurants are seldom flattering, so let’s just keep it moving, m’kay?

The next day, we rendezvoused with my sisters again…

…who had come bearing gifts, which was AOK with MBJ.

We then went for Mexican at Baldemiro’s, where my husband enjoyed a burrito he’d been waiting a whole year to try again.

Then it was time for another beach walk (and gull chase) – yippie!

As you can see, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. 😉

Monkeyboy Junior and his new Auntie Anika got along famously.

Oh, dear. How did THAT happen? AGAIN?!?! =P

We cleaned up and headed to Bubba Gump’s for dinner. Again, I’ll spare you the awkward photos of that…

Our last full day found us in Pacific Grove, then on the beach again, where we were lucky enough to find a red bucket.

Which made MBJ very, very, VERY happy.

After naps and a swim, we rendezvoused again – this time with my sister’s boyfriend (now fiance) as well.

Half of us hit the beach…

…half of us watched.

Eventually, we all wandered down to see the sand castle building.

Tah-Dah!!!

Daddy kept close tabs on the baby (who stayed dry – yay!)…

…and Nick helped with Project #2 – the swimming pool.

We then went for the greasiest, gooiest, yummiest pizza (so I heard) at Gianni’s. I will make a photo exception, as this has all of us in it.

The next morning, it was time to pack up and head home – but not before one last meet up and a round of goodbyes.

Oh, how I wish we lived closer together…

But until we meet again, may there be many smiles and much love.