Last Day in California ☹

It is our last full day in California, so we made the most of it. At lunch in Capitola with Sophie's one-time babysitter and our friend, Lalani, Sophie grabbed ahold of the camera:

 Beautiful Lalani

 Nanny "caught" finishing Sophie's quesadilla

 Sophie's eye view

 Oh my, the sun is so bright!

 Then we drove over to auntie Shirley and uncle Lynn's house where the grown ups enjoyed one more bottle of California wine while Sophie had some time to play fortress with her beloved second cousin Chase.

 Quick group picture with cousin Thomas, Chase, Nanny, auntie Megan and Sophie

 Another Sophie shot of the "twitter sisters."

Karen, Shirley, and Denise

 And we made one more stop at the beach. We had it to ourselves and were chasing after the foam that was blowing off the waves. 

 Goodbye Pacific...

 ...until next time.

Beach Date with Ciaran

Today, we enjoyed Ciaran's company while Elly was busy with errands. Since it was another beautiful and sunny day, albeit a tiny bit cooler, we headed back to the beach in Capitola. Our original plan was to  meet Nanny for lunch, but unfortunately, she was not able to escape today. So we bought Togo's sandwiches for a picnic on the beach. Ciaran was a little upset at first that he was not going to eat his sandwich right then and there, but he quickly got over it when he set foot on the warm sand.

 Once at the beach, both only had a few bites. There were more important things to do.

 Did I mention that I love this blue sky?

 ... and the smell of the ocean?

 While Andrew and the kids were checking the water temperature, the girl on the picture was about to have her finger bitten and burrito stolen by a seagull. 

 Then Sophie and I baked cupcakes,...

 ... while Ciaran and Andrew played with a giant frisbee.

 Recharging with a bottle of apple juice (or coffee respectively) at a very cute café in the village. 

 Sophie and Ciaran found some kids' books at the café.

A tired boy on the drive home. And the day was not over yet.

Sunshine - Why Not Go to the Beach?

Loving our little vacation and this weather. After a swim under the blue California sky at the pool (Sophie enjoyed the child watch), we headed back to the beach once more. This time we met Andrew's sister Megan, Adam, and cousin Thomas at Capitola beach.

 Looking for mermaids.

 Mama, can I take my jeans off?

 Thomas, Sophie, and Adam exploring.

 Nanny joined us for lunch at the Britannia Arms.

 Hey, where's my Guinness?

In the afternoon, we headed up to Mountain View to spend a few days at Elly, Jules, and Ciaran's house. Sophie and Ciaran were very happy to see each other again and continued right where they had left off in September. 

Elly is still the best story reader around.