there has been a shortage of crazy boys

We are doing terrible at posting things. There are reasons for that. I won't bore you with all of them, but the primary reason was a little trippy-trip to California. I will tell you about it. It shall be a tale of pictures. First, there was flying:


Then, there were airport shenanigans:

And apprently Dallas/FW airport provides cots for tired travelers/homeless people with airport security access:


And after many successful and pleasant hours of flying with children (no, seriously) we made it to big grandma and big grandpa's house, for the commencement of family funtimes:



And swimtimes:

And breakfast times at a famous old place on Route 66

Where Eli ate more pancakes than most grown men would dare

So that was the first part of the trip. It was good for los boys to be able meet some of their great grandparents. They are lucky to still have so many around to get to know.


Next came a trip up through Santa Barbara, and a stop at my Aunt Jennie and Uncle Nick's house.
Sadly, I was not bright enough to get a picture of all them (Jennie, Nick, Isaac, Anna Rose) with all of us, but I did get a shot of the billion dollar view they have from their backyard (it's a little hazy, but that is the entire valley below them). Just in case anyone was wondering how amazing it is to live in Santa Barbara

During our one night stay at their house, Eli managed to become a miniature battered wife by: 1.) bailing face first on a playground (See top lip - I had quite a time getting the sand out of his gums) and then 2.) taunting a cat just past it's breaking point. The cat gently reminded Eli not to do that by scratching his face off (See forehead).

The next leg of travel was Santa Barbara --> Monterey, to meet up with Grandpa Kearl and then head to Concord for more glorious family interactions.


Here Eli got to hang out with his Aunts Kristie and Katie, as wells, of course, Grandma and Grandpa


And everyone got to meet Miles, who performed beautifully.


There was a trip to Muir Woods, to enjoy the natural beauty of Northern California in which Eli discovered large trees




The ocean was also a necessary stop on the trip, since Foo Foo McGee and Lumpy Squeakums do not often get to see such things.

Eli saw lots of sea snails, a starfish, some 'Nemoes' (any kind of fish) and a few anemones (or, "lemonades" to Eli.) I can't possibly download one more picture, so that's it for this trip. I hope you've all enjoyed the rush of glee and family reunion-ness of this post.