Like I mentioned there were 3 things I was hoping to make happen this summer-the last thing I wanted was for a summer trip home-for all our sakes, but the kids especially were jonesing to see their cousins and extended family. Honestly, early in the summer it was looking unlikely so I told them it probably wouldn't happened and we all begrudgingly tried to accept it. But by some miracle, it did end up working out!

So 24 hours after got back home from Space camp, we repacked and hopped on a plane for CA. The first week it was just me and the kids, the second week Lester joined us. The whole thing was perfect-busy, loud, crazy but so fun. We got to do so much, from paddleboarding on the lake at my cousin Krista's bridal shower, tons of movie days with Lolo, Sabrina & Cassie, Luke and my Dad, lots of city and beach days, late night parties and games, get together's with my hs friends, and even a little family reunion towards the end. The only rough part was of course, saying goodbye. Literal tears for all of us.