Our family has certainly traveled a lot. However, the idea of traveling by car from northern California to southern California was a frightening obstacle. The girls are far more used to long plane rides than long car rides. Fortunately for us, the Kettleman exit on I-5 in central California arrived just in time.
We always have to get our In-N-Out fix when we are in California. But this trip was especially exciting because Callie and Reese both demonstrated their love for the whole experience. Callie wanted cheese but no onions and Reese, just because we know her personality, got her burger animal style. They both demolished their meals, much to the awe of the people around us.
Finally we arrived at Grammy's house, and after a good night's sleep we jumped into the array of planned activities. It began with a trip to the capitol building in downtown Sacramento. We read the book
Goodnight California often, so it was fitting to visit one of the many locations featured in the book. And it's a pretty cool picture of Grammy with the girls. We even got to walk around the building and sat in the viewing balconies of both the House and Senate chambers. It was pretty breathtaking. The girls just enjoyed the pulldown seats and the cool view from above the main floor.
Obviously every visit entails a lot of catching up with family, and both Reese and Callie love to hang all over their cousin Keith. And Keith is always so good to them, it is great to see. Because Keith is now living with Grammy, we got even more time than usual with him. We enjoyed his culinary expertise and stylish ways. But the all time favorite was the gallons of milk that he had purchased because he had heard that the price was going to skyrocket very soon.
Uncle Zac also made the trip to Sacramento from his new home in Benicia. It was a packed house for a good part of our visit as a result, especially because when Zac travels so does his dog Hooch. But we wouldn't want it any other way.
Since this was our California family Christmas, we had several meals together and just got to hang out. And we were able to get the whole crew together one night, as you can see in the picture below.
Grammy Gayle and the rest of the family had a great time spoiling the girls. But we all got a few gifts and some stockings to open.
Thank goodness Grammy got the girls a new piece of luggage because they needed something to help them get their loot back to Kentucky. You may not be able to see them in this picture, but the real gem of this gift were the little animal key chains that made high pitched sounds when you pressed a button. Hours of amusement for the girls and head pounding pain for their parents.
You see here Reese is sporting the new PJs that Grandpa Dan got her. Callie got a pair too, which means they each have pajamas that say, "Princesses Don't Have Bedtimes." Of course, this picture also illustrates that Reese may have gotten more than just PJs from her Grandpa. Those grins look eerily similar.
Although every year we try to fit in a visit to Sarah's friend Wendy and her ever growing family, many times we fall short. Indeed, John hasn't seen Wendy and her husband since their wedding. But this year we were going to get both families together. Then little Emerson got sick, which meant only two Gardners, Wendy and Chase, could make it over. It was great to catch up and we hope next time the whole crew can hang out together.
The next order of business was another big family gathering at GA and GU's house. Once again, illness prevented the entire family getting together. So Ryan and Skyler were not able to make an appearance. But that didn't stop Reese, Callie, Brady, and Chase from a little cousin bonding.
This kids have only seen each other once or twice a year, but they are able to quickly pick up where they left off.
Callie and Brady found that they shared a love of silliness and making funny faces. It took no time at all for them to pose for this picture. But this was one of the few moments they stopped, because at other points during the day they were running around the house looking for monsters. At least that's what we understood to be their mission.
Reese and Chase had no problems getting acquainted. Well, at least Reese didn't have a problem. Before you get too concerned for Chase's wellbeing, however, you should know that he more than held his own over the course of the day. They are both tough, younger siblings, and it is possible that in Chase Reese may have met her match. However, Chase is soon to be a middle child. We found out on this trip that Sarah and Tyler are expecting a girl in July. Very exciting!
One of the best parts of our trips to northern California is the time we get to spend with Great Grandma Lucas. She is so full of love for the girls and for life itself.
This visit Sarah also got to see her new home and was able to help Teri organize her room and put up some pictures. Great Grandma has had such a positive attitude throughout life, and this latest transition has not changed that approach. It's great to see.
Although we didn't get to see Skyler and Ryan, we did get to see Haley, and she was able to secure some snuggle time with Callie and Reese. You may not be able to tell from this picture, but Haley at this point was about 7 weeks away from her due date. She was beaming and obviously could not wait to greet her second little girl.
Zac's girlfriend Zane was also able to make the trip, and it was great to see her again. You can see both Callie and Reese have benefited from Zac's relationship - just check out the fancy outfits they got for Christmas from Zac and Zane.
Zane was also generous enough to handle the camera for a final group photo before we all went our separate ways. We are a pretty good looking crew, that's for sure.
All in all, it was a jam packed visit. But it certainly kicked 2013 off to a great start!
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