El Centro then San Diego

We are really getting some good use out of our suitcases this month! A few days after getting home from San Francisco, we packed up again to head down to El Centro, California for my grandpa's funeral. As much as I miss him, it was such a wonderful weekend! All of my dad's family was there which is impressive since we are scattered from Oregon, through all the western states, Atlanta and Qatar in the middle east! My grandpa lived quite a life and it was so much fun to remember old stories and hear new ones. I love some of these pictures of him below. We don't take pictures like that anymore when we are adults which is sad! What great pictures! Anyway, I also love the saying in this picture. It is hard to read but it says "Dads are the heros who inspire us." That was definitely true about my grandpa and he definitely passed it along because it is so true about my dad too.

We had to stop by the ranch while we were there too. This place created hundreds of memories for me but it is just not the same without my grandpa's touch. Crew still liked it though!

My mom took this picture of Crew in the car right before we left. Sweet boy!

The next Thursday we headed down to San Diego for the weekend because Maren and Cam blessed Parker on Sunday. At least our drives got progressively shorter! As always, San Diego was so much fun! Friday morning we went to Sea World. That place is so much fun! We first hit the flying Elmo ride. Crew actually really loved it and wanted more so we have made some progress since the Dumbo ride at Disneyland.

Maren and Carson

So I guess they just let the flamingos roam wild at the park but they are so friendly!

Maybe a little too friendly!

Matt and I were just as excited as Crew about all the animals. It has been over a decade since I have seen the Shamu show and it was so fun! It is amazing what those animals can do. I loved my dad's comment that "those whales are smarter than half the audience!" Ha!

Another great actraction at Sea World is the dolphin encounter. Honestly how cool is it to touch a dolphin!

This picture pretty much sums up Crew and Carson's relationship. They honestly love each other! Crew says everything Carson says. Carson sucks his thumb when he is around Crew. They just laugh, chase each other and completely enjoy being together. It is really fun.
I already posted Halloween pics but I like this shot of Crew from the distance to get the full effect of his costume.

Too bad this was the face pretty much everytime we tried to complete the outfit!Saturday morning we got up and went on a bike ride around Coronado Island. It was a great day and Crew is always up for a good bike ride. Maren and I had the kiddie mobile and it was great!

Hanging out by the water. I love this spot!

The boys

Some of Cam's family was there too but this is just our family

All in all, it was a great day and of course Crew would have something in his mouth! Will he ever out grow this?!?

The next morning was wet and cool but a great day too. Parker made sure he was known at the blessing but it was still great and we loved being able to be there. Thanks Mav for a great weekend and we love you and your sweet boys!