California dreamin'

Welcome home, Bob! We haven't been to California since before we had James. And everybody said, James looks just like Bob when he was little. Yep, James is a mini-Bob...Bobbette? uh, maybe not.


To Rachel's knowledge, none of us were going to be at the airport when she got home from her mission to Spain. We got there a few days early to help prepare for the big day. And of course found other things to keep ourselves busy, but relaxed. It is a vacation after all.

Ella learned to play the harp, well not really, but my MIL plays beautifully. She has been taking lessons from a lady and playing in her group at farmer's markets, concerts, etc. Most people would be afraid kids would break it, but Martha lets the kids come and play at the house and when they she plays for the public, too. She's one amazing lady! Both Ella and James took turns strumming out tunes.


We picked pumpkins. What month is it? Yep, Pumpkins in July, because in California even the ridiculous is possible.

Some neighborhood friends came and helped us out

Grandpa recruited Ella...unfortunately, his help left after this picture.


Finding a task closer to the kids skill level, we all set to work on the masterpiece.


Welcome home, Rachel!




Being creative at Grandpa's Eye Dr. practice

Neither of the kids need glasses, yet, but Ella convinced Grandpa to give her a demo pair and she loves them.

On Friday, we drove to Sacramento to the Train Museum. Even before we left James acted as if he knew this was his special day!

All Aboard!


"Whoa! Choo-Choo!"


Grandpa and James really bonded on this trip. James is a little older than he was at Thanksgiving (last time Grandpa saw him)...and Grandpa acts his age. Both Bob and his dad can put a finger in their mouth and make a popping sound. (I have tried without much luck to do it many times.) Here, Grandpa is trying to teach James how to do it, and James is pretty close to doing it. Maybe, some day he can teach me.




Hobo Ella, don't let go!


What happens when a return missionary takes the wrong track...


(pictured, not purchased...the perfect way to do souvenirs :)

Saturday, the boys went to the barber and the girls went to Judy to get slick or styling hair-dos





Friends, yah! We had a huge dance, dress-up, music party. Ella said we were at a play, and she danced with her friend to all the songs Martha played on the piano.



Ella dancing to "I Believe in Christ"
be
Thanks for a great week! And for taking pictures because our camera was spazing out.

When I get the time, I will add our entertainment on the trip back. Bob and I are not that fond of Nevada, especially the Northern Route back to Idaho...more to come later