Weekend in California

We spent this past weekend in California. I'll spare you the details of the various illnesses that caused us to modify the trip on both ends and the sleeping disaster that was our daughter. Instead, here are some photo highlights from the happy parts of the trip. 

On Saturday morning, Madeleine and I were out the door by 5:20am to catch our flight to SJC. She was an angel, and this was probably my easiest flight with her except for her very first one (at six weeks) where she slept virtually the entire time. Knowing that so much is about to change, I especially treasure these little adventures with my girl. And, yes, Mama, belly, toddler, and bear all fit in a seat. Barely.

Each time we see the Midglets, the kids interact more and more and their six-week age gap gets smaller and smaller. In all of their joyful chaos, somehow this photo of the three kids trying to figure out how to play catch in a triangle was the only photo that captured all of them.

John and Sally graciously invited us along to a fun BBQ at their friends' house, and I was able to snap this shot of the boys in their own personal heaven: climbing on a slide while being fed strawberries and cream by their doting parents. True happiness, I tell ya.

Madeleine was a big fan of the strawberries and cream (on top of pound cake that had been flown in from NC!), too. 

One of our favorite things about visiting the south bay is the density of parks. It's a great way for Madeleine to spend some energy and all of us to get some fresh air. 

I have very fond childhood memories of playing on play structure bridges, but they are one of the few things that gives Madeleine serious pause. 

Love this Peek-a-Zoo shirt!

For Sunday brunch with our friends Mike and Tracy, Madeleine wore a dress made by another friend. She sent it to Madeleine for her first birthday, but it fits just about perfectly right now. 

While this trip wasn't the disaster we experienced in Phoenix, it certainly didn't go to plan. Nonetheless, I'm happy to take away these happy memories from our sunny spring weekend.