California, here we come!

We took a very fun trip to California this summer as a family. It had been 2 years (which in kid time is an eternity) since the kids had seen their Smyth cousins and they were in heaven the whole time. In fact we didn't see much of them because they were so busy. Adam on the other hand, we tried to keep in our sights at ALL times since my Grandma's house, where we stayed is anything but toddler friendly. It was so nice for the kids to see where Mom had spent every summer as a child and it was fun for Mom to reminisce since I hadn't been there in 7 years either.

Dad of course found a project right away to keep busy with--cutting a tree down in the front.

The inspiration for our trip was my Grandma's 90th birthday. And this was the first big event on our California to-do list. We threw a black and white, roaring 20's party for her family and friends which turned out beautifully with everyone's help. Grandma wears a LOT of black and white. She is a spunky woman that you wouldn't know is 90 the way she talks and moves and we are so thankful to still have her around. She is a wealth of generosity and love to all of us and we are blessed to be her posterity. We were all 'in costume' and each child and grandchild was in charge of a decade where we had 5 minutes to highlight her life. Our family had the 90's so we did Family Feud style game show moment asking questions about where she liked to shop, how many shoes she owned and where she traveled to in the 90s. Grandma knew we were having a party but had no idea about details or decoration--she was so surprised with everything.

Another fun highlight was getting to meet my sister's fiance, Joseph LeBel.

Next we headed to Disneyland for a day. The kids loved Star Tours and the Tiki Room the best. Porter did not like the Indiana Jones ride--I think we'll be talking about that for a few years:)

And we couldn't leave without a glimpse of the beach! The kids played fast and hard the next afternoon even tho it was a cold day. Dad made some seaweed necklaces and Andrew got buried as a fat ape.

And last but not least we celebrated my Grandma's favorite holiday, the 4th of July with her in traditional San Marino style with a community picnic, live band and amazing fireworks. One funny part was when we had some visitors on our picnic area. Everyone kind of ropes off their area at this park and we had a lot of extended family all together-probably close to 50 people. About half way through an older couple comes in the middle of our area and spreads their blanket and picnic basket containing fruit and cheese and wine. Then they cuddle and eat in their own little world while the 20+ children run around in chaos around them and through everyone else-it was quite funny! Thanks for a wonderful reason for a splendid vacation Grandma Smyth!