California trip--days 1 & 2 (Half-Moon Bay & Santa Cruz)

Abby and I were fortunate to be able to take a trip with my dad to California before heading back to school.  We stayed in San Carlos, where my family lived when I was 4 and 5 when my dad was going to Stanford.  We had a blast exploring the Bay Area and Yosemite National Park!

Breakfast at the airport before take-off

Jack-in-the-Box was our lunch stop after our flight

We enjoyed the ocean views at Half-Moon Bay:

Abby in our hotel room

Abby was so excited that our rental car was a white jeep!

We had a fun day at the Santa Cruz boardwalk!

We ended the day with In-N-Out Burger for supper:

Adventureland

After Camp Carlson, the girls and I enjoyed a day at Adventureland with Miriam, Mara, Sarah, Gavin, and Caleb.  As always, it was a hot day, so we made sure to spend lots of time at the water park!  We enjoyed lunch as usual at the magic show, and had fun on the rides and playing arcade games.

 

Camp Carlson

The girls have been so lucky to each have spent a week alone at "Camp Carlson" in the past, and to do have done some pretty special activities with my aunt Miriam.  This year, both girls went together, joined by my cousin's son Gavin.  They had a busy and fun week!

The money from their bake sale was donated to the Stanhope Library

Enjoying a Kwik Star treat!

Visiting Great Grandma Nass

Visiting Great Grandpa Nass

Their bake sale was a success!

A day of swimming!

My parents met up with us in Owatonna and drove the girls the rest of the way to Stanhope

 

The girls loved time with baby Charlotte!

Hanging out at Uncle David and Aunt LeaAnn's farm

Classroom set-up

A tradition each summer is having my parents come up to help set up my classroom...this year was the 19th time that they came up to help.  Every year, the pile and to-do list seem overwhelming, but we always accomplish a lot (and enjoy DQ lunch as a treat).  Grateful for the help!