Christmas in California!

My parents delighted us all when they informed us they would be able to make the trip down to SoCal for Christmas this year, since we would not be coming up to Oregon.  This certainly helped to make our decision to stay put a bit easier...it was very special to have family with us over the holiday.

This was my mom's second visit to our home in La Verne, but my dad's first.  Unfortunately, the moment I picked them up from the airport, he was sneezing and coming down with a bad cold.  Ugh!  We were able to keep our activities on the "light" side, giving him plenty of time to rest and recover.  He was in great spirits the entire time, and although we could tell he was feeling bad, he did a wonderful job at not letting it interfere with playing or hanging out with us all.  And, miraculously, none of us caught the cold he was battling for the 6 nights they were visiting!

They arrived late Christmas night, and so the morning of the 26th brought great joy and excitement, as the kids woke up to find Grandma and Grandpa sleeping downstairs...plus another bounty of presents!  We enjoyed a leisure morning at home before getting out for some fresh air at the park.

Our "Christmas Dinner," which left our tummy's filled and our hearts happy.

On Saturday, we made a trip out to Huntington Beach, where we played in the surf, sat in the sunshine, and enjoyed a delicious lunch at Ruby's on the Pier.  Not such a shabby way to spend Christmas vacation!

My mother has never visited the ocean without putting her feet in the water.  Her grand-kids were more than willing and happy to join her!

Ruby's Diner -- at the end of the pier.  

Contemplating life, and the ocean, with Grandpa.

This is how we occupy ourselves when we are having to patiently wait in a restaurant. ;)

Bright California sunshine...no one's complaining about that!

Throughout our days and nights together, we filled the time with many card games, tennis, crafts, movies, and naps. :)  The weather was unseasonably cold for us, which made for lots of layers (which my parents were not expecting), and cozy indoor time.  We made the best of it!

I just had to throw this picture in for good measure.  These two did not plan their outfits for church - I swear.

We made a return trip to the same hiking trail we had done as a family just days before... the kids really love it, which makes that sort of outing even more appealing!

Here we go!

Grandpa invented a new game with the giant palm branches, and the kids couldn't get enough.  They turned it into a game of "swab the deck!"  And truly, it took a lot of convincing for them to leave the branches at the base of the trail head.  They were determined to bring them along!

Pretty sure they're the cutest! 

The kids insisted on a water break - this bench is about 2 minutes up from the start of the trail.  ;)  They're building up to becoming amazing hikers!

I love spending time with my parents; wherever we are, we always make great memories!

If you know my daughter, you know how she does not hold hands or enjoy "physical touch" very much.  With one exception; this trail.  She will hold onto your hand very tightly, which is such a rarity, that I think we should get back up this trail more often! 

Geoffrey told Grandpa to place his hand behind his back so he wouldn't touch the cacti.  I thought this was just so precious (but he's right...there is a LOT of cacti on this trail).

We also made a short evening visit to the local airfield, to watch the planes and enjoy the sunset.

No hesitations from either of them!

Grandma is just so good at playing!

I really like it out here.  God sure is an amazing artist! 

Family selfie!

Our final big outing of my parents' visit, was to visit the Space Shuttle, Endeavour.  This was our second visit, although the kids don't have a memory of the first, but it was equally as impressive.  It was an excellent choice for our day, because the weather turned into an awful downpour.  We were all happy to be on an outing, but indoors.

I've already talked in my last post, and this post, how wonderful it was to stay home for Christmas this year.  We missed our extended family very much, and we were so blessed to be able to spend the holiday with some of you.  Thanks for the great visit, Mom and Dad!!  We love you!!