Whilrwind in Cali

 

Brian had a conference in San Diego last week and so the boys and I tagged along for the weekend and to visit a college.  These are in reverse order, but we started in San Diego and then drove up to LA where we visited Chapman University for Ads.  B loved all the flags from around the world.  

Ads met with a swimmer from the team and the coach, but the pool was pretty dreamy, especially on a 95 degree day.

We met up with one of LTs friends who goes there.

But prior to going to LA, we went to Lego Land for B, which was a really fun day.  I had taken the older boys, but never B.

And we stayed at the Legoland hotel which is always a blast for kids.

And one of my college besties lives there, so she met us for drinks and dinner one night.  We were there less than 48 hours, but packed a lot in!

Bishop Peak (or Mount Bishop)

After B got out of his leg brace, something changed.  He has LOVED hiking and wanted to do more and more of it.  He has lofty goals, that sometimes I doubt, but he has never once wavered or failed at the goals he's set.  He had heard LT talk about climbing Bishop Peak (and pretty steep peak that you can see from LTs dorm).  I truly didn't know what we were getting into, or whether we would succeed, but Brian and I took the challenge.  And he made it, with zero struggle and an incredibly quick pace.  

His brother each climbed a 14er this summer, and B had seen people holding the cardboard signs at the top for photos.  He was going to do the same on the top of this peak (or as he called it, Mount Bishop).

The trail started off gentle and we saw lots of deer!

But quickly turned steep and went up high in a very short distance.

Nothing this guy couldn't handle though, especially with some red Power Aid.

And he summited, with his sign, signed by all those who summited (the three of us)!

 

A Family (plus friends) trip to visit our boy

B and Ads didn't have school much of last week, so we packed up and headed to visit LT.  His good friend from high school and girlfriend were both there as well.  It was a weekend that was packed with all kinds of adventures and so many good memories.  The best part was seeing these three and LT reunited with his girlfriend.

Lots of good meals together.

An 8 week old puppy at breakfast was a hit.

4 buds from East.

Rare pictures of just mom and dad.

We stayed in a neighboring town of SLO, just on the beach.  

Cal Poly is a big Ag school, so we got fresh made ice cream while the cowboys were hosting a car wash.

B noticed this enormous beautiful tree as we were just walking through town.

A photo with Einstein was a must.

As was a visit to the most impressive and digestible periodic table I have ever seen.  And below B teaching his brother all about said table.

These two together was such a highlight.

As was having these three together again.  B has struggled with talking on the phone, but in person, he was beyond happy to be back with his brother.

                 

And we were just so happy to be there and see everyone so overcome with smiles and joy.

Tattoo for my girl

After years of thinking about what and where to get a tattoo for Elsie, it finally happened.  It was all meant to be.  My friends daughter designed it, a teacher at our schools friend executed it and two of my friends were with me when I got it.  Plus its all in October.  

 

Some (not as many) big guys

Bs friends left about 10 on Saturday morning and then Ads and his swim buds showed up for breakfast (which was perfect because we had made WAY too much). 

 

Bs Birthday

B had some summer swim buds and some friends from Stanley over to celebrate his birthday.  A couple of them stayed the night (note, I did not say "sleep" over because that is not what they did.  

 

SLO First Trip

My good friend and I went out to SLO to visit our boys a few weeks ago.  It was such a fun weekend.

We did lots of coastal exploring, hiking, eating good food and just hanging out.