Bakersfield and the Beach

A couple of weeks ago we took a trip down to Bakersfield to visit the cousins.  As soon as we got there Noah was squealing with excitement to see and play with the girls.  It's amazing that already he understands that Olivia, Sammie and Abby are more than playmates or friends.  They're family and that's the very best thing of all.

Noah loved trying out all of the girls' toys, and was pretty excited to be a big boy on Abby's scooter.

 

We really had the best time that night doing nothing: dinner at home, sitting in the driveway while the kids played and played, and taking a little walk to Rite Aid for some Thrifty ice cream.  We just love being with these guys.

The next day, however was a little more adventurous as we packed up and drove to the beach in Carpenteria.  It was beautiful, relaxing and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.  

It didn't take long for the sand toys to come out and the fun to begin.

 

Grandma and Grandpa's new puppy Buster loved the beach too.  

 

Noah stayed busy playing in the sand...

...looking around and people watching...

...exploring...

...and, of course, playing in the water.

We had to keep a firm grip on this guy because he kept wanting to run into the ocean.

 

 Such big day with no nap and too much driving made for a very, very crabby Noah in the end, but it sure was fun while it lasted.  Most of all, it was just fun to be together as a family.