My kids don't start school until the 2nd week of Sept. Do you hear that? SEPTEMBER people. Which I actually don't hate bc I like my kids and hanging w them is fun-but its later then everyone else, and makes for alot of time to fill since we have just moved here and we don't know a ton of people. So with that in mind, and the fact that Lester had a 2 week night shift rotation, we decided to take a trip home to fill some of that time. 

Its funny though bc we had been looking forward to it for so long-but then as the day got closer, it started to feel a little bittersweet. Even though Lester has been working such long hours, we still enjoy him coming home to us, and spending those precious hours together. So knowing we were gonna be apart for a bit over 2 weeks felt like forever-basically I still feel like a teenager about him, and it was a bit sad haha! The night before he dropped us off at the airport, we went to Kayak Point and played in the ocean and the rocks and trees and it was perfect. I love my family, and I feel so lucky to have them. 

The next morning at the crack of dawn, Lester dropped us off at the airport and I flew with the 4 kiddos back home to CA. It was fun seeing how excited they were on the plane ride [Talia's first] and they made it a good experience. My FIL picked us up and after grabbing some breakfast, we met up with the whole entire family [except Lester of course] and played outside in the backyard for hours. After going over to banana island for a big family meal of Malaysian Thai food, we got dropped off at my parents house that evening and hung up till we got some much needed sleep and cookies. The next morning we went on a walk with my Mom and Sam at Mori Point and unpacked until the Dobbins arrived, along with the Lasts. From there it was party mode all week. My Mom was in full best Grandma ever mode, and had art projects for the kids [and sometimes the adults] to do every day and there was a lot of good food and dancing. We had beach days in Pacifica, and park days in the city [the new tunnel tops park is amazing!], We did farmers markets and late night movies and lots of cards with friends and family who stopped by.  Late night indoor smores, walks. And of course, endless play time for the kids-which was just what the Dr. ordered, as they entertained each other meaning we had time to visit as adults. It was too good. 

And of course, it being the tail end of birthday month the Pineda Family, and much of the Hanaike's, we had a combined bday party for Bear, Eli and Avonlea at Frontierland Park. We made a massive amount of Spam musubi, coleslaw, watermelon and smoked pulled pork [thanks Uncle Matt!] and spent a good portion in the foggy BOV. Kids played at the park, we made giant bubbles, made fossils and bracelets, and had so much fun visiting with family and friends and loved ones. I feel so so lucky to have so many great people to love, and who love us back. 

On Sunday morning after church and more fun with my family, we switched over to my inlaws for the week. We got to spend a lot of time with Jo and Jess this visit which was a dream. We had a night at off the grid w dancing, delicious food, face painting and tarot cards reading, a zoo day with Sabrina, a day in the city with Lolo at our favorite parks and shops, a lunch day out in Milbrae with Lolo and Lola, more movie and VR nights with them and Alvin, and a trip to the Academy to see their new bug exhibit. And of course, more backyard play and yummy farmers markets trips. The kids got some fun nights with Lolo and Lola while I got a night or two off to visit with friends, and it was so good for the soul. A few days before we left, the unthinkable happened and Hillary went into labor [5 weeks early!] with her sweet baby. It was also supposed to be Audrey's bday party, so with all our powers combined, we were able to pitch in and go to Sacramento and celebrate her with cake, pizza, tons of cousin time and water play in that crazy Fresno heat.

Our flight back home was delayed, and so after a long night at the airport, Daddy picked us up [the kids were great except for a throw up episode for poor Talia at the end] and now we are home together. Its always so nice to be together again, but bittersweet too. Our hearts belong in 2 places now-here in WA with Daddy, where it is so green and beautiful-and home with all of friends and family and beaches etc. Again, its like Winnie the Pooh says. "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."