Family and Good Times...

Vacaville was a whirlwind of family visits!

Stacey and Brian had a cook out on our first weekend and on our last weekend so we could visit with them and Jack and Candice and all the grandgirls in one place, as our RV just isn't big enough for a crowd. Let me start by saying that Brian makes awesome grilled tri-tips...a cut of beef not seen on the East coast...and he made them for me several times! He also introduced us to a new BBQ sauce. Unfortunately, it's only available in California. Thanks, Brian!  

We had two cook outs at our place. One with Jack, Candice, Chanoa and Sienna and one with Stacey, Brian and Kayla. It was crowded in our tiny place...but fun!

Kayla

It's amazing how much the girls have grown. Kayla's 12 now and quite grown up. She's also a performer...always willing to demonstrate her gymnastic skills...and they ARE impressive. She does competitive cheerleading and is a flyer. I seriously think she's made of rubber! Jack and I had a great afternoon with her shopping for a first day of school outfit.

Chanoa

Chanoa's 9 and a bit shy, but warmed up quickly.  She really loved spending time with us. We had fun taking her to Barnes & Noble on a book expedition. I left her with quite a collection in the hope she will develop a love of reading. I am proud of her for finishing Ivy & Bean before we left...she said she loved it. I hope she's busy reading the others.

Sienna

The last time we saw Sienna she was about eight months old and didn't know who we were. Well, she's two and a half now and Jack and Candice obviously did a good job preparing her for our visit because she greeted us with a very enthusiastic "Papa Jack" and "Ga-Ma"!! I have a computer frame that runs a continual slideshow and I have about 300 family photos loaded into it; Sienna was enthralled.She loves looking at photos and identifying people in them...but hates having her picture taken. 

Stacey & Bryan with Jack

Jack & Candice

                     
We got to enjoy an adults only dinner out with Jack and Candice at Los Reyes and one with Stacey and Brian at Mary's Pizza Shack. We went out to dinner many times...probably too many for the budget, but who cares...it was fun! Besides Los Reyes and Mary's Pizza Shack, we went to Red Robin, Mel's Diner, Fenton's, Strings, Villa Corona, In and Out Burger, Cattleman's Steakhouse, Joe's Creekside Cafe, Black Oak Restaurant, Round Table Pizza, Black Bear Diner, Vasquez Deli and even McDonald's! 

 

Keeping cool in 100+ temps!

We also got in some great visits with Melvin and Robyn, including dinners out and some great meals at their house. I didn't get any pictures but I now have a new pot roast recipe!

We will be going back to Vacaville in a few weeks for one more visit before we leave the West Coast...it's going to be very hard saying good bye.