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California

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 first 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 with the Lord. She was always a godly example of a loving wife, mother and grandmother to me. She and grandpa were married for almost 60 years. I praise God for the way He's used both of their lives.

The rest of the week was spent at our time-share near San Diego, and taking day trips to La Jolla, Coronado Island, the Wild Animal Park. If you've never been to San Diego, I highly recommend it ... it has both perfect weather and beautiful scenery!!


Other highlights of our trip included:
A whirlwind tour (we're talking all in one day!!) of ALL our old-stomping-grounds.... our old homes, church, schools, friends' house, favorite old eating places (right Holly??), and the list goes on.

Rook..... and LOTS of it!!! (This our family's all-time favorite card game, complete with "special" rules that govern how we play ... as Andrea and Dan quickly found out, you have to learn this game if you're gonna survive in our family, right?).

And the gift of TIME (time to relax by the pool, read, catch up) and FAMILY.

Returning to CA, is still in many ways to me, like "returning home". Afterall, I was born and raised there. I've had many "homes" in my life though: California, Ohio, Dominican Republic, and for the last 5 years, Indiana, but it was nice to return to what will always be my childhood home.

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