The Earnest California Adventure

We got home a week ago from our trip to California for the Earnest family reunion - it's probably time I updated the blog. We decided to break up the drive by stopping in San Francisco for a day. Lark and Steve made the crazy decision to travel with us for which we were so thankful. (Really - who would volunteer to travel 700 miles with 5 kids?) The three girls rode with grandma and grandpa and Chris and I traveled in peace and quiet with just our two boys. It was the best road trip - not a single argument or complaint. Thank you, Lark & Steve!



In San Fran, we visited Fisherman's Wharf for lunch, rode the trolley cars, and visited Chinatown. Then we headed over to Golden Gate Park before leaving the city.





When we finally got to San Luis Obispo, we stopped at Brooke's house (Chris' sister) before going to the hotel. Jonas got reacquainted with his cousin, John, who was a good sport and let Jonas drive the Brundage kids' jeep. They were hilarious - driving up and down the street, knocking over garbage cans, trying to run down people, and laughing together the whole time.


We headed down to Avila Beach where our hotel was right on the beach and was equipped with a pool/hot tub, lifesize chess set, putting green, and a playground. All of the family was soon together and hanging out at the pool. The cousins hit the pool first thing - can you tell which cousins live in AZ?


The best part of the trip was catching up with family we haven't seen for a while: Annee, Todd, Amber, and Chris visit by the pool.

Quinn and Ellie were inseparable the entire week. They were easy to find - we just had to follow the high pitched squeals and giggling.

How do you feed 39 people? Pizza, of course...

After a few hours of being in the pool with Jonas the first day, I decided a flotation device was necessary. He spent hours kicking around in the pool with his floatie. (I was waiting for him to fall in through the middle, but he never did.)


Here he is with John and Emma.


On Wednesday evening, we had a bonfire on the beach. We roasted hot dogs, made s'mores, played football, and visited some more.


Chris and Todd took the boys on a hike Thursday afternoon where they found some tide pools. These are the "cool" cousins - Joe, Jackson, Sam, Chase and Cameron.

On Thursday evening, we went to the San Luis Obispo farmer's market for dinner and then to Cold Stone for ice cream (thank you Brooke and Joe). Friday was another day spent at the beach. The water was COLD, but it didn't seem to bother the kids. Jonas had a blast running from the waves.


Lauren and Mattie looked for seashells, played in the water with Quinn (those girls are so sweet) and tried boogie boarding.



Sam spent most of his time boggie boarding with the boys. It wasn't easy to get a picture of him.


Chris got Joe, George, Sam, and Chase to stand still for a minute for a picture, then they were off again.


We ended the week with family photos, dinner, and a talent show by the Earnest grandchildren (who are all very talented!) We had a great trip and want to thank everyone for being there. We know it took a lot of time, effort, and sacrifice for everyone to make it, but it wouldn't have been the same if any of you were not able to be there. We love every one of you! Happy Anniversary, Steve and Lark! Trying to raise my own children has made me aware of how amazing you are to have raised 7 capable, generous, caring children of your own.