Tag: Sand and Surf

Rest and Beach Day

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Today was set to be the hottest day of the heat wave. With temps reaching close to 116 I knew that there wasnt much we could do. Shaun was working in the Santa Monica offices, so that left us with some time on our own. 
We slept in a bit and then headed for some breakfast at the hotel. Then it was off to find places that we could enjoy but also had air conditioning. So it meant some shopping at Target and then some lunch at Islands. After lunch I didnt have the energy to walk around a mall and deal with crowds. Luckily I packed our bathing suits and beach toys, so it was off to our favorite spot near Pt. Mugu.
“Mom, take the picture before you blind us!”
A pelican fly-by.
Ellie had figuered out the perfect system to make her castles turn out. Before I knew it, we were surrounded!
Who knew that Jerry’s Deli could make such amazing noodle bowls!

The weather was a good 30 degrees cooler at the beach which led to us hanging out there for the rest of the afternoon. The girls built large sand castles, splashed in the waves, and we enjoyed doing very little. As it should be. After the beach it was a drive along the coast, through Topanga Canyon and back to the hotel for showers, dinner and bed. A perfect vacation day… although I felt guilty knowing that Shaun was working while we were being lazy in the sun.

Taylor Family Reunion

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Our trip to California was a trip that would serve several purposes. One was for Shaun to come down to LA and work with his team at the offices in Santa Monica for a week.  Another was to attend our Taylor Family Reunion (my fathers side of the family) and see family that we haven’t connected with since the passing of my grandmother back in 2012. Unfortunately not everyone could make it to the first reunion, but I am sure there will be more!

The reunion was held up at Rincon State Beach in Ventura County and the day couldn’t have been more perfect. A pending heat wave threatened to make the day too hot, but it wasn’t. It was perfect. The beach was busy but not swamped and there was plenty of space to walk, play and enjoy a beautiful Southern California day.

We spent the day talking and catching up with everyone. Abby and Ellie had the chance to meet their cousin Bella who is their age and they hit it off right away. We listened to music, ate amazing food (courtesy of my cousin Joseph and his excellent BBQ skills) and welcomed some new members of the family (spouses and girlfriends).

Sarah walking the beach with Abby, Ellie and Bella
A beautiful day along the Southern California coast.

A rare photo with my hubby!!
Abby loved getting into the water and feeling the sand in her toes.
Ellie was surprised by a wave… and loving it.
Sisters and best friends
Ellie and Bella had the exact same bathing suit!
Eric and his girlfriend Michelle! It was so nice to meet you!
Talking and eating! I tend to get a lot of pictures of people eating but thats because they are standing still!
Laurie, John and Matt having a great chat.
Chatting, laughing and posing.
Back from the beach! Now they are pretending to be mountain lions on the rock. I think.
The ladies catching up! Looking wonderful Aunt Dena!
The photographers of the family are taking notes and sharing stories.
Jillian… always ready with a pose.
The day comes to a close and we start saying our goodbyes! Until next time Taylor Family!
Perfect sunsets for a perfect end to that day.

When the day came to an end it was hard to say goodbye to everyone. But we will see one another soon! All I know is that our first family reunion was a big success and grandma and grandpa would have been so very proud of their family. They may not have been there in body but they were there in spirit and I know they were both smiling down on us today.