The sun did not come out as we had hoped in Portland this June, so we thought it would be nice for mommy and the kids to get a break from rain, our new home addition, and for the kids to have some fun with our friends and family. Skype is a blast but just not the same as giving hugs and kisses. So the kids and I left on June 22 and planned a 10 day adventure. Ryan unfortunately wasn't able to join us due to the fact that the baseball season is in full affect.
Our first stop was Morgan Hill. The kids visited with Great Grandmother Irene, and Uncle Derek for a short while as they were on their way to Gustine to be with Great Grandfather Wilbur. It was great fun for Irene to watch the kids interact and play. We met some friends and visited Happy Hollow, which was so cute! Mila and Nolan experienced their first roller coaster, even though it was small, but I have to say they were pretty fast. At one point Mila told me not to go with her that she wanted to go all by herself. I was nervous to let her go but she did and loved it.
While in Morgan Hill we had a little celebration for Nolan's 6th birthday which was great. He got his first hockey jersey from Grandma and Grandpa Brach and was thrilled. We also were introduced to the Gilroy Gardens by our friend Sharon with her two little boys. We met another friend, Darlene, with her kids so I think there was a total of 8 kids and 3 mom's, it was an adventure needless to say! I snapped the perfect shot of all the kids, it will be uploaded over the next couple of weeks, as my mom is using my camera for a few weeks. I should have taken a before and after photo of the kids and mom's. ha ha
After our visit to Morgan Hill, we ventured to the Bay Area for a couple of days. Where we stayed with Babcia Ewa in her aparment which had a swimming pool. Because the community is a bit strict on screaming, jumping, and splashing....it wasn't long before we had to think of another plan (Mila's voice alone is pretty much screaming). Uncle Adam to the rescue...Adam took the kids everywhere and anywhere, we had more ice cream and park fun than imaginable. The kids were exhauasted and fell asleep sitting up the first day of Adam adventures. The only thing I desperately wanted to do when we were in the Bay was eat at the Dutch Goose, this was fulfilled. Delicious!
Three days in the Bay passed quickly and then it was time to venture up to Sacramento to pay a quick visit to our Tia and her beautiful farm. The kids had a blast admiring all the fish in her pond, the chicken and eggs, and the beautiful peaceful surroundings.
Our dear friends Gina and Patrick Woods live in Sacramento, near our first home where Nolan experienced the first 5 months of his life. We had a great time, Auntie Beena and Uncle Diddy have two precious boys, Jack (3) and Stenn (6 mos) so again the kids got to play outside in the sacramento heat (which was glorious). Auntie Beena purchased a fun giraffe pool, crayon popsicles, some yummy food and we all had a relaxing time (for the most part). The kids started to enjoy tattling on poor little Jack, and I swear it was every couple of minutes that Jack did something bad. It was funny for us to watch but not so funny for little Jack. He was so excited to be with older kids that he was trying to fit in.
After so many days I was definitely ready togo home. The kids did great on the plane ride both to and from. You have to picture my trip home, which was priceless. Mommy with a heavy backpack stacked with everything necessary to make the plane ride comfortable for everyone but me, pushing stoller withAnya, holding a rolled up 6x8' rug that the Ikea in Sacramento had and the Portland one did not, 1 huge suitcase on wheels, 1 black duffle bag like suitcase, 1 car seat, Nolan with a bag, Mila with her backpack, it was nice to know that people were kind enough to offer help, but I said no thank you because I am wonder woman after all...... thank you to Sacramento for the mommy's with stroller line!
Great trip, the kids did more this trip than they have ever done...thanks to everyone for making it so eventful for us.