California part one

In August, the kids and I took a quick trip to California to celebrate my Grandfather's 90th birthday. We flew into Monterey on Sunday and since we had a couple of days before we met up with the rest of the gang, we spent the time in Santa Cruz with the kids' grandparents, who we affectionately refer to as "Honey and Papa". Honey and Papa treated us to a stay in Santa Cruz with a trip to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Being at the boardwalk again was extra special to me because I spent many childhood summers there with my bestest friend, Jenny, and her family. It really hadn't changed too much, so I was so happy to share it with the kids!

it's funny because I'm clown-phobic, but if I see one, I can't help but take a photo...
Summer, my water-lovin' girl, thought the ocean was a little chilly for swimming. She certainly wasn't being wimpy because I couldn't even stick my toe in that ice water!
From the wharf we saw a huge group of people in red swimsuits carrying watermelons. I wish I knew the story here.
No Photoshop effects here, the sky was this blue!
Attack of the pterodactyls! After all the summers I spent at the boardwalk I never remember the pelicans or seals that flock by the beach. So either that is a new thing (doubtful) or Jenny and I didn't notice because we were too distracted by the cute surfer boys!


I love this photo of Honey petting the cockatoo!Andy was in our thoughts even though he couldn't make the trip.
A fun moment with Baxter and Papa, and their matching hats, at dinner.
My surfer dude!A silly family portrait
This is so sad, but so sweet...Summer was measuring Baxter to see if he was tall enough for the big kid rides. So close...but so far from that 48" mark! He measured himself several more times to see if the results would be different if he tried again. Poor little guy!
Baxter was SO excited to go on this ride, but he had to be accompanied by an adult. I can't do spinning rides, so I had to enlist the help from a total stranger to help out. So if any of you recognize this guy, please thank him for making a boy so happy and keeping his mom from getting sick! :-)
Another freaky clown...
Summer and I got stylish haircuts at this cool spot in downtown Santa Cruz. We both decided the other day that we were just going to have to go back to get another one!




Tomorrow I'll post the birthday celebration pix!
xo