California, Day 4: Relaxing and More Fun

On Sunday morning Uncle Roger came over on his way to ride his bike at the beach and we all went to brunch at Rockwell's. It was so great to see Uncle Roger and he looks the best he's ever looked. He recently bought a cute little house in Redlands and rides his bike as much as he can, in Redlands and also down at the beach. Rockwell's had a great outdoor sitting area where we enjoyed a delicious brunch. The girls were starving, so their pancakes went down fast. After our meal, we returned to the house where we hung out for a bit longer before Uncle Roger headed on his way.

A short time after he left, Mom's best friend Kris came over to visit. It was great to see her and she's as busy and crafty as usual. She always reminds me so much of Mom in her creativity. She gave me an awesome bracelet she made using paper beads made in Uganda for Bead For Life. It's beautiful and a real work of art! She also gave the girls each a miniature bear wearing a fancy hat that Mom had given to Kris years ago and she felt the girls should have them. They are very delicate so we took very good care of them with limited touching from the girls. I plan to put them on the girls' shelves in their bedrooms. Kris also brought pomegranate jelly that she made - it was incredible! We had a great visit and I always love seeing Kris.

Around 5pm I dressed the girls for a BBQ at Bonnie's house, Grandpa Joe's sweetheart. Bonnie is a lovely lady and a very gracious host. Her BBQ included her daughter, son-in-law, and their two kids as well as her sister, brother and their kids and their kids. Rebecca, Ben and Gavin were also there, so it was a full house. I loved meeting everyone and the girls were immediately upstairs playing, with Belle and Ruby. Olivia loved being carried by both girls and Sofia had fun drawing and playing with all the older kids and Gavin. Bonnie also has a small hot tub that she keeps warm in her small backyard and Olivia spent a lot of time splashing around in it. After dinner all the girls got into it and had a great time together.

Dinner was incredible, with ribs, grilled tri-tip, salad, potato salad, cole slaw and just about everything else. It was all delicious and a fun evening. The girls had fun playing with all the other kids and it was fun meeting all of Bonnie's family. They were all friendly and it was a fun evening.

Brunch with Uncle Roger

Olivia with one of her favorites - a black koi from the backyard

Sofia with Mom's teddy bear

Uncle Roger and the gang

All of us!

With Kris! So great to see her!

Sofia shows off her new Kris-made masterpiece!