30 days of heaven!!! Our Beach trip . . .

Our family beach trips have gone on for eleven years. Chandler was just a little guy on our first. The first few years we only stayed a week. We soon learned that a week was just not long enough so started staying two weeks. We then figured out that three weeks would be better and that was last year! So, we thought this year we would try a full 30 days and that still wasn't long enough. The whole summer from June 1 to August 10 would be perfect. But, that will never happen. I am lucky and grateful for 30 days.

This is the first year in twenty plus years that Alvin hasn't taught summer school and that added a great deal to our summer pleasures. Even though he still went to the ceramic room to work on his own projects Monday thru Thursday it was on his own time with no student interruptions. That went on for about six week before we left for Newport Beach and again for about 4 weeks on our return before the fall semester started.

The first three weeks we were there Stephen and Chelsea and kids and Gretchen were there. Blythe came for two weeks and Cody and Chelsea and kids came for four days the 4th of July weekend. Alvin and I had the last week to ourselves which was quite, peaceful, restful and enjoyable.

By staying a month we changed places again to get a better monthly rate. Most of us liked it and a few felt a little isolated by the green hedge blocking views of the street and being in a more residential  area too. It was 121 steps from the sand, four bedrooms, 2 baths, large great room/kitchen area and green grassy front patio with a picked white fence. We all spent lots of hours (especially Alvin) under the umbrella enjoying the extra nice patio.

Alvin walked sometimes two hours every morning getting exercise and seeing the area and we biked a great deal as usual. I was hindered a little bit the first two weeks.

Bella got to go this time and she had as much fun as the rest of us.

The 4th of July the community parade and gathering at a park just a block away was fun. All kinds of "old fashion games" and face painting for the kids.

We decorated our yard and enjoyed the fireworks and our sparklers.

We made american flags.

We try to play games that involve as many of us that we can get.

We eat at TK's and Charlies' way too much! And I guess I need to add "City Donuts" across the street!

Alvin and I always go to our favorite place "Blue Water Grill" a few times.

We always check things out in the area which always includes

a visit to The American Girl Store.

Alvin and I took a hour long boat ride to Catalina Island. Never will I do that again.

And, of course the reason we go to Newport Beach is for the beach!

and, being with family.