Our California Adventure

If you've been following "the scoop" for a while, you likely know about my former job as a nanny for a KC family, and you probably read this post about their move to CA.  We have kept in touch ever since, as life allows, and Bryant and I took a trip to see them a few months before Jacob was born.  Apart from some Facetime dates, however, the kids had never met each other.  A picture of a mountain of hand-me-downs followed by a text saying, "you owe me a trip with empty luggage" changed that.  ☺

We had been saving to make the trip to CA "sometime," but had not made concrete plans as to when that might happen.  When we started discussing the possibility of it being this summer, we realized/remembered Lydia would fly free till September, and a plan started to solidify.  Since CA schools start later than those in MO, we were able to catch the window between peak summer travel season and the boys' first day.  It all worked out wonderfully!

The kids travelled really well.  We weren't quite sure how it would go, but it went better than we expected.  That's not to say we didn't have some rough moments, of course, but all things considered, they did great.  Prior to our departure, I asked around and perused Pinterest for (screen-free) airplane entertainment ideas, and I was justified in taking everything I did, because there was less kid-sleeping/resting on the plane than we had hoped.

I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story:

Thankful for neighbors willing to be our own personal Uber...esp. at 4 a.m.!

In case it is not obvious, this was his first flight. ♥

Though I had hoped this would happen through the whole early-morning flight, it only happened as we began our descent...

A trip highlight for him, for sure.

Had to document his first seashell!

I still can't get over how much and how well he took care of her.

He could've sat here all day...for real.

Oceanfront lunch with friends - doesn't get much better!

♥

Took full advantage of being able to spend nap/rest time like this.

We took a break from swimsuits to explore an arboretum.

The tiniest palm tree you ever did see!

This was all her. 
(I share her love of our hosts' entire backyard setup!)

The flight home wasn't all as bad as this picture portrays, but there is definitely truth in it...

This trip was just the best; equal parts relaxing and fun.  The fact that we stayed with friends (who are like family) who made traveling with kids much easier by generously accommodating us so well (we only packed clothes and diapers!) made it all the more enjoyable.  We did come home with that mountain of hand-me-downs...and even more wonderful memories!  😏

Gratefully,

Kensy

Favorites of the day:

family photo session on the beach

fresh-squeezed OJ and freshly-picked avocados

friends who live 30 mins from the beach, pick you up from the airport, and welcome you to stay in their beautiful home, enjoy their idyllic backyard, cook for you, and entertain your children