Addison and Isla met some new family members over the weekend - their 3rd cousins Ryan (5) and Connor (2) who were visiting from Northern California and their mom, my cousin, Jennifer. They made the drive down while RJ, their dad was traveling and we spent a weekend of gorgeous weather and fun together. Everyone met up Friday night at our favorite family friendly neighborhood restaurant, Cafe Stella (which we have taken to calling "The Club" since we're there so often!) for some drinks and dinner. The place is perfect for kids in that it's open and airy, a bit noisy (to drown out the kids of course) and there's a great patio outside for little munchkins to run around and explore when they just can't sit still. We typically get our drinks and then take turns following the girls around, who inevitably chat up everyone they can find and sometimes join a table or two, but were extra excited because there were two new partners in crime. We parted ways eventually and prepared to meet up on Saturday.
After the Farmer's Market in the morning, DJ and I took the boys AND the girls (after Grampa took the whole crew to the Museum of Natural History to see the butterflies alive exhibit) and headed to the beach while the "grown ups" went to the Wine Tasting Festival downtown. Grant had AMAZING VIP comp tickets that got everyone in for an afternoon of wine, beer and food tasting under the sun. We were more than happy to give Jennifer a much needed break while the cousins had fun playing and getting to know each other. DJ and I decided 4 is way easier than 2 - there's more of them to keep each other occupied, and the beach worked out great! Addison is getting very brave on the boogie board, and Ryan was REALLY into catching waves. Little Connor is a TANK and I had so much fun carrying him out into the waves - he wanted nothing more than bog waves crashing on him, it was great! When we got home we literally stripped then down, hosed them off and turned them loose in the yard so we could prep for everyone coming over for dinner that night. We had a fun party, complete with dancing kids, and celebrated both Dan's birthday and Jennifer and the boys being there.
The next morning we met for brunch before Jennifer and the boys hit the road to head north again. It was so great to see them and have the kids meet. We're hoping to do it way more often now that we're in the same state. Thanks Jennifer, Ryan and Connor for coming to visit! See you soon!
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| Snack time! |
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| Addison sleeping under the stars |
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| Princess Isla |
