July 4th Weekend in Sacramento

This post has been delayed because we all got sick this past week. It really knocked us out, but I think we're on the upswing.

We left early Friday morning for our trip up to D's hometown. k did pretty well this time around. She was healthy, so we didn't have some of the issues we had to deal with last time. It was also easier since we could keep her occupied with food, and a portable DVD player. I also bought this board with sticky foam cut-outs which she seemed to enjoy. (I was looking for Colorforms, but couldn't find them. I think the foam was easier for her little hands to deal with, anyway).

k had fun putting the foam stickers on her Sigg, too.

We arrived at D's brother's house just in time for a nice BBQ. I was so happy that it wasn't scorching hot. It was actually quite pleasant in the shade. D's friend since high school came over in the afternoon with his family and the kids had fun playing with all of cousin S' toys.



k claimed her cousin's chair as her own. We need to work on the concept of sharing with her!

Uncle D


This tree is just across the street from D's brother's house. Kind of scary, isn't it? D said it reminded him of the Chronicles of Narnia. My first thought was the Wizard of Oz.

Saturday D's sister led us on a mini-hike along the American River.



Then, we played in a nearby park.



We met up with Janelle for lunch and caught up (she's moving back to the Bay Area, yay!) k took a nap back at the hotel. Afterward we headed out to Arden Fair Mall (indoors, air-conditioning, yes!) and ate dinner with everyone. I'll save the foodie comments for another post.

Look at what Grandma bought me at Barnes & Noble!

We ate breakfast with D's parents the next morning in the hotel and headed back down South. It was a quick trip, but it was nice to see everyone, especially since D's brother's family will be moving to London soon, so we won't be able to see them for a while.