*vacaciones

 A few days after returning from Nevada, we took an impromptu road trip down to Orange County. Ben is basically done with his dissertation, but can't defend until a certain committee member comes back from a trip. Matty was planning a big beach birthday celebration - it's always a bummer to miss out on the fun things going on down there, and Ben has some free time, so we figured why not just make the trip this time :) It's always so wonderful to be down there with the family just doing whatever. This time, however, really felt like a vacation. We went to a different beach every single day - the girls stayed home with Mike and Rosie a couple of the days I laid on the sand and read while Ben got to surf and just be in the water and with his brother. The first time they ran out into the water together I got a little lump in my throat - it's something he has sorely missed over the last 8 years and I really really wanted that job for him in Irvine :( Anyway, so thankful we had the opportunity to get away for an extra long weekend and so thankful for the awesome families we have!!!

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Seriously, this lunch at Bear Flag in Newport hit the spot: good salty homemade tortilla chips to dip in poke + guacamole, smoked albacore tuna, cucumber salad...

The last day we went to Shaw's Cove in Laguna - every time we go here I always take a little hour for myself to walk along the path down to the shops.  So needed!!

Edie was a little star - so friendly and fun with her uncles and Lola + Grandpop.  And the cat, and Tula, and feeding the bird...  Basically she was in heaven!

first day we started at Newport:

Later that afternoon they body surfed at Victoria. 

It was gorgeous, I'd never seen the water so clear!

 The birthday party was at San Onofre. Some of Matty's friends got there early enough to reserve this shady pavilion:.

Rosie made spam musubi - they were so good and such a hit that she had to hide some so the later-comers would get one :)

Vera has loved Melissa from the moment she met her :)

Ben pushed V out on the surfboard for a little while, but she got cold quickly and was probably a litlte scared. She spent the rest of the time in heaven flying this little kite:

Crystal Cove:

last day at Shaw's Cove:

kisses for Pop-pop: