Gordhamer Family News: Crazy California

It hardly seems like another year in Singapore is over and we are heading home for the summer home leave allowed to us each year. I dread the flight as a necessary evil to carry us home to see family. And, like every previous flight home, I commit to never subject myself and children to such torture ever again. But we made it to Grandma and Grandpa Larsen's house and we quickly forget all of it amid the excitement of family, flowers, tire swings, waterfalls, trees to climb, cats to chase, and so on. Xander sure enjoys playing with some other boys in the waterfall.

Abigail and Maggie find a rare Southern California summer storm rainbow.

Juliet enjoys a bath in Grandma's new farm sink in the kitchen

Walking to the horses is always a favorite way to spend an afternoon.

The Jones Family Farm in downtown San Juan Capistrano is also a favorite with the children. There is a rabbit and guinea pig cage with dozens of animals the kids can feed, pet and hold. Abigail, being particularly fond of animals, could spend hours just holding and petting them. Because we don't have any pets, I like to take her to places like this so she can satisfy her pet cravings. Ella was a little bit of a hazard around the pets so I ended up spending most of my time with her at the swingset.

For Xander's 5th birthday, we went down to the USS Midway in San Diego to enjoy exploring a battleship. Then up on the flight deck, we had fun watching Xander's excitement as he ran around looking at all the fighter jets and helicopters. It was a fun way to celebrate with our favorite little guy. The day ended with a big chocolate (he takes after his dad) birthday cake and presents with siblings, cousins, and grandparents.

Following Xander's birthday, we packed up our suitcases again and moved just a few miles away to beach row for the family reunion. Everyone came from across the US, and we were a huge group of 40 in 3 beach houses. Some of the fun memories include:

SD+PA+BB=ATSWTFYG/WU+RC and hats