All About Summer

Since posting about all our summer fun has been lacking, here's one long entry with lots photos from the past few months.

The summer started off with A and L going to see '60s groups The Turtles and The Grass Roots in concert (white boots are now a requirement at these sort of things). Music review here.

Then there were some fun events on Camp Pendleton where Z got up close with some animals.

"Why am I putting my face through this thing?"

 

Z was super-excited to see the live Elmo Show presented by the USO in the base theater.

L is becoming a regular at these retro concerts and went to The Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Concert with her good friend Janay. Another concert review here.

Janay's son Connor is also one of Z's best friends. We're so sad that they moved to Colorado this summer. These guys always have fun!

 

Fun in the pool with Daddy

 

And thanks to fantastic weather, we enjoyed lots of beach days with family and friends.

 

Sandcastles with Z's cousin K.

 Kayaking with Papa

Outings with the neighborhood gang.

 

Oh yeah, the good life.

And of course, the Marine band kept A busy with lots of performances...

...while L still occasionally does this at weddings.

And apparently, Z's trying to pick up the trumpet.

Feeding horses with Yia Yia is serious business.

Visits with Z's Great Grandparents.

What a great summer!

A few other noteworthy events: A and L celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary, L got LASIK eye surgery (no more glasses!),  and Z accomplished potty training, yay!

Roadtrip 2012

Since the one of the best gifts you can give your child is a good marriage, we took a kid-free roadtrip through a bit of California. One major destination: San Francisco, of course! The weather was perfect, and we had a great time walking through the city.

Record-collector L most certainly made a stop at Amoeba Records while A made friends with the local hippies in Golden Gate Park.

In Downtown near Union Square.

 

 On our way out of the city, we spent the night at Travis Air Force base. Can't beat the price of these excellent hotels on military installations.

Next stop, South Lake Tahoe! We stayed at the quaint 3 Peaks Inn just a mile away from the Nevada state line. With more fantastic weather, pool-lounging was definitely in order.

A enjoying the large jacuzzi.

And of course we lounged around the lake too, but the beautiful water was a bit icy.

On the way home, we stopped for lunch in Sacramento and ate at a restaurant featured on the popular show Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives. Before making the long drive home, we walked around Old Town and checked out the historic buildings and shops.

Other highlights not pictured were visits with The Holtsman's (L's cousin and her family) in Manteca and The McVey's (long-time family friends) in Burlingame. Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality! Please come visit anytime!

The Big 7-0

Last month, A's dad turned the grand age of 70! We celebrated by doing what Greeks do best: having a big party with lots of delicious Greek food! Here are some photos from the day's festivities.

                 

                                 Exploring the beautiful yard with A's cousin Elaine.

                                            Playing with the Birthday Boy Papou.

                                                         
                                                      Happy 70th Birthday!

The Big Trip

So L and Z took a big trip to Illinois to visit family, friends, and attend a family wedding. The reason this trip was so big: it was Z's first time flying in an airplane! Here she is, helping by packing up our suitcase with the essentials.

First stop, the Gee's cute house in Glen Ellyn, IL. Z had a great time playing with her cousin P and finally getting to meet 4-month old N. Papa and Gigi were also there, staying in their motorhome.

By the way, N is most content baby I've ever seen. Happy boy!

Eating fantastic burgers on a perfect evening.

 

The scenery around here is beautiful.

Hanging out in the boys' room.

Z also really loved baby N. She's inspecting his baby fingers.

Quality time with our MawMaw.

B inherited Grandpa Meadows' old movie projector. We watched Meadows family movies dating back to 1955, so cool!

Lunch outing with the kiddos.

Next stop, we drove with the Gees to Genesee Depot, Wisconsin, to attend the wedding of my cousin Will (it was Z's first wedding too!). Here's Will is with his beautiful bride Marissa, who Z referred to as "the princess."

It was great getting to see our extended family.

All four of us girl cousins at the beautiful reception.

And of course lots of dancing took place!

Z and her favorite Uncle B. 

After a fantastic weekend, our next stop was spent with our Navy friends The Shippees in Glenview, IL. Here's Jenny and Carlton with their daughter Caroline at the Memorial Day parade.

Z hanging out with Joey (aka "Baby JoJo").

Happy Memorial Day!

Hanging out at 'The Glen,' the closed Naval airstation that has been converted to a cool area with restaurants, shops, and a great park. 

This happy girl had a blast seeing and experiencing so many exciting things on this trip!

Thanks again to the Gees and the Shippees for your wonderful hospitality!