2013 4th of July

This 4th of July the family really wanted to get together but we all knew that because of Grandma's health Port Austin would have to wait until next year. We all headed to Ojai to visit the Van Aukers and had a great time. 

July 3rd

We stayed in Carpenteria at the Holiday Inn which made us relive Laura's wedding weekend.  It was great because the pool and lobby were so close to the rooms. This was our 1st "vacation" overnight stay with Micaela so we had a lot of stuff but it wasnt so bad. We arrived on the 3rd and we hung out by the pool waiting for everyone to show. That evening we went to dinner at the Mexican food place where we went after Laura's wedding. After a fun dinner we headed back to the room and we put Micaela to sleep. She was out for the night so we ended up meeting back in the lobby to chat a bit and wait for Troy. Troy drove down from San Fransisco where he has an internship for the summer. It was so great catching up.

 July 4th

We all were suppose to meet up at Laura's early in the morning to participate in the 4th of July race. Micela slept well and we were happy that she didnt wake up at night. Even though I was up super early by the time Dennis and Micaela were ready it was too late and decided to meet at the race instead. I did not realize Carpenteria is about 25 minutes from Ojai. We arrived just in time. The family "warmed up" and then Dennis, Micaela, Merve and Flynn were ready to run. After that we all enjoyed the parade which really reminded us of Port Austin. Micaela loved it! She was terrified of the loud horns the trucks would sound off. Laura and Aunt Tina held her and she had so much fun. Merve and Laura then hosted us to a nice bbq at their house. We ate and hung out for a while then the "young crew" went to go grab a drink while the grandparents stayed with the kids. It was so fun chatting with the cousins and not having to worry about Micaela. After that Dennis and I headed back to the hotel.

July 5th

 The next day we all ate breakfast at the hotel. We waited for John to come see Micaela as he wanted Sean to meet her before he headed home. Dennis and I were planning on going home but decided to join everyone at Rincon. It was an amazing morning! The cousins were out on the water, Micaela walked with Grandma and played in the sand with her Grandpa. I was so happy that we stayed! We headed home right in time for Micaela's nap and had a good drive home. We even stopped in Brentwood at our favorite little restaurant.  

The 4th of July has become an awesome family tradition. We hope that next year we can visit Port Austin. Until next year!!