What a great week we had at the Gharring's house. They are very kind and hospitable. I left our place at 8:00am and arrived at the Gharrings at around 3:15pm without Dave and had a little proud moment. I did it. We only nearly crashed 3 times when I turned around to distract screaming Isaac, sort out a sibling fight, or throw a bribe (candy) to the kids. Didn't like those moments when you feel like the meat in a hamburger, squished between two towering trucks. Only 2 stops, 2 candy bags, 3 oreo packets, 2 pringle containers, many muesli bars and fruit snack packets, and of course McDonalds....to entertain them. YUCK.
The first few days were nice and relaxing. Pool trips, Del taco, duck ponds, playing outside and playing outside. I forgot how nice it is to actually have a yard!!!!! Ohhhhh the joy of letting the kids play out the back. For the last year we have not had our own and it was so nice to just let them play and not worry about them. The simple pleasures you take for granted.
BLUEBERRY PICKING
The day we went blueberry picking was Savannah's birthday. She got to decide what to do and this was her choice because she could be with everyone. Well, we were all glad she chose this yummy activity! She was rather spoilt and Aunty Rachel let her chose what she wanted for breakfast too and it was bacon and eggs. Mmmmmm.
After blueberry picking, Abby, Savannah and I went to a movie and got some treats. One spoilt 10 year old and now I have a child in double digits. A rather unusual feeling.
These two were hilarious, I am glad we didn't stay all day or they would have burnt a whole in our pockets with all the Blueberries they picked. They really went for it. It was funny to see that in Trent and Hyrum's buckets were huge, juicy blueberries whereas with these two cheeky monkeys....anything would do!Oceanside Beach
My first experience of a Southern California beach was great. Everytime we have come near the coastline in any area of California, it has been hazy until the afternoon and the day we went to the beach was a little cold, the water too. I must admit to having a 'I miss Australian beaches' moment but I was definitely enjoying the whole new experience. I love exploring all the different places we have been and find it fascinating. Not being a local at all, I was surprised at how the black sand sticks and gets everything grubby. I was also amazed at how close the road is to the beach, you didn't need to walk far at all to get to the water. Seeing a lot of pebbles on the sand was also interesting. Rachel was saying that they usually clear them off, but they didn't have a budget to do so this year.
CRAZY CAMP OUT.....
Rachel and Chad have a tradition for the 4th of July where they invite a lot over friends over for a campout in their backyard. So along with about 80 other people, we were able to have dinner, eat S'mores, watch a movie outside and enjoy the evening.
The fire pit. Oh.....how children love playing with fire. I love burnt marshmallows, so I got quite a few. Savannah, Hyrum and Beth slept outside and stayed up very late and had a blast with their cousins and the other friends that were over.
The morning after and everyone is still smiling. We went to iHOP (International House of Pancakes) with two lots of Gharrings and enjoyed a very yummy breakfast. Then everyone went home to sleep after having late nights and to get ready for another late one with the Independance Day festivities.
Gharrings BBQ and Independance fireworks.
Okay.......so I did a very corny thing and the Liddicoats all got matching tops at Old navy for $2.50 each. Hyrum, Isaac and Beth all had on new outfitts on from Gap, Old navy, Oshkosh and Childrens place for under $9.00 each. Gotta love outlet shopping!!! (Another fun thing me and Rachel did with Isaac, while the older children stayed home. Somehow Beth fitted in that category??)
Although Dave went along with wearing his shirt, he could not part with his Eagles hat. 
We all loved watching the fireworks. Abby's gorgeous glasses were a hit. Everyone wanted to try them and I am surprised we were able to get them away from Isaac.
