California

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to travel to our San Jose office for meetings. We decided that it would be a good time for the crew to tag along and visit the Cross', Kole's family friends who live in the area. We flew out on a Thursday morning, I worked Thursday and most of Friday while Kole hung with the kids at the hotel. My coworker brought her 11 year old daughter along as well and she helped Kole while we worked. Friday afternoon we took off to spend the weekend in Gilroy with the Cross'. Grandpa and Grandma joined us which was a special treat! We were out back in 2007 before we were married, so it was fun to go as a family 5 years later.

 

My boss and his wife invited us to their condo in Santa Cruz, we took them up on the offer and spent Saturday at the beach. It was only about an hour drive from the Cross' home in Gilroy.  The weather was perfect, the water of course freezing, but that didn't phase us or Payton. Taking the kids to see the beach/ocean for the first time was one of those great life moments. I know Grant won't remember but Payton was old enough to appreciate it all and watching her reaction to walking barefoot in the sand, and playing in the ocean is something I will cherish forever. It was probably the most peaceful, relaxing afternoon we have had in quite some time.

 

I work for and with some of the most wonderful people at a company that values people and their family life, which hasn't always been the case for me so I am incredibly thankful for my job.

 

It was a great trip, too short, but I am so glad we went. We got an adult night out in San Jose with Josh and Maria which we very much enjoyed! The kids did really well with all of the traveling which helped and it was great time spent with family and friends!

 

Sorry for picture overload it was too hard to pick only a few favorites :)

View of the marina from the condo

Foster kitten that Payton got to hold

 

Snacking on some sand...

 

Payton and Sydney, Jason and Abby's little girl, she's a year older then Payton and they had a great time playing together. Thank you Cross' for opening your home to us, it was so wonderful to spend time with you all!

We were lucky enough to fly back to Denver on the same flight as Grandma and Grandpa on their way back to IL, which is definitely the way to travel! Can't wait to see you guys again at Christmas!