Memorial Day in S. Cal

The trip was short, but fun filled. Akins got to meet Lorea's side of the family including: Grandma Karlene and Grandpa Charles, Aunt Deanna and Uncle Vince, Aunt Tiffany, Deanna and Vince's kids cousins Kaylee and Ashlee, as well as some friends of which his personal favorite Tiffany's boyfriend Jason because Jason helped him win for the boys team in bowling! Jason got beat by a 3 1/2 year old - yeah that's right!

FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS - KNOTT'S BERRY FARM

First ride an airplane - not quite the same as the BIG airplane that we flew out on but the kids love it.

Akins was told that he needed to keep an eye on Kaylee as she is "littler" than him. Well, he took the job seriously often holding her hand.

Karlene, Kaylee and Lorea on the train - oh and a very happy onlooker.

Akins and Mommy-O trying to beat Grandma Karelene and Kaylee in the race cars.

We win. Never mind that the cars are on a track and can not pass each other. According to Akins we "beat by Grandma and Kaylee".

Aunt Tiffany, Uncle Vince, Kaylee and Akins tearing up the tea cups.

Mommy-O and Akins on the ferris wheel after a very long wait!

Kaylee and Akins on yet another ride. By this point, they were actually really close little friends asking to ride together on all the rides.

THEN NEXT DAY OFF TO THE BEACH

It was a bit cool but the sun finally came out so despite it only being 8am we took advantage of it. Akins could care less that the water was only 60 something degrees. He loved every moment of it.

We dug for bugs (sand crabs).

Lately Akins kisses everything. BIG SLOPPY KISSES - Yes, even sand crabs!

And again!

Up close one of the bigger ones.

NOW OFF TO SURFERS POINT - ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITE PLACES

Okay - sand got into the shutter sorry for the 1/2 pictures. Akins having a little snack while watching the surfers.

Grubbin'

Note the mixture of sand and chip dust all over the cute little face. It's all good!

THEN SOME ONE ON ONE TIME WITH GRANDPA CHARLES

Having a nice little chat.

Playing cars on the jacuzzi lid!

Pause between posts explained.

All you faithful readers sorry for the long delay. So here's the deal. There are really two reasons for the lapse in frequent posts. First, it seems the longer Akins has been home the more challenging he becomes. Hopefully, this is not a reflection of our parenting style or skills. I can assure you it is the opposite of what I would have expected. If one had asked me what to expect I would have said big problems up front then upon settling and feeling safe fewer in frequency and magnitude. On the contrary, it seems he has more issues with time and so this requires more attention and patience from us. The second reason is we went on the first trip since just after he came home with a quick 5 days to California to finally meet Lorea's family. I have lots to share from Knott's Berry Farm and the beach, etc. that I hope to post maybe tonight (depending on how bedtime goes) or at least this weekend. Thanks for you patience and hang in there I promise more to come.