California or Bust

This past weekend Adam and I took the kids to California to visit with my parents. We left Wednesday night to drive over. The kids did really well in the car - thanks, in part, to me not letting them take a nap before we left. We left about 3:30 and by 4:30, or just on the outskirts of town, they fell asleep in the car - ALL OF THEM! They woke up about 35 minutes before stopping in Blythe. They ate their dinner in the car (I refuse to buy them anything to eat because all they want to do is play when we stop. I'll pack their dinner and they can eat in car.) and then played and slid down the slide at Carl's Jr.

We arrived at my parents' house about 10:15. We got their beds ready and off to dreamland they went. We didn't do much on Thursday because my parents had a brand spanking new a/c and furnace put in. Their a/c went out about 2 years ago and 10 years ago they were told they should look into getting a new furnace. The furnace has worked all of these years and they finally were able to get a new a/c unit. I was in heaven - it was soooo hot and humid while we were there. While Adam ran around town with 1 kid or the other, I managed to clean out my mom's kitchen pantry. I was in serious and desperate need of a cleaning and organization.

Friday, Adam took Caroline and Owen down to the beach. I relaxed in the cool a/c with Howie. We had planned for all of us to go to the beach but when we couldn't find a beach umbrella and I didn't want to put sunscreen on Howie's skin yet, the better option was just for us to remain at home. The kids and Adam had a great time.

Saturday was met with even more relaxation. My dad treated all of us to breakfast and then my mom treated me to a pedicure. I was so in heaven. I'm pretty sure after I got home from my pedicure I even took a nap. Now that's how to spend a Saturday! My brother and his family came over for dinner that night. We caught up with them (hope Kristen is feeling better) and the kids ran and played outside and ate their popsicles.

We drove back yesterday and all of the kids did fabulously in the car- again. Howie slept for the first 3 1/2 hours in the car. He got a little fussy towards the end of the drive, but even I was getting antsy to get out of the car. The other 2 just sat and watched movies the whole way home. They were quite, didn't ask for much except to have their movie changed out. It was an easy shmeasy drive.

I am so grateful that I have parents who want us to come visit them. I am even more grateful for a husband and kids who WANT to go visit my parents. We always have such a great time when we are together. My mom and Adam tease one another and it's fun to see them banter back and forth and watch as one tries to out do the other. I miss them when I'm not around my parents but always, always, always look forward to the next visit.

(As soon as I get the pictures off the camera I'll post them of the kids at the beach).