CA Day 12

Wednesday morning, Audrey and I went to the doctor since she was complaining of ear pain and I did not want to fly home with her having an ear infection.  Elliott hung out with Grandpa Larry all ready for the beach, which would be our next outing.

Meanwhile back in Maryland, Adeline was meeting neighborhood dogs and walking them.  I think she was enjoying her time with Grandmaman and Grandpapa.

Once Audrey and I got back from the doctor and pharmacy, we headed to Salt Creek beach.  My mom's request when we first talked about making a California trip, is that we reserve a few days to do some fun things together - going to the beach was on the list, so we needed to make it happen.  The kids loved more time in the water and the sand.

Later that evening, we meet up with my Dad, Arlene, Lidia, and Kate at Dana Point Harbor for tide pools and a picnic dinner.

I used to visit the tide pools when I was young and had not been back since high school.

It was a refreshing evening, but we were still exhausted.

CA Day 11

The morning of Tuesday was spent with my cousin and her two kids, however, no pictures were taken.  The afternoon and evening we hung out with some of my friends from nursing school.  I had planned a 10 year nursing reunion on Friday, however, these friends were not able to make it so we met up a few days earlier at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water playground where my friend Erika was staying.  The kids enjoyed the water park, while we got to catch up.  

Dinner at Chick-Fil-A 

It was fun seeing these two together again... 

Here is Cole and Audrey as baby friends:

  

CA Day 10

We had another full day on Monday, August 11th.

First, we went to the Lagoon in Rancho Santa Margarita with the Grant family.  The kids had a great time and the weather was perfect.

After a quick clean up, we were back in the car with my mom and Larry on our way to Long Beach to visit the aquarium for their half price evenings in the summer.  Elliott obviously tired with his mouth open exposing the gum he had been chewing.    

We passed by the building where our friends, the Walkers used to live.  We had many a dinner and conversation there, one of which strongly influenced our decision to move, six years ago.

We met Kate and her new beau, Cody at the aquarium.  He was great, and especially great with the kids.  Elliott really took to him, right away.  I think he was missing his dad and needed some guy time.  He rode on his shoulders and said, "I love you Mr. Tree!"  Cody one as tall as a tree to that little boy.

 Elliott found a map

Last time I was at the aquarium, I was days away from delivering Miss Audrey Grace.  It was fun to be there with her out of the womb.  

Kate and I (yes, I wore my seahorse dress).

 I was so blessed to see how happy my dear friend was in this new chapter of her life.

After the aquarium, we ate dinner at In-N-Out once again.  My mom was so impressed with Audrey downing her whole burger and french fries.  She usually eats like a bird, but loves a good burger!