Out West

Our trip out to California included (but not limited to) the following pics:

Cousin reading to cousins.

Bike rides with Grandma Lori and Grandpa Doug that even Dr. Seuss would envy.

Swimming.

Swimming.

Being little fishes with cousin Charlotte.

Diving board flips.

And belly flops.

A trip to Sea World.

Enjoying or not enjoying the spinny ride.

Meeting Elmo, Cookie Monster and Zoe.

And getting good hugs from them.

Meeting real-life Elmo. Kate ran up to me and said "I guess Elmo is real."

Star struck children. Right after this picture, Elmo messed up Sam's hair, which was the highlight of the trip for Sam.

Bat rays.

Flamingos.

Underwater views.

Chaos.

Visiting Grandmas.

Surfing or not surfing with Kate.

Grandparent time.

What's this? We were even able to have an overnight getaway? Without children? Amazing.

(Shout out to my parents for watching the kids, shout out to Ryan's parents for letting us borrow their car.)

Beautiful views.

Awesome people watching as well as best friend hanging out time.

Found the official end of Route 66. 

Now we just need to find the beginning in Chicago and I will have fulfilled a life long dream of taking Route 66 from Chicago to LA. Technically.

Snorkeling lessons with Grandpa Doug.

And some deep diving lessons.

Lots of cousin time.

Lots of forced group photos. And these are the only two decent ones I had.

Hemet is Heaven. This reminds me of my youth and driving back from Ryan's house.

One day we'll be back for good. Until then, we will enjoy these heavily concentrated visits. 

It was good to see everyone and thanks for letting the crazy Stephens family come and visit, we had tons of fun.