Right out of the gate

The past several months Brad has been working in the Bay Area 3-5 days a week. The past 3 weeks have included Sunday night through Friday. I told him that if it weren't for the kids being in school we would drive down to be with him because our time apart was getting to the ridiculous level. He immediately asked when school was out. So, last Wednesday I picked the kids up from the last day of school and loaded them into the car for the drive to the Bay.

We needed a jump start on our Summer vacation. And we got it.

Brad's fantastic and wonderful employer offered to upgrade the room Brad was staying in to accommodate the 8 of us together. It was a little snuggly but definitely a step up from Brad's usual accommodations. Daddy had to work a full day each day while we played, but it was SO good to come back together at the end of the day for dinner and some family time.

I am so glad his work arrangement out of town is temporary.

And as far as Summer vacation is concerned: we made a great start right out of the gate!

Oh, by the way, this one graduated the eighth grade. She didn't want a lot of fanfare, so that's all I have to say about that.

First task: swimming. Always swimming.

I wish I could say they do this often...

I love my little pack of boys

Tide pools at Natural Bridges State Beach.

They're always trying to find and make me hearts. I will miss this.

Starfish!

Friday we visited Vasona Lake in Los Gatos. It was a great park.

And before leaving town for home we visited my favorite childhood ice creamery. You know it's good when it is still there 25 years later. It was everything I had remembered. I love me some sweet retreat.