Things to do in California

I went to Southern California for a week.  I went to visit my parents and my brother's family and to spend time with all my children who were also going to be there.  Needless to say, I was kept very busy.

First, I made a three tier strawberry and lemon layer cake with my niece Sela.  She requested my assistance which was very flattering but a bit misplaced.  I gave up making layer cakes when my children were younger than Sela.  I had a problem with the icing sliding off.  I did not mention this to Sela until after the cake was done.  Fortunately, she is already much better at this cake making than I am and we all enjoyed the results of her baking.

Even though it was a vacation, a little exercise was in order.  Andy joined Emily, Laura and I at a 5K/10K on the beach.  If you are going to do one of these races on the beach is a great way to go.  Plus then you can have breakfast at a restaurant near the beach afterwards.  

Other activities that were added to the schedule have become so popular that they are now traditions.  One tradition is to play in the park on the rocket ship at the park within walking distance of Nana and Papa's house.  Of course, this activity was more popular when the participants were under the age of 6 but this group of traditionalists enthusiastically went rocket ship climbing anyway.  

We also always go to the King's Hawaiian bakery and restaurant when we visit.  This is also within walking distance of Nana and Papa's.  I'm not sure we could go home unless this item was checked off the list.  Here we are enjoying breakfast on Sunday morning.  Well, everyone but Suzanne had breakfast.  Suzanne had strawberry macademia pie instead.  She may have started a new tradition.  We will have to plan a return visit and see.