The first week of June we took a family trip to California. We had a great time visiting with family and friends! Upon returning home to Maryland Annika surprised us as we pulled up in front of the house with an outburst of tears. Sobbing she told us she wanted "to go to Opa's house." She had a great time with her California family!
Annika on the airport shuttle bus. Such fun not to have to be in a car seat.
After getting a new car a few weeks prior, I think she thought this was another new car. That's what she called it the entire time we were in CA.
Only in CA. A mobile dog groomer.
We stopped at King's Hawaiian for dinner and to pick up cakes for tomorrow on our way to the house from the airport.
King's Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant. Yummy!
A Name and a Blessing!Brayden's blessing day.
Among other things, Opa blessed Brayden to be a joy to his parents (which he already is) and to choose to serve a mission and be married in the temple. I hope so!
Our Blessing!!!
We are double blessed!
Yummy cake from King's Hawaiian Bakery!
This was one of the same kind of cakes we had at our wedding & Annika's blessing!
Uncle Tom playing with the kids! He's such a great dad and uncle!
Cousin Noah taking a power nap after church!
Aunts Cinnamon, Erin, and Kari! Erin's about ready to pop!
One of my oldest and best friends ever, Wendy! It was great seeing her and her girls again!
Annika with Wendy's daughter.
Annika and Wendy's daughter playing with stickers Sue gave Annika.
Breakfast in the ParkOne of our favorite things we like to do while visiting HB is have breakfast at Alice's in Central Park. After the summer the city is tearing it down and building something more profitable for them. How I will miss this tradition!
Annika by the lake in front of Alice's.
Such a great morning! Enjoying the break from the extreme heat in Maryland.
We will miss you Alice!
Cousins!Brayden, Noah, and Annika!
Brayden and Noah! Brayden is Noah's bodyguard!
Hanging out together.
They were so cute talking to each other like this!
Best buds!
Disneyland!We really wanted to take Annika to Disneyland for the first time, but I didn't want to pay for three tickets for all of us. I thought Joe could take her by himself, but David's friend who works there hooked us all up with tickets. David really does have great friends who have always been there for him and his family!Excitement is in the air. Annika being silly while we try to get her ready.
She still needs to change her clothes.
Taking the tram to Disneyland!
Family shot with Micky.
Pixie Hallow. Annika meeting Fawn!
Annika loves Tinkerbell. Daddy calls her his little Tinkerbell!
Tinkerbell and Annika!
We waited forever to meet these Princesses. Never again!Princess Jasmine and the gang!
Sleeping Beauty and the gang!
Cinderella and the gang. Where's Uncle David?
On Casey Jr.
Waiting for my favorite show, Fantasmic!
Beach Trip with Daddy!Annika and Joe had some daddy daughter time together as they took a drive to visit some of Joe's old stomping grounds one afternoon.
On the pier.
California girl at heart!
My, what beautiful fingernails you have!Aunt Kari painted Annika's nails for the first time
with a cool polish that changes color in the sun!
with a cool polish that changes color in the sun!
Aunt Kari teaching Annika how to hold her wet nails...which she did for hours.
So beautiful!
Santa Ana Zoo!We saw such wild animals!
Animal, Joe!!!!
Animal, Kat!
Animal, Kari!
Beware of wild animals!
Jungle tour!
Max!
Train ride with cousin Max and Aunt Cinnamon!
Oh what fun to ride the horses on the merry-go-round!
Mr. Brayden!
Horsin' around!
What a mouth!
Fried egg flower.
Bonfire Time!No trip to California would be complete without a bonfire. Annika calls the beach a big sandbox.
Hungry and tired baby!
Dear HB, I miss you so much!
Making hot dogs by the fire.
Sun setting over Long Beach. See the docks on the very left?
Such a beautiful evening! Night night sun.
Annika had a blast! Smore's were definitely a treat for her.
La PuenteSpent a lovely day visiting Joe's Uncle Armando and Aunt Esther. They have the best backyard to relax in and are always so generous to us. We always enjoy our time with them.
Brayden and his great Aunt Esther!
Annika in the backyard! So much fun!
Annika got to roll around in that big red ball!
Joe with his Uncle Armando and Aunt Esther.
Lunch with Caroline RoseThe woman responsible for bringing Joe and I together invited us to her home for a beautiful lunch. The weather was perfect and the food, real Italian food, was delicious.
Uncle David and Brayden.
Aunt Kari, Rose, and Rose's husband.
Pictures by Mary BellOur friend Mary took some pictures of the family at the duck pond by the house. Boy are kids hard to get to cooperate.
Our little clan.
Uncle David and his sweet family!
The Mans' Family!
Reality! Uncle Tom gets the award for silliest expression!
Noah and Brayden, best little buddies!
Cousins. We couldn't convince Max to join the picture. Kids!
Annika and Aunt Kari!
Cleaning the Shed!I had to laugh when I saw our backyard as Joe was cleaning the shed. What a mess. Good thing he had his helper with him.
Annika helping Daddy clean out the shed.
A mouse in the shed! Yikes!
Austin Comes For a Visit!Austin was taking a course at the University of PA this summer and came for a visit one weekend. He has grown up so much! We enjoyed a nice weekend with him. Thanks for the visit, Austin!
Big Brother Austin with his biggest fans.
So cute how Annika put her hand on Austin's leg!
So cute how Annika put her hand on Austin's leg!
Austin and Brayden met for the first time this weekend!
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