Weather earlier in the week was chilly, windy, and even wet. Today, however, was lovely – warm, sunny, and beautiful.
After a long, 10-hour day, I decided to take the dogs for a short walk. My timing paid off – bees, frogs, a blue heron (?), dragonflies, ducklings…it was a fabulous evening.
These count among the treasures that make me love living in Northern California.
The fifth day of my family’s visit included a road trip to pick up my sister and brother-in-law in San Francisco. My parents, nephews, and I woke early to drive to the city by the bay and collect the rest of our party.
After collecting luggage, we piled into the minivan we rented and drove to the water to walk along Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf.
The weather was beautiful and we had a great view of the bridge and Alcatraz.
Here are some of my favorite images from our morning in San Francisco before heading to Monterey.
Day three of my family’s visit involved a short drive to the Sacramento Zoo. The zoo, though small, features a number of lovely exhibits. The best feature is the opportunity to feed the giraffes – I did so last year, so I took photos while my nephews and Mom fed the beautiful creature.
Among the other highlights of our day ranked the birds, big cats, and chimpanzees. Here are some of those picture perfect moments. Enjoy!
One of my nephews is rather fond of trains. He has outgrown the Thomas the Tank Engine phase and now, at 6, tells everyone how he wants the high-dollar Lionel trains.
Therefore, for his first full day in California, our first adventure had to include the California State Railroad Museum.
Both of my nephews and my parents enjoyed the museum. While the adults would have liked to hear more of the lectures, the younger members of our party were focused on seeing the sights as quickly as possible. We settled on a delicate balance slightly favoring the younger attention spans, but here are some highlights of the day.
First Engine
Drilling a Hole
Union Pacific
Gorgeous Chandelier from a Train Station
Happy in the Conductor Seat
More Conductor Seat Smiles
Lucky 13
Light the Way
Cooking up Fun
Dining Car!
After our excellent visit to the museum, we had lunch and returned home to spend time in the closest playground. Here are our favorite photos from Redtail Hawk Park!
Not Quite Abbey Road
California Boys!
The long trip from the mitten to Sacramento was the first flights for both of my brave, young nephews. The older of the two, more like me, was nervous but managed to survive the first leg and even do better on the second flight from Denver to Sacramento. The younger of my nephews, more like my sister, enjoyed the entire experience. Both got wings from the pilot and the older nephew even got to sit in the cockpit!
I was so glad to hear all about their aviation adventure over hugs and greetings. Here they are with my parents at the airport.
Travelers, Great and Small!
Tired after the day’s travels, we agreed it best to have a quiet afternoon and early dinner. My parents and nephews had been up since the wee hours of the Michigan morning to catch their early flight.
After getting everyone situated, I dashed to pick up my grandson who desperately wanted to see my nephews.
We had a super time with dinner and then playing at the park. Here are some highlights.
Obviously, Dad Likes Cali
Peace, Dude!
Swinging in the Sunshine
Hanging with the Dude
Twistin’ and Turnin’
Twist and Shout!
Not to be Outdone
The playground at Redtail Hawk Park proved a hit with my nephews and my parents. First flight and first night: success.
First full day back at work after my most excellent vacation/stay-cation with visiting family. While my parents, nephews, and sister and brother-in-law were here, I gave myself full permission to refrain from blogging and do my best to disconnect from work so that I could give my loved ones my full attention.
These fantastic two weeks with my family kept me very busy. Adventures included:
Over the next several days, I’ll share highlights.
I’m missing my family now that my home is free of visitors. My heart, so full these last two weeks, mourns the loss of visitors. Even plans to puppy sit this weekend are no longer required so it really is back to just me, Boo, and the doodles.
Hope my family comes back soon – California suits them well!
I’m exhausted. Still want to check on a few more things for work, but after working a 12-hour day, I spent several hours dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the downstairs bathroom, and wiping down tables in the living room.
After taking a shower, I also made some mini omelets in my muffin tins: sausage and cheese for my nephews and baby bella mushrooms, spinach, onion, garlic, and cheese for my parents and me. The last thing I managed was to prepare a crock pot meal so that tomorrow morning I can let our dinner cook throughout the day.
I also am excited that I can have my grandson visit for the afternoon and dinner tomorrow – I know he is geeked to see my nephews and I know my folks will be shocked at how he has grown.
I really cannot wait – with all the sadness today in Boston, I just want to wrap my arms around the people I love and tell them they mean the world to me.
Spent the last day of my grandson’s weekend visit working around the house. On our last day, I:
And, we still managed a short walk with the dogs. Here’s my favorite shot from our walk:
Spent part of a sunny afternoon enjoying the local community rose garden. While I hoped to see some bees or even a praying mantis hiding among the flowers, I saw this ladybug instead.
I took hundreds of pictures of the roses. This one is my favorite, though!
Took the doodles for a short walk this evening and got to see a beaver, flowers, water birds, and bugs. Spring is definitely buzzing in the air.
Spring Abuzz
Tickling my Fancy 