Catching Up~ SoCal

We have been able to go down to San Diego to visit twice already this year! It is so fun! The first time we went was in January. Derek's awesome sister Sandi and her family live there so that is the best part, getting to see and stay with them. My kids love it there! Her home is fun and inviting and beautiful with all the lush greenery and beautiful flowers that grow easily in San Diego! My kids absolutely love it there and love seeing cousins Annelise and Caroline! Even though they are quite a bit older than Travis and Makenna, they are always willing to play!

Makenna and Annelise- they look a lot alike!! So cute!

Annelise holding Thomas- He was so little!

During that first trip, we ventured up north to Seal Beach where my Grandma Howe lives. She lives in this cool retirement community called Leisure World. We were able to go to lunch and back to her place for a nice visit. She is so great! She will have her 30th Great grand child this year! (#29 is on the way TODAY!!! Way to go John and Christy!)

Grandma with the kids!

Climbing trees in Leisure World. Fun for kids.

Frowned upon by some locals!

We also made a stop at the beach! Sandi and I took the kids while Derek played golf. Even though it was January, the day was beautiful and nothing beats playing in the sand and dipping your toes in the ocean!

Thomas' first trip to the beach!

(have to document it because he slept through it!)

Back again in February, this time we still had fun with Sandi and the girls, as well as getting to see Christa, Scott, and Reed! They were there for a conference of his and it was the first time I had gotten to see baby Reed! He is a cutie!

Travis, Makenna, Caroline, and Annelise on the playground at Balboa Park

I was able to stay for the evening on Friday night with Reed and Thomas while Scott and Christa went to dinner. It was fun to have the two baby cousins together!

On Saturday, Christa and I met up with Grandma and our Aunt Janeen for lunch while Derek took the kids to the zoo! They had a great time!

Annelise and Travis at the front gate

Out of all the things at the zoo, Derek said that the kids loved the sky tram the best!

The aerial shot!

Loving the ride!

That is a happy girl!

Some more fun at the zoo:

Although the monkey's were not as silly as the Madagascar monkey's, the kids had a great time! We love going to San Diego and can't wait to go back!

(wouldn't this post be great topped off with a great family photo? or include some pictures of my sister? How did I not get ANY pictures of them?

Check here for that:

http://perioprices.blogspot.com/2009/03/san-diego.html

Thanks for always taking good pics, Scott and Christa!