4 Days Straight

We just got back from a weekend in northern California. Thanks to Brandy for letting us crash on Friday. We wanted to break up the 9-hour trip, and we wanted to see where Charlie Manson lives (he doesn't live at Brandy's house, he lives at her work), and we wanted to hang out with Brandy cuz she's one of our favorite people. We watched some good television, ate some good food, and had good conversation. We can't wait to see her again this coming weekend.

Saturday we went to Half Moon Bay - stopped by Alena Jean to show Alena her new niece, went to Mikey's baseball game (see him waving to the camera?), and had pizza and good conversation at their house later on.
Drove to the Wilsons' in Santa Cruz that night (after a quick stop at what Chris said was a must). It was so fun hanging out with Britain and Dawn that night. We were pretty tired, and when we retreated to Ella's room, we were greeted with a big comfortable bed and a neato flat screen TV. There were also 2 big fluffy white towels folded on the bed, and some chocolates and bottles of water, and a gift for Olive. Dawn is adorable!
Sunday morning Britain made a big breakfast of french toast, hash browns, bacon, fruit, and juice. We watched conference and then played Uno and munched on some yummy appetizers courtesy of Dawn. After the second session of conference Britain grilled steaks and Dawn made some great side dishes. Who are these people and why are they the funnest eaters ever?
We met some more Wilsons for a walk at West Cliff that evening. It was lovely, and the company and brownies were fantastic.
The whole time they and their kids showered Olive and us with affection. Cody was especially smitten with having guests in the house. He asked me about 100 times to watch him ride his bike or run 80 miles per hour. And he brought me a little purple flower. He also fed Olive and burped her (as pictured). Ella read to her, and all the kids were just really sweet with her. And Britain and Dawn were as into her as any of her aunts and uncles are, which I thought was so cute.
Chris and I took a drive after that, and stopped in at the Madsens' to show Olive off some more. After all of that, it was down to business on Monday morning and then a long drive home that day.

I loved being with my little family for 4 days straight without Chris having to go to work or even check email and voicemail. We had great hosts, great company, great food, great laughs, great conversation, great scenery, great weather; such a great weekend.