Vacation, Part 1

John told me months ago that he wanted to have a real vacation. He didn't want to leave or return in the middle of the week, that he wanted to spend time at his parents' and at the coast and to take lots of time off of work. I took this desire and ran with it. 

We had originally intended to leave on Thursday, July 12th, and spend the weekend at his parents' but on the previous Friday we got the sad and surprising news that John's Grandpa Bryson had passed away. John decided that he wanted to go up early, and we ended up leaving Monday, July 9th. John was glad to be there to spend more time with his family, and to be involved in the planning of all of the special moments. Owen did so great, I was really proud of how well he handled all of the family events, the sweltering heat and being lovingly poked and prodded by so many new people. He slept all through the night every night, and even took pretty good naps during the day. We were able to spend lots of time with family, and also had some  fun free time too.







Owen all loaded up and ready to go. The amount of stuff we travel with literally tripled. It was almost comical to see Owen stuffed in the middle of mounds of stuff. Rob said later that it looked like poor Owen was being raised in a family of hoarders. 





He started liking to cuddle on this trip. He likes to bundle up with a blanket or a burp cloth when he his sleepy.

Miranda and I were so glad to be able to have a nice lunch at the Tea House together. We realized that in the years we have been around we've never been able to have a nice meal alone, together. Sometimes that is nice to be able to do. Our boys both wore plaid for their first English tea, and they both napped the entire time. It was a lovely meal of fancy sandwiches, fruit flavored iced tea and AMAZING scones.

We went out to dinner at Luna after Grandpa Bryson's emotional viewing. John was glad to be able to laugh and chat with Rob and Justin after such a sad event (all of the guys sat near the casket and played all of Grandpa Bryson's favorite songs on guitar. It was very sweet and poignant). It hit me that it was Owen's first time to sit and laugh "with the guys" and that the last time we were at this restaurant was on our very first date almost 5 years ago. Lots of changes. :)

Owen fussed for me, and reaxed for Uncle "Bob" (as Miller calls him).



Miller Thriller and Uncle John

Also on this trip was John, Justin and Rob working on Justin's truck and John's truck, me, Kelly and Miranda (and babies) going to the Tulare Outlets and lunch at Bravo Farms. We got to see friends from church, and enjoy lots of sweet, homemade meals from friends who wanted to show they care. It was a tiring and emotional week, but was also a great tribute to a good man who will be missed.

Next up, heading to the coast, for vacation part 2...