California May 2012 - Family Time

Larry and Elaine and Rich and I left Newport Beach and had one final lunch together before we parted ways. We went to visit Mom before going to my sister, Kathy's, where we would spend the weekend.

Kathy took us, along, with Julie, Todd A, Owen, Baylee, Jamee and Todd B., along with Todd A's niece, Molly and her little man Jackson to dinner. Loved the restaurant Sabor. She's taken us there before. Yummy, creative, Mexican fare. We had a great time together celebrating Julie's birthday.

What in the world is going on???? Wellll, Kathy and I were enjoying a quiet Sunday morning on her patio, chatting away. She yelled and jumped up when she spotted a snake at the other end, probably 50' away! She is quite afraid of the reptiles and wanted it OUT of her garden!!! So we grabbed the long-handled nets used in cleaning her pond and tried to catch it. Rich said it was a King snake - harmless - and actually good to have around. It was a good 4' long, and rather pretty.

I don't know who was more traumatized - Kathy or the snake. Never did find it, think it slithered off to hide under the AC unit.

We gathered at Mom's place to celebrate my brother, Steve's birthday.

Joel, Nan, and Luke also were there.

Kathy ordered brisket, ribs, and side dishes from Wood Ranch BBQ - a favorite place. We were able to eat in the family dining room at Mom's assisted living residence. The staff set the table, made sure they were available for anything we needed, and BEST of all - did the dishes! Wow - who could ask for more! They are so wonderful to mom and to the family!

There was lots of laughter coming from our dining room. Some of the residents lingered in the area just to hear us!! Sweet, but sad at the same time!

I made brownies - Steve's favorite - for his birthday dessert. What a great time we had together! Gosh, Steve looks like a younger version of our Dad!

The next day it was out to Jeremy and Renee's for dinner. I stayed with Maddie for 1.5 days - keeping her out of day care in preparation for her eye surgery, which was eventually postponed because she still was too congested from a cold.

I've said it before, Maddie is so much fun!  She's a little "foodie" - loves to watch food being prepared, wants to sit on the counter and "help", and of course loves eating.

The two mornings I was there, Maddie and I enjoyed long walks and then later playing outside. This Grandma was too busy to take any photos! :)

Next event: Lauren and Cole's graduations!