It's been too long since I have seen my family.  Not just those pictured  above, on one of our annual beach trips in California, but everyone.

I love the casual feel of California, running to the grocery store with a cover up and flip flops, kids cheeks sunkissed, kite flying, bike riding, roasting marshmallows, or hanging out having a cup of coffee in my parents back yard. 

The sun, oh the glorious sun that IS California, we have had six straight days of gloom here.  It is still in the 50's.  What gives? 

Today I sit reminiscing about my amazing family and friends in sunny California whom I love past love.   Ahhh, I love looking through my pictures, stopping and gazing at my family; they are life to me. 

Cousins running barefoot to the beach.........

My brother Tim who always has his shirt off, leaning on his shovel after digging a little pool for the kids to play in by the shore.    Aunt Sally always in the mix playing.  (I can't believe I get to see you next month with Mom!!!!!)

My sister-in-law Ana in the back with me, my Mom in front of her and my Aunt Sally in front of me.  We are forever laughing, our  voices getting louder and louder the longer we are together. 

Oh my gosh, the fun of being a silly girl with these women.  These women NEVER try and tamper my personality.  We (including Kerri, Rita and Carolyn) feed off of each other and are forever free to be ourselves.  It's a beautiful thing. 

There is nothing like walking back to the house, jumping in the tub and washing away all the days sun and sand.  Doesn't it look like they had a good time at the beach?

I love my crazy family!  These are my favorite kinds of pictures, THIS is my family, full of life and joy to me.  I love and miss you.  (Including those of  you not pictured!) 

****I just remembered that this was the trip last August that I came home to when Dan met us at the airport and told me we were moving to Paris.  It was an amazing trip from start to finish.