Cali! Beaches! Buds!

In between trips to Disneyland, we went to Newport Beach, where Cort had a conference. I don't know what we enjoyed more -- the Unibed...
... or our backyard.

the vistas from this place were amazing.

These three all thoroughly enjoyed the pool and the hot tub.

Missy, an old friend from waaayy back, lives in Pasadena and visited us for ice cream one night. It was so fun (and relaxing) to have her to chase after the kids for an hour or so. Oh, and visiting was great, too!

The Cook clan in Encinidas -- here for a wedding, but came to the beach to boogie board and visit with us. Was great to see them!
They're out there somewhere teaching Ethan to boogie board. I was nervous until Betty reassured me that out there helping Ethan are two lifeguards and a certified scuba diver. I suppose, but how long ago was that lifeguard certification, boys?
James is cheerfully excluded from that slam, as his scuba certification is recent and still valid.

Everyone loves Auntie Carrie.

We visited Manhattan Beach on the way to visit our friends in Santa Monica.

I was so hoping she'd have her first steps on the beach.

We liked the beach.our great friends the Neve Roels family

the Elliots -- they kindof look alike, too!

the adorable Zacharie