Capturing *central* California

 The next leg of our trip involved the Kimball Family reunion.  In gorgeous (but way too cold for any sane person) Monterey.  We stayed at an adorable hotel and completely enjoyed ourselves (so long as we were dressed for winter).

//Day One//

Cannery Row

 Obligatory Shot.  True to form, the meal was forgettable.  Maybe even regrettable.  But Eden was in no mood, so actually, the meal was perfect.  Thanks Forest.

 I do get all nostalgic when I step foot in this place.  This was my life.  And my place.  And it's super fun to share it with my people.  And then leave.

 //Day Two//
Fourth of July with cousins

Sisters by blood and by marriage.

Carmel by the Sea

 Tide Pools at Asilomar

 Happy Birthday America.  You're beautiful.

//Day Three//
Asilomar

Girl meets Bird.

 It's such a shame it's so arctic, because dang, this place is kind of breathtaking.

 Followed by Fisherman's Wharf.  And some legitimate eating.  

Bless you soul-warming clam chowder.

 Bonus: Linley becomes one with the deer

//Day Five//

Saying goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa.  Which just stinks.  It was such a pleasure playing. And we all miss you.  A lot. 

And driving.  

Lots and lots of driving.  

To the Final Destination.

Capturing *northern* California

We just returned from a jam-packed two weeks in California chalk full of family and fun.  And Mickey.  

The plane ride to California was dreadful.  D-R-E-A-D-F-U-L.  Drrreeeaddddffuulllll. 

Eden kicked and screamed and then puked all over her and me.  In the first hour.  Of the 7 hour flight.  

It.  Was.  Awesome.

Buuutttt, honestly, that was the only negative part of the entire trip.  

Allen and I didn't even fight once.

Whaaattt?!?!

Let's recap:

We began with a little Zimmerman family reunioning in Granite Bay.  It was the first time we have all been in one place in over 5 years.  Maybe 6? Or 7?  Let's settle with way too long.  

//Day One (June 29)//

Flight from H-E-double hockey sticks, followed by some birthday celebrating for the two babies at a park.  

Linley was in little mommy heaven.  Which means little Linley is big.

//Day Two//
The family rented a private bowling room.  And bowled in said room. It was pretty fantastic.

After lunch and naps, we took the kids to a building of bounce houses.  Because it was 108 degrees outside.  And there was a lot of kids.  And hello, bouncing=sound sleeping.

(Just a couple cousins missing)

//Day 3//

We began the morning at the Sacramento temple.  And it was one beautiful and holy experience. God is good.

 Followed by a little Grandma and Grandpa backyard swimming.  Which, obviously, is a dream.

We ended the night surrounded by food and the extended Zimmerman family.  No doubt, The Mister comes from good stock.

//Day 4//
We woke up at the butt crack (this is not an exaggeration) of dawn for family pictures.  7am pictures.  But dudes, when your face is melting off by 10am, there really isn't much option.

Then, Sunsplash.  A member of the ward owns the place and gave the entire family a free-all-access pass all day.  He's going to Heaven.

//Day 5//

Laundry and driving to our next destination.  Because, my life remains glamorous, even while vacationing.

**Aaron and Kelly, major shout out and smooches to you both.  Thank you for making our stay comfortable and happy and delicious and so incredibly fun.  Let us return the favor sometime**