Last few outings!

Coming home from the beach we stop to see my aunt Vicki at the Livermore Harley Davidson Dealership, where she works. The girls had a great time looking at all the bikes and running around. Our next outing was to the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield. Mom and I took Evan with us. The kiddos had a great time seeing all the Jelly Belly's, though I think it's geared more to older children and adults.

In the truck all ready to go!

I just had to put this one up. It's too adorable.

The last little bit of time with the cousins.

We had such a great visit with everyone. The girls had so much fun getting to know their cousins and seeing Papa and Gaga, and auntie Holly and uncle Ryan. We look forward to seeing them all again, (I think with daddy next time!)

More from California - New Brighton Beach

The girls, mom and I all drove down to the Santa Cruz area to spend some time with some very dear friends (since '88) of ours. It started out just seeing our friends the Lutz family, but it turn out that most of my childhood home school friends were all in the area at the same time (can we say God's providence) so we had a little mini reunion.

The day started out on the chilly side and overcast, but that didn't stop the girls from going into the ocean.

doing a little sand fishing

We were having a bit of trouble keeping up her pants after they got wet on the legs.

Nothing better then sand and cherry juice!

Audrey made a new friend in Gillian

Audrey had such a great time she didn't want to leave. She loved the water.

The five of us girlhood friends (plus of few of the kids). What a great time we had seeing all our children playing together and enjoying our fellowship together.

Here are all of our children. Quite a bunch. What a blessing from the Lord.

The the girls and I spent the night with Erin and her family.

The kids had a lot of fun dressing up.

we had princess', pioneers,

Gillian

and soldiers

Peyton

I love their playhouse and so did the girls! Isn't it adorable?

Erin and her youngest Kendall

We had such a great time together. Looking forward to the next time we see them!

Goode Times!

The past four days we've had one of Lucas' Marine buddies staying with us from Mississippi and we had a great time with him. We had a lot of fun remembering and telling old stories from the Corps (which was great for me) and we did a lot of laughing!!

Thanks for coming all this way to see us Goode, we really enjoyed having you!

Tid Bits from from the 4th weekend

I didn't get a picture of all the food that we made but here are a few pictures that I took.

We barbecued zucchini and red pepper with Romano and elk burgers and fried sweet corn.

burger buns

dessert Earthquake cheesecake

We had a wonderful time with a family from church and the "boy" had a shooting competition and wrestling matches. It was good food and great fellowship.

We then had a great surprise of old Marine buddy showed up that evening from Mississippi and we had him here since. It's been a great visit.

We hope you all had a great 4th weekend.

Happy Birthday, America!