Looking back, I realize that I was going to post about our trip to CA over Christmas. And even though it is LONG overdue...I still want to share a few pictures. Because they are memories that warm my heart whenever I begin to get a little homesick and miss my family. (which is happening a lot lately, more on that later).
So here are some pictures of a fantastic trip to California:
First morning there, I woke up early, went out on the front porch (BAREFOOT!) and enjoyed some devotion time in the warm weather. Mountains were in the distance but this picture doesn't show them too well. I miss this neighborhood.
Amid all the family time, was able to hang out with some old friends. Made my heart happy to reconnect with these lovely people. Growing up together is a bond you can't ever just erase or forget.
Kaeli and I and our men!
Definitely not how we pictured our lives at 16..but we are oh-so-glad it didn't turn out the way we planned, right kae?
Celebrated Ben's birthday while we were there! Following my mom and dad's tradition of community talenti.
Stayed up WAY too late playing up-and-down-the-river. But we had a lot of fun (especially Mumzy, as she was winning most of the time!)
Dad took us to this house that had been converted into a library and art gallery. They did some window coverings inside, so he had lots of fun things to show us!
It was a beautiful day, and a gorgeous property!
Squinty pictures...Oh for the sun to be so bright again...
Visiting the Americana (outdoor shopping center), with a view of Downtown LA in the background!
I could sit and stare for hours.
Super giant and kind of gaudy Christmas tree.
As we were leaving, Purple Mountain Time was just beginning...
You haven't experienced sunset until it bathes the mountains in pinks and purples.
Tried to go to Griffith Observatory for a good look at city lights...but there was an event and it was way crowded. So my dad took us to another fun gem of a lookout. This picture doesn't do it the fair justice it deserves...but it was glorious. How I love me some LA city lights. =)
Once cousins started arriving, we all got together one day for an adventure! First stop, helping cousins Jonathan and Kali do some demolition in their new house!
This is my brother Joe working hard.
Girls working hard with plaster and wall demo.
Cousins clearing out the back yard
Afterward, we all piled into a van, sang Frozen songs at the top of our lungs, stopped at Burrito Express and then marched down the street arm-in-arm. This is why I love my family. And my husband...because this was the first time he really hung out with them and he totally fit in =)
Bunch of us hit up an ice skating rink and had a blast of a time!
We made a conga line.
We had huddles
We laughed and smiled.
We even played lots of tag, made a disgruntled lady even more disgruntled, got talked to by "ice patrol" and overall had a wonderful time.
Again...I have a wonderful set of cousins. No matter how long it's been, we can always pick up where we left off.
Christmas day we spent just the five of us (Ben and I, my parents and brother).
Took a hike up to the Easter Sunday singing spot to watch a glorious sunset on one of the clearest days we had seen in a long time.
Pointing out different places all over the Valley. You could see several of the islands out in the ocean that normally aren't that visible. It was pretty neat.
Me and bro Joe. Love that kid. So much fun to spend time with him.
My beautiful parents. Definitely one of the hardest parts about living in MN is not being able to spend as much time with them as I would like to. They have so much wisdom, love, patience and they love the Lord sincerely and deeply. I couldn't have asked for better parents.
It mellowed out into a beautiful dusk sky.
On our way home, we drove down Christmas Tree Lane...Altadena staple. =)
Big family Christmas celebration was wonderful.
Day started with playing a rousing game of Ultimate. Perfect weather, perfect company...
We did have to climb the fence of the school yard to get there, but it was totally worth the bruised legs and awkward maneuvers.
Ben's first "outlaw" picture! Missing Krissa, Amy, Jose and David, but there were there in spirit.
Hate that my only picture of this is blurry and a snapchat screenshot.
My dad, his siblings and Grammy.
Overall it was such a fun day with lots of presents, food, singing and just a downright good time.
Last day, went to the beach. This is how CA kids sled.
<3 p="">
Me and my Mumzy. Friend, confidant, advice-giver, encourager, listener-when-I-call-crying, prayer warrior, teacher of an abundance of life skills...basically the best.
What happens when I tell the guys to look cool.
Ahhhahahaha I love them.
On his own though, my Dad has the cool thing down.
Farewell selfie!
Oh California...
With your majestic mountains and glimmering city lights...
Your expansive oceans and masses of humanity...
Home to people who mean the world to me...
Place where I grew up, place that shaped me into who I am today...
No matter where life takes me, this place will always feel like home.
And so ends the documentation. I know it is long past, but reliving good memories is good for the soul =)
