Family Roadtrip!

We just returned from a nine-day trip to visit family and friends in Northern California.  We’re sitting around the living room in our San Francisco Giants t-shirts (that we got at the Yuba City Target yesterday) watching the Giants game and enjoying being back home.  Our trip was fun, relaxing, and rejuvenating.

The catalyst for this trip was a baby shower for my sister-in-law Leah on Sunday at my sister’s house up in Humboldt County.  We were able to fit in an overnight in Berkeley and a fun event at my alma mater, Saint Mary’s College, on Friday evening before heading up to Humboldt.  I helped my sister and mom pull together the food, decorations, and games for the shower.  It was so fun to celebrate Leah and her sweet baby girl!  I got to see a lot of extended family including my second cousin from Georgia who I hadn’t seen in over six years (Hi Lindsey!).

After the shower we visited my Nana and grandparents and then spent two wonderful days at my dad’s cabin on our ranch.  It was wonderful family time!  Next we drove down to Dennis’s hometown of Marysville via the scenic Highway 20 through Lake County. So beautiful!  We endured some very hot weather while visiting Dennis’s best friend, mom, and lots of family for the 4th of July weekend.  A quick trip to quaint Nevada City, California was another highlight.

We capped off our trip with a packed Independence Day!  Two pool parties in pretty extreme heat followed by fireworks (some of which may have been illegal) out in the country with a huge group of Dennis’s extended family.  Teo was so exhausted he fell asleep on my lap while the fireworks were still exploding overhead!

I’m so happy to report that I was totally mindful, present, and living in the moment during this trip.  I enjoyed conversation with family and friends, watched our kids play with their cousins and put on ridiculously fun performances, enjoyed the little traditions we’ve created over years of visiting our hometowns, gazed at beautiful sunsets, and felt such peace in the presence of all the gorgeous trees that make me feel deeply rooted in home.

I also felt a wonderful connection to my husband and children during this trip. The four of us (and our dog Claira who came along and was a great travel companion!) were constant during this busy trip.  We visited friends and family in several locations, but everywhere we went, Dennis, Sienna, and Teo were with me.  There’s something tremendously bonding about that experience.

Also, I always feel so connected to Dennis when we visit the Marysville / Yuba City area.  It’s his hometown that I have come to know through years of visits.  Being there, I frequently meet people for the first time and introduce myself as “Dennis’s wife.”  I feel so honored to identify myself that way.

So, we’re home and my heart is very full.  There are several other blog post ideas bouncing around my mind. Hopefully I’ll get time to get them written out before the return to work and home responsibilities overtake my schedule!