California, Day 2: Visiting Grandpa Joe

We woke up, the girls ate Cheerios and watched cartoons and played with Bryson and his toys while Chris, Jackie and I just hung out. It was so fun to see them in their own environment and their house is so cozy. While Bryson took his morning nap, the girls and I swam in their pool which was surprisingly warm. After playing and splashing around for a while, we got dressed and said our goodbyes as we headed toward Mimi and Grandpa Joe's house. We decided to stop for an early lunch and made our way to In N Out in Torrance. I planned to drive thru and order, but the line of cars was so long that we parked and ate inside instead. I've never seen an In N Out so packed! The food was good, of course, and we were soon on our way.

Olivia had a nice nap along the way to Grandpa Joe's and we arrived around 2pm. We unloaded the car and got settled into the guest bedroom before the girls were in their swimsuits and helping Grandpa Joe clean the fish pond streams. They loved it! They used the hose to spray algae off the rocks then tried to move it down the river so it would fall into the fish pond. Of course Sofia told an intricate story while working. The girls also visited Hootie, my Mom's turtle who has grown a lot since we saw him last summer. The house looks great and Grandpa Joe seems to be doing well and is looking great too. He and I sat out overlooking the koi pond and caught up while the girls splashed and had fun in the streams. They also liked to walk along the rocks surrounding the koi pond which made me a bit nervous, but luckily no one fell in. After the girls were done cleaning off the rocks, they moved into the 'hot' tub (which is cold) and swam and played. Grandpa Joe and the girls fed the koi, which the girls loved! They asked Grandpa Joe if it was time to feed the koi just about every hour after that! It was great fun to catch up with Joseph and let the girls just play. That evening we ordered pizza, ate, played in the water, watched the koi swim around and hung out.

Olivia and Bryson playing together

Olivia supervising Bryson's snack

Saying goodbye to Aunt Jackie and Bryson after a short, but fun visit

Nap time!

Visiting Hootie, who has grown a lot since last summer!

Sofia feeding Hootie a piece of lettuce

Sofia helping Grandpa Joe clean out the streams

Love this. Sofia at nearly 3 and nearly 7!

The girls riding the hippo!

Olivia, Grandpa Joe and Max

Telling Grandpa Joe a story

Feeding the koi

Happy koi!