In June, my family and I had the privelege of spending 9 days in California for a wonderful time of vacation and visiting relatives. It was the first vacation that we'd taken as a whole family since we've all "grown-up". California is beautiful with the rugged mountains, the beaches, the sunsets, and even the deserts I think of as God's creative handiwork. I was born and raised in S. Cal so I suppose it will always hold a special place in my heart... what can I say? This pic was taken in La Jolla (suburb of San Diego), and there is actually a seal hanging-out on the ledge of one of the rocks! The best part of our trip was being reunited with our grandpa, uncle, aunt and cousins on my dad's side. They graciously welcomed us into their already-busy home when we first arrived, and we had so much fun. During the fi rst Saturday there, we also took some time to remember my grandma, visiting her grave with grandpa. She passed away in February of 2002, and is now wit