Santa Barbara - Summer 2011

So we spent a week out in California relaxing, visiting family, and doing California things. After a 6 hour plane trip out to California, in which Ellie did really well and learned about headphones, we hit the ground running; there was eating of In 'n Out, walks on the beach, playing with starfish, picking oranges and making orange juice in the morning, picking strawberries in the backyard, birthday parties, ate some tri-tip, relaxing, botany lessons, feeding of fish, and playing with vintage toys. Oh yes, we did it all!

My parents have turned our backyard from a swing set and running around haven into a fantastic garden. You want to smell lavender, its there. You need some rosemary...pick the plant you want. Need some oranges, lemons, limes, or tangarines, go pick some. Want some strawberries for dessert? Ellie, go pick some red ones while we finish eating outside and enjoying the fabulous sunset. Thanks honey!! Yeah, we did that twice.

 

Then Aunt Sue-sue (aka Susie) came out to SB the real fun began. There was a birthday party for my grandma. Ellie is currently really into birthday parties and inisted on getting Grandma Van a balloon and that we have cupcakes at the party.

Now, although we live out in Boston, I may be raising a California girl. She was really into the whole relaxing with the sunglasses on and hanging out at the beach. Okay, not the whole the water is cold and now my feet are covered in sand part of the beach. Besides the food part of my parents garden, Ellie loved all the other plants and spent time looking at the flowers and the cactus. She was sure to tell us all, "Don't sit on the cactus, hurt your bum-bum". She learned that from Dr. Seuss books. Ellie also honed her own photography skills while in my parents garden. I have resisted posting her photos of gnomes and the sky and extreme close-ups of baby. She's getting better, she know understands making sure her "subject" is in the "picture screen" before she pushes the "big button".

But most inportantly, Ellie spent time with her great-grandparents. She bonded with Grandma Van over her birthday, Grandpa Van over toy cars, and Grandma Dolly over baby dolls. It was fun spending time with everyone and I'm pretty sure everyone enjoyed seeing Ellie (and us, I think). Ellie was generous with her hugs and kisses.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One thing Ellie did not like about California, was all the driving. She really was not happy to have to climb into her car seat to go anywhere, even if it was somewhere awesome. She actually asked me if we could take the bus instead of the car. Besides riding in the car, we all had a blast out in California.