goin' back to Cali

Just got back from a fantastic trip to see family in California - my brother & his wife are expecting their first baby in a few weeks and we were invited to a helluva baby shower in their honor! (another post on that soon!!!)

What a treat to spend the weekend in the warm Southern California sunshine... and even better treat to be surprised by a new house!

Yes... this is the backyard:

Suffice it to say, we spent most of the weekend outside enjoying the landscape...

and the waterfall!

All that swimming & jumping & playing can really wear a kid out...

Of course, there was method to all the madness... we didn't drive half-way across the country just to hang out at the pool (although, we would have!)

Like I said, Saturday was the big baby shower and I think - judging from all the gift bags we went through on Sunday! - they are going to be well prepared for baby's arrival!

Our other objective for the trip was to bring the family baby crib... albeit in several pieces! So the guys took a stab at seeing how to assemble it. (here's to hoping baby Allen doesn't end up sleeping in a dresser drawer somewhere!!!)

And despite all the hubbub of swimming & baby showering & gift sorting & crib assembling... we managed to spend most of the time just enjoying being together with family. Naturally, that included an amazing, authentic Mexican feast of carne asada, quesedillas, and my favorite: Xochitl's beans!!!!!

Thanks to Al & Jei for the wonderful weekend and excellent stay at the family resort!!! Well be back...