Post Christmas Get-Away

 After Christmas we snuck away for a quick 3 days at Leo Carrillo State Park, north of Malibu. God blessed us with beautiful weather and a spacious campsite among the giant sycamore trees. Surfing, beach walks, investigating tide pools, climbing trees and capturing photos of the gorgeous coastline made for an enjoyable time. The perfect way to unwind and relax after the busy holiday season.

Tom surveyed the surf at sunrise and decided to go out even though the waves were extra small. 

There's always a good time to be had by just getting in the water.

Lorraine enjoyed scouting about finding beautiful things to photograph 

                     

                                                   

Sunset of another beautiful day.

Heading home we stopped for lunch in Malibu...wonderful trip!

finale: friends, food, freeway

The road home included a visit with our long time friends Kathy and Dana Brenner in Champaign, Illinois. It was a treat talking and eating with them at a downtown eatery that was featured on Triple D.

Beautiful driving weather across the Illinois countryside.

Next stop, Kansas City for The. best. BBQ. Ever!!

Thunderstorms, hail, and tornados were predicted for the next 24 hours along our route but God got us through with out incident. 

 Our campsite had darling miniature horses, this one was named Dolly, and she was!!

A glorious morning in Kansas. 

 This diner with a cadillac marque caught Tom's attention so we stopped for a classic burger lunch.

We arrived in Colorado Springs to see our good friends Greg and Laura Melendes. We heard the Yankees were in town playing the Rockies at Coors Field. Greg and Laura are die hard Yankee fans so what better way to spend a beautiful Colorado evening than sharing it with our baseball loving friends. .  

 The next two days we drove the final 1200 miles home stopping for the night in Flagstaff, Arizona

One of the most enjoyable parts of this trip has been the open spaces and empty roads. We are always amazed at the diversity and beauty of our country and are so grateful for the chance to experience it. We thank God for His protection and provision and for the fun time we had to be together.

        Reaching SoCal we were reminded why that was so special. Truly, we have nothing to complain about after safely driving almost 9000 miles. Nova Scotia and back, the trip of a life time...but so thankful to be home!!!! 

PapaGigi, Kokomo and the 3 Bambinos

Having a swingin' time in Glen Ellyn with these cuties followed up with a game of "Mother May I?"

Story time with the next generation of Star Wars fans. 

We stepped back in time on a fun outing to the Kline Creek Farm and experienced what life was in the 1890's. Historically costumed characters operate the living history farm using tools and techniques from the past. The kids got up close and personal with the farm life animals. There were free range chickens (and eggs to hunt for), cows, sheep, pigs, new baby chicks, wagons to climb on and of course Avery's favorite, the barn cat.

 So these three are pretty special!

 The littlest Avery, nick-named "Chiquita" is a happy, energetic, girlie girl but has no problem keeping up with the boys. Such a sweetie!

Four year old Nolan, nick-named "El Jefe" because he likes to be in charge, is inquisitive, clever and always ready for action wearing his bike helmet all hours of the day. Such a busy guy!

Parker, better known as "Raphael" is always ready for a good time, especially in the water. He's a lego fanatic, interested in ancient Egyptian history and a kindergarten graduate. Looking' good with a  new buzz cut!  

Ninety degree weather calls for some hose down shenanigans with Papa in the back yard. Yikes! Watch out for payback Papa! 

A bonfire with s'mores caps off a fun filled day. 

Hangin' out in the motor home with Monica and her cuties

Mixed with the fun times we accomplished a lot this week. A big move is coming up for this sweet little family. 

Good Bye to our precious family in Glen Ellyn. We will miss you all and are so happy you'll be out to be with us in a few weeks.