Our entire family had a marvelous trip to California at the beginning of July. We stayed at my parents' house in Long Beach for six days total. Here are the highlights of our visit:
Forest Lawn Cemetery
I know this is a rather weird spot to go for fun, but my sisters and I grew up playing at this cemetery and we have lots of pleasant memories. Scott and Emma loved looking at the fishpond and exploring the mausoleum.
Heritage Park and Liberty Park
Craig and Rachel took us to two different parks in Cerritos on Tuesday evening (July 2nd). The parks in Cerritos are GORGEOUS! We played soccer at Liberty Park and Craig showed us the spot where he proposed to Rachel. 
Knotts Berry Farm
Scott and Emma had a wonderful first visit to Knotts. Their favorite place was the Geodes Shop located near the entrance by the cowboy show. They looked at various rocks and fossils for about forty minutes and made friends with the shop keeper. I think my favorite part of the visit was when Scott and Emma held 40-million-year-old dinosaur poop and a meteorite. I loved the expression on Emma's face when she found out she was holding fossilized dino-droppings.
Fourth of July
We started off the holiday by going to my home-ward for a pancake breakfast. My Aunt Wendy came with her family for lunch and I had a wonderful time visiting with them. In the afternoon my mom ordered a giant jumper for the kids to play in and Brad and I bought a slip-n-slide, which turned out to be a brilliant idea. Some of my old friends came over to celebrate, including my friend Krista who will be going on her mission to the Philippians shortly.
The El Dorado Nature Center
Rachel and Craig joined us on a family outing to the nature center early Saturday afternoon. The children loved seeing the museum and looking at the wildlife. I think they enjoyed looking at the squirrels on the trails the most. They named all of the squirrels "Moe."
Emma is strong!
Donovan's Baptism
Saturday evening was Donovan's baptism. Donovan and his family have been close friends of mine for the past 10 years and it was great being with them again for Donovan's special day. I was very pleased when Virginia asked Brad to baptize Donovan.
I loved seeing Anissa again!
Corona Del Mar Beach
Monday was our beach day with Susie. This was the first time Brad has even been to the beach in warm weather, so we took advantage of heat and stayed there for several hours. We all had a wonderful time!
Dinner at Spires
My parents treated us to a dinner at our favorite family restaurant on Monday night. I love my parents! I'm grateful that my stepchildren had the chance to get to know them better. I'm also glad that Scott and Emma have formed very fond attachments to my sisters.
Feeding the Rabbits at Long Beach City College
A new favorite family tradition to do with Scott and Emma is taking them to my old college campus to feed the bunnies. My school always has dozens and dozens of rabbits loose on the school grounds that people have released over the years. Scott and Emma love feeding the rabbits and petting them. It's a great family home evening activity!
2 comments:
Becky, sounds like you had a great vacation. We must have just missed you, we were at the Nelson's last night. Have a safe trip home.
It sounds like a blast of a vacation. Thanks for posting the pictures of Donovan, Virginia & Anissa-we lived in Deeboyar when they were there and I taught Donovan at church-so much time has passed!
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