Just Got Home, and Now To CA!

Beware, lots of pictures coming your way!

Peter's maternal grandfather passed away last week and we got to go out to L.A. for the funeral. It was a really quick and crazy trip with the kids, but I'm really glad that we were all able to go. I learned a lot about Grandpa Mingus that I hadn't known before and it was great to see extended family members that we don't see very often at all. The last time I saw some of Peter's family was when we got married almost 6 years ago! The kids also had a great time seeing their cousins that live far away.

Levi, apparently bracing himself for the long boring drive

We headed out on Friday morning and made good time. We wanted the kids to be able to at least see the beach while we were out there. We drove out to Oceanside where Peter's brother, Jack, lives and where a bunch of the group was staying the night. We took the kids to walk on Oceanside Pier. They loved it and were so excited to see the ocean and the surfers!

I just love this shot-

Eden was afraid to walk on the cracks, like she would fall through or something. She was cracking everybody up!
Here is Jonah, begging me to let him stay at the beach longer.

We finally made it over to Jack's house and had a fun time hanging out and eating pizza and brownies.

Charlotte showed off her acrobatic skills

The next day we drove up to Northridge for the funeral. It was a really beautiful service. Grandpa was a Marine, and some Marines came and played Taps and did a flag ceremony. (Is that what it's called?) It was the first time I had seen something like that and it was truly touching. I have never heard Taps played so beautifully. Grandpa Mingus will be missed. He was always really kind to me and he made it clear that he loved our kids' red hair! Jonah was even due on Grandpa Mingus' birthday, but decided to come 5 days late instead.

Eden on the drive to L.A.

Levi, with his Uncle Tom, who we rarely see (hint, hint)

I am so mad at myself that I didn't get better pictures (or any with Grandma Mingus for that matter). Peter's brothers were even all in attendance and I don't think anyone got a picture of them all together. In my defense, I was chasing my kids most of the time.
After the funeral, the wonderful Relief Society sisters served the family some desserts and punch before we headed over to Grandma Mingus' house. The kids were really getting hyper and it didn't help that they were being chased by their cousins. But I was about ready to scream by the time we left the church. I was afraid that we'd have to leave for home early because our kids were just being so bad! But by the time we got to Grandma Mingus' house, they were doing a lot better, and besides, Grandma had the coolest backyard and toys! Yeah! I was so excited that the kids could get their energy out without causing a scene. The trusty RS also served dinner at Grandma's, which was yummy and kid-friendly as well! These ladies knew what they were doing when they brought a plate of PB&J and some Cheetos! I can't tell you how thrilled I was!

The kids had a blast playing outside. Grandma Mingus had some cool toys.

My adorable nephew, Henry, looks just like his Grandma Harper to me!

My sister-in-law, Shelley, made us do this, but I think it turned out well.
And we met for the second time, our nephew, Luke! He looks so much bigger!
And just to round out the evening, Henry ate his fill of potting soil!

I swear, his mother was right there with me when I took these pictures! I didn't just let him eat a bunch of dirt while I snapped pictures!

We left L.A. at about 8:30pm and drove all the way home with the help of sunflower seeds and No-Doz. We got in safely at 2 am and were glad to be home in our beds!