goin' back to Cali

In July the TN Alexanders boarded a plane to go spend a couple of weeks with the west coast Alexanders. We have not been back to CA since we moved five years ago, so we were long overdue for a visit! We flew into San Francisco where Scotty, Dawn, Sadie, and Braden picked us up at the airport. We wasted no time finding us an IN-N-OUT. (Don't tell Ryan, but I have now crossed over to the 5 Guys side. It's a better burger and better fries. There, I've said it. And I am sure I will pay a steep price for that little confession.) After our burger, we headed down to Pier 39 to show the kids around.







That's M gettin' his first taste of cotton candy, aka sugar that has been dyed with food coloring. A highly nutritional snack! He wasn't sure what to make of it, and the look on his face was a crack-up!

After our time in SF, we spent the night and then headed up the coast to Ryan's parents. We were only there for a few days, so we had to cram a lot into not a lot of time.





We had fantastic weather while we were there! When you are on the coast, you just never know. Could be rainy and foggy, but if it isn't, then usually the weather is just about perfect. And we got lucky! We managed to accomplish the ocean, the river, surfing, hiking, eating, a photo op or 6000 for resident photog, and lots of laughing and hanging out.

One of the reasons for our trip was for Ryan to help his brother run a week of camp at Lassen Pines. So, after the coast we loaded up yet again and headed for Redding. We went from beautiful, breezy 65 degrees to blazing hot 115. Yikes! We lived in Redding, but man, I forgot what 115 feels like. It is warm for sure! We stayed in Redding for a couple of days with our good friends the Corns (more on that later) and then headed up the mountain for a week of camp at Lassen Pines. It was a bit cooler up there, which I was grateful for!
Ryan created the logo for the camp theme and then was responsible for set design and setting up/running the lights and all things technological. Here are the guys that they worked with and some of their handiwork.


And while the student camp was happening, there was a junior camp going on as well, so little P got to be an official camper with her cousin Sadie. Two little girls were lovin' life! However, one small anxiety attack for me when I asked P about her shower schedule for the week and her response was, "Yes, I took a shower. On Wednesday." Heaven. Help. Us.


All in all we had a great time! Two weeks is a long time, and I was ready to be in my own bed. But I love the memories that were made and am grateful we had the opportunity to go! Love you west coast Alexanders!