Tag: Summer Vacation 2016

Pool Time!

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While Shaun has to work all week, the girls and I did some hanging out at the hotel and visiting with some of my friends. Today was a lazy breakfast, tidying up our hotel room and a late morning into afternoon swim. The fishies just had to have more time in the water! Because it was a weekday, the hotel pool was empty and the girls and I had the whole place to ourselves. A nice lady from Texas swam with us for a bit and played with the girls but for the most part, it was empty pool bliss!

Our little water babies!
Abby found a pool noodle that someone left behind. Score!

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.

Father’s Day, Heat Waves and Evening Fun

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The day after the reunion was Fathers Day! In the end the day wasn’t too busy or crazy, but thats because the long anticipated heatwave was moving in and it was hot! The mercury hit 110 in the San Fernando Valley ad it was not fun.

In the early afternoon we met with my parents and sister as well as Grantie Fran at Pizza Cookery for lunch. Not only did we get to see Fran but we had the chance to eat at one of our favorite places. Boy, do I miss their salad and ranch dressing. Yummy! Lunch was a great time catching up. My parents and sister have not seen Fran since we moved away, so I know they enjoyed the time spent with her.

After lunch we tried to take a drive around the valley but after about 30 minutes it was becoming very apparent that it was too hot, even for our cars AC. So we headed back to the hotel room and took naps and hung out until it cooled off and we could go over to visit Grandpa and Uncle James.

Selfies and staying cool in our hotel room.
Playing Minecraft and passing through the heat of the day.
What mom?
Pretty girl was a little wary of all the people in her yard.
Ellie, I think that tryke is just a little too small for you!
Picking apples from Grandpa’s tree.
Dancing, singing and posing.
Wharton gathering…
Relaxing… and if I remember correctly, someone tooted too. I wonder who?

The evening at Grandpa Pats was pretty relaxed and fun. The girls had the chance to run around in the backyard and play with Nonnie, as well has hang out with Uncle James. They picked apples off of Grandpa’s apple tree and attempted to ride tricycles that are now way too small for them. It was great to slow down and visit. I think we were all in need of some relaxation. Unfortunately we couldn’t stay late because Shaun had to work down in Santa Monica the next day, but we’d be back soon!

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.